Hilary Duff helped two fans pull off the ultimate engagement moment during her Las Vegas show on Friday night (13.02.26). Hilary Duff attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party The 38yearold star kicked off night one of her Voltaire residency by helping the couple take their relationship to the next level during her performance of With Love, the night before Valentine's Day (14.02.26). As part of the show, Hilary brings fans on stage to recreate the iconic choreography from her Dignity era. Halfway through the set, she invited two audience members up for what looked like the usual routine except this time, the moment had been secretly planned. After the trio finished the dance, Hilary suddenly paused and told the crowd, Um, just one second, before handing her microphone to someone behind her. The audience instantly erupted as one of the fans dropped to one knee and proposed to his boyfriend right there on stage. Red confetti rained down as Hilary rushed in for a huge group hug, cheering them on as the ring went on and the newly engaged couple sealed the moment with a kiss. Hilary recently performed Lizzie McGuire song What Dreams Are Made Of live for the first time. The 38-year-old star - who played the titular character in two seasons of the Disney Channel sitcom - paid tribute to the beloved series in January, as she played the hit track from 2003's Lizzie McGuire Movie during a concert in London. Hilary was performing at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - her first concert since 2015 - when she closed her set with the tune. The former child star was just 14 years old when she recorded the Disney track for the comedy film, but she's come to "love it" despite not remembering the sessions. She recently told the Therapuss podcast: "I will say, now I love it. And when I was filming the movie, I loved it. "It was just a weird time, and it wasn't technically my song. It was a Lizzie McGuire song." Over two decades on, Hilary admitted it is "a lot of joy" getting to sing the song, and she was excited by the prospect of adding it to her setlist. She said: "When I sing it now, I feel a lot of joy. I just think there was such a separation back then of me and my music and Lizzie McGuire. "I didnt really get to perform that song live, because I didnt own it. "But if I would ever tour again, I think maybe I would be allowed to manage to sing that song somehow.some way. Maybe, maybe. Hypothetically. Meanwhile, Hilary will release her first album in more than a decade, Luck... or Something, on February 20. She will then embark on the Lucky Me Tour, hitting up North America, the UK, and Ireland, and Oceania. The global trek is set to commence in June 2026 and will conclude in February 2027. The support acts throughout the tour are La Roux, Jade LeMac and Lauren Spencer Smith. BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- As millions of families in China come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, countless scientists and engineers are still hard at work in their laboratories, the Gobi Desert, freezing observation stations, and on engineering sites. They're pushing forward with crucial projects that will shape the future of energy, materials, and space missions. AI-DRIVEN REVOLUTION IN NEW MATERIALS At the State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China, several AI robots autonomously design experimental protocols and conduct experiments around the clock. This laboratory led the development of international standards for intelligent chemistry software and hardware, driving a paradigm shift toward data-driven chemical research. Utilizing the lab's platform, first-year PhD student Fang Tiancheng has successfully developed a novel thermal insulation material, breaking through the limits of traditional porous insulators. The innovative material overcame the 2,000 degrees Celsius threshold for ultra-thin materials isolating the human body from atmospheric conditions. This milestone represents a significant advancement in thermodynamics and has already generated several hundred million yuan in economic value through its associated products. Fang said he would negotiate cooperation with multiple enterprises and continue to carry out research on new materials using this platform during the new year. EXPERIMENTAL REACTOR DEEP IN DESERT In the Gobi Desert in northwest China's Gansu Province, researchers and engineers keep an experimental reactor for thorium-uranium fuel conversion in stable operation. The experimental Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR), built by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP) of the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) in collaboration with other Chinese institutions, successfully achieved the first-ever thorium to uranium nuclear fuel conversion in 2025, making it the world's only currently operational molten salt reactor utilizing thorium-based fuel. This achievement was selected among China's top 10 scientific achievements of 2025 by academicians of the CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering recently. According to Zou Yang, director of the Thorium-based Nuclear Energy Research Center at the institute, this achievement demonstrates the technological feasibility of utilizing thorium resources in molten salt reactor nuclear energy systems. It provides essential technical support for China's large-scale use of thorium resources and the development of advanced nuclear energy technology for the future. "This year, we plan to keep the 2 megawatt liquid-fueled thorium-based molten salt experimental reactor in stable operation and continue experimental research after adding thorium," Zou said. FUTURE NUCLEAR ENERGY In Huizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, He Yuan, deputy director of the Institute of Modern Physics of CAS, led his team stationed at the construction site of the China initiative Accelerator Driven System (CiADS). The team installed and commissioned key equipment to ensure the development of the world's first accelerator-driven advanced nuclear energy system progresses on schedule. He explained that uranium fission releases 2.7 million times more energy than burning an equivalent mass of coal. However, nuclear energy development has long faced two major bottlenecks: less than 1 percent of natural uranium resources are directly usable as nuclear fuel, and the safe management of large volumes of nuclear waste remains a pressing challenge. CiADS began construction in July 2021 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. According to He, its aim is to advance technologies for the safe disposal of nuclear waste and the efficient breeding of nuclear fuel. These technologies have the potential to increase uranium utilization efficiency to over 90 percent, maximizing resource efficiency while minimizing waste in nuclear fission energy, thereby offering a promising pathway for nuclear energy to become a green and stable energy source, He added. FRIGID FRONTIER At the remote sensing satellite ground station in Mohe, China's northernmost city in northeastern Heilongjiang Province, temperatures can plunge to minus 53 degrees Celsius in winter, with over seven months of ice-bound conditions each year. This is the first Spring Festival since the station started running. Shi Shengpu, head of the station, led his team in braving the extreme cold to clear snow from antennas, inspect equipment, and collect operational parameters, accumulating invaluable data for system stability under harsh conditions. Built by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of CAS, the station leverages its high-latitude geographic advantage to increase daily data reception time for polar-orbiting satellites by over 20 percent. It currently handles data reception tasks for 25 land observation satellites. The completion of the Mohe station has significantly enhanced China's observation capabilities for polar and high-latitude regions, achieving improvements in satellite data acquisition efficiency and coverage. This is of great significance to many fields such as land surveying and mapping, environmental protection, meteorological forecasting and disaster monitoring, Shi said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka at the latter's request on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that China is ready to work with the Czech Republic to bring bilateral relations back to the track of healthy development and make up for lost time. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka at the latter's request on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Czech strategic partnership, Wang said that while the two countries enjoy a tradition of friendship, bilateral ties have experienced twists and turns in recent years, which serves the interests of neither side. China appreciates the new Czech government's proactive commitment to improving relations with China, Wang said, adding that China is willing to jointly push for an early return to healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties. Wang expressed hope that the Czech side will establish a correct perception of China, earnestly abide by the one-China principle, and respect China's core interests. He urged both sides to encourage exchanges at all levels and in various fields, and enhance mutual understanding and trust, laying a solid foundation for pragmatic cooperation. For his part, Macinka called China a global power and said the Czech Republic treasures the traditional friendship between the two nations. Taking the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership as an opportunity, the Czech Republic looks forward to opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, Macinka said. He emphasized that the Czech Republic is firmly committed to the one-China policy. He said the Czech Republic recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and respects as well as supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Czech side expects to improve ties with China, resume high-level exchanges, and advance cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, he added. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka at the latter's request on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) 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. 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 Taliban has published a new penal code enshrining some of its most backward practices into the law of the land in Afghanistan, with women in particular set to suffer at the hands of the courts. Signed by the hardline Islamist groups supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the 90-page criminal code includes anachronistic stipulations harking back to Islamic scripture, such as different levels of punishment depending on whether the offender is free or a slave. It effectively creates a new caste system of upper and lower members of Afghan society, allowing religious leaders or mullahs at the top virtual immunity from criminal prosecution and setting out the harshest punishments for those of the working class. Perhaps most alarmingly, the code effectively appears to put women on a par with slaves, with clauses stating that either slave masters or husbands can mete out discretionary punishment in the form of beatings to their wives or subordinates. The Independent has seen a copy of the criminal code, called De Mahakumu Jazaai Osulnama, which has been distributed across courts in Afghanistan. Many people are afraid to speak out against the code for fear of recriminations from the Taliban, even on condition of anonymity. After ripples of discontent started spreading online and via activists based outside the country, the Taliban has now issued a separate ruling stating that even discussing the new code is itself an offence, rights groups say. The code states that corporal punishment for serious crimes will be carried out not by the correctional services, but by Islamic clerics. open image in gallery Taliban workers from the Department of Immigration Affairs register an Afghan woman returnee from Iran in Herat ( AFP via Getty ) It encourages less serious misdemeanours to be dealt with through a tazir (discretionary punishment) in other words, in cases where the offender is a wife, a beating by her husband. The code does provide a route to justice for women who are assaulted, but they are required to prove they have suffered serious bodily harm by showing their wounds to the judge, while at the same time being required to remain fully covered. They are also required to be accompanied to the court by their husband or male chaperone (mahram) even though the majority of offenders in such cases are the husbands themselves. A legal adviser working in the Afghan capital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Independent that women faced an extremely lengthy and difficult process to get justice for assaults under Taliban law. She cited one of her recent cases where a woman was beaten by a Taliban guard during a visit to her husband in prison. When she complained to the authorities, she was told her plea would not be heard without her male chaperone being present the husband who was behind bars. She told them that if she had a chaperone, a mahram, the Taliban guard would not have assaulted her in the first place, the legal adviser said. She cried and shouted in the public that death is better [than the process she is going through], she said. It is impossible for women to get any justice for an assault that happens to them. It is a stark deterioration from the progress made under the previous Nato-backed Afghan administration, which had introduced tough new measures against forced marriage, rape and other forms of gender-based violence. Domestic violence against women invited punishment from three months to one year. Under the new code, even if an Afghan woman gets through all the legal and social hurdles to prove she has been the subject of a serious assault by her spouse, the husband will be given a maximum sentence of 15 days. The Taliban has neither condemned nor explicitly prohibited physical, psychological or sexual violence against women in the new code, human rights experts told The Independent. open image in gallery One of the only paths to justice for women who have been severely beaten is to show their wounds to a judge while at the same time remaining fully covered ( AFP via Getty ) Rawadari, a human rights movement tracking the hardline Islamist regime in Afghanistan that mostly operates in exile, said another part of the code does not allow women to take safe sanctuary at their parents home. Article 34 states that if a woman repeatedly goes to her fathers house or that of other relatives without her husbands permission and does not return home despite her husbands request, the woman and any member of her family and relatives who has prevented her from going to her husbands house are deemed criminal and will be sentenced to three months imprisonment, the organisation said in a statement. This provision, particularly in the case of women who take refuge at their parents house and relatives homes from violence and maltreatment by their husbands, exposes them to continued domestic violence and strips them of family and community protection, the only remaining protection for women victims of domestic violence in absence of formal and legal remedies, Rawadari said. Shaharzad Akbar, Rawadaris executive director, said that the code makes religious scholars responsible for enforcing systemic restrictions on the rights of women, girls and minorities, while the mullahs themselves are granted sweeping immunity from legal consequences. The new legal system also effectively institutes a caste system in which punishment is decided not by the nature of the crime, but the social status of the criminal. At the top of the hierarchy are religious scholars, followed by the elites, the middle class, and the lower class at the bottom. If a religious scholar commits a crime, they will receive advice regarding their actions. A member of the social elite would receive a maximum punishment of advice and a court summons if needed. For the middle class, the maximum punishment is imprisonment, while for the lower class, it is imprisonment combined with corporal punishment. So the mullah is king now, Akbar says. The mullah calls the shots, and the mullah gets all the privileges that ordinary people cant, because theyre put even above elites. 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 Bangladeshs newly elected government will call on the UK to extradite Labour MP Tulip Siddiq over alleged corruption, according to a senior aide to prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman. The former minister and Hampstead and Highgate MP was tried in absentia and sentenced to up to four years in prison by a Bangladeshi court, although the UK government has said it does not recognise the judgment. Ms Siddiq was convicted along with her aunt, the ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and other members of their family over a deal to acquire a plot of land in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital. She denied any wrongdoing and said she was never told the details of the charges against her, calling it a trial by media. But Humayun Kabir, the man tipped to be chosen by Mr Rahman as Bangladeshs next foreign minister, said the new Bangladesh National Party (BNP) government elected this week would not give up trying to pursue justice for the corruption case against Ms Siddiq or Ms Hasina, who has separately been sentenced to death for committing crimes against humanity. Ms Hasina fled into exile in India after her government was toppled in 2024. Theyre both convicted criminals now, Mr Kabir told The Independent. So the judicial process is transparently pursuing them. The UK has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh, making it highly unlikely that Ms Siddiq would be sent to Bangladesh to serve any sentence. Extradition deals can theoretically take place outside such an agreement, but even if it were legally possible, the Labour Party has strongly criticised the process under which Ms Siddiq was found guilty, saying it cannot recognise this judgment. Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her, the party said in a statement earlier this month when an additional corruption conviction was added to one handed down late last year. This is despite repeated requests made to the Bangladeshi authorities through her legal team. Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them. Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment. Nonetheless, the case is likely to have major implications for relations between the UK and Bangladesh if Mr Kabir does become foreign minister. Mr Rahman is expected to take the oath as prime minister of Bangladesh on 17 February. His party won a landslide victory in the election held last Thursday, the first since Ms Hasinas ousting. We will not interfere. We will let the judicial process decide their fate, Mr Kabir, who is currently foreign affairs adviser to Mr Rahman, said when asked whether the new government would drop the cases against Ms Siddiq and Ms Hasina. He called Ms Siddiq an embarrassment for Sir Keir Starmers Labour government, adding that No 10 needs to be clear on its stance about criminals. So we expect the UK government will sternly deal with all those Awami League [Ms Hasinas party] criminals and terrorists on UK soil who try to terrorise and destabilise Bangladesh using money laundering activities. And we will provide a list to the British government. We want them back, he added. And in terms of extradition, we would want the UK to track these criminals. If we are going to be a strong partner with the UK on dealing with illegal migration, why cant the UK be any different in dealing with criminals that have fled to the UK territory from Bangladesh? Mr Kabir said the UK National Crime Agency freezing more than 170m in assets, including nearly 300 properties, linked to former Bangladeshi minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, was a welcome move. But more needs to be done, he said. The Independent has reached out to Ms Siddiq for comment. She has previously called the trial flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end. The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called verdict will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh, she has said. 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) A merchant packs pickles for customers at a Spring Festival market of Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 10, 2026. As the Spring Festival approaches, the Longfusi commercial area is filled with festive atmosphere, attracting a large number of citizens and tourists to visit here. (Xinhua/Chang Nengjia) A child waits for a sugar painting at a Spring Festival market of Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 10, 2026. As the Spring Festival approaches, the Longfusi commercial area is filled with festive atmosphere, attracting a large number of citizens and tourists to visit here. (Xinhua/Chang Nengjia) 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) This photo taken on Feb. 7, 2026 shows lanterns hung to celebrate Spring Festival in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 7, 2026 shows lanterns hung to celebrate Spring Festival in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) A tourist experiences the making of Chinese New Year paintings at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) 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 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after an 18-year-old man was stabbed to death in west London. Metropolitan Police officers were called to Victoria Road, Feltham, at around 5pm on 12 January, where they found Maliki Sharma with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead, with his family now being supported by specialist officers. Three teenagers have since been arrested in connection with one boy from Hounslow charged with murder on Friday. The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on Saturday and has been remanded into custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the family described Maliki as a lovely boy who was close to his mother and older brother. open image in gallery A picture of Maliki Sharma as a child ( Family Handout/PA Wire ) He said: Its just devastating, its absolutely devastating. He was such a funny, kind, caring, lovely young man. He had his whole life ahead of him. Mr Sharma was a student at West Thames College, where he was training to become an electrician. The family friend said: He wanted to go down that route get a trade, do his own business, so that he could look after his mum, thats what he always said. He added: He really, really was a lovely boy. He was cheeky, funny. Two other 16-year-old boys, also from Hounslow, were charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and have been remanded into youth detention. Rhys Huskinson, 19, of North Road, Feltham, was charged on Wednesday with affray and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the investigation. Police said that following further inquiries, the charges have been amended to attempted grievous bodily harm. Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading this investigation, said: My thoughts remain with Malikis friends and family during this unimaginably difficult time. We understand that this incident has been distressing for the local community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days. 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 The Met Office has issued fresh snow and ice warnings for large parts of the UK. A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued in Central Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde. The alert is set to commence at 3pm, Monday, and last until 10am, Tuesday. Rain, sleet and snow are predicted to spread southeastwards across Scotland at times through Monday afternoon and night. Two more yellow weather warnings have been issued for ice in Northern Ireland, Central Tayside and Fife, east Midlands, east of England, north east England, north west England, southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber. This warning takes place from 8pm, Monday, and remains until 10am, Tuesday. open image in gallery Snow warnings are in place across the UK ( PA Wire ) The Met Office has warned that snowy, wintry weather can cause travel disruptions, with railways, bus and train services likely to be affected with longer journey times, due to the dangerous conditions and icy surfaces on the roads. The national forecasting service has advised drivers to keep themselves and others safe by planning their route and giving themselves extra time to make their journey. Additionally, people are advised to check for road closures, or delays to public transport, and amend plans if necessary. The accumulating snow will initially hit hills (typically above 200m elevation) but later in the day fall to lower levels at times. open image in gallery Yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued from Monday afternoon ( Met Office ) Further scattered wintry showers will arrive from the northwest later in the night and into Tuesday morning. The greatest accumulations of snow will be during Monday evening and night, where 1-2cm will be possible in places at low levels (away from north-facing coasts), 2-5cm above, about 150m elevation, and 5-8cm above 300m. With temperatures falling below freezing, ice is likely on untreated surfaces, even where precipitation may have fallen as rain or sleet. A few isolated lightning strikes will be additional hazards, according to the Met Office. The Met Office said: Strong north to northwesterly winds are also probable during Monday evening and night across the Northern Isles and northeastern parts of the mainland, where gusts in more exposed areas could reach 50-60 mph. In Northern Ireland, showers through the course of Monday will leave many surfaces wet by the evening, with a risk of ice forming on untreated roads and pavements during Monday night as temperatures fall to or below freezing. A few additional wintry showers may feed inland at times overnight, potentially washing off treatment before skies once again clear and surface temperatures drop. Across other parts of the country the Met has said areas of rain, sleet, and hill snow will move southeastwards through Monday evening and night before clearing to the North Sea. Whilst some patchy accumulations of snow will be possible, more especially on ground above 150-200m elevation, ice will be a greater hazard as temperatures fall fairly quickly once showers clear away. In addition, a period of strong northwesterly winds are also likely along some North Sea coasts later in the night and into Tuesday morning. 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 The UKs top prosecutor has warned nobody is above the law as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces a police probe over alleged leaks to Jeffrey Epstein. Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, said no, of course not when asked whether he thought the royals were above the law. He added that he has total confidence that the police will be independent. It comes as Thames Valley Police examine claims that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports while in his role as the UKs trade envoy with the paedophile financier. Speaking to The Sunday Times, he said: Nobody is above the law... Its my job to enforce the law, and I do so without fear or favour, and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned. The warning from Mr Parkinson comes as evidence of the former princes alleged involvement with Epstein has mounted, with more revelations published in the latest tranche of Epstein files. According to emails released by the US Department of Justice, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor appeared to have forwarded official reports on trips to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011 to Epstein, when he was a government trade envoy. Trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality. Thames Valley Polices prosecution will look into whether the sharing of this information constitutes misconduct in public office. Peter Mandelson, the disgraced former UK ambassador to the US, also faces a police probe over allegations he sent market-sensitive information to Epstein while he was business secretary during the financial crisis. The Metropolitan Police have searched two of Lord Mandelsons properties as part of their investigation. open image in gallery Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports while in his role as the UKs trade envoy with the paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Mr Parkinson told The Sunday Times that misconduct in public office was a relatively popular offence with which to charge a public officer. He said: From my perspective, I dont find it a difficult offence to prosecute because the core of it is a gross breach of trust by someone performing the function of a public officer. If Mr Mountbatten-Windsor were to be charged after a new police investigation, he would become the first royal in modern times to face trial over a serious offence. Last week, Prince William and Princess Kate spoke out publicly for the first time regarding the ongoing revelations, saying they are deeply concerned by the scandal, and their thoughts are with the victims. 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 Scottish Government has launched a new advertising campaign urging boys and young men to avoid sharing misogynistic content online, with the unequivocal message: "sexist content is never harmless". The initiative encourages critical thought before engaging with such material. One video clip shows a boy watching content on his phone, as a voiceover states, "sexist content is never harmless, it hurts girls in real life including the ones you know". Emojis on his screen transform into the face of an upset girl, mirroring the person beside him, illustrating real-world impact. The five-week campaign runs on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch, YouTube, and outdoor advertising. First Minister John Swinney said: "Social media plays a significant role in most young peoples lives, and the rise of online misogyny means that young boys and men are often seeing harmful, sexist content, even when they have not been searching for it. This is deeply concerning, particularly given that so many of these young audiences may be easily influenced. Our campaign is designed to make boys and young men aware of the impact of sexist content on social media and how interacting with that can harm the women and girls they know in the real world including their sisters, friends and classmates. By choosing not to like, share or comment on sexist content online, boys and men can help stop it spreading." First Minister of Scotland John Swinney says the rise in harmful, sexist content is deeply concerning ( Jane Barlow/PA Wire ) Mr Swinney said ministers will do "everything we can" to eradicate violence against women and girls. Rebekah MacLeod, project lead for White Ribbon Scotland, which tackles violence against women and girls, said: "Everyone has a role to play in ending violence against women and girls, but especially men and boys. There is often a disconnect in understanding of how the content that young people consume and share online impacts upon how they see, speak to, and treat the women and girls around them. In an online world shaped by algorithms and increasingly divisive and dangerous narratives, harmful attitudes can be normalised, reinforced, and rewarded at speed and scale. We cannot emphasise just how important this campaign is. This campaign empowers men and boys to understand that they play a powerful role by choosing not to engage or share this harmful content." 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 Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander, is embarking on a significant visit to the Indo-Pacific region in the coming days, aiming to bolster defence ties and stimulate trade with Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. His itinerary over the next week includes meetings with government and business leaders, a move he anticipates will unlock new opportunities for Scottish enterprises in these key markets. Beyond fostering economic links, Mr Alexander is expected to explore potential collaborations in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence manufacturing. The visit underscores a dual focus on increasing Scottish exports and attracting crucial inward investment back to Scotland. A notable aspect of the trip will see the Scottish Secretary attend two international performances of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, scheduled for Auckland and Brisbane, adding a cultural dimension to the diplomatic efforts. The Scotland Office has highlighted the historical significance of the journey, noting that Mr Alexander will be the first Scottish Secretary to visit New Zealand in recent times. Speaking ahead of the trade mission, Mr Alexander emphasised the purpose of his journey: "This visit is about speaking up for Scottish businesses and Scottish exporters." He further asserted, "Scotland benefits from the strength, reach and connections that come from being part of the UK." He stressed the importance of international alliances amid current global uncertainties, stating it has "never been more important to stand shoulder to shoulder" with the UKs closest allies. This, he explained, is to explore "how we can deepen our defence cooperation and work together to keep people safe." Mr Alexander also pledged to champion Scottish commerce, adding: "I will also be banging the drum for Scottish business. From whisky and seafood to financial services and renewable energy technology, Scotland has world-class products and expertise that are in demand across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore." He concluded that the visit represents "an opportunity to open doors for Scottish exporters, attract the investment that creates economic growth and well paid jobs back at home, and show that Scotland is open for business on the global stage." 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 Yvette Cooper has said truth is the most dangerous weapon against Russia as she hit back at Moscows denials that it was involved in the death of Vladimir Putins arch-rival Alexei Navalny. Britain and its European allies said on Saturday that the opposition leader had died after being poisoned with a lethal toxin found in dart frogs in South America. After the findings were announced by Mr Navalnys widow, Yulia Navalnaya, the foreign secretary pinned the blame squarely on the Kremlin and said only Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to carry out such an attack. The Russian embassy in London hit back and described the announcement as the feeble-mindedness of Western fabulists as it denied responsibility. open image in gallery A woman holds a picture of Alexei Navalny, who died two years ago in a Siberian penal colony ( PA ) But, doubling down on the claims on Sunday, Ms Cooper quoted Navalny as she said truth was the most dangerous weapon against Russia. She also warned new sanctions against Moscow could follow from Britain and its allies as she said the Cold War peace dividend has gone. Speaking on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Cooper said the accusation was deeply serious. She added: The statement that we made yesterday shows that we have the evidence. Analysis of samples from Mr Navalnys body revealed the presence of a toxin called Epibatidine. The UK and its allies say there is no innocent explanation for its presence, that it is not found in Russia, and is generally only produced by frogs found in the wild. open image in gallery Yvette Cooper suggested new sanctions could be applied to Russia ( AFP via Getty ) The five European nations that called out Russia have already reported the Kremlin to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. But Ms Cooper suggested further sanctions could follow: We continue to look at coordinated action, including increasing sanctions on the Russian regime. As you know, we have been pursuing this as part of our response to the brutal invasion of Ukraine, where we are also coming up to the fourth anniversary of that invasion as well. We believe that it is the partnerships that we build abroad that make us stronger at home. It is by acting alongside our European allies, alongside allies across the world, that we do maintain that pressure on the Russian regime. She added: The other thing that I would say specifically about Alexei Navalny is one of the things he said was tell the truth, spread the truth, because that is the most dangerous weapon of all. That was his comment about the Russian regime. He is no longer able to do that, but that is why we are continuing to do that for him, and for his widow as well. open image in gallery Navalnys widow Yulia Navalnaya in Munich on Saturday ( AP ) A statement from the Russian embassy in London has denied all involvement in Mr Navalnys death. It said: There is no reason whatsoever to credit such findings by Western experts. As with the Skripal case, there are strident accusations, media hysteria, zero evidence, and a host of questions the accusers would rather ignore. So what was it in the end poison derived from the skin of a South American frog or Novichok? The statement added: We have become accustomed to the feeble-mindedness of Western fabulists. One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog. Yet what truly shocks is the method now favoured by Western politicians necro-propaganda. This is not a quest for justice but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of the Russian citizen, London and the European capitals cannot allow him to rest in peace a fact that speaks volumes about those who instigated this campaign. open image in gallery Reforms head of policy Zia Yusuf denied his party was pro-Putin ( PA ) Meanwhile, Reform UKs head of policy Zia Yusuf hit back at Keir Starmer, saying it was obviously not true that Nigel Farage is soft on Russia. On Saturday the PM described Reform as pro-Putin. Mr Yusuf said: Thats obviously not true. I mean, Nigel is the only political leader in this country who has confirmed on air that he would indeed shoot down Russian aircraft if they encroach into Nato airspace. Not a single other political leader said that, nor has Keir Starmer. 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 has insisted he will lead Labour into the next general election as he argued for closer links with the EU, saying Britain is turning its back on the Brexit years. The prime minister warned that the split with the EU had left the UK unable to use its influence internationally. In an interview after the worst week of his tenure in No 10, he added: "We are not reversing Brexit but we are turning our back on the Britain of the Brexit years that we've had for the last decade. "That has seen a Britain that has turned inward, a Britain that has not been able to assert itself and influence others on the world stage or the European stage." open image in gallery Keir Starmer speaking in Munich on Saturday ( PA ) He also admitted that appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a mistake, two weeks after the scandal surrounding the Labour grandee first engulfed the government. Sir Keir has faced calls to resign as the controversy has rocked Downing Street. But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday at the Munich Security Conference, he came out fighting against suggestions he should quit. He said: I won the leadership of the Labour Party when people said I wouldnt. I changed the Labour Party when people said I couldnt. I won an election when people said we wouldnt. And now I intend to change the country whatever other people say. Sir Keir also insisted he would absolutely lead the Labour party into the next election. He said he would not list his mistakes in rank order but appointing Lord Mandelson was one of them. open image in gallery Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launched an unsuccessful attempt to unseat Keir Starmer after the Mandelson scandal ( PA ) Speaking at the conference, Sir Keir had earlier insisted he ended the week much stronger than he started it after a period of political turbulence. He also said the UK should more closely align with the EU economically as well as on defence. He argued the UK should move closer to the single market in certain markets, where it was in the interest of both sides, just months before the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum result which ultimately took Britain out of the EU. open image in gallery Three senior members of Starmers team have resigned in the past week ( AFP/Getty ) Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had said last Monday that the prime minister should quit in the wake of the scandal around Lord Mandelsons links to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. But the attempt to oust Sir Keir failed, with members of the cabinet publicly backing the PM in the hours after Mr Sarwars statement. But fresh questions about Sir Keirs judgement emerged later in the week in a row over the appointment of his former spin doctor Lord Doyle to the House of Lords after the aide hit the headlines for campaigning for a paedophile councillor. The departure of the head of the civil service Sir Chris Wormald also prompted criticism of negative briefings in government, while senior Labour women suggested the string of scandals had exposed a boys club within Downing Street. Sir Chris was the third senior figure to quit the government in the past week, following Sir Keirs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan. 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 Amid the ever-shifting landscape of British politics, a steadfast presence with four legs, whiskers, and a penchant for napping marks a significant milestone. Larry the cat, the nations official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, celebrates 15 years of service this Sunday, having provided a reassuring constant under six prime ministers. Indeed, some might suggest the prime ministers have served under him. Larry the cats approval ratings will be very high, noted Philip Howell, a Cambridge University professor who has delved into the history of human-animal relations. And prime ministers tend not to hit those numbers. He represents stability, and thats at a premium. Larrys remarkable journey saw him transition from a stray on Londons streets to the hallowed halls of 10 Downing Street, where he holds the esteemed title of chief mouser to the Cabinet Office. open image in gallery Larry the Cat sits in front of the flower decoration outside 10 Downing Street in the national Ukrainian colours, on Ukraine Independence Day ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by then-prime minister David Cameron, Larry made his debut on 15 February 2011. His official duties, as outlined on the UK government website, encompass greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defenses and testing antique furniture for napping quality. The grey-and-white tabby enjoys free rein, often seizing the opportunity to upstage world leaders as they arrive at Downing Streets iconic black door, much to the delight of news photographers. Hes great at photo-bombing, remarked Justin Ng, a freelance photographer who has observed Larry over the years. If theres a foreign leader thats about to visit, then we know hell just come out at the exact moment that meet-and-greet is about to happen. Larry has encountered numerous global figures, who occasionally find themselves navigating around or over him. While generally perceived as aloof towards men, he notably took a liking to Barack Obama and elicited a smile from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during one of the Ukrainian leaders visits to London. When US President Donald Trump visited in 2019, Larry famously crashed the official doorstep photo opportunity before settling down for a nap beneath the presidential armoured car, The Beast. open image in gallery Britains Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to 10 Downing Street as Larry the Cat steps out ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Reports on Larrys rodent-catching prowess vary, though he has been photographed with an occasional mouse and once, a pigeon, which ultimately escaped. Hes more of a lover than a fighter, Ng quipped. Hes very good at what he does: lounging around and basically showing people that hes very nonchalant. Larry has shared his residence, sometimes uneasily, with various prime ministerial pets, including Boris Johnsons Jack Russell cross Dilyn and Rishi Sunaks labrador retriever, Nova. He is kept separate from current Prime Minister Keir Starmers family cats, JoJo and Prince, who reside in the private quarters, leaving Larry to preside over the working areas of Downing Street. He also maintained a famously volatile rivalry with Palmerston, the diplomatic top cat at the Foreign Office across the street, with the pair frequently caught tussling before Palmerstons retirement in 2020. Palmerston sadly passed away this month in Bermuda, where he had been serving as feline relations consultant to the governor. Now aged 18 or 19, Larry has slowed somewhat but continues to patrol his territory and nap on a window ledge above a radiator just inside the No. 10 door. He embodies British soft power in feline form, and any prime minister contemplating his removal would face significant public backlash. A cat-hating PM, that seems to me to be political suicide, Howell asserted. open image in gallery A reporter points their microphone at Larry ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He highlighted Larrys nonpartisan status as an official pet, distinguishing him from American presidential pets, often dogs, used by leaders to soften their image. The fact that cats are less tractable is part of the charm, too, Howell added. Hes sort of whimsically not partisan in a political sense, but he tends to take to some people and not to others and he wont necessarily sit where you want him to sit and pose where you want him to pose. There is a certain kind of unruliness about Larry, which I think would endear him, certainly, to 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 The Reform candidate in an upcoming Westminster by-election is under scrutiny after saying it was insane a man was jailed for 18 months for social media posts calling for people to burn asylum hotels to the ground. Matt Goodwin responded to a Daily Mail report from December that Luke Yarwood, from Christchurch, Dorset, was jailed inciting racial hatred. He said in a post on X: Welcome to the UK. Where you go to prison for 18 months for anti-immigration tweets. This is insane. Yarwood had reportedly called on Brits to gang together, hit the streets and start the slaughter in a series of anti-Muslim and anti-immigration posts from 21 December 2024 to 29 January 2025. open image in gallery The Reform candidate called it 'insane' that Yarwood was imprisoned for his tweets ( X/ @GoodwinMJ ) Violence and murder is the only way now. Start off burning every migrant hotel then head off to MPs' houses and Parliament, we need to take over by FORCE, he said, following a car attack in Germany which killed six people, as misinformation spread on social media suggesting it was linked to Islamic extremism. While his lawyer reportedly defended him by pointing out that only 33 people had read the post, he was still jailed for 18 months. Reform UK hit back at criticism around Mr Goodwins tweet, claiming it was desperate stuff from Labour after The i reported about his post and the partys deputy leader Lucy Powell called on the Denton and Gorton candidate to reject support from members of his campaign team that have been accused of racism. A Reform UK spokesman said: This is desperate stuff from a Labour Party that has also just been revealed to have been smearing journalists. Criticising the fact that people are being jailed for what they write on social media is clearly not the same as defending those views. open image in gallery ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) The fact that our political opponents are conflating these two things is outrageous and a sign of how desperate they have become. Vote Reform, vote for common sense. Mr Goodwin hit the headlines last week after The Independent revealed he had called for women and young girls to be given a biological reality check as he warned of an impending fertility crisis. This publication also revealed that he had previously suggested people who dont have children should be taxed extra as punishment and warned that many women in Britain are having children much too late in life. The polling cited by Mr Goodwin, who is standing for Reform UK in the Gorton and Denton by-election at the end of this month, also showed more than 50 per cent of the public wanted taxes and spending to increase, while 40 per cent wanted them to remain the same. He also once described his partys economic plans as an utterly toxic combination, explaining that he cannot stress enough how UNPOPULAR slashing taxes and cutting spending on public services is in a post on LinkedIn three years ago. open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with his partys candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election Matt Goodwin (front right) ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) The former academic was pointing to polling from the highly respected British Social Attitudes survey which showed that reducing both was backed by just 6 per cent of the public. In November, Nigel Farage said his party will cut spending and we want to cut taxes. And last month he doubled down, saying: We are going to reduce excessive government spending. In a speech last year, Mr Farage said substantial tax cuts were not realistic at the current moment given the dire state of the countrys finances but said that his party would raise the threshold at which workers start to pay tax and scrap Labours family farm inheritance tax changes. However, he rowed back from his partys 2024 election promise to cut 90bn of taxes, which leading economic think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said Reform had failed to set out how they would achieve. open image in gallery A Reform UK supporter holding a placard at the partys Gorton and Denton by-election headquarters ( PA Wire ) Last month Mr Farage also told an event in Davos that he thought the one big lesson of the Liz Truss-Kwasi Kwarteng Budget is that they did not propose to cut spending. So for our programme to work, what we absolutely have to tell people that we are going to reduce welfare spending, we are going to reduce excessive government spending. A Labour Party spokesperson said: Matt Goodwins comments show that its not just Labour saying Reforms economic plans are ludicrous their own candidate thinks so too. Reform UK offers nothing but a return to austerity, enacted by a party stuffed full of the same Tories that broke our public services in the first place. A Reform spokesperson told The Independent: Labours campaign in Gorton and Denton truly must be on the ropes if they have had to resort to polling analysis by Matt from three years ago when the economy was in a much different place. We will take no lectures from a party under whose watch the economy has tanked. By voting Reform the voters of Gorton and Denton can get Keir Starmer out and help bring an end to this failed Labour government. 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 The Cabinet Office is looking into a Labour think tanks investigation into journalists, a minister has said, amid calls for Sir Keir Starmer to order an inquiry. The Prime Minister said he didnt know anything about the probe, said to have been carried out by PR firm Apco Worldwide after it was hired by Labour Together following stories about the campaign groups failure to declare more than 700,000 in donations. Sir Keir confirmed that the Cabinet Office would be looking into the accusations and quite right too. The Sunday Times said Apco was paid 36,000 to carry out the investigation in 2023, when the think tank was run by Josh Simons, now Labour MP for Makerfield and a Cabinet Office minister. Asked whether he would launch an inquiry into the accusations during a visit to a community centre in London on Monday, Sir Keir said: There will be a Cabinet Office investigation into the allegations, and quite right too. open image in gallery The prime minister is under pressure to order an inquiry ( PA ) I didnt know anything about this investigation, and it absolutely needs to be looked into, so the Cabinet Office will be establishing the facts. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the government will be "looking at the facts" of the report commissioned by Labour Together, which helped Sir Keir win the Labour leadership. Its right that this issue is being investigated by the relevant body here, the regulatory body, which is looking at public affairs companies, Ms Kendall told Times Radio on Monday. And the Cabinet Office will also be looking into this to make sure all the facts are established. It comes as the prime minister is facing calls to order an inquiry into the investigation, with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty saying it would be only right to have a probe into the think tank. Mr Doughty told Times Radio: It's only right that if there is an investigation, that's able to run its course, and that we understand what happened. I want to see a country where journalists are able to do their job without fear or favour. The Sunday Times reported that the contents of an investigation by PR consultancy Apco were informally shared with Labour figures in 2024, including current cabinet ministers and special advisers. The paper said it contained pages of deeply personal and false claims about one of the journalists, Gabriel Pogrund. It also discussed his Jewish background and included false claims about personal and professional relationships. It was also reported to have made baseless claims that the emails underpinning the journalists story were likely to have come from a hack of the Electoral Commission, suspected to have been carried out by the Kremlin. open image in gallery Josh Simons commissioned the report in 2023 ( UK Parliament ) The scrutiny heaps pressure on government minister Josh Simons, who commissioned the 2023 report on reporters investigating the groups funding. But the prime minister said he still had confidence in the minister, with his spokesperson describing the Cabinet Office investigation as a fact finding mission. Meanwhile, asked whether Mr Simonss position as a minister in her department and also the Cabinet Office was tenable, Ms Kendall told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: He has welcomed the investigation, rightly so, by the regulatory body, the body responsible for regulating public affairs. As I said, the Cabinet Office will also be looking into the facts of this case, but it is absolutely essential that we protect the freedom of the press. Labour MP John McDonnell said he has asked Sir Keir to launch an investigation into potential links between the government and the Labour Together think tank. Mr McDonnell, secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) parliamentary group, told Today programme: Ive written four times now to the general secretary of the Labour Party, including to Keir Starmer, to say this is serious, launch an investigation, but thats not happened. He also said: I got a reply from the general secretary that said this isnt a Labour organisation, even though I said look its managed and controlled by Labour Party members, quite senior Labour Party members, and I was referred to the complaints department about individual members of the party and I said that doesnt meet the seriousness of this case. The Conservative Party has written to Labour Party chair Anna Turley, urging her to investigate Mr Simonss role in the decision to hire Apco. It also urged Labour to investigate the role of other Labour Together directors, who include serving cabinet ministers, and to set out whether the party still considers it appropriate for Labour MPs to receive cash from the think tank. The Labour Party should suspend all engagement with Labour Together until all allegations have been independently investigated, the Tories said. The letter, from Tory chair Kevin Hollinrake, concluded: Once again, the government is distracted from the serious challenges facing our country. open image in gallery Liz Kendall said she wants to make sure all the facts are established ( PA ) The public deserve the full, unredacted facts about this latest scandal to engulf the top of the Labour Party. Nothing less will suffice. In a statement, Mr Hollinrake said: Labour Togethers behaviour shows a worrying contempt for the free press, a fundamental foundation of our democracy. With its close and widely known links to the heart of government, serious questions must be answered about who was aware of these actions, including whether senior figures around the prime minister knew. After Starmers attempts to deflect from the Mandelson-Epstein affair, the public will accept nothing less than full transparency. Mr Simons was an ally of Morgan McSweeney, who previously ran Labour Together and who resigned from No 10 last week as the Mandelson scandal engulfed Downing Street. Mr Simons told the paper he said he had asked for information to be removed before passing the report to the intelligence agency GCHQ. No other British journalists were investigated as part of any document he or Labour Together ever received, he also said. John McDonnell, Labours former chancellor, has called for an independent inquiry into the affair. He said it was clear to him as secretary of the NUJs parliamentary group if true this is unacceptable. Another Labour MP, Karl Turner, called on the prime minister himself to look at the issue and said he should meet Mr McDonnell to discuss it. Nadhim Zahawi, the former Conservative chancellor who has since defected to Nigel Farages Reform UK, led demands for Sir Keir to reveal what he knew of the investigation. He said: This is a huge story. If this was any other party, the calls for an investigation would be deafening.. MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday called on Norway to play a constructive role in the stable development of relations between China and Europe. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC). China has always viewed its relations with Norway from a strategic and long-term perspective, said Wang, adding that China is ready to maintain close exchanges with Norway at all levels, deepen cooperation in various fields, and sustain the sound and stable momentum of bilateral ties. Noting that multilateralism is a consensus at this year's MSC, Wang said that multilateralism should not mean acting as one pleases, nor should multipolarity be dominated by a few major powers. All parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the international system based on international law, he said. To this end, Wang said, Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed an equal and orderly multipolar world, in which "equal" means all countries, regardless of their size, have the right to participate in global affairs, and "orderly" means all parties should jointly abide by international law. As both China and Norway support multilateralism and free trade, the two countries should further strengthen communication and coordination, Wang added. For his part, Eide said that Wang's speech at the MSC clearly articulated China's propositions on reforming and improving global governance, which highly align with Norway's position. Norway attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to continuously strengthen dialogue and cooperation, Eide said. Norway is also ready to work closely with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the World Trade Organization to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, he added. 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 The leaders of some of the UKs largest unions have delivered a new ultimatum to Sir Keir Starmer, just days after he survived an attempt to oust him from power. Demanding he change course or risk electoral disaster, Unite and Unison have warned that the partys current trajectory undermines its ability to win both peoples trust and elections. They say they will band with concerned MPs to reverse this damaging behaviour. The unions, which between them donate millions of pounds to the party, also hit out at Sir Keirs decision to block his rival Andy Burnhams return to Westminster in a by-election this month. The warning comes just hours after Sir Keir was forced to deny he was almost toppled by his own MPs this week in a failed coup. His government was plunged into crisis a fortnight ago when the extent of the contact between the UKs former ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson and the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was revealed. Since then, the PM has lost three of his most senior staff and faced a battle to stay in post himself. On Saturday, he insisted he had finished last week stronger than he started, during an appearance alongside other world leaders at the Munich Security Conference. open image in gallery PM told the Munich Security Conference he ended the week much stronger than he started it ( Getty ) But now trade union leaders and Labour MPs have written to the partys deputy leader Lucy Powell to demand a change of direction. As well as Mr Burnham, they hit out at Sir Keirs decision to suspend Labour MPs for standing up for their constituents. Labour have in the past stripped the party whip from MPs for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap and opposing other policies, such as welfare cuts. Andrea Egan, Unison general secretary, said: Shutting down party democracy has contributed to the governments unpopularity and its failure to improve living standards. Rebuilding the coalition necessary to stop Reform must start with a more open and democratic culture in the party. Richard Burgon, a Labour MP and one of the coordinators of the statement, said:Under Keir Starmer and (his now departed chief of staff) Morgan McSweeney, there has been a clampdown on the democratic rights of Labour members. This has led to a small clique making out-of-touch decisions that have left the prime minister and the government deeply unpopular from the mess over winter fuel payments to the appalling decision to make Peter Mandelson the US Ambassador. We need an urgent end to this nasty factionalism coming from the top of the party where the views of Labour members and trade unionists are treated with contempt. open image in gallery FBU general secretary Steve Wright ( FBU ) Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said: Firefighters know what happens when decisions are made without listening to those on the frontline. Restoring democracy in the Labour Party is essential if it is to reconnect with its members, its unions and the communities it exists to serve. In a statement the group, which includes more than 25 Labour MPs, said: Its increasingly clear that a narrow, factional agenda is being imposed upon the Party and that this is increasingly unpopular with the public. This approach is wrong in principle and damaging in practice. When the Labour Party sidelines its members, it weakens Labours roots in our communities, alienates voters, and undermines Labours ability to win both peoples trust and elections. We will work together to strengthen our democracy and reverse this damaging behaviour. A Labour Party spokesperson said: The Labour Party is proud to be powered by our brilliant party members as we work to bring about the vital change we were elected to deliver. Our Labour government is delivering for families across the country, including tackling the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists and restoring pride in local communities. 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 told Europe it has to be ready to fight Russian aggression as he announced that the UK would deploy warships and fighter jets to the Arctic later this year. The move, announced at the Munich Security Conference, will be seen as a bid to appease Donald Trump after he threatened to annex Greenland, citing security concerns in the region. But even as the PM hailed what he said would be a demonstration of the transatlantic relationship, US secretary of state Marco Rubio warned the continents leaders over their malaise of hopelessness and said that the US needed a partner with the will to survive. It came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hit out at the United States, saying his country was being asked to make concessions to Russia too often in US-brokered peace talks and that Europe was being sidelined. open image in gallery Keir Starmer announced that British warships are set to patrol the Arctic ( AP ) During an eventful day at the summit: Sir Keir rebuked President Trump, saying he should be in no doubt if called on, the UK would come to your aid today The PM said the UK should align more closely with the EU on the economy as well as on defence, and received a round of applause as he said: We are not the Britain of the Brexit years any more He attacked Reform as pro-Putin as he said Nigel Farages party and the Greens were offering a future of division and then capitulation that would see the the lamps go out across Europe once again Sir Keir denied that he had narrowly missed being toppled and said he had ended this week much stronger than I started it, and thats a very good place to be Addressing the event on Saturday morning, Sir Keir said leaders must not dither, because Russia has proved its appetite for aggression. He warned that, even if there were a peace deal for Ukraine, Russias rearmament would only accelerate. We must answer this threat in full, he said. The road ahead is straight and it is clear. We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age. We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight. Announcing the planned deployment of the warships, the prime minister said that the US, Canada and other Nato allies would join Britain in bolstering security across what is known as the Nigh North. Mr Trump has claimed that Europe does not do enough to defend Greenland, which is strategically important to the US, amid threats from Russia and China. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Europe is being sidelined in peace talks over Ukraine ( EPA ) During his address, Sir Keir also hit out at Mr Trumps claims that he is unsure whether other Nato allies would come to the USs defence. One of the alliances founding principles, Article 5, is that an attack on one Nato member is regarded as an attack on all. It has only been invoked once, after the 9/11 terror attacks in New York. Be in no doubt, if called on, the UK would come to your aid today, he told the US president. As the world approaches the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine later this month, Sir Keir said the UK recognised the urgency of the need to establish closer defence ties with the EU. In a move that will infuriate Brexiteers at home, he also said that Britain should move towards deeper economic integration with the EU, aiming to move closer to the single market in various sectors. He insisted his cabinet was in full agreement as he attempted to brush off the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwars bid last week to oust him from office, saying he had ended the week much stronger than I started it. His speech came less than an hour after an address by Mr Rubio, who warned Europe that the US did not want to be caretakers of Western decline. The US secretary of state criticised countries he said had spent not enough on defence and too much on welfare, had appeased a climate cult to their own economic detriment, had allowed too much immigration, and had not defended their history, as he hit out at what he said was a malaise of hopelessness and complacency. But Mr Zelensky in turn attacked the US, saying: The Americans often return to the topic of concessions, and too often those concessions are discussed only in the context of Ukraine, not Russia. Mr Zelensky said he hoped that the US would stay involved in the negotiations, and that there would be an opportunity for Europe to play a larger role. Europe is practically not present at the table. Its a big mistake, to my mind, he said. 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 Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, has warned that the "cost of chaos" within the UK Government is directly harming Scottish families and businesses. He accused ministers of being "so caught up in their own civil war that they are completely ignoring Westminsters never-ending cost-of-living crisis". Flynn specifically pointed to Labour's internal strife, which he claimed followed Scottish leader Anas Sarwars calls for the Prime Minister to resign amid revelations concerning Peter Mandelsons association with Jeffrey Epstein. The MP for Aberdeen South argued that Labour ministers are "downing tools" to focus on party divisions, leading to "economic and political paralysis". He cited sluggish economic growth, the repercussions of Brexit, and the declining value of the pound against the euro as evidence. Mr Flynn stated: "The cost of chaos under the Labour Party is growing and getting worse Keir Starmers Labour Party are so caught up in their own civil war that they are completely ignoring Westminsters never-ending cost-of-living crisis." The SNP Westminster leader said ministers are so caught up in their own civil war that they are completely ignoring Westminster's never-ending cost-of-living crisis ( James Manning/PA Wire ) He added: "When it comes to managing the economy, tackling Westminsters cost-of-living crisis or even the basics of passing promised legislation Keir Starmers distracted and divided Labour Party have blatantly downed tools." Flynn suggested the public is "wise to the fact" that while Labour deals with "fighting amongst themselves, they will never fight for them". He further commented: "Another week of Westminster scandal has come with real costs and consequences the pound plummeted, borrowing rates soared and even passing laws came to a standstill people were promised change; Keir Starmers Labour Party has only delivered chaos." In contrast, Flynn highlighted the SNP's focus in Scotland on "our peoples priorities", citing the opening of the first GP walk-in clinic, frozen rail fares, five years of the Scottish child payment, and a resident doctor pay deal. He praised First Minister John Swinney, stating: "Under John Swinney, our NHS is turning a corner with waiting times falling thanks to that relentless focus on improving our health service." Flynn concluded: "While the Labour Party rips itself apart, John Swinneys SNP Government can always be trusted to be on Scotlands side." The UK Government 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 Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed her "anger" regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britains ambassador to Washington DC, stating he "should never have been appointed". Her comments come amid a period of significant internal scrutiny for the Labour government, with senior figures questioning a perceived "boys' club" culture within No 10. The senior Cabinet ministers remarks follow a series of controversies that have reportedly "rocked" the Prime Ministers authority. These include the appointments of Lord Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle, both associated with sex offenders, alongside three departures from Downing Street and a call for the Prime Minister to resign from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Speaking on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Cooper directly addressed suggestions of a problematic culture. "I do actually feel, I mean, I feel really actually quite angry about some of the issues that weve had around, look, Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed," she said. "We have had, obviously, debates in Westminster, but actually the real focus should be on (Jeffrey) Epsteins victims, and also the work that this Labour Government has been doing to tackle violence against women and girls." open image in gallery Yvette Cooper says the real focus should be on Epsteins victims ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, used his platform at the Munich Security Conference to address domestic challenges, insisting he "ended the week much stronger" than he began it. He also affirmed to The Sun On Sunday his intention to lead Labour into the next general election, despite internal calls for him to step aside. During his speech at the international gathering, Sir Keir launched a pointed attack on the defence credentials of the Green Party and Reform UK. He warned that "the lamps would go out across Europe once again" should either party gain power, a statement made as both parties contest Labours majority in the Gorton and Denton by-election. When questioned on Sky News Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips about whether these attacks on political rivals indicated he was "rattled" by their popularity in opinion polls, Ms Cooper dismissed the notion. "I dont think thats the case at all," the Foreign Secretary responded. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson was seen leaving his home on Saturday ( PA Wire ) "The partnerships that Keir Starmer has built with other leaders, the work that we are doing together, is immensely important. Thats what I see here at the Munich Security Conference, is the respect towards the UK, towards the Prime Minister for the work that hes done, the leadership hes shown." 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 Swazilands king has officially renamed the country the Kingdom of eSwatini to mark 50 years since independence from British rule. The name Swaziland has angered some in the country, since it is a mix of Swazi and English. The new name means land of the Swazis in the local Swati language. King Mswati III, Africas last absolute monarch, announced the change at golden jubilee celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Swazi independence and of his 50th birthday. The king has referred to the Kingdom of eSwatini several times in recent years in an address to the UN General Assembly in 2017 and at African Union and other international conferences. Addressing a large crowd gathered in a stadium in the city of Manzini, 25 miles east of the capital Mbabane, the king said Swaziland was reverting to the original name it had before being colonised by the British. The impoverished southern African nation a member of the Commonwealth gained independence from Britain in 1968. I would like to announce that from today onwards, our country will be known as the Kingdom of eSwatini, the king said. Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland," he said, claiming the name caused confusion. The king, who wore a red and black military uniform and rode in an open car into the stadium, said he wanted his country to have a name people could identify with. Most Swazi people struggle to earn a living in agriculture, often cultivating sugar. There is widespread poverty in a country with the worlds highest HIV/Aids rate. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attended the event while on a visit to a country, which is one of the few to maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan rather than Beijing. Reuters contributed to this report 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 Southwest Airlines passenger with debilitating anxiety and panic disorder is suing the carrier after an employee meant to be escorting her to a connecting flight instead stranded her in an airport bathroom, touching off an immediate and severe mental health crisis that continues to persist roughly two years later, according to a federal lawsuit reviewed by The Independent. The episode caused Mary Lynn Ellison, 64, dire emotional distress, including panic symptoms and physical manifestations of panic, the suit contends. Plaintiffs disabilities, and the known risk of panic attacks and acute distress made Southwests conduct especially dangerous, it says. Ellisons complaint, which was filed February 11, says the airline attempted to minimize and deflect responsibility, including by claiming [Ellison] stayed in the restroom too long. Southwests conduct was extreme and outrageous, going beyond all possible bounds of decency, including the conscious abandonment of a known disabled passenger mid-connection after repeated requests for help, the complaint states. Since then, it says Ellison has suffered sleep disruption, ongoing hypervigilance and worsening avoidance of air travel, consistent with trauma responses. She has also required additional clinical care and therapeutic support, the complaint continues, in order for her doctors to address the incident-related worsening of symptoms. open image in gallery A Southwest Airlines passenger is suing the carrier over an incident she says has had lasting effects on her mental health ( Getty Images ) As an apology, the airline offered Ellison a $150 travel voucher, which, the complaint maintains, did not address [her] damages and did not constitute a reasonable resolution. Southwest declined to comment on Ellisons allegations, citing pending litigation. In the U.S., individual carriers are responsible for providing disability assistance at airports, while in Europe, the responsibility generally falls on airport authorities. In 2019, Southwest was sued by a wheelchair-bound traveler who soiled herself after a gate agent refused to help her to the bathroom, telling the woman it was too far away. The case was eventually settled out of court. Ellison, a Seneca, South Carolina resident, has lived and worked with serious anxiety and panic disorder, among other conditions, requiring prescription medication and clinical care, her complaint states. It says these conditions substantially limit major life activities for Ellison, including safe navigation of crowded terminals, tolerating prolonged stress and regulating panic symptoms without reasonable assistance Acute stress and uncertainty can trigger panic attacks, physical symptoms, and loss of functional capacity. Air travel is manageable for Ellison when assistance is promised, timely and reliable, according to the complaint. However, it goes on, when assistance is delayed or withdrawn, Ellisons symptoms predictably worsen and can become disabling in the moment. On February 11, 2024, Ellison arrived at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, where she was catching a connecting Southwest flight, the complaint continues. She had requested wheelchair assistance upon booking the trip, which was confirmed and printed on her boarding pass, it says. open image in gallery South Carolina resident Mary Lynn Ellison, a 64-year-old wheelchair user, is suing Southwest Airlines over claims one of its employees 'abandoned' her in an airport restroom ( AFP via Getty Images ) But when Ellison inquired about it, a Southwest employee rejected [her] request and refused to provide assistance, the complaint alleges, even though her reservation clearly indicated that she required a wheelchair and escort to move within the terminal and to manage the connection. Ellison went back to the same employee multiple times to plead her case, but he was rude and dismissive, according to the complaint. [Ellison] was left standing and then forced to sit on the terminal floor, the complaint states. [She] needed water and access to medication. The failure to provide assistance put [Ellison] at immediate risk of a panic episode and functional breakdown. Finally, after what the complaint describes as a prolonged delay, a courtesy cart arrived, and, on the way to the gate, the carts driver stopped so Ellison could use the restroom. However, after dropping Ellison off, the driver left, leaving her marooned, according to the complaint. This, the complaint says, was a particularly severe failure because it placed [Ellison] in a vulnerable state with no reliable means to return to the gate. Once Ellison realized what had happened, she began to panic and sought help from a nearby Southwest employee. But, the complaint says, Ellison was told that a wheelchair that had been available was taken, leaving [her] without the promised assistance. open image in gallery Ellison's anxiety and panic disorder 'substantially limit major life activities' for her, 'including safe navigation of crowded terminals, tolerating prolonged stress and regulating panic symptoms without reasonable assistance,' according to a federal lawsuit the 64-year-old wheelchair user filed against Southwest Airlines ( AFP via Getty Images ) [Ellisons] distress escalated, according to the complaint, which says she began to panic. [Her] disability symptoms intensified due to the uncertainty, isolation, and the imminent risk of missing the connection. At long last, a wheelchair and escort showed up 10 to 15 minutes before Ellison was scheduled to board her next flight, the complaint states. She was taken to the gate and made it on the plane, but, according to the complaint, The assistance that was finally provided was not prompt and was not delivered in a safe, coordinated manner. Once she got to her destination, Ellison reported the incident to Southwest, which told her she had spent too much time in the bathroom and that her escort therefore left, according to the complaint. It says the airline offered Ellison a travel voucher by way of apology, but that the nominal amount did not address [her] damages and did not constitute a reasonable resolution. Ellisons condition has intensified in the 24 months since, the complaint says, arguing that Southwest displayed conscious indifference to [Ellisons] rights, safety, and welfare by refusing, delaying, mishandling, and abandoning [her]. Monetary damages alone are inadequate to eliminate the risk of future harm, according to the complaint. Ellison is seeking an injunction requiring Southwest to implement reasonable policies, training, supervision, and handoff protocols to ensure that requested assistance is prompt, coordinated, and not abandoned during connections, as well as general, special, consequential, exemplary and incidental damages for emotional distress and past and future medical, therapeutic and related expenses, plus attorneys fees. 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 US military forces have boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean, having tracked the vessel from the Caribbean Sea in an operation targeting illicit oil linked to Venezuela, the Pentagon announced on Sunday. Venezuela has been subject to US oil sanctions for several years, leading to its reliance on a 'shadow fleet' of falsely flagged tankers to smuggle crude into global supply chains. Donald Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers in December to exert pressure on then-President Nicolas Maduro, who was later apprehended in January during an American military operation. The Defense Department confirmed via a post on X that US forces boarded the Veronica III overnight, executing "a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding." The Pentagon stated: "The vessel tried to defy President Trumps quarantine hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down." The Veronica III, a Panamanian-flagged vessel, is listed under US sanctions related to Iran, according to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control website. Video released by the Pentagon depicted US troops boarding the tanker. The Trump administration has been seizing tankers as part of its wider efforts to take control of Venezuela's oil. However, the Pentagon's post did not specify whether the Veronica III had been formally seized and placed under US control. This incident follows another boarding last week, when the US military intercepted the Aquila II, a different tanker, also in the Indian Ocean. That vessel is currently being held while its ultimate fate is determined by the United States, a defence official stated last week on condition of anonymity. open image in gallery U.S. forces board the vessel Veronica III ( via REUTERS ) The Aquila II was one of at least 16 tankers that departed the Venezuelan coast last month after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro, according to Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com. He said his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document the ship's movements. The Aquila II is a Panamanian-flagged tanker under US sanctions related to the shipment of illicit Russian oil. Owned by a company with a listed address in Hong Kong, ship tracking data shows it has spent much of the last year with its radio transponder turned off, a practice known as running dark commonly employed by smugglers to hide their location. 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 Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan appeared across the Sunday news show circuit and presented a view for the future of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis as the Trump administration says it is withdrawing hundreds of officers from the state and ending an enforcement surge following the deaths of two Americans. Homan recently took over as the top federal immigration enforcement authority on the ground in Minnesota following the removal of Gregory Bovino, ICEs acting commander, from the role this month. His appointment followed calls from both Democrats and Republicans in Washington for federal officials to shift their tactics and outrage over the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in confrontations with ICE and Border Patrol agents. Though he announced this past week that the surge in Minneapolis was ending, Homan said on Sunday that a force would remain in the city to conduct operations in the future. Homan said that the agents remaining behind would include a security force whose purpose would be to stop protesters and others from interfering with ICE and Border Patrol enforcement operations. "There will be a small force, a security force...that will respond when our agents are out and get surrounded by agitators, said Homan. They will remain for a short period of time to make sure the coordination, the agreements we have with local and state law enforcement stay in place." Homan also said that agents tasked with investigating a fraud scheme in the state will remain, as will a team investigating an incident where activists conducted a protest at a church and were arrested alongside journalist Don Lemon, who was documenting the protest. open image in gallery Tom Homan was on CBS's Face the Nation and declined to answer questions about criticism facing Kristi Noem ( CBS - Face the Nation ) As his role grows in prominence, Homan is also facing questions about tumult reported within the ranks of Donald Trumps DHS team, and in particular surrounding the ongoing work of Kristi Noem as DHS secretary. Noem is reportedly suspected by Trump and others to be in a relationship with Corey Lewandowski, her de facto chief of staff, which she denies but a factor that nonetheless adds a layer of frustration to a tenure as DHS secretary that has been loudly derided on the Hill, including by some Republicans. Noem, already facing calls for her firing in Washington, was the subject of a Wall Street Journal expose this week that detailed an agency in a constant state of chaos under her and Lewandowskis management. The piece cited many problems but also highlighted how the secretary apparently disliked Homan grabbing TV screens over her. 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 reported. 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. On Sunday, Homan declined to answer questions about Noems tenure as DHS secretary, while not defending her record from calls for her resignation from Congress. Look; its one team, one fight. Im not playing into that media. They're trying to divide this administration, Homan claimed, before he admitted that he did not agree with Noem on her decision-making 100% of the time. The border czar claimed that any disagreements he had with Noem were worked out in internal discussions. He added that the record-low number of border crossings spoke for themselves. open image in gallery Protesters demonstrate against ICEs continued enforcement presence in Minneapolis, Minnesota ( AFP/Getty ) Some aspects of Homans different approach to running the show in Minneapolis were on display on Sunday, regardless. Asked by CBSs Face the Nation guest host Ed OKeefe, Homan took a clearly different strategy to the give-no-ground approach that Noem and others have taken in response to allegations of wrongdoing by individual ICE or Border Patrol agents as he was asked by OKeefe about agents placed on leave for giving misleading testimony. Instead of defending the agents, Homan insisted that those cases had been sent to internal affairs for review and added that he had brought on more internal affairs staff to investigate claims of wrongdoing. Well look, you know, my first press conference in Minnesota I said I was bringing more internal affairs officers in, just to ensure officers were doing the right thing, Homan said. As the ICE director said on Friday, people will be held accountable. Disciplinary action or prosecutions will occur if accounts of ICE or Border Patrol agents committing violations of the law are found to be credible, Homan said. Donald Trump himself has sought to balance his administration backing off Minneapolis in response to growing anger with a desire to deny any appearance of weakening or softening as it pertains to ICE and Border Patrols enforcement or operational standards. Were going to de-escalate a little bit, the president said in an interview in late January. In an interview with NBC Nightly News a few days later, he added: "I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough. 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 Kristi Noem appeared to suggest the Department of Homeland Security was responsible for election security and said she would ensure the right people were voting to elect the right leaders. Elections is another one of those critical infrastructure responsibilities that I have as well, and I would say that many people believe that it may be one of the most important things that we need, the DHS Secretary said at a press conference Friday. To make sure we trust is reliable, and that when it gets to election day that we've been proactive to make sure that we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country through the days that we have knowing that people can trust it. During the conference in Arizona, which has been one of the hotspots of national election fraud conspiracies, Noem said she had the authority to identify vulnerabilities in the election system and implement mitigation measures to ensure elections are run correctly at both a state and national level. The comments sparked outrage online, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer added: This is Trumps idea of democracy: leaders get to select their voters instead of the other way around. open image in gallery Kristi Noem appeared to suggest the Department of Homeland Security was responsible for election security and said she would ensure the right people were voting to elect the right leaders ( AP ) Homeland Dems added: DHS talking about the right people voting should alarm every American.After the President threatened to nationalize elections, the threat is unmistakable. Republicans Against Trump rote on X: Saying the quiet part out loud. The Independent has contacted the DHS for clarification on Noems remarks. It comes after the House passed the SAVE America Act Wednesday, a bill that would require Americans to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections through showing a photo ID. If signed into law, the legislation would also force states to remove non-citizens from electoral rolls, though it must still pass the Senate, where some Republicans have indicated they may not support its passage. On Friday Donald Trump appeared to suggest that he would sign an Executive Order forcing photo ID to be shown at elections, even if it was not congressionally approved. There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not! Trump wrote on Truth Social. open image in gallery On Friday Donald Trump appeared to suggest that he would sign an Executive Order forcing photo ID to be shown at elections, even if it was not congressionally approved ( AP ) The presidents words have led to critics' concerns over potential for tampering with the midterm elections in Novembers, and the potential for legal voters to be dismissed over technicalities with their documentation. Noem pushed back on such suggestions on Friday, saying: Each of the arguments laid out to criticize this bill are baseless speculation from the radical left because they want illegal aliens to vote in our elections. It comes after a bombshell report alleged that the DHS is in a state of constant chaos under Noems leadership, and that of her top adviser Corey Lewandowski. open image in gallery A bombshell report alleged that the DHS is in a state of constant chaos under Noems leadership, and that of her top adviser Corey Lewandowski ( Getty ) The Wall Street Journal cited sources within the department who are highly critical of Noem and described her 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. 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 Rep. Thomas Massie branded Donald Trumps presidency the Epstein administration on Sunday as he laid into the president and his deputy, Attorney General Pam Bondi, for what some members of Congress have described as an effort to stonewall the release of the Epstein files. The Republican representative from Kentucky was one of two members of Congress, along with Rep. Ro Khanna, to lead a discharge petition last year aimed at forcing the Justice Department to publish the extent of its gathered evidence and information relating to Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed after gaining widespread bipartisan support last year, and was begrudgingly signed into law by the president. The congressman was asked about the presidents anger towards him during an interview Sunday with ABCs Martha Raddatz on This Week, and responded by claiming that the Trump administration was still working to protect powerful men named in the files. "Donald Trump told us that even though he had dinner with these people in New York City and West Palm Beach, that he would be transparent, but he's not. He's still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration, said Massie. There are billionaires that are friends with these people, and thats what Im up against in D.C. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. open image in gallery Thomas Massie accused Donald Trump of abetting a cover-up of the Epstein files on Sunday ( ABC - This Week ) Massie became a personal foe of the president as a result of breaking with him on various policy issues, culminating with the Epstein files vote. Trump later vowed to bankroll a primary challenge against him. On Sunday, Massie also reacted to the testimony of Bondi last week before the House Judiciary Committee, where he and several other lawmakers attempted to press the attorney general on redactions in the files and delays in their publication The DOJ now says it has released all of its files pertaining to the investigation, but Massie and other members of Congress have complained that their access to the unredacted versions which can only be viewed at DOJ headquarters under surveillance is still being restricted in some ways. They took down some of the most significant documents, two of them involving Virginia Giuffres case, Massie said on ABC. We want to be able to look at all these files. They can't keep those documents down after they've already produced them." The Department of Justice remains adamant that the evidence gathered as part of the agencys 2019 investigation into Epstein did not turn out incriminating evidence against any powerful figures save for Epstein himself and his girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who remains in a U.S. prison. The billionaire financier was found dead in his cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges, with federal authorities labeling it a suicide. open image in gallery Victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein react as US Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Department of Justice" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on February 11, 2026 ( AFP/Getty ) Members of Congress who have viewed the unredacted versions say the files contain references to victims as young as nine years old. Theyve criticized the agency over redactions made in the public versions of the files. We didnt want to see any redactions of the names of co-conspirators, accomplices, enablers, abusers, rapists, simply to spare them potential embarrassment, political sensitivity or disgrace of some kind, Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the Judiciary committee, said last week. And yet nonetheless, the Epstein [] documents that were released are filled with redactions of names and information about people who clearly are not victims and may fall into that other category. open image in gallery Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin speaks with the media after viewing the unredacted version of the Jeffrey Epstein files at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on February 9, 2026 ( Reuters ) Though no one else has been held criminally accountable for associations with Epstein or Maxwell, the fallout from relationships exposed in the files has already been enormous, with a global reach. In the U.K., controversy over former ambassador and Labour peer Peter Mandelsons association with Epstein led to him resigning from the House of Lords while questions about his appointment have pressured Keir Starmer, the prime minister. Trump, whose name appears more than a million times in the unredacted files according to Rep. Raskin, has not been accused of wrongdoing. But his friendship with Epstein and admission that Virginia Giuffre previously worked at Mar-a-Lago, where she met the sex trafficking pedophile Epstein, have caused massive headaches for the president. The president has frequently called on Republican voters to drop their interest in the investigation, to little avail. SYDNEY, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Queensland said in a statement on Sunday that a 52-year-old man was charged with multiple offences following an incident at a museum where Egyptian artefacts were stolen on Friday. Police said that the man smashed a window of the Abbey Place property in Caboolture, about 45 km north of Brisbane, and took a quantity of priceless Egyptian artefacts before leaving the scene at 3 a.m. local time. Around 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, police located a vehicle of interest in a car park of Redland Bay ferry terminal, about 32 km southeast of Brisbane. After seizing and searching the vehicle, police found all of the stolen Egyptian artefacts except a wooden cat sculpture. The items were recovered intact, with only minor damage noted. Several hours later, at around 7 p.m. local time, police arrested the 52-year-old man of no fixed address on Russell Island, about 40 km southeast of Brisbane. He was found in possession of the last missing artefact, the wooden cat sculpture. Police had charged the man with entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break, and three counts of willful damage, as well as with trespass and assault occasioning bodily harm in relation to an incident in Noosa, about 120 km north of Brisbane, on Thursday. 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 Alexei Navalny, a thorn in the side of the Kremlin and Russias most prominent political dissident, died in prison after being poisoned by the Kremlin, the UK and its European allies have said. Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, died while serving a 19-year jail term in a penal colony around 40 miles of the Arctic Circle in charges widely thought to be politically motivated. He died in February 2024 after going for a walk at the jail and losing consciousness. The political agitator has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Before his arrest, he campaigned against official corruption, organized major anti-Kremlin protests and ran for public office. Now, Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have said that he died after being poisoned with a lethal dart frog toxin - a development which has prompted his widow to call for Vladimir Putin to be held accountable. Here's a look at Navalnys life, political activism and the charges he has faced through the years: 1976 4 June 4 Navalny is born in a western part of the Moscow region. 1997 Graduates from Russias RUDN university, where he majored in law; earns a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. 2004 Forms a movement against rampant overdevelopment in Moscow, according to his campaign website. open image in gallery Police officers detain Alexeo Navalny, at Moscow's Pushkinskaya Square, on March 5, 2012 ( AFP via Getty Images ) 2008 Gains notoriety for alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. 2010 Founds RosPil, an anti-corruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyzes spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. 2011 December- Participates in mass protests sparked by reports of widespread rigging of Russias parliamentary election, and is arrested and jailed for 15 days for defying a government official. 2012 March - Following Mr Putins reelection and inauguration, mass protests break out in Moscow and elsewhere. Navalny accuses key figures, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, of corruption. July - Russias Investigative Committee charges Navalny with embezzlement involving Kirovles, a state-owned timber company in the Kirov region, while acting as an adviser to the local governor. Navalny rejects the allegations as politically motivated. December The Investigative Committee launches another probe into alleged embezzlement at a Navalny-linked Russian subsidiary of Yves Rocher, a French cosmetics company. Navalny again says the allegations are politically motivated. open image in gallery Navalny appears via a video link from the Arctic penal colony where he would later die ( AP ) 2013 Navalny runs for mayor in Moscow a move the authorities not only allow but encourage in an attempt to put a veneer of democracy on the race that is designed to boost the profile of the incumbent, Sergei Sobyanin. July - A court in Kirov convicts Navalny of embezzlement in the Kirovles case, sentencing him to five years in prison. The prosecution petitions to release Navalny from custody pending his appeal, and he resumes his campaign. September Official results show Navalny finishes second in the mayors race behind Sobyanin, with 27% of the vote, after a successful electoral and fundraising campaign collecting an unprecedented 97.3 million rubles ($2.9 million) from individual supporters. October A court hands Navalny a suspended sentence in the Kirovles case. February 2014 Navalny is placed under house arrest in connection with the Yves Rocher case and banned from using the internet. His blog continues to be updated regularly, presumably by his team, detailing alleged corruption by various Russian officials. December Navalny and his brother, Oleg, are found guilty of fraud in the Yves Rocher case. Navalny receives a 3 -year suspended sentence, while his brother is handed a prison term. Both appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. 2015 December Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption releases its first long-form video a YouTube documentary called Chaika, which means seagull in Russian but is also the last name of then-Prosecutor General Yury Chaika. The 44-minute video accuses him of corruption and alleged ties to a notorious criminal group and has piled up 26 million views on YouTube. Chaika and other Russian officials deny the accusations. 2016 February The European Court of Human Rights rules that Russia violated Navalnys right to a fair trial in the Kirovles case, ordering the government to pay his legal costs and damages. November Russias Supreme Court overturns Navalnys sentence and sends the case back to the original court in the city of Kirov for review. December Navalny announces he will run in Russias 2018 presidential election. open image in gallery Navalny and his wife Yulia attend a hearing at the Lublinsky district court in Moscow, Russia, April 23, 2015 ( REUTERS ) 2017 February The Kirov court retries Navalny and upholds his five-year suspended sentence from 2013. March Navalny releases a YouTube documentary accusing then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, getting over 7 million views in its first week. A series of anti-graft protests across Russia draw tens of thousands and there are mass arrests. Navalny tours the country to open campaign offices, holds big rallies and is jailed repeatedly for unauthorized demonstrations. 27 April Unidentified assailants throw a green disinfectant in his face, damaging his right eye. He blames the attack on the Kremlin. October The European Court of Human Rights finds Navalnys fraud conviction in the Yves Rocher case to be arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. December Russias Central Electoral Commission bars him from running for president over his conviction in the Kirovles case, a move condemned by the EU as casting serious doubt on the election. 2019 July Members of Navalnys team, along with other opposition activists, are barred from running for Moscow city council, sparking protests that are violently dispersed, with thousands arrested. Navalnys team responds by promoting the Smart Voting strategy, encouraging the election of any candidate except those from the Kremlins United Russia party. The strategy works, with the party losing its majority. 2020 Navalny seeks to deploy the Smart Voting strategy during regional elections in September and tours Siberia as part of the effort. 20 August On a flight from the city of Tomsk, where he was working with local activists, Navalny falls ill and the plane makes an emergency landing in nearby Omsk. Hospitalized in a coma, Navalnys team suspects he was poisoned. 22 August A comatose Navalny is flown to a hospital in Berlin. 24 August German authorities confirm Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. After he recovers, he blames the Kremlin, an accusation denied by Russian officials. open image in gallery Navalny was a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin ( AP ) 2021 17 January After five months in Germany, Navalny is arrested upon his return to Russia, with authorities alleging his recuperation abroad violated the terms of his suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His arrest triggers some of the biggest protests in Russia in years. Thousands are arrested. 2 February A Moscow court orders Navalny to serve 2 years in prison for his parole violation. While in prison, Navalny stages a three-week hunger strike to protest a lack of medical treatment and sleep deprivation. June A Moscow court outlaws Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist, shutting down his political network. Close associates and team members face prosecution and leave Russia under pressure. Navalny maintains contact with his lawyers and team from prison, and they update his social media accounts. 2022 24 February Russia invades Ukraine. Navalny condemns the war in social media posts from prison and during his court appearances. 22 March Navalny is sentenced to an additional nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court in a case his supporters rejected as fabricated. He is transferred to a maximum-security prison in Russias western Vladimir region. July Navalnys team announces the relaunch of the Anti-Corruption Foundation as an international organization with an advisory board including Francis Fukuyama, Anne Applebaum, and the European Parliament member and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. Navalny continues to file lawsuits in prison and tries to form a labor union in the facility. In response, penitentiary officials start regularly placing him in solitary confinement over purported disciplinary violations such as failing to properly button his garment or to wash his face at a specified time. open image in gallery Navalny (second left) as he listens to his verdict over a series of extremism charges at the IK-6 penal colony ( AFP via Getty Images ) 2023 Over 400 Russian doctors sign an open letter to Mr Putin, urging an end to what it calls abuse of Navalny, following reports that he was denied basic medication after getting the flu. His team expresses concern about his health, saying in April he had acute stomach pain and suspected he was being slowly poisoned. 12 March Navalny, a film about the attempt on the opposition leaders life, wins the Oscar for best documentary feature. 26 April Appearing on a videolink from prison during a hearing, Navalny says he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. He adds sardonically that the charges imply that Im conducting terror attacks while sitting in prison. 19 June The trial begins in a make-shift courtroom in the Penal Colony No. 6 where Navalny is being held. Soon after it starts, the judge closes the trial for the public and the media despite Navalnys demand to keep it open. 20 July The prosecution in its closing arguments asks the court to sentence Navalny to 20 years in prison, the politician's team reports. Navalny says in a subsequent statement that he expects his sentence to be huge a Stalinist term, referring to the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. 4 August - Navalny is sentenced to 19 years in prison for extremism. He was accused by the Russian authorities of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and a number of other crimes. According to a message on Telegram, he said: I am serving a life sentence. Where life is measured by the duration of my life or the life of this regime. The number from verdict is not for me. It is for you. December - Navalny was transferred this month to a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. His lawyer said Russian authorities wanted to isolate Navalny ahead of Russias March presidential election. open image in gallery Navalny pictured in hospital in 2020 ( Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP ) 2024 9 January - Navalny sarcastically heaped praise on the polar conditions at the prison north of the Arctic Circle where he was moved to shortly before Christmas. In a post on the Telegram messaging app Navalny said he had been put in a punishment cell for his attitude as soon as he left quarantine at the so-called Polar Wolf prison colony. He said that walking for half an hour in those temperatures you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers. 11 January - Navalny appeared before a Supreme Court judge by video link on Thursday to argue for the right to longer meal breaks and access to more books in prison. Wearing a black prison uniform and standing behind bars in a small, bare room, Navalny, 47, appeared gaunt but spoke animatedly, at length and without notes. 17 January - From his penal camp Navalny, said that Putins state would one day crumble along with the post-Soviet elite which he cast as venal, power-hungry and duplicitous. Lies, lies and nothing but lies. It will collapse and crumble. Putins state is not viable. One day we will look at his place and he wont be there. 23 January - Navalny was placed in solitary confinement for 10 days for incorrectly introducing himself to a guard, his spokesperson said. 16 February - Russias prison agency has said that imprisoned opposition leader Navalny has died. He was 47. 2026 14 February - The UK and its allies have pinned the blame for Navalnys death on the Russian state following analysis of poison developed from a dart frog toxin found in his body. Additional reporting by agencies 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 European Unions foreign policy chief has rejected the suggestion that Europe faces civilisational erasure after Marco Rubio said America has no interest in being the caretakers of the Wests managed decline. Kaja Kallas addressed the Munich Security Conference a day after Mr Rubio, the US Secretary of State, spoke in Germany. Although he struck a less aggressive tone than vice president JD Vance did in lecturing European leaders last year, Mr Rubio reiterated Washington's intent to reshape the transatlantic alliance and push its policy priorities. President [Donald] Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe, he told the conference before saying that the US does not want weak allies. In her address on Sunday, Ms Kallas, the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, appeared to respond and alluded to criticism in the US national security strategy released in December, which said economic stagnation in Europe is eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilisational erasure. It suggested Europe is being weakened by its immigration policies, declining birth rates, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, and a loss of national identities and self-confidence. open image in gallery Kaja Kallas speaking at the Munich Security Conference ( AP ) Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure, Ms Kallas said as she hit back. In fact, people still want to join our club, and not just fellow Europeans, she added, saying she was told when visiting Canada last year that many people there have an interest in joining the EU. Mr Rubio suggested the West has been complacent since the conclusion of the Cold War, saying its end of history approach in assuming every nation would now be a liberal democracy has cost us dearly. He called on European allies to fix the status quo. We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the Wests managed decline, he said. We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history. What we want is a reinvigorated alliance that recognises that what has ailed our societies is not just a set of bad policies but a malaise of hopelessness and complacency. open image in gallery Marco Rubio speaking at the Munich Security Conference ( AP ) Ms Kallas rejected what she called European-bashing. We are, you know, pushing humanity forward, trying to defend human rights and all this, which is actually bringing also prosperity for people, she said. So thats why its very hard for me to believe these accusations. In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Rubio said an end to the transatlantic era is neither our goal nor our wish, adding that our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe. But he made clear that the Trump administration is sticking to its guns on issues such as migration, trade and climate. Mr Rubio said: In a pursuit of a world without borders, we opened our doors to an unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies, the continuity of our culture, and the future of our people. We made these mistakes together, and now, together, we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward, to rebuild. European officials who addressed the gathering made clear that they in turn will stand by their values, including their approach to free speech, climate change and free trade. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference ( PA Wire ) Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Europe must defend the vibrant, free and diverse societies that we represent, showing that people who look different to each other can live peacefully together, that this isnt against the tenor of our times. Rather, it is what makes us strong, he said. Ms Kallas said Mr Rubios speech sent an important message that America and Europe are and will remain intertwined. It is also clear that we dont see eye to eye on all the issues and this will remain the case as well, but I think we can work from there, she said. 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 Putin arch-rival Alexei Navalny died after being poisoned with a lethal toxin and Russia is to blame for the attack, Britain and its European allies have said. In a dramatic press conference held at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said that analysis of samples from Navalnys body had found the presence of epibatidine a deadly toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America. After the findings were announced by Navalnys widow Yulia Navalnaya, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper pinned the blame squarely on the Kremlin and said only Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to carry out such an attack. For the latest updates on the Munich Security Conference, read our live blog HERE open image in gallery Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands inside a glass cell during a court hearing at the Babushkinsky district court in Moscow on 20 February 2021 ( AFP via Getty ) She said: Today, beside his widow, the UK is shining a light on the Kremlins barbaric plot to silence his voice. Russia saw Navalny as a threat. By using this form of poison, the Russian state demonstrated the despicable tools it has at its disposal and the overwhelming fear it has of political opposition. The five countries said Russia had shown a repeated disregard for international law and that they had reported the poisoning to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The Kremlin has rejected the claims, with Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova telling TASS: "When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues," the news agency cited her as saying. The report also said she described Navalny as a blogger "officially designated as a terrorist and extremist in Russia". Meanwhile, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Navalny displayed huge courage in the face of tyranny. He added: His determination to expose the truth has left an enduring legacy, and my thoughts are with his family today. I am doing whatever it takes to defend our people, our values and our way of life from the threat of Russia and Putins murderous intent. After the press conference, Ms Navalnaya called for Vladimir Putin to be held accountable. She wrote: I was certain from the first day that my husband had been poisoned, but now there is proof: Putin killed Alexei with chemical weapon. Ms Navalnaya previously announced her husbands death at the same gathering, two years ago. The Kremlin has always denied any involvement. open image in gallery Russian president Vladimir Putin listens to the head of the North Ossetia-Alania Republic of Russia Sergei Menyailo, during their meeting at the Kremlin earlier this week ( AP ) Navalny, a thorn in the side of the Kremlin who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Putin protests, died in a penal colony in Siberia in February 2024, aged 47. The former lawyer had been serving a 19-year sentence on charges he believed to be politically motivated. It is not clear how the frog poison was allegedly administered to Navalny. But the allies also pointed to an attempt to poison Navalny with the nerve agent novichok in 2020, which followed the Salisbury poisonings in 2018. Ms Navalnaya said last year that two independent labs had found that her husband was poisoned shortly before his death. It had been widely assumed that Navalny had been poisoned by the Russian state, but evidence of the specific poison in his body, along with the statement by the European countries, is a new development. In her statement, she added: I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years, and for uncovering the truth. Vladimir Putin is a murderer. He must be held accountable for all his crimes. open image in gallery Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, beside his picture in June 2024 ( DPA ) The Foreign Office said there can be no innocent explanation for the toxin having been found on Navalnys body. Ms Cooper added: Since Yulia Navalnaya announced the loss of her husband here in Munich two years ago, the UK has pursued the truth of Alexei Navalnys death with fierce determination. Only the Russian government had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin against Alexei Navalny during his imprisonment in Russia. Navalnys death came after Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with novichok in July 2018. Last year, a major inquiry into the poisonings found that Putin had ordered the astonishingly reckless attempted assassination of Mr Skripal as a public demonstration of Russian power. The report also said the Russian president was morally responsible for the death of Dawn Sturgess, an innocent bystander who died after being exposed to the chemical weapon after it was left in a discarded perfume bottle. open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper arriving at the summit in Munich on Friday ( Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street ) Russia was also responsible for the assassination of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in the UK, according to the European Court of Human Rights. The 43-year-old, who had worked for the Russian security services before defecting to the UK, died after drinking green tea laced with poison in London in 2006. The joint statement by the five countries said they are confident that Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a lethal toxin. It added: This is the conclusion of our governments based on analyses of samples from Alexei Navalny. These analyses have conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine. Epibatidine is a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America. It is not found naturally in Russia. Russia claimed that Navalny died of natural causes. But given the toxicity of epibatidine and reported symptoms, poisoning was highly likely the cause of his death. Navalny died while held in prison, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison to him. 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 tawdry routine of everyday misery of cold, darkness, and fear that grinds at the human soul: that is Vladimir Putins strategy of attacking civilians across Ukraine and could break the countrys will to fight on. But its unlikely. Showers in darkness, a shave in cold water every morning, two small children who know the Russian president is trying to kill them, and dawn runs to a streetside stall for coffee and cocoa, the only morale booster for a new day. These are the routines of Kyiv residents like Oleksandr Merezhko. He knows he is lucky. His four-year-old daughter Sophia is the same age as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The elder, Lilian, is seven, so neither have known a world in which Russian troops are not fighting inside their country. Sophia can tell an outgoing missile blast from an incoming Shahed drone attack. She attends kindergarten. Her older sister has learning difficulties, so Sophia grabs her hand when the sirens scream, and the air buzzes with what the family calls bees incoming drones. Read our latest updates on the Ukraine invasion HERE She then leads her sister to safety in the Soviet-era bunkers outside their old but untargeted ground-floor apartment, where school carries on. open image in gallery Sophia, age four, pictured right with her seven-year-old sister Lilian, mother and father ( The Independent ) For them its normal. They cannot imagine their life without it, Oleksandr explains. They know that when they go to the kindergarten we still dont have power in the flat. When they come back there is no power. They have learned how to play using little lights and how to play in darkness. Better than adults I think, children are more adaptable. And they never complain. A couple of weeks ago what he thinks was a Shahed drone smashed into the top floors of the building next door, setting fire to two flats and injuring three people in the Kremlins ongoing campaign. Fragments, bits of plastic and yellow foam of the Iranian-designed autonomous plane loaded with 40kg of explosive, still pepper the snow outside the building where this member of Ukraines parliament has lived with his family for four years. We almost bought a flat in the new highrise but we could not afford it, so bought on the ground floor next door luckily for us just before the full-scale invasion of February 2022, says Oleksandr, who is chair of the parliaments foreign affairs committee. A former human rights lawyer married to an academic, he can bring warm food to his small children from the parliamentary canteen. His cooker at home is electric and theyre unlikely to get power for more than a couple of hours in 24 and usually after midnight. Roughly half of Ukraines power-generating capacity has been destroyed by Russia. Most of these attacks have come since Donald Trump ended military aid to Ukraine last year in the 36th month of the full-scale invasion by Russia. Two-thirds of its nuclear capacity has fallen and GDP is expected to take a 3 per cent hit. open image in gallery Oleksandr Morezhko, along with his wife and two young daughters, are among millions in Ukraine battling for survival in freezing temperatures and daily power cuts ( The Independent/ Sam Kiley ) I started to plunge into a kind of depression and apathy because when its cold, when for the whole day you cannot even warm up food, and its dark, and its cold it is difficult psychologically for me, and for many people. It looked endless, you know, just endless. And everything came at once, this cold weather which we havent had for years since the full-scale invasion, this darkness, says Oleksandr, warming his hands on a mug of green tea. When power does come, usually between one and two in the morning, he likes to stay up with all the lights on just to recharge his psychological batteries. Millions of other Ukrainians go through the same experiences every night. They have done so for months. They are all fed up with lofty pompous phrases about plucky Ukrainian resilience, which Oleksandr calls the adaptation that has been forced upon us. It is clear why he thinks Putin has focused so heavily on civilian targets and energy systems. open image in gallery The apartment block next door to Oleksandrs home was heavily damaged by Russian drones just two weeks ago ( The Independent/ Sam Kiley ) He realised that he cannot win on the battlefield. And he decided to focus on our critical infrastructure and to create conditions which are uninhabitable. Thats his goal. To break our defiance to make them more submissive to his peace plan, says the MP, a member of Volodymyr Zelenskys ruling Servant of the People Party. He goes on to explain that Putins scheme will not work because historically it never worked. If you take the example of the Blitz, it didnt work. If you take Sarajevo as an example, you cannot do it by bombing and killing the civilian population. You cannot make people more receptive to the capitulation, to surrender this way. The US under Trump has been pushing Ukraine to accept the loss of all of the territory now held by Russia in Ukraine, roughly 20 per cent. Moscow insists it will not consider a deal that does not give it further control over all of Donetsk province and the fortress belt which has held back Russian assaults for more than a year and where Nato estimates over 400,000 Russians have been killed or injured. Both Russia and the US have claimed, wrongly, that Zelensky lacks a democratic mandate; they demand that he seek re-election. open image in gallery Local residents inspect damaged cars at the site of a Russian attack in Odesa on 13 February ( AFP via Getty ) Putins focus on civilian attacks is an obvious attempt to drive Ukraine into a deal that Europe, the UK, Canada and many other allies see as a capitulation. Oleksandr sees the Russian/US demand that Ukraine give up on territory as an obvious ploy to cause internal divisions many Ukrainians are bitterly opposed to any concessions and all are opposed to giving up their defensive line. Doing so could split us apart, says the MP and anyway territorial concessions are not in the gift of the government, or parliament; they would require a national referendum under Ukrainian law. Nato intelligence officers have repeatedly said that Ukraines immediate challenge is to get through the winter. European aid to Ukraine, including the UK, is estimated by the Kiel Institute to be worth 380bn, including all pledges compared to the US contribution of a little over 115bn far short of the mendacious 350bn claim made by the Trump administration. open image in gallery Residents cope with electricity, heating and water outages following Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure in Kyiv ( Reuters ) Nato intelligence estimates suggest that it would take Russia many years to capture the extra territory that it demands as part of the latest peace process with the US mediating. Putins logic is first peace treaty and then ceasefire. So while were negotiating, he can ruin the country, he can continue to destroy critical infrastructure, says Oleksandr. And Trump has agreed to this logic and thats why its not going to work. Its not going to work. For us, the biggest issue, and it's our absolute red line, is withdrawal of our troops from Donetsk. We will never agree to that. We just cant. Its absolutely out of the question. Rescue operations continue in Kharkiv as Kyiv says Moscow used new weapon in deadly attack 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 says Ukrainian experts are heading to the Middle East to provide expertise on combatting Iranian drone attacks. Kyiv is hoping to leverage its experience with drone warfare in exchange for new supplies of US air defence missiles, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could stretch global supplies. Asked how Kyiv intended to help the United States and its Gulf allies counter drone attacks, Zelensky said it was too early to say anything else at this stage, adding that experts would arrive on site in the coming week and assess the situation and help. Ukraine has highlighted its expertise in drone warfare since the outbreak of the joint US and Israel attack on Iran, and has expressed interest in supplying interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shahed UAVs in exchange for Patriot air defence systems. Ukraine was already facing a shortage of costly PAC-3 interceptor missiles supplied by the United States, and officials fear a prolonged conflict with Iran could further disrupt supplies. 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 At least nine Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern and southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, Palestinian civil defence and health officials said. An Israeli airstrike killed at least four people in a tent encampment housing displaced families; another strike killed five in Khan Younis, according to medics and health officials. An Israeli military official stated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Hamas "terrorists" in response to "a violation (on Saturday) in Beit Hanoun where terrorists emerged from a tunnel east of the yellow line". The official called Sunday's strikes "precise" and in line with international law, asserting Hamas committed over six ceasefire breaches, including deploying east of the "Yellow Line" demarcating control zones. On Saturday, the Israeli military reported identifying armed "terrorists" near its personnel in northern Gaza. The IDF, continuing to destroy underground tunnels, observed gunmen emerging from a tunnel and entering rubble east of the Yellow Line. Air Force aircraft attacked the building, eliminating two gunmen; additional militants were likely killed, the military suggested. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating their ceasefire agreement, a key element of Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war. Since the deal began, the Gaza health ministry reports at least 600 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire; Israel reports four soldiers killed by militants in Gaza. open image in gallery Mourners pray during the funeral of Palestinians killed in an overnight Israeli strike ( REUTERS ) Meanwhile, aid group Doctors Without Borders announced the suspension of some of its operations at one of the largest functioning hospitals in Gaza after patients and staff reported seeing armed, masked men roaming parts of the medical facility. Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis city, is one of the few functioning hospitals left in the strip. Hundreds of patients and war-wounded have been treated there and the facility was a hub for Palestinian prisoners Israel released in exchange of Israeli hostages as part of the ceasefire deal. Doctors Without Borders, known by its acronym MSF, said in a statement all its non-critical medical operations at Nasser Hospital were suspended due to security breaches that posed serious security threats to our teams and patients. While the suspension occurred in January, MSFs comments in thefrequently asked questions section on its website were the first to disclose its decision. It's unclear when the post was made, but MSF's site said it was updated Feb. 11. The comments were a rare public announcement by an international organization about the presence of armed men in or near medical facilities since the war began over two years ago. 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 Donald Trump has claimed that the board of peace has pledged more than $5bn (3.67bn) towards rebuilding Gaza. The US presidents board of peace was originally envisioned as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but the Trump administration has since suggested it could play a role as a global conflict mediator after inviting dozens of nations, including Ukraine and Russia to join. In a post on Truth Social, the president said that member states would be meeting next week at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where they would announce the pledge of billions of dollars alongside thousands of personnel set to maintain security and peace in the war-torn strip. Delegations from more than 20 countries, including heads of state, are expected to attend. open image in gallery Trump announced a meeting of the board of peace members next week ( Truth Social/ @realDonaldTrump ) The Board of Peace has unlimited potential, he wrote on Truth Social. Last October, I released a Plan for the permanent end to the Conflict in Gaza, and our Vision was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council. Shortly thereafter, we facilitated Humanitarian Aid at record speed, and secured the release of every living and deceased Hostage. Just last month, two dozen distinguished Founding Members joined me in Davos, Switzerland, to celebrate its official formation, and present a bold Vision for the Civilians in Gaza, and then, ultimately, far beyond Gaza WORLD PEACE! open image in gallery US president Donald Trump listens at the board of peace meeting during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland ( Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images ) Concerns have been raised by European nations over the unexpected invitation extended to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has waged a brutal war in Ukraine since February 2022. There has also been anger among Arab states over the inclusion of Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose war in Gaza has led to the deaths of 72,000 Palestinians. Concerns have also been raised about the role of former British prime minister Tony Blair, who is expected to sit on the founding executive board despite concerns raised about his involvement in the Iraq war. Dozens of countries have so far committed to joining the board, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Trump continued: On February 19th, 2026, I will again be joined by Board of Peace Members at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where we will announce that Member States have pledged more than $5 BILLION DOLLARS toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts, and have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans, he continued. open image in gallery Many countries have already accepted invitations to join Trumps board ( Jonathan Ernst/Reuters ) Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization. The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman, he added, signing off with his full name in capital letters. Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire plan last year, with it officially taking effect in October, although both sides have accused each other repeatedly of violating the terms. More than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the territory since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel has said four of its soldiers have been killed by Palestinian militants in the same period. Hillary Clinton has reiterated calls for the full release of the Epstein files, saying the documents, which include images of her husband former US president Bill Clinton, were horrifying. It is something that needs to be totally transparent, Clinton told a panel at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (14 February). Ive called for many, many years for everything to be put out there so people can not only see whats in them but also, if appropriate, hold people accountable. Well see what happens. The former US secretary of state also pointedly claimed inclusion in the documents was not proof of criminal guilt. A tranche of files released included images of Bill Clinton in a swimming pool with Ghislane Maxwell and alongside an unidentified person in a hot tub. The Clintons have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into Epstein later this month. Lets step a few years into the future. Elon Musk has bought The Times of London and is using it to pursue an entire stable of hobby horses. Lord Rothermere has unloaded his investment in The Telegraph to GB News co-owner Sir Paul Marshall. The US asset manager Blackstone has been on a buying spree to own and strip out whats left of the local newspaper industry. And Paramount CEO David Ellison is boasting to shareholders that his newly merged company, CBS-BBC, is outperforming expectations. Far-fetched? OK, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, bored of Manchester United, has snapped up The Times from Lachlan Murdoch, who has tired of owning newspapers. Jeff Bezos has rekindled his love affair with news, now that Trump is out of the picture, and has added The Telegraph to his media portfolio. Fifteen million Brits are living in news deserts after the effective collapse of their local newspaper. And Mark Zuckerberg is eyeing up a stake in the newly privatised BBC. In fact, you dont have to stare into an imaginary future to understand just how fragile and open to manipulation the news environment is, in what we still like to think of as Western democracies. Six American billionaires own or control much of the information space in the US and virtually all of them have, in one way or another, buckled the knee in front of a vengeful US president who has simultaneously removed virtually all funding from public television and radio. American elites are reasonably well served, though less so now that CBS has veered towards Trump, and The Washington Post has been gutted by the quixotic Bezos. But the non-elites make do with what they can scavenge from a tidal wave of social media, half-truths, deliberate lies, bias, rumours and AI slop. Increasingly, Americans say they no longer know who or what to believe. That, in turn, leads to a calamitous cratering of trust in institutions and the democratic ideal itself. And it creates a petri dish for populism, polarisation, and evidence-free policy-making. Now, there is no perfect formula for owning, funding and curating news. The flaws in billionaire ownership have been amply demonstrated with the second coming of Trump but look no further than the variable quality of recent UK press barons; from Murdoch to Richard Desmond; from Robert Maxwell to Conrad Black; from Paul Marshall to the Barclay Brothers. open image in gallery Donald Trump speaking in Washington DC this week ( Getty ) Shareholder ownership worked reasonably well in an age of bountiful revenues and high margins. But as the advertising dried up, a widely repeated death spiral took over: the remorseless cutting of newsrooms, the mindless chasing after traffic. More cuts, more decline. The result: ever-growing news deserts where citizens have little access to reliable information. And then there is the public service model for news exemplified by the BBC. Yes, it has problems with independence, governance and, just occasionally, journalistic rigour. But this is the one business model for universally accessible news that provably works. It most effectively keeps the largest number of people well informed at a reasonable cost. If it didnt exist already, wed be thinking of ways to invent it. Instead of which, were doing our best to discredit it, starve it and possibly abolish it. Only this week, the outgoing director general, Tim Davie, warned of another 500m-600m in cuts to an organisation that has already seen its funding savaged by around 40 per cent in 15 years. Every 10 years, it has to plead for its royal charter to be renewed. Politicians on the right cant wait to replace the universal licence fee with some form of voluntary subscription, which would further erode its income and lead to more cuts. And then theres the careless neglect of the World Service. The new MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, has warned that the UK is operating in a space between peace and war, with disinformation and propaganda contributing to a form of democracy-destroying chaos. The World Service (budget 300m) reaches more than 300 million people in 43 languages each week. China reportedly spends more than $6bn on foreign language media expansion. And yet Davie warned this week that our World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. open image in gallery Tim Davie is standing down as director general ( PA ) And then consider the almost lip-smacking relish as the enemies of the BBC anticipate the $10bn libel battle with Donald Trump over one careless edit in a Panorama programme, which has also been in the news this week. In any rational world, it should not be difficult to choose between an overwhelmingly ethical British news organisation and a bullying, lying and corrupt US president. Yet here we are. The Panorama programme has been portrayed mostly by people who havent seen it as a dishonest attempt by woke BBC journalists to discredit Trump. But much of the programme is, in fact, devoted to Trump supporters and tries to explain why they are drawn to him. The disputed 12-second clip on which $10bn supposedly hangs involves the botched splicing together of two separate sentences from Trumps speech to the crowd on January 6 2024. Trump complains that it makes it look as though he was inciting them to violence. Well, the edit should certainly have been flagged by a white flash or similar commonplace signal. But was the overall meaning of that 12-second segment misleading? In February 2022, the Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell described the events of January 6 as a violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election from one administration to the next. He added: There is no question that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day A mob was assaulting the Capitol in his name. These criminals were carrying his banners, hanging his flags and screaming their loyalty to him. The same conclusion that Trump helped cause the insurrection was reached by other investigations and court proceedings. Hundreds of those accused of insurrection also testified in court filings that Trumps repeated false statements and calls to action drove their behaviour that day. In other words, the Panorama programme, while professionally negligent, was overarchingly truthful. So Trumps suit against the BBC should be seen for what it is: an attempt to rewrite history. Its also a bid to fill his own pockets, discredit the work of professional journalists and chill news organisations which seek to hold him to account. Its really not hard to work out which side to back. But some people still seem to think were better off in a world in which our information is mediated by craven billionaires. So there is a fight to not only save the BBC from its enemies, but also to put it on an assured, long-lasting footing with proper resourcing. Time is short. TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old boy was killed, and two other boys were injured after they were stabbed in central Osaka, western Japan, late Saturday, local media reported. The police received an emergency call around 11:55 p.m. local time reporting that people had been stabbed on the first floor of a building located in Osaka's busy Dotombori shopping area, Kyodo News reported, citing the Osaka police. A young man suspected of carrying out the stabbings in the downtown area with many eateries has fled on foot and remains at large, the report said. The deceased victim from Nara Prefecture sustained stab wounds to the chest and other areas and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the two other 17-year-old boys were taken to hospital with injuries, according to police. The attacker, believed to be in his twenties, knew the three victims, and they had a dispute shortly before the attack, police said. Pity poor old Pam Bondi, the embattled attorney general whos been responsible for overseeing the publication of the Epstein files. Actually, shes not old, and I dont feel any sympathy for her whatsoever a less sympathetic person its hard to imagine. But she finds herself in a position where the American public and Congress have been demanding one thing, but Donald Trump has wanted something different. Remember, he vigorously opposed the release of the files and was until he realised it was a lost cause all for the pretence that there was nothing of consequence in them. Indeed, when a female reporter from CNN, Kaitlan Collins, challenged him about the latest details of the Epstein files, Trump said it was time the American people moved on from this. She pushed back, and this was the presidents response to a perfectly polite question. "You are the worst reporter ... CNN has no ratings because of people like you ... I dont think Ive ever seen you smile. Ive known you for 10 years. I dont think Ive ever seen a smile on your face. Fancy not having a big, beaming smile when you are talking about the sexual abuse of underage girls. This, of course, came after an earlier interaction with another female reporter on Air Force One. When she asked him an Epstein-adjacent question, Trump just rounded on her and said: Quiet, piggy. So back to the hapless and some might say hopeless Ms Bondi and her performance before a congressional committee this week. She presides over a justice department that should be more properly renamed the DVR the Department of Vengeance and Retribution. She is there to deliver what Donald Trump wants, and he is not happy with her. Not happy at all. So what do you do when you are giving evidence to Congress? Play nice? Listen attentively to the reasonable questions that the elected lawmakers are asking? No. You follow the Trump playbook and demean and belittle those asking the questions. open image in gallery Pam Bondi gave combative testimony on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein ( AFP/Getty ) Her performance was ugly and it was awful, but she was not trying to charm the elected representatives before her, nor was she trying to assuage Epsteins victims, some of whom were in the committee room to hear her evidence; nor was she trying to win over a deeply unimpressed American public. No. She was only trying to impress one person. And do I need to spell out who he is.? If you havent listened to any of it, it is worth dipping into it. It was the performance of a petulant adolescent who, if it were your own child, youd be saying: Maybe you should go up to your bedroom and sit and reflect on your behaviour and only come downstairs when youre ready to behave in a more civil manner. The latest slew of documents to be released astonishingly revealed the identities of several of the victims whose names were required by law to be protected. Even nude photos identifying these young women and girls were published. Would Bondi apologise to the victims who were in the room, as she was asked to do? Would she hell. She said the congresswomans questioning was theatrics before snarling: Im not going to get in the gutter with this woman. I mean, I guess if Donald Trump isnt going to apologise to the Obamas for posting a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, that depicted them as apes, Bondi is not going to feel much compunction to offer a mea culpa. Another Democrat she described as a washed-up loser. And so it went on. But she didnt find Republican members on the committee rushing to her assistance, as has often been the case with these hearings. That leads you to wonder whether she or the justice department is doing themselves any favours. Theyre losing the room on this one, and despite Trumps insistence that America move on from this, there are still far too many questions and unexplored rabbit holes to be drilled. open image in gallery Donald Trump speaking at the White House ( AP ) There are millions of files that havent been released. There is still a bad smell. And the protestations from the president that there is nothing to see here just arent washing. Something else happened this week with Bondis department that hasnt had as much coverage, but in its own way is equally significant. I wrote a few weeks ago about the president and the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, demanding the prosecution of six Democratic lawmakers who said that US servicemen and women do not have to obey orders that are unconstitutional. They became known as the seditious six in Magaland. And sure enough, the department of vengeance and retribution sorry, the justice department obliged. The indictment to haul them before the courts was sent to a grand jury. In essence, it is a jury of ordinary citizens who decide whether there is enough evidence to take the charges to trial. It is invariably a rubber-stamping operation. It is very rare that a grand jury would turn around to the prosecutors in the justice department and say, youve got this wrong. But thats exactly what this grand jury did. They said nope, this is flimsy in the extreme. To add insult to injury, Hegseths attempts to have one of the seditious six demoted and stripped of his rank the former astronaut, senator Mark Kelly were thrown out by a district judge. The constitution may be buckling and creaking, but there are still checks and balances, and those doing the checking are seemingly less cowed than they were. As for the Epstein files, I suspect they will never yield all the answers that rightly the victims demand. They may not bring further prosecutions. But the rich and powerful men who thought they could behave with impunity are walking today a good deal more warily. And Donald Trump, though he tries, cant will this subject away. It is the type of story that could run under a You couldnt make it up heading in a tabloid newspaper. Yesterday foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and four of her European counterparts announced that their countries intelligence services and chemical weapons experts had concluded that the Russian dissident Alexei Navalny had been killed by poison derived from the very rare Ecuadorian dart frog. What might have seemed an echo of the plot of Conan Doyles The Sign of Four, where darts with poison from the remote Andaman Islands puzzled even Sherlock Holmes, turns out it seems now to be the latest example of the Kremlins use of rare poisons to target political dissidents. Reaching back deep into the Soviet past, from Stalins rule onwards, poison has been the Kremlins tool to dispose of inconvenient people. Stalins pharmacist-turned-secret police chief, Genrikh Yagoda, was accused of developing a poisons laboratory by Boris Bazhanov, Stalins personal secretary, after Bazhanov defected in 1928. Ironically, when Yagoda fell from grace in 1937, poisoning loyal Stalinists was one of the charges that led to his execution. Alexei Navalny was allegedly poisoned while incarcerated in Russia ( AP ) This might have seemed ancient history, until the lingering agony of the runaway Russian agent, Alexander Litvinenko from radioactive polonium poisoning in London in 2006. The radioactive trail left traces on flights to and from Moscow. Wasnt that a public relations disaster for Vladimir Putin? Why do it again and risk adding to the sinister reputation of the man in the Kremlin? Caligulas remark about the people of Rome, Let them hate, so long as they fear, is probably the mental calculation behind the perverse mix of top-secret poisons and high-profile deaths. Making your domestic opponents flesh creep is a good tactic even if it confirms foreign rivals suspicions of your regime. It was Alexei Navalnys bold return to Russia after his first poisoning with novichok the Salisbury toxin used in 2018 that was a deadly challenge to Putin. Once in exile abroad, dissidents tend to lose their resonance at home. Many exiles who returned after the collapse of Communism across the Soviet bloc found that their years of opposition outside their country meant that those who lived through the decaying regime regarded them as privileged outsiders rather than principled dissidents. Navalnys return to Russia meant that his survival, especially as a prisoner in the remote labour camp to which he was sent, gave him a status that posed a lingering threat to the Kremlin. Navalnys mysterious death was a warning to others. The revelation of the alleged method will send a shiver down the spine of Russians known to doubt Putin. Unlike a shooting, poisonings and simulated suicides by strangulation are always murky. Poisonings and strangulation require a post-mortem to clarify them. That takes time and that gives time both for the perpetrators to escape the scene of the crime but, more importantly, for speculation and rumours to run riot. In our age of social media, a flood of genuine questions and dubious theories can be exacerbated by targeted bots. Sceptics point out that the revelation was made at the gathering of Western security officials and analysts at the Munich Security Conference two years on from the announcement of Alexei Navalnys death at the same annual event. The good guys make propaganda, too. Alexei Navalny is dead, but his legacy lives on. Yagoda used to say No person, no problem, and Putin may have assumed that in the midst of the mass slaughter his invasion of Ukraine had caused, no one would notice or care about the sudden death of one dissident in an Arctic prison camp. But as Stalin understood, One death is a tragedy. A million deaths is a statistic. Alexei Navalnys fate personalises the cost of opposing Putin but also puts a face to the victims of Putins ruthlessness. In the past, rumours of poisoning hanging in the air had two advantages for the Kremlin. On the one hand, its propagandists could play on the lack of evidence for Western suspicions, to undermine criticism of Putin. But at home, the thought that poison could be used so easily struck fear into people. Across the old Soviet bloc, the Communist secret police in which Vladimir Putin was a junior cog had departments manufacturing rumours which, precisely because they were not official communiques, seemed more plausible. The internet maximises the spreading of rumours to upset and even paralyse dissent. The belief that regime agents could strike down dissidents with invisible and undetectable poisons can make any sudden ailment a high temperature or aches sinister. Putin has poisoned his own legacy, not least by launching a bloody and indecisive war on Ukraine, but also by seemingly trying to smother the memory of his best-recognised opponent through their death. But in dying as he did, Alexei Navalnys memory will haunt Vladimir Putin for however long he lives. And most in the West can never accept him as a partner again. In the short term, the main international consequence of the Navalny revelation will be to make it impossible for the USAs European allies to swallow any Trump peace plan for Ukraine that rewards Putin. Poison, it turns out, can be a boomerang. Irish funds delivering 1bn to midsize firms but focus must include growing start-ups Venture capital funding fell in 2025 for the first time in seven years John Bowe, head of corporate finance at Forvis Mazars Fearghal O'Connor Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Irish private equity funds will deliver over a billion euro of funding in the next four to five years to mid-sized firms but it is vital that younger and smaller start-ups are also supported to allow for the next wave of Irish companies to emerge. Finance Houstoun netted a huge windfall after JP Morgans $730m acquisition of Global Shares which is now called JP Morgan Workplace Solutions Tim Houstoun, the former boss of Global Shares who helped turn the Clonakilty start-up into a global financial technology player bought for $730m, has left his director role and plans to invest in more Irish companies. Richard Curran: If there is gas off the Irish coast were shooting ourselves in the foot not licensing explorers to go and find it Mediahuis Group, which owns the Irish Independent and a number of other Irish news titles, has been fined 7.79m by authorities in Belgium for its part in rigging a public procurement process for a newspaper distribution concession in the country. An updated wording for the confirmation pledge to be taken by children aged 12 to 13 now includes explicit references to vaping and cigarette smoking, alongside alcohol and illicit drugs. Bishop Michael Router of the Irish Bishops Drugs Initiative (IBDI) said the churchs response to addiction must be to speak honestly about harm while challenging the social and cultural norms that contribute to it. Betting big on blackmail: how criminals are twisting new gambling law to extort cash from Irish casinos Crooks posing as problem gamblers are demanding compensation and refunds from casino owners Organised criminals in gambling scam to hit Irish casinos Ali Bracken Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Organised crime gangs are extorting money from Irish casinos in elaborate blackmail scams that attempt to exploit Irelands new gambling laws. Latest | Tributes to nurse Aine OReilly who died in three-car Limerick crash as gardai seek driver who fled scene Driver of car fled scene of crash at Boher, leaving vehicle behind Aine O'Reilly Sarah O'Mahony and Deirdre Barry Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 09:15 Funeral details have been released for a nurse in her 30s who was killed on her way to work in a three-car crash in Limerick on Friday night, with one driver fleeing the scene. He was full of love and care: how John McGowan spent his last hours trying to care for his seriously ill son Henry McGowan was last week found not guilty of his fathers murder by reason of insanity Henry McGowan. Photo: ABC News Maeve Sheehan Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 When Henry McGowan disembarked a flight from London at Dublin Airport shortly before 11pm on November 11, 2024, he should have been unmissable in his big pink coat. KIEV, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that he hopes for serious and substantive discussions in the upcoming peace talks with Russia and the United States in Geneva. "We truly hope that the trilateral meetings next week will be serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us," Zelensky said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, according to a report on the Ukrainian president's official website. Zelensky said that the United States, in trilateral negotiations, has too often discussed the topic of concessions with Ukraine, not Russia. "The Americans often return to the topic of concessions -- and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine -- not Russia," he said. In late January and early February, two rounds of security working group talks involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine and Russia agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire. The next round of talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, wrote on Facebook that the Ukrainian negotiating team has been formed, incorporating the military, political and security components of the process. I was technically homeless, living in a friends attic Brendan Courtney on his incredible property journey TV star is well versed in housing game with purchases in London, Dublin and South Africa Brendan Courtney has been lucky with house purchases. Photo: Steve Humphreys Niamh Horan Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 As the new presenter of The Great House Revival, Brendan Courtney will be following up with homeowners who have completed their restoration of period properties. Irish ICE prisoner Seamus Culleton will be freed because hes white, says former White House official Anthony Scaramucci Ex-Trump communications man spoke about case on his podcast Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Photo: AP Niamh Horan and Lynne Kelleher Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci has said the Irish man who has been detained for months in the US will be released soon because hes white. Irishman sanctioned over Russian links helps super-rich invest in art, cars and watches Businessman who was penalised by the US Treasury now helps wealthy clients acquire rare assets Businessman John Hanafin is now based in Dubai Maeve Sheehan Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 An Irishman in Dubai sanctioned by the US because of his business dealings with Russia has reinvented himself as a consultant helping the super-rich invest in rare assets. My dad never mentioned his past to me: Soc Dem candidate on facing his late fathers associate Gerry Hutch in Dublin by-election Daniel Ennis says he is not concerned by how his run for a Dail seat might be portrayed in the media Daniel Ennis at the Five Lamps in Dublin's north inner city. Photo: Steve Humphreys Conal Thomas Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Daniel Ennis was warned by his mother that the newspapers would run stories about his father after he died in 2016. Catherine Fegan: UCD student at centre of image-sharing ordeal says it has left her feeling humiliated and degraded Presidential hopeful Maria Steen says handbag did not cost close to estimates in September The former presidential hopeful also denied she had a more modest handbag ready in the event she did receive a presidential nomination Maria Steen and her husband Neil Sarah O'Mahony and Maeve McTaggart Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 18:04 Conservative campaigner Maria Steen has said the controversial handbag she carried during her concession speech for the presidency did not cost close to the estimates circulating at the time. Vigil held in Dublin to remember Stardust victims Claire Bird, the wife of the late broadcaster and supporter of the Stardust families Charlie Bird, laid a wreath at the ceremony in Artane Vigil held in Dublin to remember Stardust victims Grainne Ni Aodha Press Association Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 10:59 A vigil has been held in Dublin in memory of the victims of the Stardust nightclub tragedy. Brenda Power: If male murderers like the Canadian shooter are described as female, crime statistics are meaningless Agenda being stealthily advanced by media and political cowardice must be challenged A memorial for the victims of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge in Canada. Photo: Reuters Brenda Power Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Since 1979, there have been just two school shootings carried out by teenage females in the United States, claiming a total of four lives. There have been none in Canada. Shane Ross: Jim Ratcliffe has given two fingers to Machester United fans and players The billionaire tax exiles attack on immigrants is a bad look for a club that has championed an end to racism and owes a lot to Africa Cartoon by Harry Burton Shane Ross Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Every year, like numerous Manchester United fans living in Ireland, I make a pilgrimage to Old Trafford. Recently it has not been a particularly rewarding mission. DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has advanced the country's economic diplomacy through a series of bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, the Directorate of Presidential Communications said Sunday. On Feb. 13, President Hassan met with Angolan President Joao Lourenco to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial development. Lourenco agreed to pay a state visit to Tanzania and serve as the guest of honor at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) in 2026. On Feb. 14, Hassan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali discussed expanding ties in aviation and water resource management. The leaders noted their respective economic targets, with Ethiopia eyeing 10.2 percent growth and Tanzania projecting 6.5 percent. On Feb. 15, the Tanzanian leader held talks with Comorian President Azali Assoumani on regional cooperation in tourism, maritime transport, and security. Assoumani thanked Tanzania for its support in healthcare and specialized medical services. These engagements underscore Tanzania's growing role in regional development as it pursues its Vision 2050 goals, the statement said. A site has not yet been identified for a fire station in the south-west of the city, including Ballincollig with a population of 20,000 Cork City Council has yet to identify a site for a new fire station in the south-west of the city, eight months after a report recommended one be built there to ensure adequate fire cover for an area with a growing population, including Ballincollig, which has a population of over 20,000 people but currently no fire station. In a written response to a question from Ballincollig Councillor Joe Lynch, Director of Services David Joyce said the process of selecting and evaluating an appropriate site for the fire station is ongoing. It is not possible at this stage to put a definitive timeline on the completion of this very complex process but work will continue until a site has been identified, he said. The Cork City Fire Cover Review Report published in June 2025 recommended the construction of a new full-time fire station to serve the south-west of the city, including Ballincollig, Bishopstown, Curraheen and Cork Airport. It recommended that it be built at a location between Ballincollig and Bishopstown with access to the N40. Mr Joyce said the city council has been in touch with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage about the project and we have impressed upon them that this is a priority infrastructural project for Cork city and will play an important role in the future of fire service delivery in Cork city as the city expands over time. The funding for the project with be considered under the National Fire Services Capital Programme 2026-2030. Allocations under this programme are based on the totality of requests received from fire authorities countrywide and Cork city will ensure that our capital funding request will be submitted for consideration as part of this programme, he said. In a follow-up question at this weeks meeting of Cork City Council, Cllr Lynch asked when is the deadline for submitting a funding request to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, given how vital securing national government funding is going to be to deliver this project. Mr Joyce responded that there is no specific closure deadline for this funding. They [the Directorate] are very, very aware of our needs and they are very aware of the importance we place on this particular piece of infrastructure. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cllr Lynch said he wants to see the process moving more quickly. The new fire station was a welcome recommendation, which followed three and a half years of closure of the part-time fire station in Ballincollig. From a Ballincollig perspective, it means that we will have a better service than we've ever had before - by way of location of a full-time service, in a full-time station, just minutes away; providing a better response time than was possible under the part-time service that existed previously. I said at the time of the review's findings being published that they needed to be acted on urgently and without delay. Whilst I understand these processes are complex, there needs to be progress made - a site needs to be identified and funding needs to be secured to turn what is currently a recommendation on paper into a fire station in reality. I will keep pressing the matter with council management in the time ahead, he said. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Fifth-year geography students from Killarney Community College recently met with former pupil and Mayor of Killarney, Martin Grady, to discuss key issues shaping the future of the town. Housing emerged as a central focus of the discussion. Students pointed to Killarneys growing population and stressed the urgent need for increased social and affordable housing. They also highlighted the sharp rise in property prices and rental costs, as well as the shortage of long-term rental accommodation in the area. Councillor Grady acknowledged the concerns and outlined proposals within the town development plan that could see the delivery of up to 4,000 new homes. He noted that approximately 1,600 people are currently on the social housing waiting list in the Killarney Municipal District. The Mayor added that affordable housing schemes are planned for Killarney and Tralee, expressing hope that similar initiatives will be extended across the county in the future. Traffic congestion and parking pressures were also strongly raised. Students spoke about the strain on local roads and the impact on daily life, businesses, emergency services and the environment. In response, Councillor Grady detailed proposed infrastructure improvements, including the planned Inner Link Road from Bohereen-Na-Goun to Monsignor OFlaherty Road, as well as a proposed link road between Park Road and the bypass. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening the economic corridor between Farranfore and Killarney. Public transport was highlighted as a key element in improving connectivity, with reference made to the Transport for Ireland bus service as an important contributor to sustainable travel in the town. Tourism and the role of Killarney National Park were also discussed. Students underlined the need for additional youth facilities, including a dedicated teen hub, and raised questions about the future use of prominent local buildings such as St Finians and Aras Phadraig. Councillor Grady welcomed the students engagement, describing them as the future of Killarney. He encouraged them to continue sharing their ideas on streetscape improvements, active travel initiatives and their vision for the town in the years ahead. Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show and Sale. Lot 241 The Old Road Farm. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show. Pictured is Keith Cullen with Patsy Fortune overall winner for champion Bullock. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show and Sale. Pictured is Abe Waldron receiving 1st and 2nd prize class 2. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show. All the winners and sponsors of the day. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench A record breaking number of bullocks and bulls were presented at the 45th annual Fatstock Show and Sale at Carnew Mart as over 1,200 head of top quality cattle were on offer. Trade took off on the morning of the sale and was well supported on the day. Auctioneer David Quinn said the event was one of the biggest sales of bullocks and bulls in the history of the show. The heavy beef bullocks generally sold from 4 up to as high as 5.10 per kilo, while the quality lots made from 4.40 to 5, with a range of buyers from local factories, wholesalers and northern buyers. The Champion Bullock was a 990kg Belgian blue bullock owned by Patsy Fortune which sold for 4,760. Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show. Pictured is Patsy Fortune, Keith Cullen, Mary Fortune and Patrick Fortune. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench On the day, over 20 cattle were sold in excess of 4,000 while approximately 300 cattle were sold for 3,000 or more. David Quinn thanked those for supporting the annual event from exhibitors, workers and staff to make the day run smoothly. With many prize winners in a number of different categories, the winners are as follows: Best continental factory type bullock Sponsored by: Arklow Credit Union. Patsy Fortune - 978KG - LMX - 4750 - 4.86pkg Patsy Fortune - 942KG - LMX - 4140 - 4.39pkg Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show and Sale. Pictured is Abe Waldron receiving 1st and 2nd prize class 2. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Best two or more continental type bullocks Sponsored by: Donohue Agri Abe Waldron - 5 x 635KG - CHX - 2880 - 4.53pkg Abe Waldron - 770KG - LMX - 3440 - 4.47pkg Owen Doyle - 822KG - LMX - 3250 - 3.95pkg Best non-continental factory type bullocks Sponsored by: Bank of Ireland Aaron Mooney - 2 x 685KG - AAX - 2800 - 4.09pkg Liz Doran - 2 x 650KG - AAX - 2590 - 3.98pkg James Graham - 3 x 610KG - 2420 - 3.96pkg Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show and Sale. Pictured is James Graham receiving 3rd prize class 3. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Best two or more store bullocks Sponsored by: IFA Ann Hardy - 2 x 651KG - PTX - 2860 - 4.39pkg Brendan Kavanagh - 2 x 585KG - CHX - 2540 - 4.34pkg Brendan Kavanagh - 4 x 621KG - CHX - 2710 - 4.36pkg Best continental store bullock Sponsored by: O' Doherty Warren Solicitors Noel Armstrong - 660KG - BBX - 3150 - 4.77pkg Liam Byrne - 614KG - LMX - 2760 - 4.50pkg Ann Hardy - 710KG - PTX - 3360 - 4.73pkg Best continental bull weanling Sponsored by: Darcy Sand Shay Hayden - 464KG - BBX - 2900 - 6.25pkg Frank Bailey - 480KG - LMX - 2440 - 5.08pkg Frank Bailey - 476KG - BBX - 2600 - 5.46pkg Carnew Mart Annual Fatstock Show. Pictured is Keith Cullen with Patsy Fortune overall winner for champion Bullock. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Champion Bullock Sponsored by: Kelly & Partners Accountants Patsy Fortune - 978KG - LMX - 4750 - 4.86pkg TV chef reaches out as feud with parents David and Victoria continues Gordon Ramsay has urged Brooklyn Peltz Beckham to remember where he came from. The TV chef praised David and Victoria Beckham for being fantastic parents, but also said he has been in contact with Brooklyn to offer the aspiring chef his support. We got lost in Moscow and I thought Id never see my husband again: the Irish housewives who took on the USSR Donald Trump steps up US military operation in the Middle East as risk of Iran conflict rises Negotiations lined up as US president floats possibility of regime change Donald Trump speaks to soldiers and their families in North Carolina. Photo: AP Phil Stewart Reuters Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 The US military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two US officials told Reuters, in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries. Iran has chosen its protest scapegoats... and now they face execution Families say regime has been forcing Bahai detainees to confess live on television after the massacre of more than 7,000 people in uprising Venus Hossein-Nejad has been held prisoner for more than a month Akhtar Makoil Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 The phone calls, when they came, lasted three minutes. In those minutes, a young woman told her mother she was alive. A son told his parents he was exhausted and said that if the security forces wanted to execute him, they should, for at least then he would be free. At least nine Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the northern and southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, Palestinian civil defence and health officials said, in what Israel's military called a response to Hamas ceasefire violations. He tried to kill his family before neighbour says Canada school shooter almost burnt down house three years ago Police say they might never be able to establish a motive for the attack in which Jesse Van Rootselaar killed eight people Gunman Jesse Van Rootselaar Ioana Cleve Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sun 15 Feb 2026 at 06:30 The teenager who murdered his mother and brother in a mass shooting in a Canadian town had tried to kill his family before, a neighbour revealed. New York Times Image credit : X| @rarthitweet| Nancy Guthrie missing: FBI and sheriff follow crucial leads Doorbell footage and ransom letters TODAY Show Image credit : X| Tucson abduction: Authorities pursue all possible Nancy Guthrie leads Ongoing efforts and public concern Image credit : X| Nancy Guthrie case: Months-long search continues in Tucson The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has left Tucson, Arizona, residents and the nation on edge, with authorities warning the search could take months or even years. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently told thethat the investigation remains active and that the cases complexity could prolong efforts to locate her. "Nancy could be found within an hour, or it could take years," Nanos said, emphasising the uncertainty that often accompanies high-profile abduction cases.Despite the uncertainty, Nanos assured the public that law enforcement will not relent. Detectives from the Pima County Sheriffs Department and FBI agents continue to pursue every lead in the case. "We will not quit," he affirmed, pointing to a coordinated effort between local and federal authorities to track down the suspect or suspects responsible for the abduction in the early hours of February 1.Investigators have recently focused on a crucial piece of evidence: doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual lurking near Nancys home. The suspect wore gloves and appeared to have a holstered firearm around his waist, heightening concerns about potential danger. The video has become a key component in piecing together the events leading up to her disappearance.In addition to surveillance evidence, authorities have received several purported ransom letters demanding money for Nancys return. Family members, includinganchor Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie, and brother Camron, have issued public statements addressing the kidnappers directly. Despite their efforts, no communication has yet led to progress, leaving family and authorities frustrated.Several individuals have been questioned in connection with the case but were later released. To date, no confirmed suspects have emerged, and investigators continue to work tirelessly, examining every potential lead and piece of evidence.The uncertainty surrounding Nancy Guthries fate has drawn national attention. Law enforcement emphasises that missing person cases can be unpredictable, with resolutions ranging from hours to years. Nevertheless, officials remain steadfast in their commitment to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.Nancy, known for her role as a devoted mother and prominent Bible teacher, has a reputation for compassion and community engagement. The prolonged search underscores the importance of vigilance and coordination in abduction cases, while also highlighting the emotional toll on families awaiting answers.As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. While the case remains unresolved, the combined efforts of local law enforcement, federal agencies, and Nancys family represent an unwavering commitment to justice, reflecting both the challenges and determination involved in locating missing persons. BERLIN, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- An 81-year-old man was found dead and two others injured after a fire broke out in an apartment above a shopping center in the city center of Kiel, northern Germany, on Saturday evening. The man was discovered during a firefighting rescue. The two others suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene, said the Kiel police, cited by local media Kieler Nachrichten. A police spokesperson said emergency services were alerted at around 8:10 p.m. local time (1910 GMT) after residents heard cries for help and noticed smoke coming from the apartment. The fire was extinguished by firefighters. The shopping center is part of a large complex of arcades, offices and apartments. The cause of the fire remains unclear and an investigation is underway. Massive public response fuels the investigation Image credit : X | @usanewshq | Can Digital Forensics Help Locate Nancy Guthrie Before Its Too Late? What is 'Signal Sniffer'? Image credit : X | ___SPAZ___ | Is the Masked Figure in Surveillance Footage the Key to Solving the Case? Pacemaker signal disruption raises concern In a major development, authorities have released new surveillance footage that could provide crucial leads in the search for Nancy Guthrie. The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC 'Today' co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who went missing in the Tucson area. Her disappearance has sparked a large-scale, multi-agency investigation that is drawing on public tip lines, forensic analysis, and advanced digital tracking methods. Among the tools being discussed to aid the search is a technology called "Signal Sniffer", which can help locate electronic signals linked to a missing person. But what does 'Signal Sniffer' really mean? Let's find out.In the first 24 hours after the alert was issued, the Pima County Sheriff's Department received more than 4000 calls from concerned citizens.The FBI later reported collecting upwards of 13,000 tips since February 1, while local authorities processed at least 18,000 calls overall. Officials stressed that every lead is being carefully vetted for reliability and actionable value.The FBI said each tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance and whether it can be acted upon by law enforcement.The term 'signal sniffer' is not an official designation for a tool confirmed in the Nancy Guthrie investigation. It has instead emerged online as a general way to refer to technologies that detect electronic signals and assist in modern law enforcement tracking.A signal sniffer is a tool, either hardware or software, designed to detect, capture and analyse data transmissions or electromagnetic signals. It has specialised uses, such as tracking radio frequency in unique situations, for example, locating a missing person's pacemaker from a helicopter.Additionally, signal sniffers are commonly employed to monitor and diagnose data traffic on computer networks. According to NewsNation, a signal sniffer is the last hope of the police in the Guthrie case.Shortly after Nancy Guthrie went missing, her pacemaker reportedly stopped communicating with her Apple devices. A law enforcement source told Fox News that the implanted medical device lost its connection to her Apple products at around 2 am.Later that day, when authorities arrived at her Arizona residence around noon, they discovered that both her phone and Apple Watch remained inside the home, as per the report. Viral Facebook post falsely attributes donation to Mark Wahlberg PrimeTimer Image credit : Facebook | @DreamyDudefromdorchester | Fact Check: Mark Wahlberg $35K Donation to Van Der Beek Family Was a Hoax $35,000 donation claim debunked, fundraiser gains massive support Image credit : X | Sachinettiyil | Wahlbergs Alleged Donation to Van Der Beek Family Is Fake Mark Wahlberg donates $1.5 million to the Time's Up legal defence fund Image credit : X | @y2kpopart | Wahlbergs Alleged Donation to Van Der Beek Family Is Fake Who was Van Der Beek? In a viral but unverified incident on social media, claims surfaced that the Family Plan actor, Mark Wahlberg, donated $35000 to support James Van Der Beek's family via a GoFundMe campaign. The rumour spread alongside reports of other Hollywood figures like Steven Spielberg, Jon M. Chu, Guy Oseary, and Zoe Saldana contributing, but there is no evidence Wahlberg made any donation. The fundraiser, launched after Van Der Beek's death, raised over $2 million, with confirmed contributions from Spielberg, Chu, Oseary, and Saldana. Let's find out the truth behind Wahlberg's $35k donations.A post on the Facebook page Dreamy Dube from Dorchester claimed that Mark Wahlberg gave $35000 to James Van Der Beer's family and was moved to tears by a message from the actor's widow.According to, the post linked to a blog on an unreliable site known for publishing fake AI-generated articles. In reality, there is no evidence that Wahlberg made any donation to Van Der Beek's family, and the story appears entirely fabricated.Mark Wahlberg's name does not appear on the GoFundMe donors' list, nor have any reputable news outlets reported such a contribution. The 54-year-old actor has also not stated that he donated to the fund for James Van Der Beek's family, confirming that the viral $35,000 claim is false.Meanwhile, the official fundraiser for Van Der Beek has raised over $2.6 million in just a few days, with supporters leaving messages of prayers and condolences. In 2017, the Daddy's Home star gave away the pay he earned for the reshoots of All the Money in the World. Wahlberg, who reportedly earned $1.5 million, donated the full amount to the Time's Up legal defence fund, an initiative supporting victims of sexual misconduct.Mark Wahlberg pledged to give his $1.5 million salary from the reshoots of All the Money in the World to the Times Up Legal Defence Fund, an initiative supporting victims of sexual misconduct.The donation reflects Wahlberg's commitment to addressing workplace inequality.American actor James Van Der Beek (1977-2026), famed for his role as Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson's Creek, died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48.The actor passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer, and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared that he passed peacefully that morning. He had been privately battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since late 2023. Image credit : X/@PopBase | Reports of James Van Der Beeks $4.76M Texas ranch purchase weeks before his death have sparked debate over the GoFundMe launched for his family. The ranch wasn't his only major asset The GoFundMe haul raises eyebrows Internet erupts in outrage Never speak ill of the dead but wow this is such an awful look after that gofundme with the family portraying themselves as broke after his treatment and death. https://t.co/SWlvYV0I2d (@taybiIIionaire) February 14, 2026 Never speak ill of the dead but wow this is such an awful look after that gofundme with the family portraying themselves as broke after his treatment and death. https://t.co/SWlvYV0I2d (@taybiIIionaire) February 14, 2026 James Van Der Beek's private cancer battle ends Just one month before he lost his battle with cancer, James Van Der Beek dropped some serious cash to give his family a permanent home base. The Dawson's Creek icon officially scooped up the sprawling Spicewood, Texas, ranch he'd been renting since 2020, shelling out $4.76 million for the 36-acre property on January 9.While the move would definitely bring comfort and stability to his wife, Kimberly and their six children, the news has also ignited backlash, with critics questioning the substantial GoFundMe donations contributed by fans and James former co-stars in the wake of his passing.The 48-year-old late actor wasn't exactly hurting for assets, even if liquid cash was tight. Before ditching LA in 2020, James held onto his family's former Beverly Hills spread, a 3,134 square foot Spanish colonial joint that's been pulling in a cool $12,000 a month in rent and is now valued around $4 million. And let's not forget the family's wheels they're rolling in style with an RV valued over $400,000. On paper, it looks like the life of a teen superstar, which is why fans are side-eyeing the massive donations flowing to his widow.Speaking of donations, the GoFundMe launched for Kimberly and the kids has been an absolute monster, raking in over $2.5 million. The page, set up by friends, pleads for help with living expenses and education, noting the family is "out of funds" after years of medical bills. A listers have opened their wallets wide, with Steven Spielberg kicking in $25,000, Wicked director Jon M. Chu donating $10,000, and Zoe Saldana pledging $2,500 a month. But the massive haul isn't sitting right with everyone, given James' recent multi-million dollar land grab.The internet, as it does, has erupted. Critics are blasting the fundraiser as tone deaf.One user wrote, "Never speak ill of the dead but wow this is such an awful look after that GoFundMe with the family portraying themselves as broke after his treatment and death.""They bought an estate for nearly 5m, still have 12k/mo in rent coming in from a Cali mansion, & own an RV worth over 400k. He surely had life insurance."How can his family keep that ranch up? Wont that cost a fortune to keep? Confused," one wrote on X. "The GoFundMe = fund their luxury life style since hes gone bless his soul, but his family can downsize, many families have," one mentioned."I'm saying in the nicest way I can- request your donation back, his wife is intentionally misinterpreting their dire straits," another added.The backlash got so loud that James' rep had to clarify he only locked down the down payment for the ranch "with the help of friends through a trust" to get the family out from under rent and into a mortgage. Celebs like Broadway's Donna Vivino jumped to the family's defense, reminding the trolls that cancer treatment is "effin expensive even WITH insurance" and pointing out James famously made "almost nothing" from "Dawson's Creek" residuals thanks to a "bad contract."The beloved actor passed away on February 11 after a grueling, years long fight with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Diagnosed back in 2023, James had been candid about the financial strain, even auctioning off his "Varsity Blues" cleats and Dawson's pilot outfit just months ago to cover medical costs. In his final interview with the "Today" show in December, he admitted the journey "required more of me more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had." A European man assaulted a woman and her daughters in Brussels after he found out that they were Americans. He asked if they support ICE and told them he can shoot faster than Americans can. pic.twitter.com/GEkdJ5a6WG Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) February 15, 2026 Birthday trip turns into a public nightmare Image credit : Freepik| American family threatened by knife-wielding man in Brussels Image credit : Freepik| US woman and daughters threatened with knife in Brussels A wider debate about travel and identity Image credit : Freepik| Brussels man attacks American family over ICE views What began as a family birthday trip in Europe ended in terror on a commuter train, leaving an American mother and her daughters shaken and questioning their safety abroad. A short video circulating online has pulled the incident into the global spotlight, capturing a confrontation that escalated with alarming speed and hostility.The 37-second clip, filmed on a train in Brussels, shows a man aggressively questioning two American women travelling with their young daughters. His focus is political. He repeatedly asks whether they support Immigration and Customs Enforcement, before launching into a barrage of threats that prompt panic inside the carriage.According to those involved, the man went beyond verbal intimidation. He allegedly pulled out a large knife, estimated to be around 18 inches long and partially concealed in a scarf, then chased the family while shouting that he could shoot faster than Americans. Other passengers appear visibly alarmed as the women rush their children away, pleading for help.The victims, identified as Amanda Hardy and her friend Courtney from Alabama, had been marking a milestone holiday. The trip was meant to celebrate their daughters 13th birthdays, a long-anticipated journey that quickly unravelled into chaos. What should have been a carefree moment instead became a traumatic experience played out in front of strangers and, later, millions online.Local authorities acted swiftly after the footage emerged. Belgian police arrested the man shortly after the incident, easing immediate fears but doing little to erase the emotional impact on the family. Hardy later described the ordeal as surreal, noting how quickly a routine train ride turned threatening once their nationality was revealed.Adding to their distress was the response that followed. Over the weekend, the family reported receiving limited assistance from the US Embassy, leaving them unsure of next steps in a foreign country. Seeking support, they reached out to Tommy Tuberville, who reportedly helped them navigate the situation and return home safely.As the video spread, it also sparked debate online. Some commenters questioned how the assailant was described, pointing to his accent and Brussels multicultural population. Others focused less on identity and more on what they viewed as a rise in open hostility towards Americans abroad.Beyond the immediate shock, the incident has fuelled broader conversations about anti-American sentiment and the risks faced by families travelling overseas. Many viewers expressed concern that political divisions now spill into everyday encounters, even in public spaces like trains.For Hardy and her daughters, the lasting effect is deeply personal. A holiday meant to create memories instead left them with fear and unanswered questions. The viral clip may fade from timelines, but it has already left a mark, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly prejudice and aggression can surface, and how vulnerable ordinary travellers can feel when they do. Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, has asked Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), to clarify reports of an alleged procurement of about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate by his office. In a letter dated January 30 and addressed to Ribadu, el-Rufai said the substance was reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland. I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland, he wrote. Advertisement El-Rufai noted that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances and said it was important, in the interest of public safety and democratic accountability, to confirm certain details. He requested clarification on the intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate. The former governor also asked for the identity of the supplier and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit. He sought details on the total quantity and specific form or concentration procured, as well as the storage and security arrangements upon arrival. El-Rufai further requested information on regulatory oversight and coordination with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other relevant public-health and environmental agencies. He also asked whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed, given what he described as the compounds extreme toxicity. I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed, he said. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed. El-Rufai requested a response or a point of contact within the NSAs office for further engagement. He copied the correspondence to the director-general of NAFDAC, the director-general of NCDC, and the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he will support only candidates who support President Bola Tinubus vision, irrespective of political party, in the FCT area councils election scheduled for February 21. Wike made the statement in Abuja on Saturday night during Senator Sandy Onors 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service, and meaningful impact. The Minister, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to back any candidate aligned with the President. Advertisement We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win. It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand,* Wike said. Speaking about the celebrant, Wike described Onor as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and good brother. According to him, Onor is not only a friend but a reliable one, even in times of trouble: I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family. Five US military aircraft and the first batch of United States troops arrived in north-east Nigeria ahead of a joint offensive against ISWAP terrorists in the region. The New York Times reports that a US military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, on Thursday night. By Friday evening, three aircraft were visible at the base, with equipment being offloaded from at least one of them. Advertisement According to Brant Philip, a counter-terrorism researcher and expert, the military aircraft touched down in air force bases across Nigerias northern region over the past few days. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that the United States would send 200 troops to Nigeria to train the countrys military, as the West African nation battles insurgents across swathes of its territory. A US official said the troops would supplement a handful of United States military personnel already on the ground in Nigeria. The deployment follows increased security partnership between both nations since US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern over Christian genocide claims. In a post on X, Philip shared that in furtherance of the security deal, six US Air Force cargo planes were deployed in West Africa over the past week. Philip said one aircraft stopped in Ghana, with five proceeding to Nigeria. He said a sixth aircraft arrived in Nigeria on Saturday and will likely follow the route towards the north-east. Philip noted that one of the US planes, 1x C-17A, was deployed in the Kainji Airbase, while two others, 3x C-17A and 1x C-130J-30 flew to Maiduguri Airbase in Borno. He said all of them left their respective bases on the same day they landed. Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the primary base of operations for supporting the Nigerian army against ISWAP, the analyst said. According to him, the Borno state capital is a critical location because the IS affiliate currently controls most of the rural areas in the state. He said parts of the deliveries may include at least one or more MQ-9 Reaper drones, attack helicopters and a large number of US troops. The nine abducted worshippers of St John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have regained freedom. DSP Edet Udeme, Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, confirmed their release in a statement issued in Makurdi, on Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil on 8th February. Advertisement Udeme said all the worshippers were released safely and unconditionally. The commands spokesperson said on February 11 that the command, while acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, in connection with the crime. She revealed that the suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Udeme explained that in line with established investigative procedures, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation. Acting swiftly on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on 14th February, 2026. The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate. Investigations so far have clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St John Catholic Church. As a result of sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt, she said. Udeme said the command has intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network. She said that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were currently conducting comprehensive investigations into the case. Udeme said the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside the reinforcement of additional tactical teams to the State. She explained that the deployment was aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations, and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state. Udeme appreciated the collective support and cooperation received during the operation, particularly from the Benue Government and the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, who championed the non-kinetic approach. She said they also appreciated the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area and the effective collaboration of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard and other security stakeholders. This unified approach greatly contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and underscores the strength of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property in Benue State, she said. She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured the people that the command remained fully mobilised, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to keep the state safe. (NAN) South Korea has promised to help Make American Shipbuilding Great Again, pitching its world-leading shipyards to President Donald Trump as a model to revive U.S. manufacturing and create desirable blue-collar jobs. But in reality, the sector is reliant on low-paid migrants and plagued by a high accident rate. Shipbuilding is among the countrys most dangerous industries, killing dozens of people each year, prompting more South Korean workers to shun those jobs a growing problem for Lee Jae Myung, the nations leader. If we bring in foreign workers on around 2.2 million won ($1,500) a month to fill shipyard jobs, we have to ask what happens to domestic employment, and whether that truly helps the long-term development of the industry, Lee said at a cabinet meeting Tuesday. Advertisement At first glance, the countrys shipyards are formidable: fast, cheap, and relentlessly efficient. Seoul made the industry an integral part of a $350 billion trade agreement with the U.S., and has also sought to leverage it into contracts for military vessels and permission to build nuclear-powered submarines. Yet a closer look reveals a more complicated picture. South Koreas occupational fatality rate is almost 4 deaths per 100,000 workers, vs. an OECD average of roughly 3, according to International Labour Organization data compiled by Bloomberg. Risks are especially acute in shipbuilding, where the fatality rate in 2024 was more than four times the national average, government data showed. The safety record helps explain why many skilled Korean workers have deserted the yards. To keep up production as big orders roll in, shipbuilders have turned to foreign workers, often using layers of subcontracting to keep costs low. As of April 2025, more than 23,000 migrant workers hold the main work visas used in South Koreas shipyards, industry data shows. The government has repeatedly eased strict quotas, now allowing foreigners to make up as much as 30% of the workforce in certain skilled shipbuilding roles one of the highest rates of any sector. The data point to a central contradiction: The productivity Washington admires is sustained by jobs many Koreans no longer take, filled instead by workers with far fewer options to refuse them. This sits uneasily with Seouls $150 billion pledge to support a revival of U.S. shipbuilding and U.S. manufacturing jobs. Modern servitude What worries me most is that were exporting a shipbuilding model whose reality is barely sustainable at home, said Kim Hyunjoo, head of the Ulsan Migrant Center. If this industry is being kept afloat by highly constrained foreign labor, its hard to see how that model can simply be transplanted to the U.S., where regulations and scrutiny are far stricter. Three years ago, while working at a shipyard in Ulsan, a sudden blast from a high-pressure spray machine knocked Sri Lankan worker Aslam Hassan to the ground, shattering his protective gear and shooting toxic paint into both eyes. As I fell, I thought, So this is how I die, without even seeing my baby, said Hassan, who was working as a subcontractor at the time. His vision never fully recovered. His experience reflects the dangerous conditions that underpin South Koreas shipbuilding efficiency. Government data show nonaffiliated workers, including subcontracted and dispatched labor, make up about 63% of shipbuilding employment, far above the economy-wide average of roughly 16%. When you look closely at migrant worker visas, it feels like they were designed to create a kind of modern servitude, said Hassan, who now works for an auto parts company after his injury. During the contract period, we cant move even in unfair conditions. Safety rules are enforced more strictly during regular shifts for directly employed workers, one migrant worker told Bloomberg News, asking not to be identified as hes not authorized to speak publicly. More hazardous tasks are often pushed to subcontractors, who are called in early, late, or overnight, when oversight is looser. Demand is growing as the industry enjoys a new boom that puts further strains on its workforce. Fresh orders last year reached nearly $36 billion for HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Hanwha Ocean Co., and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., accounting for about 20% of global new ship orders by volume, according to SK Securities. Shipbuilding ties have also bolstered Seouls security goals. President Lee has received Trumps conditional approval to pursue nuclear-powered submarines, a long-standing ambition. But the growing strategic role has raised the stakes. Tensions have also become more acute in recent weeks, with Trump warning that the U.S. could again raise tariffs on South Korean goods, citing frustration over what he sees as slow or uneven follow-through on trade commitments. The threat has pushed senior officials back to Washington to explain delays and reassert Seouls promises. Further straining ties is South Koreas probe into a massive data breach at Coupang Inc., the Seattle-headquartered e-commerce firm known as the Amazon of South Korea. Vice President JD Vance has framed Seouls actions as an assault on the U.S. tech sector. With the trade deal still very much up in the air, shipbuilding as one of the highest-profile deliverables is under the microscope. And any failure to deliver what has been promised could derail the entire agreement. Ignoring rights The sectors heavy reliance on migrant workers on restrictive contracts is also likely to pose problems in any wholesale export of the model stateside, experts say. South Korea is painfully aware of Trumps anti-immigrant drive after Hyundai and LG workers were detained in a massive Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweep at a battery plant in Georgia last year, just weeks after Lee first met Trump. In the shipyards, many South Korean companies rely on a visa regime that binds overseas workers to a single employer, limiting their ability to change jobs, experts say. Sri Lankan welder Manoj Wijesekara paid a broker about 20 million won to secure a skilled-worker visa and a job at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., hoping the move would allow him to support his two children. When the pay turned out to be far lower than expected, Wijesekara resigned only to discover that his visa effectively tied him to HD Hyundai, leaving him unemployed and at risk of deportation. He says the company misled him. The company says he resigned of his own accord. The dispute is pending before South Koreas National Labor Relations Commission. I am terrified to speak out for fear of being deported, said Wijesekara, who missed his mothers funeral in November but said he was determined to hold his former employer to account. People tell me its foolish to fight a company this big. But this broken labor model doesnt just hurt migrant workers, said Kim Doona of Korean Lawyers for Public Interest and Human Rights, if it continues it will hurt Korean shipbuilders. Ignoring labor rights in an industry built on high-skilled work ultimately weakens global competitiveness, she said. Once companies fall short of international human rights standards and domestic labor laws, that risk can weigh on exports. The University of Pennsylvania soon may be off-limits to Army officers and other military service members who are seeking tuition aid to further their educations. The Ivy League university in West Philadelphia is among 34 schools the Army says are at risk of being banned from military funding for service members to pay for their graduate programs and other education, according to a CNN report. The messaging has caused confusion among military officers seeking advanced degrees in law, medicine, and nuclear engineering, the report states. Advertisement The G.I. Bill and similar programs to pay for college have long been a major draw for people who join the military. But last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the DOD will discontinue graduate-level professional military education, fellowships and certificate programs at Harvard. Too many faculty members openly loathe our military, said Hegseth, who obtained a masters degree in public policy from Harvard in 2013. They cast our armed forces in a negative light and squelch anyone who challenges their leftist political leanings, all while charging enormous tuition. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the department, which he calls the Department of War, is evaluating its relationships with other schools as well. [We] will evaluate all existing graduate programs for active-duty service members at all Ivy League universities and other civilian universities, he said. The goal is to determine whether or not they actually deliver cost-effective strategic education for future senior leaders when compared to, say, public universities and our military graduate programs. CNN obtained a preliminary list of at-risk schools compiled by the Army, which includes the University of Pennsylvania, as well as nearby Princeton University and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Officials at Princeton and Penn did not immediately respond to requests for comment Sunday. We are aware of reports indicating that Carnegie Mellon is among several universities whose eligibility to support graduate training for military officers may be under review. At this time, we have received no formal notification confirming that any such review is underway, a spokesperson for Carnegie Mellon said in a statement. As always, CMU stands ready to engage constructively with the Department on ways to strengthen and advance military education. Numerous schools on the list are the alma maters of Trump administration officials. In addition to attending Harvard, Hegseth obtained a bachelors degree in politics from Princeton. President Donald Trump holds a bachelors degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Vice President JD Vance holds a law degree from Yale University. Here is the preliminary list of at-risk schools: American University Boston College Boston University Brown University Carnegie Mellon Case Western University Columbia University College of William and Mary Cornell University Duke Emory Florida Institute of Technology Fordham Georgetown George Washington University Harvard Hawaii Pacific University Johns Hopkins University London School of Economics and Political Science MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] Northeastern University Northwestern University New York University Pepperdine Princeton Stanford Tufts University of Miami University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California Vanderbilt Wake Forest Washington University in St Louis Yale Update: This article has been updated to include comment from Carnegie Mellon University. GAZA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Gaza's Civil Defence agency said on Sunday that at least 11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave, revising an earlier toll of nine. Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said Israeli aircraft carried out strikes from dawn to midday in several areas. One person was killed and several others wounded when a drone struck a group in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood west of Gaza City, he said. Local sources identified the dead man as Sami al-Dahdouh, a member of the Islamic Jihad movement. The group did not immediately comment. Basal said three people were seriously wounded in a separate drone strike west of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Earlier, 10 people were killed in two airstrikes that hit a tent sheltering displaced people in the Jabalia refugee camp in the north and a gathering in Khan Younis in the south, he added. Residents said Israeli forces also demolished homes near the Sheikh Zayed area north of Jabalia, accompanied by artillery fire and gunfire. Artillery shelling was also reported in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City. There was no immediate comment from Israel on Sunday's strikes. On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces said troops had identified "several armed terrorists" emerging from underground infrastructure in northern Gaza and struck them, killing two and possibly others. The military said the incident constituted a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of committing "massacres" in a "serious breach" of the truce. Since the ceasefire took effect, 601 Palestinians have been killed and 1,607 wounded, according to Gaza health authorities, who put the overall death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, at 72,061, with 171,715 wounded. Amid President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration and deployment of federal officers to cities across the country, students at Philadelphia-area colleges are protesting against the appearance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at campus career fairs. At least four local universities Thomas Jefferson, Villanova, Temple, and Rowan have faced opposition to allowing recruitment in recent months. Advertisement A petition circulated at Jefferson last week sought to keep CBP from appearing at a campus career event. CBP and ICE both agencies that enforce immigration laws under the Department of Homeland Security have been at the center of a national debate after two Minneapolis residents were killed by federal immigration enforcement agents in shootings now under investigation. Due to the harm CBP has caused to communities across the nation, it is abhorrent for TJU to accept CBP at their institution, said an occupational therapy student who signed the petition and asked that her name be withheld, fearing retribution. I dont think any institution should be encouraging students to get involved in these kinds of agencies, given the current climate. But the petition has since come down, the student said, and CBP is not on the list of employers due to appear at the event, called the 2026 Career Day and Design Expo, on Thursday at the East Falls campus. Jefferson has not acknowledged that CBP was on the list initially or responded to questions on whether it was removed. READ MORE: Thomas Jefferson University gets its first alma mater song 200 years later. Meet the composer. CBP, which has offices in Philadelphia, has appeared at campus career events in the area in the past. An email seeking comment from CBPs media office was not returned. At Rowan University in New Jersey earlier this month, the participation of CBPs Trade Regulatory Audit Philadelphia Field Office in a career fair drew some student protest. Members of a student activist group distributed fliers speaking out against CBP during the fair, according to Rowans student newspaper, the Whit, and campus police and administration officials came to the scene. The agency also reserved a table and came to a fall event at Rowan to share information about accounting-related auditing internships, said Rowan spokesperson Joe Cardona, and has done so at the public university for the last decade. Rowans Rohrer College of Business Center for Professional Development hosts more than 200 employers each year, including local, state, and federal agencies as well as private-sector groups, he said. READ MORE: Rowan University launches $240 million fundraising campaign The presence of any employer on campus does not constitute institutional endorsement of that organizations policies or actions, Cardona said. Rather, it reflects our commitment to supporting student career exploration while upholding principles of open access and free expression. At Villanova, CBP pulled out of a career fair it had planned to attend earlier this month, according to the Villanovan, the student newspaper. The withdrawal followed criticism on social media about the organizations planned appearance. The organizer of an Instagram account that opposed the agencys participation said they wished that Villanova had made the decision to disallow the group rather than the group withdrawing, according to the student newspaper. I think a lot of students will feel a lot safer and more comfortable attending this Career Fair, the organizer said. But it doesnt take away the anger that this was ever something that was gonna happen. Villanova said in a statement that CBPs Office of Trade had participated in prior career events and that employers with prior participation were contacted through standard outreach about this years event. Temples law school last semester had planned to host a Coffee and Careers networking event with a DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawyer but later canceled it, according to the Temple News, the student newspaper. The event was replaced with a talk on public interest law by Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau. DHS chose to engage directly with students interested in DHS opportunities rather than participate in a scheduled career event, Temple spokesperson Steve Orbanek said. He also noted that career fairs are university-sponsored events, and actions that disrupt these events may violate university policy and established on-campus demonstration guidelines. Miled Finianos grew up between Miami and Zgharta, Lebanon, until he moved to South Philly in 2019. The 30-year-old rising chef runs Habibi Supper Club and lives in an East Passyunk rowhouse with a lovely modern kitchen, where his recipe ideas come to life. Within two years of its launch, Finianos has reimagined what chef-led dinners can look like in Philly with his exciting weekly concept Habibi Supper Club, an underground supper club in Philly serves the love language for Arabs with a big Lebanese feast. Advertisement Loyal diners and first-timers consistently book out his supper club as soon as he drops the reservation link on social media for five- to six- course menus showcasing the flavors of his roots think spreads of shish barak, warak enab, and kibbeh. Having left Lebanon 14 years ago, and I would say its important to me to preserve the recipes and the experiences that are attached to these dishes because a lot of Levantine culture is passed down by word-of-mouth, he said. So when the mouth gets farther away, it becomes hard to preserve the culture. Habibi Supper Club has brought me closer to my culture than ever before thats what fuels me to keep going. Heres how Finianos would spend a perfect day in Philadelphia. Habibi has no scary Sundays if I follow this exact itinerary, he added. 8 a.m. I used to wake up earlier when I was still at my corporate job, but now I sleep in a little longer to make up for some of the later hours of my supper clubs and workshops. Now I can sit in bed, check emails, messages, and socials Im a notorious quick responder; it kills me to leave things overnight. 9 a.m. Im out the door, dressed for the weather, and walking up Passyunk Ave. to find coffee. We are blessed in South Philly with a plethora of coffee shops, each better than the next. My rotation is usually between Hermans, Shot Tower, or Rival Bros. Today were hitting up Shot Tower for an iced americano no matter the temperature outside. 10:30 a.m. After sipping on coffee and reading the newspaper at Shot Tower, its time for breakfast. The only breakfast spot for me is Majdal Bakery, where my friend [and owner/chef] Kenan [Rabah] is slinging the flavors I grew up with. (This is a public plea for him to bring back the zaatar manouche with makdous.) With Fairouz playing, I feel like Im back home [in Ehden, Lebanon] for a bit. He wont let me leave without trying something one of his new pastry inventions and I will always happily say yes. 11:30 a.m. Sundays in Queen Village means the farmers market at Headhouse is in full swing. Armed with my tote and a debit card, Ill peruse the market goodies, often while on FaceTime with my teta (grandmother) or mother. I show them whats in season but low-key, Im farming for ideas of what they would do with what I buy. Then I head home with my goods and plot some personal menu ideas, along with some Habibi [Supper Club] R&D for whatever event is coming up. 1 p.m. Hunger hits again, and lately I have been on a Vietnamese kick. I walk back up to either Pho Ha or Cafe Diem for a dry rice noodle bowl to satisfy that craving. We really are so lucky to have such a diverse authentic food scene in South Philly. 2:30 p.m. Now, assuming I dont have prep work to do, Ill head back down Passyunk Ave., find another coffee, and sit with my laptop. If the weather is nice, Ill park myself outside and people watch, daydreaming about a car-free Passyunk Square. This is the time I think of menu ideas, work on future events, and just soak in gratitude for being able to do this as a full-time gig. 6 p.m. Now, my social itch is itching. If this is a day off, I usually have plans with a friend or 12. I like to keep it local, so drinks and snacks at Grace & Proper and Royal Tavern. Or if its open, Bok Bar, my favorite place in Philadelphia the view of the city paired with the delicious pop-up of the month just makes my heart full. 9 p.m. One last drink at my fave dive bar, The Jim. I have been ending my nights with a nice shot of Fernet Branca because anything else gives me acid reflux thats just too much information to be sharing, but oh well. As you can probably tell now, the perfect day for me is devoid of any chores or errands because thats what Mondays are for. The boy is in stable condition, and police are looking for the driver. Folks with information can contact the police Crash Investigation Division. Read more A 9-year-old boy remains hospitalized after being hit by a car in West Philadelphia that fled the scene, police said. The child was walking in the 800 block of South 56th Street, around 12:22 p.m. Saturday, when a driver in a 20102013 Honda Crosstour struck him, police said. He sustained several injuries and was transported to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon. Police are now looking for the driver a man they describe has having short hair and a beard, around the ages of 25 to 35 in a burgundy Honda Crosstour with a black passenger-side fender, a green passenger-side front door, a white passenger-side rear door, and a bicycle rack on the roof. Anyone with information can contact the police Crash Investigation Division. Trash, dog poop, and normal life are emerging from the ice and snowpack as the deglaciation begins in Center City, on Saturday Feb. 14, 2026. Read more Menthol Newports. A stray shoe. Child-sized mittens. Rotten apples. A crushed pineapple White Claw. These were a smattering of the artifacts emerging from Philadelphias permafrost this weekend, when temperatures neared a balmy 50 degrees on Saturday and the last vestiges of a bleak, bleak winter feet-tall snowpack on sidewalks, in bike lanes, and smooshed between cars were slowly, but surely, melting away. Advertisement The thawing out has left behind a Philly trash special, relics from a bygone era, before the city was buried under historic snowfall and its inhabitants were forced inside. A buffet of Wawa, Starbucks, Dunkin, and McDonalds cups once trapped under 9.3 inches of snow and ice have broken free. The littered receipts and Backwoods cigar wrappers sprinkled outside Fishtown bars have been reborn, soggier and muddied. The neighborhood dogs poop, bagged or not, has been preserved in subfreezing temperatures. READ MORE: Phillys snowpack reaches a 65-year milestone, and heres when it finally may disappear And for the people of Philadelphia who are stirring from their hibernation, the collective cabin fever is finally breaking. On Saturday afternoon, some ventured into the open air of North Philadelphia to bask in an uninhibited sun. They wore considerably fewer layers, bared arms and legs, and voluntarily gallivanted about in February. We celebrate it not freezing, said Uchenna Ezeokoli, 26, of Northern Liberties, who was seen skateboarding near Johnny Brendas. His coat was a mere flannel. If its not freezing, its a good time. Lori Sanchezs narrow, one-way Fishtown street was never plowed, she said, rendering it inaccessible and shutting her in for a week. But Saturday, strolling down Fishtowns main throughway with sister-in-law Katherine, she felt the buzz of spring. Thats our hope that it stays warm, Sanchez, 27, said. A streak of days when the temperature eclipsed freezing made Bala Cynwyd resident Nicholas Beck, 46, feel like hed overcome the winter blues: When the sun comes out, that always helps. This is probably the turning point, I think. But Father Winter hasnt totally released the city from his cruel grip: A mix of rain and snow is possible Sunday night, with the National Weather Service predicting less than an inch of accumulation in Philadelphia, and prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter (although real meteorologists say hes right only about 35% of the time). For now, come outside, the weathers nice, Ezeokoli encouraged. The statue of Ben Franklin on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, covered in snow on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Philadelphians are enjoying the warmer weather after weeks of freezing temps. Read more Philadelphia could be hit with some sloppy, slushy snow Sunday. After a banner day Saturday, with a downright balmy high of 47 degrees in Philly, forecasters now expect a coastal storm to spread precipitation through the region late Sunday into Monday, Advertisement Its one of those situations where if we have just enough cold air and just enough intensity, we could get several inches, said Ray Martin, a meteorologist in the National Weather Services Mount Holly office. But if the temperature is just a little bit warmer even just a degree it could end up being a rain-snow mix where theres no accumulation. Its a really borderline situation. Currently, forecasters are calling for an inch of snow in Philadelphia, Martin said. But I wouldnt be shocked if we got unlucky and maybe got two to three inches of sloppy wet snow, he said. I also wouldnt be shocked if we ended up with just mainly rain. Theres still some uncertainty with this forecast. Still, he said, more snow would not necessarily represent a major blow to Phillys efforts to dig out from its most stubborn snowpack in 65 years, courtesy of Januarys blizzard and recent polar temperatures. With temps expected to climb back into the low 40s Monday, any accumulation will quickly melt away, Martin said. Everything will look less brown, he said. But its not going to be 10 tons of snow or anything like that. The changing forecast comes 24 hours after earlier weather models showed higher potential snow totals, Martin said. There was some guidance suggesting a significantly higher snowfall of up to six inches of heavy wet snow, he said. But its way backed off from that. It was understandable and probably justified when a surge of roughly 3,000 masked and gun-toting federal agents into Greater Minneapolis was described in martial terms, as a kind of modern-day Battle of Stalingrad fought in a snowbound U.S. prairie metropolis. Watching the icy slips of the clumsy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and the remarkable pushback from whistle-blowing neighbors braving subzero cold, the writer Margaret Killjoy quoted a friend: ICE made a classic Nazi mistake: they invaded a winter people in winter. So when border czar Tom Homan stood at a Minneapolis podium last week and declared an end to Operation Metro Surge, many in the media raced to cast the move as a major pullback. Advertisement The Occupying Army Retreats, proclaimed the American Prospect, in a tone that was echoed across numerous outlets. The announcement of ICEs withdrawal from Minnesota, like that of the British from Boston 250 years ago, marks a victory for people power. But the smell of victory didnt travel the nearly 1,200 miles east to the South Jersey suburb of Lindenwold, where on the very same morning Homan announced the end of the Minnesota surge, residents were shocked by an ICE raid that targeted a bus stop for an elementary school in a district that is 60% Latino. A Ring video from the Woodland Village Apartments, where about 44 kids were waiting for the bus, captured the alarming scene as fourth and fifth graders some screaming ICE! ICE! ran away from the masked agents in tactical gear whod pulled up in unmarked vehicles. School officials believe no child was apprehended, although there were conflicting reports on whether any adult was arrested. But the suburban community, some 15 miles southeast of Philadelphia, was shaken to its core. In a video recorded during an emergency Ice Out demonstration in town, a bearded white man with a large American flag slung over his shoulder tried to give voice to the communitys anguish. I never protested before in my entire life but , he said, choking back tears. I watched fourth- and fifth-grade kids run away from our own government. I never want to see that again. Unfortunately, America is all but certain to see this again. While Homans public proclamation of a drawdown in Minnesota seemed a small concession to crumbling political support for ICE, what happened in Lindenwold was a window into a dystopian near-future of more immigration raids not fewer. This would allow an undeterred authoritarian Donald Trump regime to fill a $38 billion gulag archipelago of coast-to-coast warehouses with newly handcuffed human beings. Even Homan said as much last Thursday, if you listened closely. And let me be clear, mass deportations will continue, and were not rolling back, he said. President Trump promised mass deportations, and thats exactly what the American people are going to get. Lets also be clear. What happened in Minneapolis since the start of the year really was a landmark victory for democracy, and the notion that everyday Americans can defend their neighbors. At the cost of two lives, the great personal risks taken by Minnesotas ICE resisters ended in both an unforgettable moral triumph and some real tangible gains. The actions taken by ICE watchers who blew their alert whistles, recorded the governments maneuvers on their phones, or volunteered food and rides to help immigrants stay safe indoors prevented the arrests of scores and maybe hundreds of law-abiding neighbors. The courage of their resistance drove a huge shift in public opinion against the immigration raids, forcing rare concessions from the Trump regime. This heroism probably did cause ICE to scale back its Minnesota operations sooner than planned, and even pressured the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate two agents whose version of a shooting didnt fit reality. But Trumps mass deportation drive with an inexorable inertia created when Congress threw a whopping $170 billion toward this effort last year refuses to obey the normal laws of political gravity. For starters, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has lied repeatedly to the American people, which means theres no way of truly knowing to what extent the Minnesota surge has even ended. The day after Homans announcement, a St. Paul-based journalist noted 100 reports of ICE activity, still more than any other state. But even more importantly, a flurry of reports last week about a massive ICE expansion for the rest of the year with many more agents in the field, more offices to support them, and more detention camps to hold thousands of new arrestees showed that what happened on the streets of Minneapolis was not the beginning of the end. It is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. The fact that ICE is ending its surge in Minneapolis similar to what happened in 2025 in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, N.C., and New Orleans, albeit on a smaller scale seems less significant than the fact that the agency has, under Trump, more than doubled the number of field agents from 10,000 to 22,000, with many just hitting the streets. Indeed, the drive to recruit new agents isnt letting up. A Times of London reporter described the push as a breakneck operation as he watched officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection which also had its biggest hiring year in a decade work the crowd with promises of a $50,000 bonus at a sold-out professional bull-riding event in Salt Lake City. Can we really celebrate a retreat from Minneapolis when WIRED reported last week that ICE is also rushing to close leases on as many as 150 new offices an average of three in every single state to house its growing roster of agents and the attorneys and other back-office staffers needed to process the thousands of new arrestees? For example, multiple outlets confirmed last week that Homeland Security just inked a lease for high-end office space in the Westlakes Office Park in Berwyn, in Philadelphias Main Line suburbs, reportedly to house ICE attorneys and related personnel. A planned office in Philadelphias Chinatown, at 801 Arch St., is also listed by WIRED. Indeed, the regimes glum vision for the future of mass detention in America is laid bare by news that DHS is currently spending $38 billion from last years legislative windfall to buy as many as 23 massive warehouses that critics see as concentration camps on U.S. soil. READ MORE: From Big Lots to warehousing humans: ICE plan sparks fear in Schuylkill County | Will Bunch Experts say the logistics of converting these rectangular behemoths like the 1.3 million-square-foot warehouse in Schuylkill County, Pa., that used to distribute cheap consumer goods for Big Lots that DHS claims can house up to 7,500 detained immigrants into even remotely humane facilities is daunting, if not impossible. Yet, DHS is plowing ahead with stunning speed, clearly expecting a pending spike in arrests. In rural Social Circle, Ga., ICE is claiming it will convert a one million-square-foot warehouse into a detention site for as many as 10,000 people double the towns population as soon as two months from now. Project Salt Box, which is tracking the rapid gulag expansion, says DHS is using a legal maneuver to fast-track bidding to allow large private firms like the Geo Group to run these detention centers. Neither Trumps plunging approval rating, nor the rapidly rising level of ICE resistance from everyday citizens like that flag-waver in Lindenwold, nor the Democratic demands for major reforms that have caused a DHS shutdown (with, ironically, no impact on ICE or Border Patrol) has put a dent in this unyielding drive toward rank inhumanity. A newly bloated ICE wants to create a Minneapolis in every state, even as more and more Americans are willing to take considerable risks to stop them. What we are witnessing just over one year into the Trump regime is less a retreat and more an escalating game of chicken with the forces of democracy and fascism headed for a dangerous collision. If youre part of the growing American majority who is disgusted with what ICE is doing in our streets, now is the time to get your whistle, attend a training session on what to do when the secret police arrive at your kids bus stop, attend a protest like the next No Kings event on March 28, and join the movement to protect your neighbors. In the spirit of John Paul Jones and the revolutionary American founders, we have not yet begun to fight. The Government will consider all options to get a wing of the Rotunda Hospital for care of critically ill women and children back on track, the Tanaiste has said. Simon Harris said he is angry at the decision of An Coimisiun Pleanala to refuse planning permission for the 100m wing of the hospital, after Dublin City Council previously gave the project the go-ahead. The project would have provided for 80 extra hospital beds, alongside a new theatre and connection to the existing entrance and main hospital buildings. It had been the subject of objections from the Dublin Civic Trust and an individual. An Coimisiun Pleanala rejected the recommendation of its planning inspector to give planning permission. Mr Harris said he was beyond disappointed with the decision. Im angry in relation to this. I think thats the Governments overall sense too, because let's not talk about this in an abstract. This is about premature babies, Mr Harris said. its about them and their mums and it's about providing them with infrastructure. Mr Harris said there cannot be a situation where there is clinical risk. The Government will look at all of the options here to get this project back on track. Mr Harris said just because organisations have a right to place submissions objecting to projects, they should not feel obligated to do so. There are some things called the public good. There are some things more important than other things and the lives, the safety, and the wellbeing of vulnerable young babies, I can think of nothing more important. Returns on savings The Fine Gael leader was speaking on RTE Radios This Week, where he was also questioned about his plans to improve peoples returns on their savings. Mr Harris told the Fine Gael parliamentary party last week that he wanted to see proper investment opportunities for everyone, adding that there are not enough currently. Asked about his plans, the finance minister said he intended to publish a framework on savings and investment in the weeks ahead. He cited the likes of Sweden, Canada, and the UK, giving an example of a savings account where an individual either plays a lower rate of tax or no tax at all. Theres a huge opportunity here to help build up economic resilience, not just in the country but actually in families as well, Mr Harris said. Asked if this would enshrine inequality, Mr Harris said he did not believe so. The only people who can actually make a bit of money on their investments are the uber wealthy. I want the middle classes to have an opportunity here, he said. I want the squeezed middle, who are putting money in the post office or the credit union or the bank account to actually make money and not lose money. A teenager has been injured as shots were fired in north Dublin. Gardai are appealing for witnesses after the incident in St Margarets Park, Ballymun, on Sunday afternoon. At around 12.35pm, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting. The teenager, an adult man, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to hospital. The scene was preserved on Sunday night pending a forensic examination. A senior investigating officer has been appointed and an incident room has been established at Ballymun Garda Station. An appeal has been issued to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Those with camera or dashcam footage and were in St Margarets Park between 11.30am and 1.30pm are urged to make the material available to investigating gardai. Authorities have warned it could take "years" to find Nancy Guthrie. Savannah Guthrie's mom has been missing for over two weeks The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie has been missing since February 1, and while the Pina County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) have insisted they "won't quit" their search to find her, they know it may take some time to find out what happened. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told the New York Times Newspaper: Maybe its an hour from now. Maybe its weeks or months or years from now. "But we wont quit. Were going to find Nancy. Were going to find this guy. Authorities have found DNA evidence that doesn't belong to Nancy or "those in close contact to her" at her home. The PCSD said in a statement on Friday (13.02.26): "DNA other than Nancy Guthries and those in close contact to her has been collected from the property. "Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. We are not disclosing where that DNA was located." The FBI have also revealed "new identifying details" about a suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. In a statement on X, FBI Phoenix said: "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 confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBIs Operational Technology Division. "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." The bureau explained that each tip they get "is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement". They added: "Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) and FBI personnel are supporting a 24-hour command post in which dozens of agents and investigators are assigned leads and tips to action each shift. "Media outlets should direct tips they receive to the FBI. Additionally, we do not comment on tips and information we receive regarding ongoing investigations. "Continue to submit information to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or http://tips.fbi.gov to help us bring Nancy home." ACCRA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Interpol has deleted the red notice alert placed on Ghana's former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirmed in a statement late Friday. According to the OSP, the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files determined that the notice violated its rules and ordered it to be permanently removed. "The Commission directed the deletion of the notice under Interpol's rules on political neutrality and notice processing, citing contextual factors at the time of issuance, including 'polarized political statements from members of current and former administrations about the conduct of the investigation,'" read the statement. It also cited public controversy surrounding the prosecutorial and extradition processes, including "public acknowledgement by senior officials at the Ministry of Justice of an inability, at the time, to pursue extradition due to the early procedural stage of the case." The OSP said the commission further observed that subsequent developments made the notice unnecessary. The location of the former Ghanaian minister is known, and cooperation with American authorities on his extradition processes has already been initiated following his arrest last month in the United States. It added that a summons issued by a High Court in Accra has been transmitted for service in the United States, requiring the appearance of Ofori-Atta to answer multiple criminal charges. Efforts to secure his appearance continue through established legal and diplomatic channels. Ghanaian authorities, led by the OSP, are pursuing the former finance minister, who served under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, over his alleged involvement in high-profile corruption, financial misconduct, and abuse of office, which led to him being declared a wanted person. Ofori-Atta left Ghana in January last year to seek medical care in the United States. Attempts by the new administration to compel him to return to respond to the allegations proved futile, prompting the OSP to request Interpol to issue the red notice alert against him. The woman who died in a three-car crash in Co Limerick will be laid to rest on Wednesday. Aine OReilly, from Pallasgreen, died in a crash that occurred on the N24 near Grange West, Boher, on Friday night. Ms O'Reilly, who was in her 30s, was the sole occupant of one of the cars involved and was pronounced dead at the scene. She worked as a nurse for the out-of-hours service Shannon Doc, and was travelling to work when the incident occurred. She is survived by her parents Eugene and Ann, brothers Eoin, James, and Conor, sister-in-law Aisling, nephew Daire, along with her relatives and a wide circle of friends. Ms OReilly will repose at Ryan & Whites Funeral Home in Pallasgreen on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm. Her funeral will take place at St John the Baptist Church in Nicker on Wednesday at 11.30am with burial afterwards in St. Columbas cemetery in Pallasgreen. The healthcare worker has been remembered as a gentle and loving person. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Reilly family as Aine was a former colleague of ours at St Michael's Nursing Home in Caherconlish," said a former colleague. "She was a gentle and kind loving person, her love for life and caring for people and animals was phenomenal and her family." The driver of the second car involved in the crash, a man aged in his 40s, was brought to UHL for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Investigating gardai said they are seeking to identify the driver of the third car, who fled the scene, leaving the vehicle they were driving behind. On Sunday, a spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that gardai are "following a definite line of inquiry". "Gardai would like to thank the public for their assistance," the spokesperson said. "Investigations are ongoing." Negotiations are under way to resolve air traffic controller staff shortages, transport minister Darragh O'Brien has said. Mr OBrien has said direct talks are under way between AirNav Ireland the semi-State responsible for air-traffic management and Forsa on issues surrounding staffing levels. The talks come as concerns have been raised about the potential for travel chaos at Irish airports, due to previous closures of Irish airspace in Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Staff shortages of air traffic controllers have shut down the northern runway in Dublin Airport 11 times this year, while both Shannon and Cork have been shut once. Read More Fears of summer travel chaos as Cork Airport airspace closed for seven hours However, last Wednesdays airspace closure in Cork was the longest, with all traffic at Cork Airport suspended between midnight and 7am. It saw a flight being diverted to Shannon at 1am and four flights from Cork Airport being delayed. In a statement on Sunday, Mr OBrien said he is paying close attention to the matter. Our primary focus is on ensuring the smooth operation of our airports and minimising disruption to passengers. The priority for AirNav is the safe operation of Irish airspace. AirNav is currently engaging with Forsa on issues such as staffing levels through the companys internal dispute resolution board mechanism. That process must be respected and allowed to run its course. It would be inappropriate to comment further while that engagement is under way. Concerns have been raised that shortages of air traffic controllers could cause chaos at airports, particularly over the busy summer months. The disruption at Cork Airport was caused after one air traffic controller was unable to attend work, with a source telling the Irish Examiner that they had given AirNav Ireland reasonable notice to arrange cover. However, they said due to tensions with AirNav Ireland over staffing levels and pension entitlements, the shift could not be covered. A top European Union official has rejected the notion that Europe faces civilisational erasure, pushing back at criticism of the continent by the Trump administration. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed the Munich Security Conference on Sunday a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a somewhat reassuring message to European allies. He struck a less aggressive tone than US Vice-President JD Vance did in lecturing them at the same gathering last year, but Mr Rubio maintained a firm tone on Washingtons intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and push its policy priorities. Ms Kallas alluded to criticism in the US national security strategy released in December, which asserted that economic stagnation in Europe is eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilisational erasure. Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure. In fact, people still want to join our club, and not just fellow Europeans It suggested Europe is being enfeebled by its immigration policies, declining birth rates, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, and a loss of national identities and self-confidence. Ms Kallas told the conference: Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure. In fact, people still want to join our club, and not just fellow Europeans. She added that she was told when visiting Canada last year that many people there have an interest in joining the EU. Ms Kallas also rejected what she called European-bashing. We are, you know, pushing humanity forward, trying to defend human rights and all this, which is actually bringing also prosperity for people, she said. So thats why its very hard for me to believe these accusations. In his conference speech, Mr Rubio had said an end to the trans-Atlantic era is neither our goal nor our wish, adding: Our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe. He made clear the Trump administration is sticking to its guns on issues such as migration, trade and climate. European officials who addressed the gathering made clear that they in turn will stand by their values, including their approach to free speech, climate change and free trade. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Europe must defend the vibrant, free and diverse societies that we represent, showing that people who look different to each other can live peacefully together, that this isnt against the tenor of our times. He added: Rather, it is what makes us strong. Ms Kallas said Mr Rubios speech sent an important message that America and Europe are and will remain intertwined. It is also clear that we dont see eye to eye on all the issues and this will remain the case as well, but I think we can work from there, she said. A Ukrainian drone strike ignited fires at one of Russias Black Sea ports, officials said on Sunday, ahead of fresh talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old war. Two people were injured in the attack on the port of Taman in the Krasnodar region, which damaged an oil storage tank, warehouse and terminals, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev. Meanwhile, falling debris from Russian drones damaged civilian and transport infrastructure in Ukraines Odesa region, officials said, causing disruption to the power and water supply. Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian energy sites aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion. A woman wipes tears next to a photo of a fallen soldier on Love Alley, created in Kyiv in honour of sons and husbands killed in the war (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Russia, meanwhile, wants to cripple the Ukrainian power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Kyiv officials say is an attempt to weaponise winter. The latest attacks came ahead of another round of US-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, just before the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbour on February 22. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested there are still questions remaining over future security guarantees for his country. He also questioned how the concept of a free trade zone proposed by the US would work in the Donbas region, which Russia insists Kyiv must give up for peace. He said the Americans want peace as quickly as possible and the US team wants to sign all the agreements on Ukraine at the same time, whereas Ukraine wants guarantees for the countrys future security signed first. Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (Michael Probst/AP) Mr Zelenskyys concerns were echoed by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a ranking member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Unless we have real security guarantees on whatever peace agreement is ultimately determined, we are going to be here again, because one of the things we know is that Russia has geared up not just for Ukraine, but to go beyond Ukraine, she told reporters in Munich on Sunday. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia is hoping to win diplomatically what it had failed to achieve on the battlefield, and is banking on the US to deliver concessions at the negotiating table. But she told the Munich conference on Sunday that key Russian demands including the lifting of sanctions and unfreezing of assets are decisions for Europe. If we want a sustainable peace then we need concessions also from the Russian side, she said. Previous US-led efforts to find consensus on ending the war have failed to resolve difficult issues, such as the future of Ukraines Donbas industrial heartland that is largely occupied by Russian forces. On Nov. 19, 2025, members of Break the Bonds NC, a coalition of Palestine Solidarity organizations, spoke at a North Carolina Investment Authority board meeting to demand the state pension fund divest from all Israeli government bonds. Immediately after the meeting, the state treasurers office emailed a link of the pensions holdings to Ari Rosenberg, a lead Break the Bonds NC organizer. The $6.7 million in Israeli bonds that had been there in June were no longer in the portfolio. Rosenberg was in disbelief that only five months since the campaigns launch, the state had already completely divested. But after receiving another email from the treasury confirming that the state pension fund no longer held any Israeli bonds, her disbelief gave way to elation. I cried really hard, Rosenberg said. And then I recorded a message to my comrades being like, You wont believe this. She wasnt alone. A few weeks prior, organizers in Minnesota and Michigan received the same good news: that state investment bodies had divested from or declined to reinvest in Israeli bonds. In total, the three states dropped approximately $27 million in bonds. But Israeli bonds remain a contentious issue in many parts of the country, including New York City, where organizers are pressuring comptroller Mark Levine not to reinvest after former comptroller Brad Lander divested in 2023. Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposes reinvestment, setting the stage for a potential showdown. While the North Carolina campaign targeted sovereign debt bonds, which are issued directly by the Israeli government, organizers in New York, Michigan and Minnesota targeted another financial instrument, known as Israel Bonds. This investment vehicle originated in the aftermath of the 1948 Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe, when Israel was founded on the rubble of ethnically cleansed Palestinian villages. During a time of economic insecurity, Israels first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, conceived of a financial instrument designed specifically for American Jews to materially support Zionism. Militarized occupation and genocide are expensive: The Israeli Defense Forces have spent $60 billion on military operations since Oct. 7, 2023. To foot the bill, the Development Corporation for Israel, or DCI, a de facto wing of the state that brokers Israel Bond sales, sold more than $1 billion in bonds during the 30 days following Oct. 7. Sales totaled a record $5.7 billion by October 2025, and just last month, Palm Beach County purchased another $350 million in DCI Bonds, boosting its Israel Bonds portfolio to $1 billion. Additionally, between October 2023 and January 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Finance raised $19.4 billion for its war chest through sovereign debt bonds the financial instrument that the North Carolina State Treasurer divested from. Israel Bonds offer a slush fund that insulates the Israeli military and government from the logical, legal and righteous nonviolent economic pressure that institutions can act on to abide by international law, said Dani Noble, national campaigns manager of Jewish Voice for Peace, or JVP. The DCI website describes Israel Bonds as an invaluable and strategic national resource, especially since bonds clients have proven time and again that when Israel is in the midst of a crisis, they do not walk away. However, at least in some parts of the U.S., that seems to be changing. Israeli bonds both DCI and sovereign debt have become a primary target for organizers seeking an end to local complicity in the Gaza genocide. According to Noble, there are at least 14 different divestment campaigns focused on Israeli bonds around the country, 13 of which started after Oct. 7, 2023. Public opinion is with them: An October 2025 IMEU Policy Project poll found that 76 percent of Democrats support a ban on purchasing Israel bonds. While they differed in their organizing arena and the type of bonds targeted, the Michigan, Minnesota and North Carolina divestment campaigns shared some common features. Finding the money Before these campaigns launched publicly, divestment organizers developed research strategies that included public records requests and conversations with government officials. This research helped them hone in on specific targets. Break the Bonds North Carolina a coalition consisting of Muslims for Social Justice, Palestinian Youth Movement-North Carolina, Durham Educators for Abolition and Liberation, and two local chapters of JVP formed in February 2024 on the heels of a series of municipal ceasefire resolution wins. Organizers initially conceived of municipal-level campaigns in order to maximize pressure on elected officials. But when they researched state investment laws, they learned that municipalities do not manage their own investments; instead, the State Treasurer manages them. Despite their eagerness to focus locally, Rosenberg said this research revealed they had to do a statewide campaign, and so we switched to the state pension plan. In Michigan, Matt Clark, a labor lawyer and longtime organizer in the Palestine solidarity movement, led the charge on researching Israeli bond holdings, starting in July 2024. He built rapport with a Michigan Treasury Department public relations liaison by presenting himself as a citizen curious about the state pension funds international bond holdings. I didnt say anything about why I wanted it; I didnt say anything about Israel Bonds, Clark said. I just asked for any information on international bonds. The treasury department offered to send the entire 90-page pension fund portfolio. Upon digging through it, Clark found Israel Bonds. The portfolio revealed that the pensions of 550,000 former and current state employees were invested in a $10 million DCI Bond, purchased November 2023 and expiring November 2025. Subsequent FOIA requests showed that the Michigan treasury had invested in Israel Bonds for 30 years. After receiving this information, Clark began talking with people across Michigan about a potential divestment campaign. He found it difficult to explain the abstruse nature of the Michigan retirement system and of Israel Bonds. Its hard to get peoples attention, especially when youre trying to get your own head around it, but I knew that if I got into this it would become my life, Clark said. Eventually he connected with a group called Lansing for Palestine, based in Clarks hometown. I showed up to their meeting and didnt know a single person, Clark said. I pitched them on an Israel Bonds campaign and was pleasantly surprised at how enthusiastic they were. And things really went from there. I was lucky enough to find people who were willing to also make this their life for a while. Matt Clark speaks at the Michigan Investment Board quarterly meeting in Lansing, Michigan on Jan. 8, 2025. (Michigan Divest) Michigan Divest launched in October 2024 with a clear one-year timeline and a simple demand for the Michigan treasury: not to reinvest in Israel Bonds when they expired in November 2025. It was pretty ambitious; you have to be kind of half out of your mind to think that you can even do this, Clark said. While these state-level campaigns were forming, a behind-the-scenes national network of Israeli bonds divestment organizers had coalesced to deepen each others research capabilities and share strategy tips, facilitated by JVP, the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Internationalist Law Center. Matt Clark credits this network with helping Michigan organizers understand the different types of Israeli bonds, which was crucial to building a statewide strategy. The technical knowledge about Israel Bonds was really essential, Clark said. He learned that DCI Bonds are illiquid, meaning they are exceedingly difficult to trade before the bonds maturity date in this case, November 2025. Organizers knew they had a firm deadline to pile on the political pressure. Unlike the one-year campaign in Michigan, Minnesotans have been organizing for Israeli bonds divestment for almost two decades. Inspired by the launch of the BDS movement by Palestine civil society groups in 2005, an autonomous group of organizers in Minnesota got to work looking for a suitable target. Through public records requests, they found out that the Minnesota State Board of Investment, or SBI, which manages the states three largest public pension funds, held both types of Israeli bonds. A divestment campaign called Minnesota Break the Bonds launched in 2008. Building the base For all three campaigns, signaling sweeping support for divestment was essential. Organizations in the Minnesota-Palestine solidarity ecosystem spent decades building a base of opposition to the states Israel holdings, including hosting teach-ins about the SBI. Break the Bonds NC assembled a statewide coalition in just under one year. At events ranging from political rallies to farmers markets, they gathered 4,600 signatures for a petition to State Treasurer Bradford Briner demanding state divestment from Israeli government bonds. They also received 41 organizational endorsements, including from UE Local 150, a public service workers union representing thousands of pension holders. Labor played an important role in Michigan as well. Michigan Divest was endorsed by multiple local labor unions, including AFT 681 (Dearborn Federation of Teachers), AFT Local 2000 (Wayne County Community College Federation of Teachers), AFT Local 4751 (Lansing Community College Administrative Association) and UAW Local 6000 Region 1A Retirees Subchapter, which all represent state pensioners. Clark also spoke about Israel Bonds at a Metro Detroit DSA meeting, where he collected signatures for a petition calling on the Michigan treasury to allow the DCI Bonds to mature without reinvesting. Michigan Divest flyered at multiple No Kings rallies across the state in October and collected signatures at a 2025 Pride event in Ferndale. Overwhelmingly, the campaign received positive responses from the public. We felt like we really tapped into something, because people are watching this horrible thing happen on their cell phones and wondering, What the hell can I even do? Clark said. I feel like we were able to answer that question. Inside-outside strategies take shape All three campaigns pursued some combination of an inside-outside strategy. Michigan Divest emphasized building a warm working relationship with key decision makers, said campaign organizer Anna Martinez-Hume. The organizers warmth paid off, she said, and they wanted to meet with us again and again. We had a laundry list of key questions, and worked with our coalition in strategizing meetings about what information we wanted to know. Through these meetings, Michigan Divest learned that the chief investment officer, Jon Braeutigam, is solely responsible for managing assets that represent 1 percent or less of the state pension portfolio and that Israel Bonds fell within those parameters. That information helped them understand which official they had to convince and guided their outside strategy toward public investment board meetings. When we showed up to the first investment board meeting, there was not an empty seat in the room, Clark said. In subsequent meetings, support for Israel Bonds divestment was so widespread that the board had to book a bigger room. In Minnesota, organizers began by pursuing a lawsuit against the state, on the grounds that the investments funded war crimes and made Minnesota complicit in Israels violations of international law. When the lawsuit was thrown out based on lack of standing in November 2012, the group shifted its strategy to a full-blown public pressure campaign targeting the four elected officials helming the SBI: the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor. MN BDS Community, a statewide clearinghouse for BDS information, formed in 2015 and adopted Minnesota Break the Bonds as its first campaign. We had state employees and pensioners testifying before the State Board of Investment for years, said Bob Goonin, a MN BDS Community organizer. Speakers from American Muslims for Palestine, JVP, the MN Anti-War Committee and other groups made the same case the lawsuit had that the investments made the SBI complicit in international law violations, genocide and apartheid. Especially since weve seen starvation used as a weapon of war, teachers have been calling out to the state board saying they dont want to see children starving in Gaza when they are teaching children here, Goonin said. Others appealed to the SBIs fiduciary responsibility, citing recent credit downgrades that make Israeli bonds a risky investment. Groups across Minnesota came at this from different angles, but it was really a coordinated effort, Goonin said. As Israels genocide in Gaza escalated over the past two years, more and more Minnesotans protested at SBI meetings. The SBI reacted by moving its public meetings to a smaller space without live public comment in December 2024. During the March 2025 public meeting, dozens of state troopers guarded the building entrance and blocked parking lots. Goonin saw all of this as a sign that the pressure campaign was working. Beyond public comment meetings, some organizers focused on meeting with legislators and SBI board members, while others organized actions outside of the governors mansion. In June 2025, before Break the Bonds North Carolina publicly launched, three pension holders with the campaign met with the state treasurer to develop a relationship and express their concern about Israeli bonds. The treasurer said he was unaware of Israeli bonds and asked for info on them, Rosenberg said. After organizers sent him information, he said that he didnt find the bonds compelling from a risk reward perspective. Immediately after that meeting, NC Break the Bonds launched its campaign publicly and in October, the treasurer fully divested. Bonds broken Despite the Minnesota SBI, the North Carolina treasurers office and Michigan treasury each claiming the divestment moves were purely financial, organizers in all three venues claim they are a clear response to public pressure. The communitys opposition to the state board holding these Israel bonds was a primary driver in their decision, Minnesota organizer Bob Goonin said. In Michigan, victory came in November when the chief investment officer decided not to reinvest in the $10 million Israel Bonds after they expired. Public records requests by Michigan Divest revealed that DCIs national managing director, Larry Berman, had repeatedly emailed the treasury, pleading with the state to reinvest and even offering rates higher than those publicly available. When I saw [the emails], my hair stood up, it was so creepy, Clark said. I felt like we saw a shark fin breaching the surface for just a minute. We know that theyre paying attention. They realize were a threat. The divestment movement in Michigan was threatening enough to break the 30-year financial relationship between Michigan and the state of Israel. Image of Michigan Capitol, Lansing, by Jason Gillman from Pixabay The win in North Carolina was equally significant, considering that the treasurer actively decided to sell the sovereign debt bonds. I think it shows that these pressure campaigns work, Rosenberg said. Investing in Israel is just a bad investment for all the reasons. Its a bad financial and a bad moral investment. Rosenberg also believes that the consecutive wins across state lines suggest that state pension managers are communicating with each other. Making that financial argument was also critical in Minnesota, where organizer Karen Schraufnagel believes the most important factor was appealing to the SBIs fiduciary responsibility. In October, public records received by the MN BDS Community showed that the SBI had sold or let expire all but $470,000 in Israeli bonds from a peak of $13.3 million at a loss of $830,000. Rosenberg acknowledged that these state divestment wins are a blip in comparison to the multi-billion Israeli bonds portfolio,but every penny matters in this divestment strategy. We recognize its really just a little bit of good news, but we needed it, she added. You really have to say this is a victory, Schraufnagel concurred. But its hard to feel enthusiastic when your feed is full of starving children. We have to say good work and go on to the next thing. Five minute celebration and then back to work. Across the United States, there are at least 11 other active Israeli bonds divestment campaigns, focusing on a range of institutions. Some campaigns are just launching publicly, such as in Maryland; others have been simmering for years, such as in New York state. In the wake of the recent victories, were seeing unprecedented breakthroughs and possibilities in a variety of communities, from Miami-Dade County, Florida to Indiana, to New York City, said Dani Noble, the JVP national organizer. The three victorious campaigns are currently planning the next stage of their divestment strategy. The Michigan Divest coalition is scouring other institutions invested in Israel Bonds, while Minnesota and North Carolina are focused on their state pension funds investments in weapons manufacturers and other companies targeted by the BDS Movement for complicity in apartheid and genocide. Regardless of where it turns next, it is clear that the divestment movement is building momentum across the U.S. ( Opendemocracy.net ) Are the US and Iran headed for all-out war? Binyamin Netanyahu is undoubtedly hoping so. With a general election looming this year, the Israeli prime minister certainly believes it is vital to convince Donald Trump that the US should force Iran to cease its nuclear programme entirely and stop developing and deploying ballistic missiles that can reach Israel. Having confirmed he will seek re-election, achieving these aims would give Netanyahu a much greater chance of presenting himself as a victorious leader, regardless of the suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. To that end, Netanyahu visited Washington this week to join Trumps Board of Peace, the newly created US mechanism to settle the war in Gaza. He was not due to travel to the US until the boards first official full meeting next week, but his trip was unexpectedly brought forward due to the US/Iranian negotiations over the latters nuclear weapons programme, with the next round of talks likely to take place next week. In the event, the Israeli PM left the White House disappointed; his meeting with Trump lasted only three hours, and the outcome was inconclusive. Netanyahu was expected to push for a more forceful intervention by the US military, but seemingly failed to get his way, with Trump later saying that talks with Iran would continue. Tensions over Irans plans have been rising for more than a month, while the US has been steadily increasing the size of its military forces in the Middle East. These normally involve around 30,000 military personnel, mainly units in Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but also including Syria and Iraq, as well as forces permanently based in Israel. Last month, the Pentagon announced it was moving an aircraft carrier strike group from the Philippines to the Middle East, and it has now ordered a second to move to the region, likely from the US East Coast, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal this week. Trump this week repeated his threat to send a second carrier strike group to the region, while other reports suggest that more US F-35 strike aircraft are being moved to bases within range of Iran, with six aircraft having flown to the Middle East from the UKs RAF Lakenheath earlier this week. Despite this increased US readiness and Netanyahus hopes, getting Iran to give up on its ballistic missile programme is frankly unlikely. While there are indications that Irans economic problems, together with the mass protests last month, mean the theocratic leadership would like to see an easing of sanctions and avoid war, its willingness to respond only goes so far. A revised nuclear inspection regime with the UNs International Atomic Energy Authority may be the best the US and Israel can hope for. Not least because Trumps claim last summer that the US attack on Irans underground nuclear projects had wrecked its whole nuclear programme was a gross overstatement; it likely set the programme back months, not years. Photo of Tehran by Mohammad Amirahmadi on Unsplash This is where Netanyahus problems start. Trump may point to huge forces being massed in the region, and analysts will certainly point to the immense power that the US and Israeli forces would have if they decided to launch a combined assault. Iran could be pummelled by air, drone and missile attacks stretching over weeks if not months, but Iran has at least two strengths of its own. One is obvious: if Tehran is facing such an assault, then its Samson Option response would be sustained paramilitary and drone attacks on oil and gas production and export plants, including the closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. The global impact could be massive on a par with the 1973/4 oil price surge that did much to usher in the global neoliberal era. That is an extreme move, but there is a political halfway house that is less widely recognised. One of Irans few strengths lies in its development and production of low-cost short-range armed drones, of which it has produced thousands and sold many to Russia to be used in Ukraine to devastating effect. The key factor here is that most such drones do not have the range to reach Israel, but could certainly cross the much shorter distance of a couple of hundred kilometres over the Gulf to the many US military facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and elsewhere. Given the determination of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, it is well-nigh certain that it already has scores of stocks of appropriate munitions hidden across the country and ready to use for this purpose. It will also have established a robust capability to manufacture armed drones in time of war at numerous small factories and workshops in towns and cities throughout the country. The US military will, of course, be ready for this and will no doubt succeed in destroying the great majority of the attacking drones, just as Ukrainian air defences are stopping many Russian attacks. But that misses the point of this being a political rather than military tactic. If Iran is facing a bitter war of attrition, then all it has to do in return is kill just a few US soldiers. The war itself will likely cause a global economic downturn that will be damaging enough to Trump, but losing young American lives in a foreign war instigated by Trump himself would be little short of a political disaster. What may really be at issue is whether an overconfident White House, egged on by a hubris-laden Pentagon, an insistent Netanyahu and the ever-present arms corporations, may ignore whatever wise advice there may still be found in the crevices of the Capitol and take the war option anyway. Perhaps good sense will prevail, but given Trumps past record and his sheer unpredictable character, dont count on it. This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. If you have any queries about republishing please contact us. Please check individual images for licensing details. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Israeli authorities are still not permitting journalists into Gaza, even months after a supposed ceasefire. The big Western news corporations are taking this prohibition as an excuse not to report on Gaza, since they dont trust brown Arab stringers inside the Strip. In contrast, Al Jazeera English reports daily on the situation, and it can be watched on YouTube, or its own smartphone or Firestick app. The UN also issues reports based on communications from their staff on the ground. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that UNICEF noted that children continue to be affected by airstrikes and the disruption of essential services, with 37 children reported killed since the beginning of the year . . . between 28 January and 11 February 2026, 109 Palestinians were killed, 252 were injured, and 10 bodies were recovered from under the rubble . . . The Israelis are still bombing the bejesus out of Gaza on a daily basis. People in the Middle East joke darkly that their definition of a cease fire is, you cease, we fire. The health care situation is dire. Here is an interview with a British physician who has gone to Gaza as a volunteer 40 times and is in close contact with current volunteers there. He reports that because of a lack of medicine, gruesome situations are unfolding, such as fungus eating peoples faces. Al Jazeera English: British doctor exposes how Israels Gaza blockade is turning medicine shortages deadly Please enable JavaScript play-sharp-fill Embed Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed. British doctor exposes how Israels Gaza blockade is turning medicine shortages deadly Here is the computer-generated transcript of the interview, which I had ChatGPT clean up for readability: Al-Jazeera Dr. Graeme Groom is an orthopedic surgeon. He has volunteered in hospitals across Gaza over forty times . . . Can you talk to us about your experiences when you were in Gaza? Dr. Groom: Most recently in May, I was based at the Nasser hospital with my colleagues, and during our visit, the hospital pharmacy was bombed. We are very very familiar with the shortages, and as the pharmacy store was bombed, they became more acute. The problem with shortages of medicine is it sounds almost benign, but we have colleagues who are in Gaza every month. And last night a colleague sent an urgent request for an antifungal drug called amphoterasin. Now she wanted this for an 18-year-old girl who had a very rare fungal infection, a mucosis, as a consequence of diabetes, multiple comorbidities, poorly treated because of the shortages. And her very last message was this is an emergency, the fungus is eating her face. So that is when we talk about shortages of medicines and we talk about lists that are at zero stock, both medicine and surgical equipment, it doesnt sound quite as dramatic, but the individual impact is absolutely huge. Al-Jazeera: Now Israel is supposed to be allowing in aid and medicines because of the ceasefire. Are you able to compare to us the situation as you understand it now in Gaza compared to what it was like before the start of the ceasefire? Dr. Groom: I cant speak for this supply of medicines because were more concerned with the supply of surgical equipment. What has happened before the ceasefire and has continued since it is there has been a tighter and tighter squeeze so that when we travel from Amman through Allenby Bridge and Kerem Shalom, we were earlier before the ceasefire allowed to take a certain amount of equipment with us. We are now allowed to take nothing. And when I say nothing, I mean an anotist had his stethoscope confiscated on the basis that he wasnt going to listen to his own heart, was he? There is, as with everything in Gaza, theres a tightening and relaxing of the rules. So that that was at its tightest. Were now told that with sufficient advanced warning, we can take two small boxes of equipment in at each visit. That is very unclear. The definition of what that means is unclear. And of course, theres this immense problem of dual use items. Anything that is defined as dual use is prohibited. And you may know or you may not know that tents are defined as dual use because they have poles. Al-Jazeera Just very briefly sir, it was reported that around 20,000 people were in need of urgent medical care in Gaza. The Rafa crossing has now of course opened with the purpose of allowing people out to get that treatment. What is your assessment of how effective that is going to be? Just briefly sir if you dont mind. Dr. Groom: Yeah at the moment the number who are evacuated is a trickle. There is a much larger number of between 20 to 25,000 who need long-term treatment and that is our specialty. What is required is first those who cannot be treated within Gaza are allowed out, but more importantly that we are allowed in with our equipment. The partial reopening of the Rafah crossing in the far south of the Gaza Strip, bordering on Egypt, has resulted in a tiny number of medical evacuees being allowed to leave. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports, Between 2 and 10 February, the UN and partners supported the medical evacuation of 142 patients, alongside companions, including 91 patients (64 per cent) via Rafah Crossing and 51 patients (36 per cent) via Kerem Shalom Crossing. During the same period, UN teams in Gaza received 223 Palestinian returnees. OCHA continues, At the current pace, Save the Children estimates that evacuating those in need could take over a year. Thousands of patients remain without access to specialized treatment unavailable in Gaza, and more than 18,500 people, including 4,000 children, remain in urgent need of medical evacuation. The UN points out that staff shortages and damage to infrastructure continue to leave the Gaza health system in ruins. File photo of makeshift shelter in Gaza by Hosny salah: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-boy-sitting-in-makeshift-shelter-in-gaza-36038665/ The Israeli authorities deliberately destroyed all the universities and medical schools in the Gaza Strip, even though these were not military targets. It also destroyed or degraded most medical facilities. The medical students who had been about to get their MDs havent been graduated because their universities lie in rubble. The UNDP and the remnants of the local universities (the people are still there even if the buildings are not) are supporting 470 nearly-finished medical students to complete their training and get certified. The conditions in the strip remain unsanitary. People are living in tents with no sewage. 77% of water samples come back contaminated, including with fecal matter. Hepatitis A outbreaks are widespread, with nearly 6,000 cases reported in 2025, and the situation actually worsened after the so-called ceasefire. OCHA says, In addition, over 496,000 cases of acute watery diarrhoea were reported, of which about 47 per cent were among children under five. The rate doubled in 2025 over 2024. Diarrhea doesnt sound dangerous, but it is a killer of infants. Those nearly 250,000 children under 5 who contracted it almost certainly experienced a big spike in deaths. It should be remembered that this humanitarian disaster is not war. There is no war. It is Israeli policy to impose unlivable conditions on the people of Gaza, in hopes of thinning their ranks. It is deliberate genocide. GAZA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Gaza health authorities said Sunday that the Rafah Crossing with Egypt is operating under strict limits that endanger thousands of patients needing medical treatment abroad. In a statement, officials said the partial reopening of the crossing on Feb. 2 allows only a small number of travelers, "far short of the minimum humanitarian obligations owed to the sick and wounded." The authorities said more than 20,000 patients, including critical cases of cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and severe injuries, are awaiting treatment abroad. They cited "harsh and painful testimonies" from patients who have faced delays and restrictions, worsening both their physical and psychological suffering. Health officials called for the permanent, unrestricted opening of the crossing, immediate evacuation of critically ill patients, and an increase in traveler quotas to meet urgent medical needs. They urged international and humanitarian organizations to intervene, describing access to treatment as a fundamental human right protected by international law. "Patients' lives are not mere statistics," the statement said, warning that continued restrictions could lead to further loss of life. The limited crossing began Feb. 2 under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In the past two weeks, about 320 patients and escorts exited Gaza and roughly 320 entered, according to Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). COGAT said travel through Rafah depends on approved passenger lists from Egyptian authorities and the World Health Organization, as well as the crossing's capacity. "Israel will continue working closely with its partners to facilitate the entry and exit of Gazans," it said. The crossing has been nearly closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control, isolating Gaza further and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Rafah remains the main land route for Gazans traveling abroad for medical treatment, study, and work. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas pushed back Sunday against Europe "bashing" by the United States, as she said Russia must be forced to make concessions in talks to end the Ukraine war. "Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure," Kallas said on the last day of the Munich Security Conference. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday reassured allies by saying Washington and Europe "belong together" -- but insisted the continent must defend against mass migration to protect its "civilisation". "The message that we heard is that America and Europe are intertwined, have been in the past and will be in the future. I think this is important," Kallas said. "It is also clear that we don't see eye to eye in all the issues, and this will remain the case," she said. The gathering in Munich has seen European officials insist the continent must take the lead on its defence in the face of an aggressive Russia and doubts over the reliability of the United States as President Donald Trump upends ties. "There is an urgent need to reclaim European agency," Kallas said. She said European defence "starts in Ukraine" and depends on how Russia's war ends as the United States pushes efforts to stop the fighting. "Let's be clear-eyed about Russia. Russia is no superpower," Kallas said, insisting the country was "broken". "The greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield." The EU top diplomat called for the size of Russia's military to be capped, said Moscow must pay for damages caused, and be held accountable for war crimes. France's Europe minister Benjamin Haddad backed up the calls for Europe to pay less attention to what the US says and focus on bolstering its own capabilities. "I think the worst lesson we could draw from this weekend is to say, well, I can cling to some love words that I heard in part of his speech and push the snooze button," Haddad said of Rubio's address. "Focus on what we can control, focus on our rearmament, on the support for Ukraine and the threat that Russia poses to all of our democracies." Myanmar's junta on Sunday announced the ejection of East Timor's top representative in the country, after a rights group said Dili had opened a legal case against the military for war crimes. Myanmar's military -- which snatched power in a 2021 coup -- has for decades been accused of rights abuses, mostly targeting the nation's ethnic minorities. The nation is currently defending itself from prosecution at the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide against the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. But the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) said this month East Timor has opened its own case against the junta for both war crimes and crimes against humanity. The CHRO -- which represents Myanmar's Chin ethnic minority -- said "a senior Timorese prosecutor has been appointed to look into the criminal file" presented by the organisation. A junta statement said Dili's reported appointment of a prosecutor to probe the case was a "great disappointment". It said East Timor's charge d'affaires had been summoned on Friday and was given a week to leave Myanmar. According to the CHRO, its case against the junta includes "irrefutable evidence" of gang rape, a massacre of ten people, the slaughter of religious officials and a hospital air strike. The organisation entered the complaint under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows domestic courts to try international offences. The case -- and increasing diplomatic tension -- pits two countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc against each other. East Timor only joined the bloc in October 2025, becoming its 11th member. The junta statement accused East Timor of violating ASEAN charter articles that "underscore the importance of upholding respect for sovereignty and non-interference". The junta previously expelled East Timor's top diplomat in August 2023, over a meeting his government held with a banned shadow administration founded in the aftermath of the coup. 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 MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Canada to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Wang said that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China had yielded fruitful results, fully demonstrating that the new Canadian government is pursuing a new policy toward China, which serves the common interests of both countries and is a completely correct choice. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Carney have reached a consensus on building a new strategic partnership between China and Canada, providing strategic guidance for better development of bilateral relations, Wang noted. China is willing to work with Canada to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, remove obstacles and resume exchanges and cooperation in various fields, so as to promote the sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral ties, said Wang. For her part, Anand said that Carney's visit to China was very successful and has opened a new era in Canada-China relations. She thanked the Chinese side for granting visa-free treatment to Canadian citizens, and expressed the hope that the two sides will maintain close dialogue and cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and promote the positive and steady development of bilateral relations. A KILDARE-BASED explorer and technology expert has described how a decades-long investigation into mysterious artefacts in South America led him deep into the Amazon rainforest, led to him being held captive by a remote indigenous tribes during a series of expeditions comparable to those of Indiana Jones. Greek national, Dr Ionnais Sygrios, has been living in Timolin for the last number of years and is the founder of an online history, archaeology and mythology website called Ancient Origins. Though originally trained as an engineer, Mr Sygrios holds a Masters degree and PhD in Artificial Intelligence. Ancient history, he said, began as a personal passion before becoming his full-time job through his online platform. The researcher now living in south Kildare founded the website in 2013 while he was living in Australia. Two years later, he relocated to Ecuador to expand his work on the ground. In 2015, his investigations centred on a controversial historical case involving thousands of artefacts reportedly collected by Italian missionary Father Carlo Crespi in Ecuador in the mid-20th century. According to accounts, many of the items, some said to resemble Mesopotamian-style objects, were given to the priest by local indigenous communities as gifts in gratitude for his humanitarian work. Some of the artefacts were made locally, but some were described as very unusual and historically significant, he said. There were said to be thousands of pieces. Father Crespi, who also held a PhD in anthropology, later opened a small museum to display what were believed to be the most important items. A little time after, the museum was destroyed by fire, and many of the most mysterious artefacts reportedly disappeared. In later years, Fr Crespi became increasingly isolated and the story faded from public view. Interest in the case was revived in the 1960s and 70s when an international expedition involving British, American and Ecuadorian participants, including astronaut Neil Armstrong, searched for the alleged source of the objects. Indigenous accounts spoke of a hidden underground chamber known as a Metal Library, said to contain artefacts from an unknown ancient civilisation. The official expedition report stated that nothing was found. Years later, the Kildare-based researcher and his team began conducting their own inquiries into the mystery. They were granted access to remaining Crespi artefacts held in a museum vault in Cuenca, where they examined stored items including elongated skulls attributed to indigenous groups. However, Ionnais said the most controversial artefacts were missing. The team then turned their attention to the Amazon, launching a series of expeditions, five or six in total, to search for caves identified in indigenous testimony as possible locations of the lost artefacts. According to local accounts, the cave entrance can only be accessed underwater when river levels are low. During one expedition near the edge of Ecuadors deep forest and on lands of the Kichwa people, the group was detained by local tribe villagers after passing through territory without proper authorisation from tribal leadership. We received permission from someone who did not have the authority to grant it, said Ionnais. When other villagers saw us, they captured us and brought us to the centre of the village. The team, which were unarmed and carrying only research gear, cameras and drones, were surrounded by approximately 30 to 40 villagers, some who were carrying machetes. Ionnais said the group was held in a central area while community members conducted a form of public questioning to decide what should happen to them. It was like a village trial, he said. Everyone gathered around. Different people spoke and gave their opinion about who we were and what they thought we were doing there. Communication was difficult for all involved, as the crew had limited Spanish and did not speak the local indigenous language. The tribe examined their passports, paperwork and equipment while questioning their intentions. They checked everything, our IDs, our cameras, our drones, our bags, he said. Their confinement lasted between four and five hours. Eventually, the group negotiated their release by offering money and supplies and by repeatedly explaining their research purpose. Because night was approaching, villagers escorted them onward for safety to the next village. Eventually they let us go, but with an escort, because it was already night and the head hunters are out during the night, said Ionnais. But the ordeal did not end there. After being escorted out, the team entered another nearby village, where they were again detained and questioned, this time by residents carrying guns as well as machetes. He told villagers he was a professor and researcher and explained the archaeological focus of the expedition. This second detention lasted about two hours before the group was released. Despite the danger, he said the team focused on staying calm and non-confrontational throughout both incidents. We didnt show fear. We controlled our reactions and tried not to escalate anything, he said. And we didn't have anything to protect ourselves, no machetes, nothing." Despite the incidents, he described the happenings as an amazing experiences spoken like a true lover of adventure. Further expeditions to the area were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic, but Dr Sygrios hopes to resume exploration next year. But for now, he hangs up his fedora and bullwhip to live an ordinary life as a local resident and father in south Kildare. A wonderful contemporary Irish portrait exhibition was held at An Chead Tine Art Gallery in the heart Kilkenny City recently. The exhibition brought together the works of Niamh Curry and Sammy Kane, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Maria Dollard officially launched the show with a thoughtful speech celebrating the remarkable talent of both artists and reminding us what a privilege it is to host work of such calibre here in Kilkenny. READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY Curator, Mary Doyle Burke, also shared words on the artists practices, highlighting how Sammy Kanes vibrant youth-focused portraits set up a striking contrast with Niamh Currys deeply rooted depictions of the people of Castlecomer - two exhibitions sitting in quiet conversation, forming an unexpected intergenerational story. A Contemporary Irish Portrait Exhibition Rooted in Place and Identity - This duo exhibition brought together two Irish portrait artists whose practices, while distinct in approach and subject, are united by a shared commitment to honesty, connection, and the human presence. Through oil, charcoal, and lived experience, Niamh Curry and Sammy Kane present powerful bodies of work that explore identity, place, and individuality within contemporary Irish life. Castlecomer Faces by Niamh Curry - Castlecomer Faces is an intimate portrait series by North Kilkennybased Niamh Curry, celebrating the people who give Castlecomer its unmistakable character. Rooted in oil painting and charcoal drawing, this body of work goes beyond surface likeness to capture the spirit, resilience, and quiet humour of those who call the town home. Blending documentary sensitivity with a narrative-driven approach, Niamh pairs striking portrait imagery with personal stories gathered directly from her sitters. These lived accounts add depth and context to each face, transforming the works into records of shared memory and local heritage. The collection acts as both an artistic tribute and a form of preservation - safeguarding personal histories that might otherwise fade with time. Rather than focusing on grand gestures, Castlecomer Faces honours the everyday: the familiar figures, the unsung heroes, and the individuals whose presence shapes the identity of this North Kilkenny community. Niamh's work offers viewers a deeply human encounter with place, belonging and the enduring value of listening. Is This Normal? by Sammy Kane - Is This Normal? marks Sammy Kanes first solo exhibition, and it's a vibrant and emotionally charged exploration of youth, individuality and connection. Based in Garter Lane Studios, Waterford, Kane is a South Kilkenny-born portrait painter whose practice is grounded in traditional atelier methods and oil painting techniques. Initially conceived as a study of alternative youth fashion, the project set out to document the striking visual language of contemporary subcultures - torn fabrics, dark palettes, chains, piercings and bold styling. However, as Kanes process unfolded, the work evolved. Through sustained time spent with his sitters, strong relationships formed, and the focus shifted organically from fashion to personality. What emerged is a dynamic body of portraits that foregrounds the intensity, warmth, and individuality of Kanes friends and models. Using a combination of detailed under-drawing, grisaille and layered glazes, he balances technical realism with subtle abstract elements, resulting in radiant and emotionally open paintings. A Conversation Between Place and Identity Together, Castlecomer Faces and Is This Normal? form a compelling duo exhibition that speaks to different generations and experiences while sharing a core belief in the importance of human connection. The duo exhibition ran throughout the festive period until February 11. In House Curator & Gallery Director Mary Doyle Burke hosted a talk with artist Sammy Kane on January 22. It was wonderful event, where the audience got a great insight into the depth of Sammys painting practice. It was followed by a Q & A session. For more see www.an-chead-tine.com There is outrage within Government over the overturning of permission for a critical care extension to the Rotunda maternity hospital in Dublin. Planning permission was granted in July for the four-storey extension by Dublin City Council, but was overturned by Irelands planning body An Coimisiun Pleanala on Friday. Master of the Rotunda Hospital, Professor Sean Daly, said the decision was incredibly disappointing. Im really not sure that the correct weight was put on the clinical need of this building, he told RTE Radio. He said the age of viability was currently at 22 weeks, or 18 weeks before babies should be born. This created additional challenges as there was a longer period of time when medics were caring for very fragile babies who could be exposed to infection or other issues. At the moment in the Rotunda, we have a neonatal unit in which we care for babies who weigh as little as a pound and are born, as I said, 17-18 weeks early, all in one room, he said. So there is literally a meter between one baby and the other. This is not 21st century neonatal care. He said part of the reason for the planning permission being overturned was because of 2015 plans to co-locate the Rotunda with Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, which Mr Daly said he did not believe would happen, and had said so in his submission to An Coimisiun Pleanala. He said hospital officials were examining their options, which include a judicial review or submitting a smaller version of the extension on the same site. I think there is outrage in Government and indeed on the opposition benches about this decision. It makes no clinical sense, he said. Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris said he had spoken to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill about the issue. Im beyond disappointed. Im kind of angry in relation to this I think thats the Governments overall sense too, he said. Government will look at all of the options here to get this project back on track. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. ABUJA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and seven others injured after a bus and a truck collided on an expressway in Nigeria's southeast region, the traffic police said late Saturday. Franklin Agbakoba, the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu, told reporters in the state capital Enugu that a total of 36 people were involved in the incident along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway on Saturday evening. The two vehicles from opposite directions collided due to "wrongful overtaking and overspeeding," Agbakoba said, citing preliminary investigation. He noted that the remains of the deceased were deposited in a nearby morgue, while the injured were sent to a government hospital for treatment. The traffic police commander said that its personnel had also cleared off all obstructions on the expressway caused by the accident, which earlier hindered the free flow of vehicular traffic. Deadly road accidents are frequently reported in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, bad road conditions, and reckless driving. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy faces a reelection challenge from U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow. Both qualified Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, for the Republican Party primary. (Photos by Piper Hutinson/Louisiana Illuminator) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Brunei hosted a Chinese New Year reception on Saturday, bringing together more than 500 guests comprising a legislative council member, government officials, and members of the business sector to celebrate the festive occasion. The reception featured a vibrant lineup of traditional performances, adding color and festivity to the evening. Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Chen Shaochun greeted the guests and noted that the year 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of China. At the reception, guests were treated to an energetic lion dance, a festival drum performance, a Chinese orchestra presentation, as well as displays of Chinese calligraphy and wushu. PARIS, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Paris prosecutor's office said on Saturday that it has appointed magistrates to analyze evidence that could potentially implicate French nationals following the publication Epstein files in the United States, French media reported. The prosecutor's office said it is working to examine the newly released U.S. documents in coordination with the national financial prosecutor's office and in liaison with the national directorate of the judicial police in order to open investigations if necessary, according to French daily Le Monde. The prosecutor's office also announced it is conducting a comprehensive reanalysis of the investigation file involving Jean-Luc Brunel, a former modeling agent and associate of Epstein. Le Monde said that the case concerning Brunel had previously been closed with no further action after his death at the age of 75 in February 2022. Brunel, who had been placed in pretrial detention since December 2020, was found hanged in his prison cell. According to the prosecutor's office, the objective of the renewed review is to extract any material that could be usefully re-examined in a new investigation. Ellen O'Donoghue A teenager sustained serious injuries after a shooting in Ballymun on Sunday. Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the incident, which occurred at around 12:35pm. Gardai and emergency services responded to reports of a shooting incident at St Margarets Park. In a statement, gardai said: "An adult male, aged in his late teens, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was transported by ambulance to hospital. "The scene has been preserved for forensic examination. "A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed and an incident room established at Ballymun Garda Station. "Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. "Anyone who may have camera footage (including dash-am) and was in the area of St Margarets Park between 11:30am and 1:30pm is asked to make this material available to investigating gardai. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballymun Garda Station on 01 666 4400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. "Investigations are ongoing." ACTIVISTS appeared outside the Castle Arms hotel in Durrow on Saturday 7 February in protest at the Laois Hunt annual ball. Protestors appeared as foxes in black-tie dress and ball gowns. They danced the foxtrot while engaging with ball attendees in a playful manner. The aim was to highlight alternatives to foxhunting. The action was organised by Rebecca Deegan, a Laois-based artist, wildlife rescue volunteer and student veterinary nurse. Attendees included representatives from the Laois branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Kildare Wildlife Rescue, members of the public and former supporters of the hunt, including Veronica, who used to think the hunt was great fun and powerful poetry in motion. That was 18 years ago, she said. I dont know if I was a bit stupid, naive. It never crossed my mind that they actually killed the fox. We must make and hold the space for change. Rebecca says the group is advocating for cruelty-free alternatives to hunting foxes with hounds. Keep the skill, the horses, the hounds, the community just remove the cruelty, she says. Cruelty-free alternatives include drag hunting, where riders follow a pre-laid artificial scent. This activity keeps the galloping, jumping, teamwork and social element and is already practiced widely in Ireland and the UK. Other alternatives include scent work such as man-trailing and clean-boot hunting, which are highly enriching for hounds a mentally and physically. The dogs follow human or artificial scents. 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. A recent RED C survey, published in early February, found that 73 per cent of people believe the bloodsports should be banned. The subject recently made headlines when former presidential candidate Heather Humphreys voiced her support of the practice, calling it a rural pursuit. However, the same RED C survey states that opposition to bloodsports is also strong in rural Ireland, where 68 per cent of people favour a ban. Attendees at the anti-hunt ball note that there were positive interactions by many Laois Hunt ball-goers, several of whom engaged with activists in a healthy dialogue. Portlaoise Ladies 43 UCD J1 14 PORTLAOISE ladies head to Dublin tomorrow (Sunday) to take on Three Saints in the Leinster League on the back of an emphatic victory last weekend over UCD J1 in Togher. Portlaoise wasted no time in posting their intent and were out of the traps immediately from the kick-off, registering an early seven pointer inside the opening five minutes. By the eighth minute, the Laois side had built a 120 lead and were firmly in control. The welcome return of Niamh Griffin to the club after her successful spell with Blackrock paid huge dividends. The experienced out-half controlled proceedings superbly, orchestrating play like a conductor leading an orchestra. Portlaoise outhalf Niamh Griffin races in for a try in the defeat of UCD J1 last weekend The Portlaoise pack of Sorcha Brennan, Catriona Dillon, Yvonne Palmer, Sarah Culleton, Amy OToole and Alison Holmes, made life extremely difficult for their UCD counterparts. Numerous rampaging runs from the pack led to further scores, with Portlaoise stretching their lead to 240 as half-time approached. A brief lapse in concentration just before the break allowed UCD in for a well-worked converted try, leaving the half-time score at 247. Portlaoise began the second half with renewed enthusiasm and vigour, and credit must go to the backline who repeatedly opened up the UCD defence. Scrum-half Rachel Murphy was a real livewire moving the ball quickly to both her outside backs and the loose forwards. Griffin continued to dictate play, mixing sharp darting runs with excellent distribution to centres Amanda Hade and Aoife Cahill, who both carried strongly and tackled well throughout. Portlaoise's Aoife Cahill makes determined break against UCD J1 Sophie Shanahan was a constant threat, making hard yards every time she got the ball, while Keeva Gallagher covered the full-back position excellently. Moya Keating once again delivered a strong performance on the wing and when called upon in the line-out. Portlaoises second-half dominance resulted in three further tries, two of which were converted, bringing the score to 437 by the 67th minute. Newcomer Eadaoin Malone was introduced during the second half and played her part in an impressive team performance. UCD, to their credit, finished strongly and scored a well-constructed team try in the dying seconds to leave the final score 43-14 in favour of the home side. Overall, Portlaoise will be extremely satisfied with their performance, particularly given the absence and unavailability of several regular players, including, Brona Maguire, Joanne Joyce, Roisin Dowd, Abbey Gyves, Erin Fitzpatrick, Shauna Hough, Katie and Mairead Foyle. Portlaoise ladies are hopeful that they can continue their form in the Iveagh Grounds tomorrow. Portlaoise's Amanda Hade breaks and spreads the ball wide against UCD J1 SCORERS: Portlaoise: Niamh Griffin and Alison Holmes 3 tries each, Yvonne Palmer 1 try, Rachel Murphy 4 conversions. Training o Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.45pm in Togher. 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. DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday met with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to deepening cooperation with the UN in advancing sustainable development, the Directorate of Presidential Communications said in a statement. During the talks, President Hassan reiterated Tanzania's determination to continue implementing economic and administrative reforms while strengthening collaboration with the UN in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts particularly focus on sectors directly impacting citizens' livelihoods, such as health, education, clean water, sanitation, and poverty reduction, the statement said. Hassan commended the UN and its agencies for their continued diplomatic and development support to Tanzania across various sectors, according to the statement. For her part, Mohammed praised Tanzania's longstanding record of peace and stability, describing the country as "a model of peace in Africa." She also acknowledged President Hassan's efforts in strengthening institutions and promoting dialogue and reconciliation. The two leaders also discussed UN system reforms, youth participation in development, and the importance of enhanced coordination between the African Union and the United Nations, the statement added. The People First Credit Union was delighted to host its annual School Quiz on Monday, February 9 at the Midlands Park Hotel, welcoming an impressive 28 teams from primary schools for an evening of fun, teamwork and friendly competition. The Credit Union says its annual School Quiz is a much-anticipated event in the local calendar as it brings together young students to test their knowledge across a wide range of topics while building confidence and camaraderie. Each team was made up of four members and competed in one of two categories: - Competition A Under 11 (for entrants aged 10 or younger on 31st December 2025), featuring 10 rounds of questions. - Competition B Under 13 (for entrants aged 12 or younger on 31st December 2025), featuring 12 rounds, including two additional rounds. The Credit Union said the atmosphere on the night was electric, with parents, teachers and supporters cheering on the students as they tackled challenging questions spanning general knowledge, sport, history, geography and more. The winning team in the Under 11 category was Gaelscoil Phortlaoise, represented by: Tadhg O' Cuinn, Sebastian de Plasa, Anrai Mac Uait, Olibhear O Fathaigh. MORE BELOW THEIR PHOTO. The winners of the Under 13 category who now progress to the next stage of the competition were also from Gaelscoil Phortlaoise, represented by: Oran O Cuinn, Olibhear O Treasigh, Ruairi O Scolaidhe, Riain O Cianain. MORE BELOW THEIR PHOTO. All teams received a special certificate to mark their achievement, recognising the dedication and preparation that went into the competition. The next stage of the quiz take place at Chapter level during the first weekend in March (date and venue to be confirmed). From there, teams can progress to the national finals. The national winners will receive 1,250 per school, while the runners-up in each category will receive 750 per school, contributing to a total prize fund of 4,000. National winners and runners-up will also be presented with a silver salver, along with significant individual prizes for each team member and a substantial cheque for their schools. Sean Dunne, People First Credit Union CEO, spoke after the event. READ NEXT: All the pictures from the big quiz Our School Quiz is one of the highlights of the year for us. Its wonderful to see so many young students taking part, challenging themselves and representing their schools with such enthusiasm. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Pictured were the People First Credit Union team on the night. Pic: Michael Scully The energy in the room was fantastic. We are incredibly proud to support initiatives like this that encourage learning, teamwork and community spirit, he said. READ ALSO: Laois children give Education Minister a great Portlaoise schools welcome PICTURES People First Credit Union would like to thank all participating schools, teachers, parents and volunteers who helped make the event such a success and wish the winning teams the very best as they progress to the next stage Parts of Naas town centre have been described as a ghetto because of cheap, low quality signs on some business premises. The claim was made by Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear, who said the signs are "coming in from China and can be seen in many towns. READ NEXT Patients leaving Kildare's main hospital have to stand in the rain He added: They dont care about what an Irish shop should look like. They (the shop proprietors) wont work with us, they shrug their shoulders (when asked about it), theyre an absolute disgrace. He told a Naas Municipal District meeting that other businesses in that area of South Main street - like Anderson Jewellers, 33 South Main and Foxes shop in thesame area of Naas are excellent examples of what shopfronts should look like in Naas. If you let the county town go, youll lose it and never get it back, he said, urging Kildare County Council to take court action. He added: Bring one of them to court, it'll put manners on all of them. He asked Kildare County Council to "examine the significant unauthorised signage in the area of South Main Street, Naas with a view to enforcing the planning acts and signage policy of KCC. However, KCC said it doesnt have the resources required to conduct a full physical survey of all premises on the street to assess compliance with the regulations. All complaints must come in writing and will be investigated. This could lead to the issuing of warning letters and enforcement notices. The meeting was told that once a complaint is received a file is opened - but there are only three enforcement officers and 600 cases. The meeting heard that KCC does not have the resources to look at the street. ULAN BATOR, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A total of 20 people were killed in disasters and accidents across Mongolia in 2025, the country's National Statistical Office (NSO) said Sunday. During the period, 410 disasters and accidents were registered in Mongolia, a 14.8 percent increase from the previous year, the NSO said in a statement. The disasters and accidents caused a total loss of 4.2 billion Mongolian tugriks (1.1 million U.S. dollars) in the January-December period, it added. A FARMER was arrested in Limerick city centre after he had way too much to drink at his wifes birthday party, a court has heard. Paul Moroney, aged 32, with an address at Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, pleaded guilty to resisting gardai and two other charges under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. At Limerick District Court, prosecuting garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that the incident in question took place on Denmark Street in Limerick city on September 14, 2025. READ ALSO | 'Word gets around in a small village': Limerick man pressured to store drugs in his attic At approximately midnight, An Garda Siochana were contacted by staff at a local premises who reported a highly intoxicated male causing a disturbance. When gardai arrived at the scene, Mr Moroney was shouting, roaring and swinging his arms. Sgt Waters added that he was aggressive towards gardai and subsequently resisted arrest. The court heard the accused was pushing and kicking as gardai attempted to get him into their vehicle. This continued for several minutes and it took several attempts, despite a number of gardai being in attendance. However, no one was injured in the incident. Mr Moroney has seven previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. READ ALSO | Limerick garda feared for his safety when caught up in traveller fight that involved up to 50 people Solicitor Paraic Nesbitt, representing the accused, said his client was extremely apologetic about his behaviour. He explained that it was Mr Moroneys wifes birthday and that he had had way too much to drink. At this point, Judge Patricia Harney interjected to say that that was some present for her. Mr Nesbitt went on to explain that the incident was very out of character for the man, who works as a farmer and has two children. Judge Harney gave the accused credit for his early plea of guilty and acknowledged that he had never done anything like this before. She said that the charge of resisting gardai under Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 was the most serious of the offences. She imposed a fine of 400 and gave him four months to pay. The two other public order offences were both marked as taken into consideration. Gupta, who had been insured with Star Health for seven years before filing his first claim in 2024, disputes the insurers conclusions. Star Health has said the discharge summary appeared fabricated, citing a superimposed hospital letterhead, inconsistencies in the template, the absence of the insured persons name, and mismatched age details between documents and overwritten dates. Gupta maintains that the documents carried the hospitals seal and authorized signatures and says earlier communications from the insurer referred only to document discrepancies rather than suspected fraud. (Bloomberg) -- French authorities opened new probes into possible sexual and financial crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein and are revisiting the file on modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in a French prison in 2022. Prompted by the US Justice Departments release of a large trove of Epstein files, the Paris prosecutors office said it set up a dedicated investigation team to analyze the documents for possible links to French nationals. In addition, all evidence related to Brunel, who at one time was an associate of Epsteins, will be reexamined, the office said in a statement Saturday. Brunel died in an apparent suicide while facing rape charges. DOJs largest release yet of Epstein files has reverberated through the worlds of finance, business and politics in the US and beyond, leading to resignations of prominent figures mentioned in exchanges with the disgraced financier. In France, former Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned this month as head of a Paris cultural center over alleged ties to Epstein and prosecutors said theyd opened a tax investigation. Lang has denied wrongdoing. Paris prosecutors said Saturday theyre investigating the roles of three people, including French diplomat Fabrice Aidan, whose name appears in the Epstein files. Prosecutors said they were notified by the Foreign Ministry in Paris that his name came up and are looking into compiling further evidence. A lawyer for Aidan didnt immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours, but has previously denied any wrongdoing on the part of her client to Agence France-Presse. Also cited is Daniel Siad, who a former Swedish model alleges raped her in France in 1990, according to the statement. Siad couldnt be reached for comment. He denied wrongdoing in a message cited by French broadcaster BFM TV. The third person under scrutiny is conductor Frederic Chaslin for alleged sexual harassment in 2016, prosecutors said. In a Facebook post on Friday, Chaslin denied any impropriety and said hed met Epstein four times to seek support for his musical projects, without knowing about the disgraced financiers reputation or past conviction. Prosecutors didnt specify which aspect of Siads and Chaslins relationships with Epstein or the DOJ files they are examining. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com BEIRUT, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed on Sunday night in an Israeli drone strike targeting a vehicle along the Lebanese-Syrian border in eastern Lebanon, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. The sound of powerful explosions was heard in nearby villages close to the targeted location, the NNA said, adding that civil defense teams managed to extinguish the fire inside the vehicle and recovered the four bodies. So far the Israeli army has not commented on the incident. A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah "threats." The United States Department of Defense has reportedly threatened to cut ties with artificial intelligence company Anthropic over its insistence on some limits for use of its AI models by the US military, according to an Axios report, citing an official from the Trump administration. It said that the Pentagon is fed up with Anthropic's months-long negotiations against the US government's push toward full military use of AI company tools for all lawful purposes. This includes use even in most sensitive areas of weapons development, intelligence collection, and battlefield operations, as per the report. Reuters reporting on the same could not verify the development. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Anthropics contract with the Pentagon is worth around $200 million. Why does Pentagon want full control over use and applications of AI models? The two sticking points for Anthropic are fully autonomous weapons and mass surveillance of Americans, it added. Notably, the Pentagon has contracts with Anthropic, Alphabet (Google), OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI. The source told Axios that the categories under dispute have considerable grey area around what would and wouldn't fall into them, and the Pentagon is not willing to negotiate case-by-case with Anthropic or have its AI model Claude block some processes unexpectedly. On whether the department could cut the company off its roster, the official said that everything's on the table but there'll have to be an orderly replacement (for) them, if we think that's the right answer. In a statement to Axios, Anthropic said it remains committed to using frontier AI in support of US national security. The company's usage guidelines explicitly state that Claude is prohibited for use in facilitating violence, developing weapons, or conducting surveillance. Pentagon vs Anthropic: Use during Maduro capture sparked concerns? Last month, Reuters reported that Anthropic and the Pentagon clashed over safeguards that would prevent the government from deploying its AI model to target weapons autonomously and conduct domestic surveillance in the US. Notably, the WSJ on 14 February reported that Anthropics Claude AI was used by the US during its operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The application reportedly came through Anthropics partnership with Palantir, whose tools are widely used by the US Department of Defense and federal law-enforcement agencies. An Anthropic spokesperson told WSJ, We cannot comment on whether Claude, or any other AI model, was used for any specific operation, classified or otherwise. Any use of Claudewhether in the private sector or across governmentis required to comply with our Usage Policies, which govern how Claude can be deployed. We work closely with our partners to ensure compliance. Can US military replace Claude with other AI players? According to the Axios report, a quick swap would be difficult as the other models do not yet have the same network settings for use in specialized government applications. The official said "the other model companies are just behind" Claude, with the report noting that it was the first model brought into the Pentagon's classified networks. Further, ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google) and xAI (Grok) are all used in unclassified settings. These have agreed to forego their usual safeguards for work with the Pentagon and negotiations are on to shift them into the classified space, the report added. On whether they have agreed to the all lawful purposes term, the official said that one has, while two are showing more flexibility than Anthropic. The statement from Anthropic's spokesperson to Axios reiterated their committment to national security: That's why we were the first frontier AI company to put our models on classified networks and the first to provide customized models for national security customers. Jewellery maker Renaissance Global (RGL) on February 12 said its consolidated net profit rose 36% year-on-year (YoY) to 33.20 crore in the December quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26). In the same quarter of the previous financial year, the company's consolidated net profit stood at 24.32 crore. Total income jumped 35.6% YoY to 965.28 crore in Q3FY26 from 711.92 crore in the same quarter a year ago. According to the PTI report, RGL said it 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. D2C segment recorded an impressive 37.5% YoY growth to 91 crore, driven by expanding consumer engagement, said the company. EBITDA rose by 19.5% YoY to 63.1 crore, supported by operating efficiencies. "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. "Owned brand revenue has grown sevenfold in three years, D2C is growing at a high CAGR, margins are expanding, and capital efficiency is improving. The pieces are all moving in the right direction. The companys cost reduction program aimed at 4050 crore annualised savings is already paying off," said Shah. 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. Lodha Developers Ltd, one of the leading real estate companies in India, said it has bought an 80% stake in Pune-based Solidrise Realty Pvt Ltd (SRPL) for 294 crore. In a regulatory filing, the Mumbai-based company said it has entered into a share purchase pact to acquire 80% stake in Solidrise Realty. The cost of acquisition is 294.07 crore. Also Read | Lodha's maiden Bengaluru project runs into legal hurdle Following the deal, SRPL will become a subsidiary of Lodha Developers. So far, Lodha has developed more than 100 million sq ft area. It sells properties under Lodha brand. The firm has a strong presence in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru housing markets. It recently entered the Delhi-NCR residential market. Lodha Developers reported a 1% growth in consolidated net profit at 956.9 crore in the third quarter, ended 31 December 2025, of this fiscal year. Its net profit stood at 944.4 crore in the year-ago period. Its total income surged to 4,775.4 crore in the October-December 2025 period from 4,146.6 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year. Lodha Developers to invest 1 lakh cr in Maharashtra In January, Lodha Developers signed an initial agreement with the Maharashtra government, pledging an additional 1 lakh crore to construct an expansive data center park. This follow-up comes just four months after the firm signed a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth 30,000 crore for data center development within the state. On January 19, Abhishek Lodha, the Managing Director and CEO of Lodha Developers, signed the MoU with state government during the World Economic Forum in Davos. This infusion brings the firms total financial commitment to 1.3 lakh crore. Last September, the developer initially entered into a 30,000 crore agreement under Maharashtras Green Integrated Data Centre Park policy. The subsequent 1 lakh crore deal significantly strengthens the groups dedication to the state's economic expansion. "The data centre park with a total investment of 1.3 lakh crore will create over 16,000 direct and indirect jobs," the company said. The planned park, boasting a 2.5 gigawatt capacity, is designed to house numerous prominent domestic and international data center operators. In this ecosystem, Lodha Developers will serve as the primary developer, providing the necessary infrastructure for various players looking to establish their own data facilities. (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia has appointed Fahad Al-Saif as its new investment minister, putting an official from the kingdoms sovereign wealth fund at the helm of the entity tasked with drawing more capital to the country. Al-Saif, head of investment strategy and global capital finance at the Public Investment Fund, was appointed by royal decree, according to a statement from the state-run Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. He replaces Khalid Al-Falih, who served in the role since 2020. Its unclear what Al-Saifs appointment means for his roles at the wealth fund or how the PIF may be affected by the announcement. Neither the ministry nor the PIF responded to requests for comment. The changes announced as part of a broader reshuffle that affected dozens of positions come at a critical time for the kingdom as it reviews its policies and spending priorities amid broader fiscal pressures. Both the government and the PIF are expected to soon unveil updated strategies for the next five years in a bid to accelerate Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans agenda to diversify the economy beyond oil. The de-facto ruler has also introduced reforms in recent months aimed at hauling in more foreign capital that would help Saudi Arabia compete more effectively with Abu Dhabi and Dubai as an investment hub. Al-Saifs appointment puts him at the center of that initiative, which is seen as increasingly critical as the Gulf nation faces fresh oil-price volatility and investment pressure. Al-Saif has also held roles at the Ministry of Finance and National Debt Management Center. Al-Falih, who traveled the world drumming up interest in Saudi investment opportunities during his time as investment minister, will remain in the cabinet as Minister of State. The former chief executive of oil giant Saudi Aramco had also previously served as Saudi Arabias Minister of Energy. --With assistance from Omar Tamo. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The task for Vlasenkos team of five divers at the power plant was especially perilous. They said they had to endure water temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, working in turns of no more than 40 minutes each. Access to the repair site required braving the water current and swimming through a narrow tunnel. They used the drone to illuminate the site and transmit video to colleagues so that they could see the diver was safe. The most senior official is typically seated front and center, with lower-ranking officials distributed to the sides and back. Officials with the same rank are sorted by how their names are writtenstarting with the number of strokes in their surname, in ascending order. Mumbai: Religare Enterprises Ltd and Religare Finvest Ltd have approved to spin off the group's financial services and insurance businesses into two independent, listed entities. Following the evaluation of various structural alternatives with leading advisors, the boards of Religare Enterprises and Religare Finvest determined that the proposed demerger represents the most efficient path to create focused platforms with enhanced governance and strategic flexibility, the companies said in a release. Religare Enterprises will retain its stake in Care Health Insurance. The financial services business, comprising lending, broking, investment and ancillary and support services, will be transferred to Religare Finvest on a going concern basis. Also Read | What next for the Burmans now that they have won the battle for Religare Religare Finvest will issue one fully paid-up equity share to shareholders for every share held in Religare Enterprises (1:1). Religare Finvest will be listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange, with its shareholding pattern mirroring Religare Enterprises current ownership. As of 31 December, the promoter groupthe Burman familyheld 26.3% in Religare Enterprises. Religare Enterprises' shares will be in focus on Monday, 16 February as the announcement was made on Saturday. On Friday, the stock had closed 3.54% lower at 243.50 on the NSE. The demerger will be implemented through a scheme of arrangement, which will need to be filed with and approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, and will be subject to other statutory and regulatory approvals. The group aims to complete the process and list Religare Finvest in the first quarter of FY28. Shareholder value, management attention The demerger is aimed at streamlining the businesses, unlocking value in the financial services business for shareholders, and pursuing distinct growth opportunities, the release said. "We are simplifying our corporate structure to create two focused, well-capitalised and agile entities with distinct mandates, Pratul Gupta, chief financial officer of Religare Enterprises, said. Each entity will benefit from improved capital allocation efficiency, enhanced transparency for investors, and the ability to optimise its capital structure based on business characteristics and growth requirements. Also Read | Why hospitals are targeting health insurance buyers We are confident that this transformation will establish both entities as leaders in their respective domains, each with the resources, focus, and flexibility to capitalise on significant growth opportunities ahead. Religare Enterprises is a diversified financial services group which operates through its subsidiaries to offer small and medium enterprise (SME) loans, affordable housing finance, health insurance and retail broking to mass retail and affluent customers, SMEs and mid-sized corporates. The company services over 1.1 million customers across 1,275 locations in 400 cities. A subsidiary of Religare Enterprises, Religare Finvest lends primarily to SMEs and has a network of 25 branches across the country. Care Health Insurance offers retail health plans, top-up, personal accident, maternity, international travel, and critical illness insurance. It also offers group health insurance and personal accident insurance for corporates, micro-insurance products for the rural market as well as wellness services. There will be no interruption to business operations and no impact on employees, customers, or partners during the implementation period, the release said, adding that Religare Enterprises and its operating subsidiaries remain committed to ensuring operational continuity and a seamless transition. Religare Finvest was under the Reserve Bank of Indias corrective action plan (CAP) restrictions since 18 January 2018 after the central bank observed irregularities during inspection of the companys position as on 31 March 2017. The restrictions were removed on 23 July 2025, following the companys compliance with the CAP conditions and changes in its management and directors. Small-cap multibagger stock Tiger Logistics will remain in focus on Monday after the company posted its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, on Friday. On Friday, the Tiger Logistics share price fell over 7% to close at 34.61 apiece. According to the available data, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) currently own an 11.32% stake, holding 1.1 crore shares in the small-cap logistics company as of December 31, 2025. Tiger Logistics Q3 results 2026 Tiger Logistics on Friday announced its third-quarter results for the financial year 2026 (Q3 FY26). The company reported a 29.5% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit to 5.93 crore in the December quarter FY26, compared with 8.42 crore in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from operations also descended 13.4% to 139 crore in Q3 FY26, against 160.46 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Q3 FY26 revenue was impacted by external factors, including US tariffs, moderation in globalfreight rates, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East, including the USIran situation, the company said in the release. The company reported an EBITDA of 7.5 crore in Q3 FY26, with a margin of 5.4%, driven by disciplined cost management efforts. For the nine months of FY26, EBITDA rose to 24.6 crore, marking a 3.6% year-on-year increase, while margins improved to 6.0% from 5.6% in the corresponding period last year. In Q3 FY26, we delivered revenue of 13,902 lakhs, EBITDA of 757 lakhs with a margin of5.4%, and PAT of 594 lakhs with a margin of 4.3%. The performance reflects resilient demand, with TEU volumes growing 52% year-over-year, even as freight realisations across the air cargo segments remained competitive. Importantly, revenue trends were rate-driven rather than volume-driven, demonstrating strong underlying growth," said Harpreet Singh Malhotra, Chairman & MD of Tiger Logistics (India) Limited. On the future outlook, Singh further said, "Looking ahead, we remain confident in our long-term prospects. Structural improvements in Indias logistics ecosystem, combined with our asset-light model and diversified trade portfolio, position us well to navigate market dynamics and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. We remain committed to creating long-term value for our shareholders while strengthening our business fundamentals and scaling efficiently. Also Read | Stocks to buy under 100: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 3 shares to buy on Monday Tiger Logistics share price trend Tiger Logistics shares have delivered 4% returns in the past five sessions despite weak market sentiments. However, looking at the broader term, the stock has shed over 33% since its listing in September 2025. Tiger Logistics share price is listed only on NSE. The small-cap stock hit a 52-week high of 56.69 on its listing day, i.e September 18, 2025 and a 52-week low of 28.61 on 28.61 on January 23, 2026. It is relatively rare to come across two major writer-spouses covering the end of their marriage in separate memoirs. Two recent memoirs-in-translation by Poonam Saxena deliver exactly this: Echoes of My Past (Mud Mud Ke Dekhta Hoon) by Rajendra Yadav (1929-2013) and This Too Is a Story (Ek Kahani Yeh Bhi) by Mannu Bhandari (1931-2021), both published by Penguin Random House India. From 1959 to 1994, Yadav and Bhandari were married to each other even as they grew into major figures in the Hindi literary world. Prolific short story writers in the 1960s and 1970s, they were both regarded as leading lights of the modernist Nayi Kahani (new story) movement alongside Kamleshwar, Mohan Rakesh and Nirmal Verma, their middle-class urban characters navigating the complexities of a newly independent India. Yadavs novel Sara Aakash (first published in 1951 as Pret Bolte Hain) and Bhandaris story Yahi Sach Hai were adapted into Hindi movies by Basu Chatterjee, Sara Aakash (1969) and Rajnigandha (1974), respectively. Also Read | Vinod Kumar Shukla leaves behind a unique literary legacy In 1986, Yadav revived the defunct Hindi magazine Hans (originally started by the iconic writer Premchand), where he wrote famously acerbic editorials and championed women and Dalit writers. Yadav and Bhandari even wrote a novel together, a tragic love story called Ek Inch Muskaan (1991), which was initially serialised in the Hindi magazine Gyanoday, Yadav writing from the perspective of the male protagonist and Bhandari writing chapters featuring the two women he is torn between. In 1994, Bhandari left Yadav after several previous attempts had ended with his profuse apologies. Although they never officially divorced, she started living separately. Yadavs memoir Echoes of My Past, originally published in Hindi as Mud Mud ke Dekhta Hoon in 2001, does not follow a linear structure. It was written as a series of loosely connected vignettes, reflections on his personal relationship peppered in between recollections with a more literary focus, like the making of his novel Ukhde Hue Log and stories like Pass-Fail and Chhote-Chhote Tajmahal. View full Image 'Echoes of My Past' by Rajendra Yadav; and 'This Too Is a Story' by Mannu Bhandari, both translated by Poonam Saxena. In some of its most entertaining and instructive sections we meet Yadav and Bhandari in Delhi in the 1960s and 1970s, their house playing literary salon to the likes of Kamleshwar, Namwar Singh and Mohan Rakesh. While talking about his development as a writer, Yadav balances plainspeak (a writer cannot have financial dependencies) with a philosophical mode (I dont run away from life, I run into it.). Several amusing anecdotes are used to great effect, featuring his friend Mohan Rakesh, with whom he would later fall out. A foundational story about their shared literary ethos, involving the two friends repeatedly taunting a sadhu, is told with admirable self-deprecation, perhaps even self-loathing, as Bhandari later hypothesised in This Too Is a Story. Yadav is candid enough to admit some of his failings as a husband, not least his disdain towards middle-class domesticity. He barely lent a hand to Bhandari; whether it was in the running of the household or raising of their daughter Tinku (Rachana, who stepped in as managing director and publisher at Hans following her fathers death in 2013). He writes about wanting to lead the life of a true Bohemian and that included dalliances with several women, including some who had reached out to him through fan mail. But every time Echoes of My Past threatens to assess the emotional impact of his actions on Bhandari, Yadav pointedly changes the subject with cop-out segue lines like but that was a separate matter. Yet in his artful and mischievous manner (marvellous wordplay to mask every mistake and flaw, as Bhandari would later write in This Too Is a Story), he is quick to paint his wife as essentially a traditional woman with conventional needs and desires, someone who could not give him the complete independence (samanaantar or parallel lives) he craved as a man and writer. This characterisation deeply hurt Bhandari and pushed her to write This Too Is a Story, which was first published in 2008, seven years after Yadavs memoir. It was also her attempt to rejuvenate her dormant writing career. Yadavs many infidelities and erratic behaviour had left her emotionally spent and she had not written much in the preceding 10-12 years (although, as Saxena points out in her excellent introductory essay, one of Bhandaris best stories Kartoote Mardaan was written during this phase, in 2002). This Too Is a Story is not narrowly focused at setting the record straight. It is a far more complex book than Yadavs, an ambitious and wide-ranging memoir with quietly devastating observations on Indian society and the Hindi literary establishment. Reading Bhandaris account of her childhood in the 1940s as well as her literary career and marriage in the subsequent decades, one realises exactly where the personal met the political. We see how Bhandari and Yadavs differences, their anxieties and insecurities, were indicative of larger sociopolitical changes in the country. For instance, Bhandari writes about how, as a teenager in Ajmer, she was inspired by freedom fighters and charismatic academics. After she made a fiery speech at her college, her fatheran educated, notionally enlightened English-to-Hindi lexicographerbecame upset because women from respectable homes did not make impassioned speeches in public. However, when one of his colleagues praised her, his ire turned to reluctant approval and respect. She writes about the plight of men like her father, ideologically moving towards modernity but unable to come to terms with its manifestations inside their own homes. Later, we see the same dynamic repeating itselfonly this time, the confusingly semi-feudal attitude belongs to her husband, who, like her father, kept swinging between encouragement and disapproval. Yadav is encouraging of her writing, pushing her to finish incomplete projects and accept an editorial job for a Hindi anthology she was going to turn down. Yet, he expresses displeasure whenever her writing takes precedence over her domestic duties. Yadav admits to her his own infidelity while accepting that should Bhandari have an extra-marital affair, he would never be able to accept it. Damned if you do, damned if you dont: such is the fate, Bhandari reminds us at several points in her book, of the modern Indian woman of her generation. Bhandaris anecdotes from her professional life as a teacher, too, reveal the role gender politics played in her, and Yadavs, respective trajectories. Yadav was never really answerable to a boss his whole life, even turning down a job arranged for him by the veteran Hindi writer Sumitranandan Pant. He saw an office job as an unacceptable encroachment on his all-important writerly freedom, happy to let Bhandari shoulder the burden of paying the bills and keeping home and hearth in order. Later, at Hans, he was his own boss, too, and as the editor, exercised absolute control over every detail in his work life. Bhandari, meanwhile, never had the luxury of choosingand not just because of her husbands obstinacy. Being a teacher was one of the few acceptable jobs for an Indian woman in the 1950s and 1960s, an era when working women were still rare and viewed with suspicion. As Saxena points out in her essay, Bhandari, Usha Priyamvada and Krishna Sobtithe triumvirate that formed the first generation of Hindi women writersall taught for a living as young women. Towards the end of This Too Is a Story, Bhandari writes about being diagnosed with neuralgia and the physical pain making writing difficult for her from the 1990s onwards, in the wake of her separation from Yadav. At one point she suggests (albeit in a semi-serious tone) that her physical pain was merely a manifestation of the many emotional upheavals she suffered due to Yadavs failures as a husband. It reminded me of her story Kshay (literally, slow decay, but also a synonym for asthma in Hindi), a tragedy bookended by a pair of rattling coughs. Kunti, the young protagonist of the story, is a teacher and sole breadwinner of her family, struggling with her asthmatic fathers hospital bills. At the beginning of the story shes engaged in the one thing in the world thats for her delight alone: playing the violin. But she is interrupted by her fathers pitiable coughing. By the end of the story, she has to resort to corrupt means to get the failing grades of her student (a young girl whose family wants her to matriculate at any cost and marry promptly) reversed. The storys closing moment sees Kuntis horror at realising that she has started coughing in a manner much like her ailing fathers. Reading these two memoirs in conjunction will tell you a lot about the Hindi world. But it will tell you even more about the constant tension between inner and outer lives in the literary contextand its impact on a marriage over time. By translating these two memoirs with expertise and compassion, Saxena has opened up the life and works of two Hindi titans to a new generation of English-language readers. On the first floor of design brand Raw Mangos headquarters in Gurugram is a glass-walled room filled with garlands. Dozens of them hang on four clothing racks. Touch them and you realise they are not real. These are handmade but you cant tell, can you? says designer Sanjay Garg, who founded the brand in 2008, explaining how embroideries were used to shape silk to resemble flowers. In less than two weeks, these garlands of jasmine and lotusfastened on to shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, blouses, coats and sariswill appear on the runway at Lindley Hall as part of the London Fashion Week. This fall-winter 2026 collection will mark the international debut of Raw Mango, known for its silk saris and handwoven textiles. Garg has no immediate plans of entering the London market but sees the show as a way to gauge the demand. Raw Mango has six stores across India, with a new one coming up soon in Ahmedabad. Flowers are important in South-East Asia and South Asia, but we dont really have a culture of giving one individual flower to someone, like, say, a rose on Valentines Day. People do give but as a culture, we are a country of garlands. Whether its a death, a birth, a wedding or a religious ritual, you see garlands irrespective of the religion, says Garg, who did a collection in 2024 called Garland. I want to show through my (fall-winter 2026) collection how a 3D garland becomes the body rather than just a decoration. Its not about one individual flower, its about the plurality. Fashion, in general, tends to favour the singular bloom. For Chanel, the camelliarendered as brooch, buttonhole, earring or embroidered motifis an eternal house code. Dior has its lily of the valley; Givenchy, red carnations; Rohit Bal, the red rose. The flower in high fashion is often distilled into an emblemrecognisable, repeatable, proprietary. Gargs garland disrupts that logic. The other idea he seems to want to challenge in London on 23 February is the assumption that Indian fashion is full of heavy, glittering embellishment. That intent comes through in the 40-odd garments made from a variety of silks, wools and satins. A fabric gajra or garland placed with precision transforms an otherwise plain silk shirt into a collectors item. A blouse rendered in such intricate brocade that it appears almost 3D-printed leaves you marvelling at the skill of the artisans behind it. Long coats carry embroidered garlands that look less like decoration and more like strands of jewellery. In one look, the entire garland becomes the silhouette for a dress. Each garment is simple enough to fit your daily wardrobe but complex enough to be a conversation starter. The effect is not minimalism but a reflection of restraint, a sensibility slowly gaining ground in fashion, including couture. Whenever a designer from here showcases abroad, the conversation emphasises the number of hoursthis dress took 8,000 man-hours, that one took 900 hours, Garg says. We focus so much on embroidery that it seems India is merely an embroidery-producing country. Do international brands talk about the number of hours they spent on a dress? Its not about working hours, its about how good the design is. A good design can also be simple. The world thinks India means embroidery and OTT dressing. I want to break these stereotypes. After farming, textiles is one of Indias largest sectors. I want to showcase what we have to offer beyond embroidery. What the collection noticeably lacks are the riotous colours Raw Mango has become known for. There is no signature phalsa (wild blueberry), sharbati (a blend of orange and hot pink), rani (Indian fuchsia), anandi (a muted blue) or haldi (turmeric). Instead, Garg works with a restrained palette of whites, golds and blacks, punctuated by parrot green and lime, his signature. Was the shift intentional, especially given the international markets preference for subtler tones? If I used that green on a garland, it would start looking like plastic grass, he says by way of explanation. How the international market receives the fall-winter collection will become clear soon. By narrowing his palette and keeping his focus on textiles rather than embellishments, Garg is making a pointed argument: that Indian fashion doesnt always have to rely on spectacle to assert itself. Indias textiles are loud enough on their own. Also Read | A Raw Mango store where textile traditions, art and history live WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he would support Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program if negotiations between Washington and Tehran fail, U.S. media reported on Sunday. Trump made the remarks when he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in December, according to a CBS News report, citing two sources familiar with the matter. U.S. military and intelligence officials have also discussed how Washington could assist Israel in potential operations against Iran's missile infrastructure, including providing aerial refueling for Israeli aircraft and helping secure overflight permissions from related regional countries, said the report. However, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have publicly stated they would not allow their airspace to be used for any attacks against Iran, nor for Iran to launch attacks on other countries. Also on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a visit to Slovakia that he prefers resolving tensions with Iran through diplomatic means. A second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is expected to be held in Geneva on Tuesday. Rubio confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will represent Washington in the negotiations. Saloni Dubey, 29, a Hyderabad-based publicist, recalls an incident while waiting for an interview to begin. She was distracted by a nagging thought: her elbows felt dry. The cure for regaining her focus was to rub a hand cream until the sensation faded. Its not anxiety, she says and adds, Just a minor disturbance that disappears when I take a moment for myself. It helps me feel grounded and present. Micro self -care rituals like applying lip balm, hand cream, facial mists, nail oils, or solid perfumes arent just about vanity, but subtle ways to reset the nervous system. Clinical psychologist Rupa Chaubal explains that these actions can feel either grounding or empowering, depending on the situation. Self-grooming behaviours are closely linked to reduced anxiety and increased self-confidence, she says. Engaging in small, repetitive acts can help people feel more in control in social situations, especially when they feel on edge or aware of being judged. Psychodermatology helps explain why this practice works. "Small, repetitive grooming acts are self-regulatory behaviors. When the mind or body feels overwhelmed, they send reassuring signals to the nervous system. The skin isnt just a barrier, it communicates constantly with the brain, notes Dr. Mohammad Jafferany, professor of psychodermatology and psychiatry at Central Michigan University College of Medicine in the US and scientific advisor of the beauty brand SEREKO. "Subtle sensory cuesa soft texture, gentle scent, or light pressurecan quiet mental tension, slow heart rate and help people feel more grounded even in public spaces. Brief rituals, like patting a cream or massaging a balm, can trigger the bodys natural rhythm of reassurance, he adds. Also Read | The case for slower tech in a connected world EMOTIONAL RESET IN A SPRITZ Chef Karishma Sakhrani, 38, based between Mumbai and Dubai, reaches for lipstick to recalibrate during long, busy days. I usually feel tired and scattered between meetings, but a quick swipe of a familiar shade helps me feel more put together, she says. The motion creates a brief pause, restoring focus almost unconsciously. Chaubal notes physical appearance has always played a role in social interaction. Across cultures, we naturally respond more positively to people who appear well-groomed and confident, she says. These rituals can be seen as proactive behaviours to reduce the stress of being judged and the pressure of being liked. Delhi-based makeup artist and creator Srishti Jain, 33, leans on scent for calm and confidence. Growing up, her mother would spritz perfume on her before school performances, leaving her feeling prepared and steady. Today, she keeps a solid perfume in her bag and car. In socially awkward moments, she rubs it into her palms and feels calmer. People notice it, ask what Im wearing, and it breaks the ice, she says. For Jain, fragrance connects memory, comfort and composure in one simple ritual. Even practical habits, like a hand cream or sanitizer, serve the same purpose. Moisturising dry skin helps Dubey feel in control and present in shared spaces. Over time, she noticed these small gestures intensify during moments of mental noise or overstimulation, quietly grounding her without ever being formally acknowledged as coping tools. INVISIBLE COPING MECHANISMS Pune-based creative producer Manasi Thorat, 23, describes her lip balm as a mini reset on hectic days. On a chaotic shoot, she often steps aside to apply it, creating a moment to anchor herself. It makes me feel more powerful, like I can get through the rest of the day, she says. It is discreet enough for professional spaces where visible emotion is restricted. According to Chaubal, such behaviours are especially common in environments where expressing stress may be counterproductive. In competitive or high-pressure settings, these small rituals become self-reassuring, she says. They help people project that they have things under control, even when they dont feel that way internally. Jafferany notes that micro rituals often arise subconsciously, before they are recognised as coping strategies. The body seeks regulation through sensation and rhythm first, he says and explains, This leads to awareness, A ritual becomes concerning only if calm feels impossible without it, or if it escalates and interferes with daily functioning. Chaubal echoes this caution. When a habit starts to feel more like constant correction than care, or when someone believes they are not socially acceptable without these rituals, its something to pay attention to, she says. If social anxiety feels unrelenting, these mechanisms may stop being helpful and instead reinforce insecurity. With beauty brands increasingly framing products as calming or emotional support, Jafferany advises consumers to choose products that are gentle and protect the skins natural moisture barrier and minimise irritation. Overly fragranced or aggressive formulations can increase skin stress, undermining the calm they promise. The most effective rituals complement the bodys natural instincts, and they are subtle, sensory as well as personal. Anoushka Madan is a Mumbai-based freelance lifestyle writer. Also Read | Say hello to psycare, the skincare category that blends beauty with wellness The appellate tribunal found that there was a genuine disagreement about how the contract should be understood. The key question was whether the second payment had to be made automatically, or only if the actor actually provided services for a second day. Since both sides had different but reasonable interpretations of the contract, the tribunal said there was a real dispute already in existence before the insolvency case was filed. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor jokingly reacted to a post about him and actress Priyanka Chopra being speakers at the India Conference 2026 at Harvard University in the US. India Conference 2026 is the annual global event focused on Indian business, policy, and culture, serving as a student-led platform that aims to explore Indias rich diversity and highlight its emergence as a significant global power. Also Read | Opposition Leaders BASH Modi Govt Over 'Lacklustre' Union Budget 2026 This years conference was held on 14 and 15 February, with notable speakers including Thiruvananthapuram MP, actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra, and Mahima Kaul, Director of Global Affairs at Netflix India. Responding to a post that mentioned the Congress leader and Priyanka as speakers, Tharoor humorously expressed that he missed the chance to share the stage with her at the event. But not together, alas! he said on X. Also Read | Shashi Tharoor flags fake video of him praising Pak over T20 boycot Social media users react Tharoor's social media remark sparked a wave of humorous responses and memes in the comments section. One of the users wrote, even Harvards schedule couldn't handle that much charisma in a single frame. The structural integrity of the podium simply wouldnt have survived the combined wattage. Another user said, OMG! That would have been next level A user wrote, The most Shashi Tharoor tweet ever. Another remarked, Only you could make that observation. Shashi Tharoor's speech at India Conference 2026 The Congress MP delivered the keynote address at the India Conference 2026 on Saturday, 14 February 2026, on the theme The India We Imagine. Speaking about the event, Tharoor in a post on X wrote, My keynote speech at the #IndiaConference, on The India We Imagine, went extremely well. More than a thousand attendees listened in rapt attention despite my being in a wheelchair.and the hands raised for questions afterwards could have kept us busy all night!" He added, I found the level of interest in our country, and passion for its future, amongst the young people present, to be both inspiring and gratifying. Congratulations to the student organisers (last pic) on doing an extraordinary job! Tharoors daughter-in-law, Bhumi Tharoor, and son, Ishaan Tharoor, participated as well and addressed diaspora issues and global geopolitics respectively. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the 22-year-old UC Berkeley student from Karnataka, was found dead in the US six days after he went missing. In a post on LinkedIn, the student's roommate, Baneet Singh, in the last two weeks, Saketh ate less, surviving on chips and cookies'. Saketh had allegedly said he had 'stopped caring when Baneet Singh asked him about wearing a bathrobe to class, reported Hindustan Times. Noting that life as an international student is tough, Singh wrote that there were no signs of distress or anything in Sreenivasaiah until the last two weeks. He said that the 22-year-old had "started eating less and engaging less, only surviving on chips and cookies". (Livemint could not independently verify the authenticity of the LinkedIn post) Saketh's last conversation with roommate Baneet Singh also recalled the final exchange he had with Saketh Sreenivasaiah. He said he saw the 22-year-old returning from class wearing a red bathrobe. Curious, Singh asked Saketh why he was wearing a robe to class. Sreenivasaiah responded, I've stopped caring, man. I'm cold and don't care what anyone thinks of me. I don't care about anything, reported HT. Singh regretted laughing at his roommate's remarks at the time, saying he thought "Saketh was just being silly as usual". Who was Saket Sreenivasaiah? Sreenivasaiah, who was pursuing his Master of Science in the Product Development Programme at the University of California, Berkeley, was last seen near Lake Anza in the Tilden Regional Park. His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood, according to a report by the news portal The Berkeley Scanner. The Kedarnath Temple opening date was announced on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday unveiled the opening date of the shrine depends on Hindu calendar and changes every year. Pushkar Singh Dhami on 15 February said that the state government is working to ensure that the devotees remain safe during their religious visit as he announced Kedarnath Temple reopening date 22 April. "I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Mahashivratri. May Lord Shiva give us enough strength so that we can work together and contribute to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat 2047. On 22nd April, the portals of Kedarnath Temple will be opened. Preparations have already started. We will ensure that all the devotees who come to Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, are safe. The number of Lord Shiva devotees is increasing every passing year, and they are flocking to the religious sites. We are putting efforts to ensure everyone's safety," ANI quoted the Chief Minister as saying. Located in Rudraprayag, Garhwal, the Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Badarinath Dham Kapat will open on 23 April but Kedarnath Dham yatra opening date has not been announced yet. As per tradition, Kedarnath Temple opens a few days after Akshaya Tritiya. This year, Akshaya Tritiya will take place on 19 April. Also Read | Mukesh Ambani donates 10 crore to Badrinath and Kedarnath temples Last year, he portals of Kedarnath Dham were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23. It is expected to close on 11 November this year, aligning with the celebration of Bhai Dooj. The world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, is located on the bank of Mandakini river. Considered amongst one of the sacred pilgrimage centres, it is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee confirmed that the temple doors will open on the auspicious day of 22 April at 8:00 AM. Temple Timings Morning Arti Timing 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM Morning General Darshan Time 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Evening Arti Timing 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Evening General Darshan Time 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Notably, Kedarnath temple remains closed from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on all days. Also Read | Uttarakhand CM Dhami calls for zero tolerance on crime, orders tighter policing Mumbai metro pillar collapse: Five people were arrested and 5 crore fine was imposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on the contractor Reliance Infrastructure-Astaldi (RAJV) and its sub-contractor Milan Road Buildtech LLP after one killed and three injured in a tragic incident on Saturday afternoon, according to Hindustan Times. In a statement, it said that a general consultant associated with the project, a consortium comprising DB Engineering & Consulting, Hill International Inc and Louis Berger Consulting Private Limited (DB Hill LBG), were fined 1 crore. A parapet segment of a bridge of the under-construction Metro Rail Line 4 collapsed on passing autorickshaw and a Skoda car, completely crushing the rickshaw, in Mulund area. It occurred near the Johnson and Johnson factory on LBS Road at around 12:15 pm. Metro Line 4 links Wadala in south-central Mumbai with neighbouring Thane, with a significant stretch of the corridor running above the arterial LBS Road. Mumbai metro pillar collapse victims Ramdhani Yadav (46), who was seated at the rear of the autorickshaw, died in the accident. The driver, Rajkumar Yadav (45), suffered critical injuries and was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Mulund. Another passenger in the autorickshaw, Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52), along with the cars driver, Deepa Ruhiya (40), also met with injuries, though officials said their condition is stable. Also Read | Mumbai metro rail slab collapse: CM promises action against those responsible Who all were arrested? An official said that late in evening, police arrested project director Harish Chauhan, project manager Kuldeep Sapkal, deputy manager Saurab Singh and supervisor Prashant Bhoir of Milan Road Buildtech, and project manager Avdhoot Inamdar of DB Hill LBG, reported PTI. Police said a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Mulund police station in the evening against officials of Milan Road Buildtech and DB Hill LBG under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with other charges. Local BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha said he had previously pointed out the "lapses" by the contractor during an inspection of the Metro project last month. Meanwhile, while CM Devendra Fadnavis announced financial assistance of 5 lakh for the deceased man and assured a comprehensive investigation, Opposition leaders criticised the BJP-led government over the incident. He described the accident in Mulund as deeply unfortunate and said the government and the MMRDA would cover the medical expenses of those injured. The accident in Mulund is very unfortunate. Our prayers are with the kin of the deceased and those injured. The government and MMRDA will take care of medical expenses of the injured, Fadnavis said. 'Life has no value under the BJP regime' Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) pointed out that a wall had previously collapsed and that the newly inaugurated Metro Line 3 was flooded during heavy rains last year. He questioned whether the BJP-led government would blacklist the contractor over the latest incident. The former minister added that such action was unlikely, alleging that the contractor would face only a minor penalty of a few lakh rupees and continue to secure more projects. If you notice, pillars are already painted- before the work was completed...Even today, most infrastructure works have terrible barricading that either leads to traffic jams or vehicles falling into open pits....Life has no value under the BJP regime, he said, noted PTI report. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with PTI on Sunday, 15 February, spoke on several themes, including the government's approach to the budget, the role of women to achieve Viksit Bharat, tariff preferences and the three priorities of the government in the next decade. PM Modi highlighted India's distinctive budget strategy and resilience in amid global challenges. He stressed the importance of innovation for growth, the ongoing infrastructure push, and the government's dedication to servicemen's welfare and modernisation of defence capabilities. Here are the top ten themes discussed by PM Modi Union Budget Speaking on the government's approach to the preparation of the budget, PM Modi said, None of our budgets is run-of-the-mill 'bahi-khata' documents; that's not our approach. A reflection on national character amid global tensions In challenging global circumstances, PM Modi emphasised India's growth and the strength of its national character. Our national character has revealed itself even in challenging times; we are bright growth spot in difficult global circumstances, he said. Tariff preferences can catalyse growth PM Modi emphasised that while incentives and tariff preferences can drive growth, long-term competitiveness relies on innovation, efficiency, and scale. Incentives and tariff preferences can catalyse growth, but durable competitiveness must rest on innovation, efficiency and scale, he said. Record exports India's goods exports have repeatedly surpassed previous records in recent years, PM Modi said. Three priorities for next decade PM Modi outlines three key reform priorities for the next decade, which will incorporate structural reforms, deeper innovation, and simplified governance. More structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance, he said, while highlighting the three reforms. Focus on infrastructure Speaking on the government's focus on infrastructure, PM Modi said, India is witnessing the most expansive infra push in its history, built with future readiness in mind. Role of women in Viksit Bharat dream According to PM Modi, women will be pivotal in achieving Viksit Bharat, and their welfare is a guiding principle for all government decisions. It is my conviction that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat, PM Modi said, adding, "I want to state unequivocally that welfare of women guide every decision our govt takes." What does post-pandemic India look like? According to PM Modi, the post-pandemic era is bringing new possibilities for India. We are living in a post-pandemic world that is opening new doors for India, he said. On India's defence budget Speaking on defence budget and modernisation, PM Modi said, India has to be strong and prepared at all times, and that is what we are doing." Well-being of servicemen PM Modi emphasised the government's commitment to the well-being of servicemen. BJP workers confronted Congress activists in Pune while protesting against Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal's remarks 'equating' Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, with the Opposition party alleging stone pelting during the agitation on Sunday. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma told reporters that three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel, and two journalists sustained minor injuries in the melee, adding that the process of registering cases against both sides was underway. "A protest was held near the Congress Bhavan, which saw sloganeering from workers of BJP and Congress. Workers of both parties climbed onto walls and there was stone pelting from both sides. Cases are being registered against workers of both sides," Sharma informed. Pune city Congress chief Arvind Shinde said the party has submitted a written complaint to the police against BJP functionaries. A case should be registered against Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, BJP City president Dheeraj Ghate, Dushyant Mohol and other workers, Shinde added. There was a heavy police deployment in the area as BJP workers protested outside the Congress Bhavan, condemning Sapkal's comments that have triggered a row in the state. A controversy erupted on Saturday over a portrait of Tipu Sultan in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, which was opposed by Shiv Sena corporators and Hindu outfits. While pointing to the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the way he presented the idea of 'Swarajya', Sapkal gave the example of Tipu Sultan's call for battle against the British and claimed this was an ideal articulated on the same lines. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of "double standards" and pursuing a polarisation agenda after Sapkal faced criticism for the remark. In a statement, the Congress spokesperson cited several instances to claim that BJP leaders had earlier supported or endorsed references to 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan in public spaces and official forums. He referred to resolutions in civic bodies in Akola and Mumbai, as well as past instances where BJP leaders had allegedly praised or associated with the historical figure, to argue that the party's current opposition was politically motivated. BJP workers staged a protest in Pune, condemning Sapkal's remarks. Congress has alleged that two of its workers sustained injuries as activists from the saffron party indulged in stone pelting outside the Congress Bhavan. Tipu Sultan remains a polarising figure of history, with some invoking his bravery in the battles against the British, while others have pointed to his religious bigotry and ill-treatment of non-Muslims. Sawant, in his statement, has claimed that the BJP earlier admired Tipu Sultan, but now calls him bad for its polarisation agenda. Further accusing the BJP of "double standards", Sawant cited that in 2012, the saffron party moved a resolution in the Akola Municipal Corporation to name the standing committee hall 'Shaheed-e-Watan Sher-e-Mysore Tipu Sultan', proposed by former mayor and current BJP Akola election in-charge Vijay Agrawal. In 2013, BJP corporators supported a proposal to name a road in Mumbai's M-East ward as 'Shaheed Tipu Sultan Marg', and even current city Mayor Ritu Tawde's name figures among those present, he stated. In 2001, a road in Andheri (West) was named 'Sher-e-Mysore Tipu Sultan Marg' in the presence of former BJP MP Gopal Shetty and party corporators, with the resolution passed unanimously, Sawant said. BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa visited Tipu Sultan's tomb and wrote words of praise in the visitors' book, he claimed. The AI Impact Summit will kick off at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi from tomorrow, inviting attendance not just from top leaders in the tech world but also from some of the biggest global leaders like Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron. The event, which is being positioned as the first AI summit in the Global South, will witness over 2 lakh people attending. Here's everything we know about the preparations being made for the smooth conduct of the summit. How is Delhi preparing for AI Impact Summit? Government officials are preparing arrangements for the smoother flow of traffic during the summit days, especially to make it easier for students to attend the mega event, PTI reported. Meanwhile, guests will be able to register for the summit using the DigiYatra app or by scanning their QR code on the India AI Impact Summit app at various entry points. "We are making sure that we recycle some of that infrastructure they have created for the waste management there, so that we are also able to achieve a zero-waste conference given that there are going to be footfalls which are more than 2 lakh over that period," a MeitY official was quoted by the agency as saying. The CBSE exams are also coming up and, in order to ensure the free flow of traffic, Delhi Police has coordinated with school principals to give passes to students so that they do not face any problems while travelling for the exams. The government will also run a special 24-hour programme from 8am on 16 February to collect pledges on the responsible use of AI. Arrangements for parking cars have been made at nearby venues like the Delhi Zoo, National Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, according to the category of attendees. There will also be shuttle services available to take attendees to and from the venue. However, government officials stressed the need to use public transport, especially the metro service, which is located close to Gate 10 of Pragati Maidan. Entry for the summit will be through Gate 4 of Pragati Maidan. There will be food stalls inside the venue, while Swiggy and Zepto have also been allowed to open stores inside. Given the high footfall expected, the government has also asked telecom operators to optimise their network near Bharat Mandapam to ensure smooth access to mobile networks and data services. When is the AI Impact Summit? Who can register? The AI Impact Summit is being held from 1620 February at Bharat Mandapam. Registration for the AI Impact Summit is free and anyone can register by visiting the summits official website. Five individuals sustained injuries and 40 two-wheelers were destroyed during a fire in a residential building's basement parking in Maharashtra's Thane district early Sunday morning. The blaze erupted within the lower-level parking area of a residential complex in the Sagaon locality of Dombivli around 4 am, according to authorities. One woman suffered burn wounds, while a man was injured after leaping from a first floor apartment to escape; three other residents incurred minor injuries, Namdeo Chowdhary, chief fire officer for the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, told PTI. Also Read | Bangladesh: BNP office set ablaze in Narayanganj The victims, all of whom lived on the building's first floor, are currently receiving medical attention at a local hospital, he added. At least 40 two-wheelers stationed in the basement were completely incinerated by the flames, the official noted. Two fire tenders were dispatched immediately to the scene, successfully extinguishing the blaze within one hour. Chowdhary said that the specific cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. Fire at multi-storey building in Kolkata A blaze erupted in a multi-storey building in south Kolkata's Haridevpur area on Sunday, reported PTI. The fire, which broke out in the apartment complex at 10.40 am, was doused by five fire tenders by noon. There are no reports of any injury. Disaster management and civil emergency services personnel also reached the spot and took steps to prevent the blaze from spreading to the adjacent flats. The fire was confined to a single flat on the fifth floor and did not spread to other parts of the building, the official said. The flat residents were not present inside when the blaze erupted as they had gone to a nearby temple to offer puja, he said. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be ascertained, he added. Kerala: Car catches fire; five Ayyappa devotees escape unharmed A moving car caught fire at Kuttikanam on Sunday, and five Ayyappa devotees travelling in it escaped unharmed, reported PTI. The Peerumade fire station received a distress call at around 4.30 pm reporting a car on fire, officials said. Two fire tenders reached the spot within 10 minutes and extinguished the blaze, an official added. The vehicle had five passengers, all natives of Tamil Nadu, returning from a visit to the Sabarimala temple. On noticing smoke from the car, the passengers immediately evacuated and escaped without injuries, officers said. Preliminary suspicion suggests that engine overheating may have caused the fire. A detailed investigation will be conducted by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to determine the exact cause of the incident, Fire and Rescue Service officials said. Fire at Yemen shopping mall kills one, injures 13 One person was killed and 13 were injured after a fire broke out at a shopping mall in the city of Marib, Yemen, on Sunday, state news agency Saba said. The fire, which broke out after midnight on Saturday, destroyed the mall and damaged nearby shops, Saba added. Kate Hudson found it "hard" to break away from rom-coms. Kate Hudson is best known for her romantic comedies The 46-year-old actress is best known for her work on feel-good films such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Bride Wars and Fool's Gold, and though there is a lot she enjoys about making the movies, she believes they stopped directors considering her for grittier parts. Speaking on stage at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Hollywood Reporter reports she said: It was clear that thats where the industry liked to hire me and then my goal, my hope, was to make the best versions of those. "In that time, it was also like theres a lot of factors: youve got your team, youve got people saying, We really think you should do this, these are great directors. And then you have moments where youre also like, Thats a lot of money and Im a single mom.' "[But] I was starting to be like, I really want to be doing something different. And I think when you become really famous doing that genre, its hard for certain filmmakers to see you in anything other than what were watching. These sort of things that like, Well, transforming isnt what she does when, in fact, its what I love to do. Kate believes a successful romantic comedy is far more difficult to get right than it may seem. She said: I think its one of the hardest genres to get right. [Rom-coms need to be approached] with the intention like everybody does a great film, not with the intention of making a rom-com." After landing her second Oscar nomination for her latest film Song Sung Blue, Kate hopes more opportunities will come her way to try new things. She said: It doesnt mean to me that all of a sudden I just want to be doing this for the concept of the accolades; I want to do it to put people in the theatre too. "This feels like the beginning of maybe that part where I get to do a little bit more transformations than maybe Ive been able to do in the past. Kate received her first Oscar nomination for Almost Famous and she recalled receiving some words of wisdom from her stepfather Kurt Russell after the 2021 ceremony. She said: I lost, and everything happened so fast. My dad just turned to me he was down a couple, and Kurt [Russell] just goes, Congratulations, now you can go have a career.' And I was like, Yeah, thats right. And that was Kurts way of saying, like, Welcome, this is what it is. Everything happens and in a second its all over.' BRATISLAVA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and visiting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday discussed bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy, as well as possible energy cooperation between the Visegrad Four (V4) countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) and the United States. According to the News Agency of the Slovak Republic, Fico said his government plans to establish a multinational consortium with the U.S. support to "guarantee that Slovakia could build another 1,200-megawatt nuclear unit by 2040." Regarding energy cooperation, Fico expressed his interest in possible joint negotiations between the V4 countries and the United States. Slovakia will take over the V4 presidency on 1 July this year. On Jan. 16, the United States and Slovakia signed an intergovernmental agreement to expand cooperation in the civil nuclear program. Fico said that the agreement opened the door to negotiations on the supplies of U.S. nuclear technology to Slovakia. At the joint press conference following their Sunday meeting, Fico underlined that the most important thing is mutual respect between Slovakia and the United States, acting as allies on matters of common interest, and seeking common solutions when differences arise. In an apparent effort to soften earlier critical and dismissive remarks about Europe by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, Rubio said the United States wants Europe to be its "partner" rather than "its vassal." You can change friends, but not neighbours. This thoughtful line by Atal Bihari Vajpayee carries quiet urgency in todays divided world. Nations are deeply connected through geography even when politics creates distance. Borders cannot be relocated. History cannot be rewritten easily. The quote moves attention from temporary alliances to permanent coexistence. It reminds societies that peace with neighbours is not idealism. It is a necessity. According to this idea, stability grows from dialogue, patience and mutual respect. Conflict may win moments. Cooperation sustains generations. The theme of responsible coexistence stands at the heart of the statement. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of Indias most respected political leaders, often spoke about courage balanced with restraint. His words still shape conversations on diplomacy and regional harmony. Modern politics rewards sharp rhetoric and quick victories. This quote points elsewhere. It suggests maturity lies in learning to live together despite disagreement. What it means Vajpayee, who was also a poet of rare sensibility, places geography above emotion. Friendships may change over time, with interests or ideologies. Neighbours remain constant. Because proximity is permanent, conflict becomes costly for everyone involved. Trade slows. Trust weakens. Ordinary lives suffer first. The quote, therefore, argues for practical wisdom. Dialogue is not a weakness. Restraint is not surrender. These are tools of long-term peace. Seen this way, diplomacy becomes an everyday responsibility rather than a rare event. Stability is built slowly through repeated gestures of understanding. Where it comes from Vajpayees political life unfolded during periods of tension in South Asia. Wars, negotiations and fragile ceasefires shaped regional memory. Despite leading a strong national government, he repeatedly emphasised the importance of dialogue with neighbouring countries. His Lahore bus journey in 1999 symbolised hope that dialogue could replace hostility. Atal Bihari Vajpayees approach towards Pakistan combined courage in peace efforts with firmness during conflict. He repeatedly extended a hand of friendship despite serious setbacks. He led India in the 1999 Kargil War and the 2001 Parliament attack. His broader vision rested on dialogue shaped by humanity, democracy and the cultural identity of Kashmir. During the Kargil conflict, Vajpayee authorised a strong military response through Operation Vijay. Yet, he chose not to cross the Line of Control. This restraint earned India wide global support. After the Parliament attack, he ordered a massive troop mobilisation under Operation Parakram. Tensions remained high for months before a gradual de-escalation. Diplomatically, Vajpayee launched the Delhi-Lahore bus journey. He also signed the Lahore Declaration with Nawaz Sharif in 1999. The 2001 Agra Summit with Pervez Musharraf failed due to disagreements over Kashmir and terrorism. His final peace push in 2003 led to a ceasefire and Pakistans assurance against cross-border terrorism in 2004. Influenced by democratic values and poetic imagination, Vajpayee believed strength should create space for peace. Security and reconciliation, in his vision, had to move together. This quote reflects that balance. Geography demands realism. Humanity demands empathy. How to apply it today Takeaway 1: Value dialogue in personal and social conflicts instead of quick separation. Takeaway 2: Recognise that long-term relationships require patience even when trust is fragile. Takeaway 3: Measure strength through the ability to maintain peace, not only to win arguments. Living peacefully beside others may appear ordinary. In truth, it is one of civilisations greatest achievements. Related readings Selected Speeches of Atal Bihari Vajpayee They reveal his blend of firmness and compassion in public life. The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru It explores the historical roots of coexistence in the subcontinent. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela A powerful reflection on reconciliation after deep conflict. The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (February 14) on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, as efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia war intensify ahead of planned talks in Geneva next week. Both leaders discussed security cooperation, defence ties and preparations for trilateral negotiations involving the US, Ukraine and Russia. Trump pushes end to bloodshed In a post on X, Rubio shared a photo with Zelensky and wrote that President Donald Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all, underscoring the administrations aim to bring a durable peace to the nearly four-year conflict. Preparations underway for Geneva peace talks Zelensky said he had also spoken with Trumps envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the scheduled Geneva meetings, which his government expects to be truly productive, according to his X post. He noted additional developments following recent talks in Abu Dhabi, although he added that not everything can be shared over the phone and that his negotiating team would present Ukraines position next week. Wider diplomatic engagement at Munich Rubio also said that he discussed ending the war in Ukraine with his Group of Seven counterparts at the Munich conference, alongside efforts to advance global peace and stability. War and diplomacy The Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, continues to see heavy fighting even as diplomatic efforts escalate. Peace talks set for Geneva on Tuesday are viewed as a critical test of whether a ceasefire or broader agreement can be reached, with both Kyiv and Washington emphasising the need for a durable, lasting peace. Previous talks fail to break deadlock Previous US-led diplomatic efforts to broker consensus on ending the war between Ukraine and Russia have failed to overcome key sticking points, despite multiple rounds of negotiations. The most recent attempts two rounds of talks held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates did not produce a breakthrough. While officials described the discussions as constructive, they ultimately stalled over fundamental issues that continue to divide Kyiv and Moscow. At the center of the impasse is the future of Ukraines eastern Donbas region, an industrial heartland that has been largely occupied by Russian forces since the early months of the conflict. Ukraine maintains that any peace agreement must respect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, while Russia has sought recognition of its control over occupied territories. Also Read | Five European nations say Alexei Navalny was poisoned with dart frog toxin Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old postgraduate studentfrom Karnataka, died in the US, confirmed the Indian Consulate in San Francisco early Sunday, February 15 (IST). The Consulate said it deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time, it wrote on X. The Consulate said it stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services, it said. Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah? Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, hailing from Karnataka, was reported missing in Berkeley since the morning of February 12, officials said. The Consulate General had said on Saturday that it is in touch with both the authorities and the parents, and is helping locate the boy. In a post on X, the Consulate General wrote, "Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post-graduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student." Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, was pursuing his Master of Science in Product Development Programme from the University of California, Berkeley. He was an Institute of Technology, Madras, alumnus. I'm a Masters student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras. I'm passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials, Saketh wrote on his LinkedIn profile. According to reports, police said Sreenivasaiah was last seen near Lake Anza in the 1700 block of Dwight Way on Tuesday. They reportedly described Sreenivasaiah as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 160 pounds. The Trump administration covertly deported nine individuals to Cameroon, even though many of them had U.S. court protections preventing such deportations, and none of them was from that African country, according to a report by the New York Times. Many of these men and women sent to Cameroon on a flight from Alexandria, Louisiana, on 14 January did not know their destination until they were put on a Department of Homeland Security flight and placed in handcuffs and chains, the publication said, citing government documents and attorneys for the deportees. The Trump administration has not announced any agreement under which Cameroon has agreed to accept deportees from other countries. Also Read | US Congress deadlock over immigration risks partial shutdown Ruling on halting temporary deportations A federal judge on Thursday halted the Trump administration from terminating temporary deportation protections that enabled hundreds of South Sudanese nationals to live and work in the US District Judge Patti Saris in Boston ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem likely acted unlawfully by giving a "pretextual" reason for ending South Sudan's Temporary Protected Status and failing to reveal the true motive, Reuters reported. This status is available to individuals whose home countries have faced natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary events. It grants eligible migrants work authorisation and temporary protection against deportation. In November, Noem published a notice terminating TPS for conflict-ridden South Sudan, saying the country no longer met the conditions for the designation, which was first issued in 2011. Saris stated that the notice did not recognise the true reason behind Noem's action, and she had consistently followed a "preordained pattern and practice" of terminating TPS designations for all countries. Appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, Saris said that since Noem took office, the US Department of Homeland Security has moved to end TPS designations for 11 other countries, including Haiti, Venezuela and Ethiopia. "It is highly likely that no country will pass muster, no matter how dire its conditions," Saris was quoted as saying. Much of Northern California is under a winter storm watch, with communities bracing for several feet of snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned people traveling to and from the Sierra Nevada and its popular ski resorts to expect major travel impacts and to use extreme caution, the Associated Press reported. But there is still time for people to get to their destinations for Presidents Day weekend. 'Best travel window' Dakari Anderson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in the Sacramento office, told The Associated Press that Saturday through Sunday morning is going to be the best travel window ahead of the incoming cold weather system. While there was some snow earlier in the week, conditions remained quiet on Saturday, Anderson said. Situation to deteriorate Things are, however, expected to pick up Sunday afternoon with communities that are situated at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet (914 to 1,219 meters) expecting to be blanketed with between 1 and 2 feet (30 and 60 centimeters) of snow. Our highest [snow] accumulations are going to be in those kind of more hard-to-reach places, but were still going to see some of those heavier amounts in communities that are populated, Anderson was quoted as saying. Communities in higher elevations could see much more snow possibly 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters). Among them, Anderson said, may be Blue Canyon, a sparsely populated unincorporated community that sits at 4,695 feet (1,431 meters) of elevation and is about 51 miles (82 kilometers) west of Lake Tahoe. The City of South Lake Tahoe posted on its Facebook page, warning residents that if they drive on Monday they should expect delays, possible road closures, and whiteout conditions. Also Read | Oil prices settle lower as traders assess impact of winter storm on production The Shasta County Sheriff's Office urged residents to take advantage of the clear weather Saturday and prepare for the storm. It has seemed spring-like for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show its not quite done yet, the agency posted on Facebook. The winter event is expected to span several days and could also affect portions of western Nevada and southern Oregon. Detailed weather warning A winter storm warning was issued by the NWS from Sunday to Wednesday. On Saturday at 1:08 pm, the NWS Medford OR issued a winter storm warning valid from Sunday 10 am until Wednesday 4 am for South Central Siskiyou County and North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County. "Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet through Monday morning with accumulations of 8 to 12 inches expected. After a brief lull in precipitation Monday afternoon, snow levels drop to around 2000 feet Monday night into Tuesday, remaining low through Thursday, the NWS reportedly said. "Additional snow accumulations 6 to 12 inches are expected with 1 to 2 feet expected above 5000 ft. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph over high and exposed terrain," added the NWS. "Snow levels of 5000 feet on Sunday into Sunday evening are expected to lower to 4500 feet Sunday night then down to 4000 feet Monday, it said. Snow levels may lower further Monday night through Tuesday night down to 2000 feet by Tuesday morning. "Travel may be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes," said the NWS. Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, February 15, that Beijing has decided to extend its visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom (UK), starting from February 17, as reported by news agency Xinhua. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes, said the Xinhua report. The policy will stay in effect until December 31, 2026, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. The visa-free policy aims to "further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries", the Foreign Ministry also said. The development comes after the two countries' prime ministers had announced such pacts following official trips to Beijing. Canadian and British prime ministers Mark Carney and Keir Starmer, respectively, visited Beijing in January, seeking to bolster ties with China and pivot from the increasingly mercurial United States. Both leaders had hailed progress following meetings with top Chinese leaders such as President Xi Jinping, including on issues such as visa-free access for their citizens to China. Is China visa-free access available for Indians? No, China has not granted visa-free access for Indian passport holders. To modernise and accelerate the visa process for Indian citizens, the Chinese Embassy in India officially introduced the China Online Visa Application System on December 22, 2025. Travelers can now access the streamlined service via the official portal at visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/qianzh. This digital shift is designed to enhance efficiency by allowing most documentation to be handled electronically, significantly cutting down on the time required during the preliminary stages of the application. How the new process works According to the New Delhi Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, the updated procedure follows these specific steps: Account Creation: Applicants must register or log in to their personal account on the official website. Digital Submission: The visa application form must be completed online, with all supporting documents uploaded directly to the portal. Status Monitoring: It is vital for applicants to follow the website's instructions closely. Final Step: Physical passports and paperwork should only be brought to the center once the application status updates to "online review completed" and a confirmation email is received. (Bloomberg) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he proposed terms for any deescalation deal with Iran during a meeting with US President Donald Trump last week. According to the terms, Iran shouldnt possess enriched material or nuclear enrichment capabilities, Netanyahu told a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations meeting in Jerusalem. He also suggested limiting the range of Iranian ballistic missiles, another key point of contention. Theres an MTCR limitation of 300 kilometers, and Iran is supposed to adhere to it, he said. Of course, it doesnt. Geneva is expected to host a second round of Iran-US talks this week following indirect negotiations in Oman in early February. Trump is seeking an arrangement to curb Tehrans nuclear ambitions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for the Swiss city for the talks, Irans state-run Press TV reported. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are the US envoys, Reuters reported. Trump told reporters on Friday that regime change would be the best outcome for Iran, ratcheting up pressure ahead of the talks. He earlier said negotiations with Iran could drag out for as long as a month. The US president mobilized warships and fighter jets near Iran in response to a recent deadly crackdown by the regime there following mass protests, but he has since shifted his focus to Irans atomic capabilities. The US and Israel struck nuclear facilities in Iran last year. While Trump at the time said the mission had obliterated the Islamic Republics nuclear program, he has pushed for an agreement with the country in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. In a meeting with Netanyahu in Washington, Trump said that his preference was to reach a deal with Iran despite reservations by the Israeli leader. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Massachusetts, Feb 15 (The Conversation) OpenAI, the maker of the most popular AI chatbot, used to say it aimed to build artificial intelligence that "safely benefits humanity, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return," according to its 2023 mission statement. But the ChatGPT maker seems to no longer have the same emphasis on doing so "safely." While reviewing its latest IRS disclosure form, which was released in November 2025 and covers 2024, I noticed OpenAI had removed "safely" from its mission statement, among other changes. That change in wording coincided with its transformation from a nonprofit organisation into a business increasingly focused on profits. OpenAI currently faces several lawsuits related to its products' safety, making this change newsworthy. Many of the plaintiffs suing the AI company allege psychological manipulation, wrongful death and assisted suicide, while others have filed negligence claims. As a scholar of nonprofit accountability and the governance of social enterprises, I see the deletion of the word "safely" from its mission statement as a significant shift that has largely gone unreported outside highly specialized outlets. And I believe OpenAI's makeover is a test case for how we, as a society, oversee the work of organisations that have the potential to both provide enormous benefits and do catastrophic harm. Tracing OpenAI's origins ---------------------------- OpenAI, which also makes the Sora video artificial intelligence app, was founded as a nonprofit scientific research lab in 2015. Its original purpose was to benefit society by making its findings public and royalty-free rather than to make money. To raise the money that developing its AI models would require, OpenAI, under the leadership of CEO Sam Altman, created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019. Microsoft initially invested USD 1 billion in this venture; by 2024 that sum had topped USD 13 billion. In exchange, Microsoft was promised a portion of future profits, capped at 100 times its initial investment. But the software giant didn't get a seat on OpenAI's nonprofit board meaning it lacked the power to help steer the AI venture it was funding. A subsequent round of funding in late 2024, which raised USD 6.6 billion from multiple investors, came with a catch: that the funding would become debt unless OpenAI converted to a more traditional for-profit business in which investors could own shares, without any caps on profits, and possibly occupy board seats. Establishing a new structure ------------------------------- In October 2025, OpenAI reached an agreement with the attorneys general of California and Delaware to become a more traditional for-profit company. Under the new arrangement, OpenAI was split into two entities: a nonprofit foundation and a for-profit business. The restructured nonprofit, the OpenAI Foundation, owns about one-fourth of the stock in a new for-profit public benefit corporation, the OpenAI Group. Both are headquartered in California but incorporated in Delaware. A public benefit corporation is a business that must consider interests beyond shareholders, such as those of society and the environment, and it must issue an annual benefit report to its shareholders and the public. However, it is up to the board to decide how to weigh those interests and what to report in terms of the benefits and harms caused by the company. The new structure is described in a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025 by OpenAI and the California attorney general, and endorsed by the Delaware attorney general. Many business media outlets heralded the move, predicting that it would usher in more investment. Two months later, SoftBank, a Japanese conglomerate, finalised a USD 41 billion investment in OpenAI. Changing its mission statement ----------------------------------- Most charities must file forms annually with the Internal Revenue Service with details about their missions, activities and financial status to show that they qualify for tax-exempt status. Because the IRS makes the forms public, they have become a way for nonprofits to signal their missions to the world. In its forms for 2022, and 2023, OpenAI said its mission was "to build general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) that safely benefits humanity, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return." That mission statement has changed, as of OpenAI's 990 form for 2024 which the company filed with the IRS in late 2025. It became "to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity." OpenAI had dropped its commitment to safety from its mission statement along with a commitment to being "unconstrained" by a need to make money for investors. According to Platformer, a tech media outlet, it has also disbanded its "mission alignment" team. In my view, these changes explicitly signal that OpenAI is making its profits a higher priority than the safety of its products. To be sure, OpenAI continues to mention safety when it discusses its mission. "We view this mission as the most important challenge of our time," it states on its website. "It requires simultaneously advancing AI's capability, safety, and positive impact in the world." Revising its legal governance structure -------------------------------------------- Nonprofit boards are responsible for key decisions and upholding their organisation's mission. Unlike private companies, board members of tax-exempt charitable nonprofits cannot personally enrich themselves by taking a share of earnings. In cases where a nonprofit owns a for-profit business, as OpenAI did with its previous structure, investors can take a cut of profits but they typically do not get a seat on the board or have an opportunity to elect board members, because that would be seen as a conflict of interest. The OpenAI Foundation now has a 26 per cent stake in OpenAI Group. In effect, that means that the nonprofit board has given up nearly three-quarters of its control over the company. Software giant Microsoft owns a slightly larger stake 27 per cent of OpenAI's stock due to its USD 13.8 billion investment in the AI company to date. OpenAI's employees and its other investors own the rest of the shares. Steps that might help keep people safe -------------------------------------------- Several conditions in the OpenAI restructuring memo are designed to promote safety, including: A safety and security committee on the OpenAI Foundation board has the authority to "require mitigation measures" that could potentially include the halting of a release of new OpenAI products based on assessments of their risks. The for-profit OpenAI Group has its own board, which must consider only OpenAI's mission rather than financial issues regarding safety and security issues. The OpenAI Foundation's nonprofit board gets to appoint all members of the OpenAI Group's for-profit board. But given that neither the mission of the foundation nor of the OpenAI group explicitly alludes to safety, it will be hard to hold their boards accountable for it. Furthermore, since all but one board member currently serve on both boards, it is hard to see how they might oversee themselves. And the memorandum signed by the California attorney general doesn't indicate whether he was aware of the removal of any reference to safety from the mission statement. Identifying other paths OpenAI could have taken -------------------------------------------------------- There are alternative models that I believe would serve the public interest better than this one. When Health Net, a California nonprofit health maintenance organisation, converted to a for-profit insurance company in 1992, regulators required that 80 per cent of its equity be transferred to another nonprofit health foundation. Unlike with OpenAI, the foundation had majority control after the transformation. A coalition of California nonprofits has argued that the attorney general should require OpenAI to transfer all of its assets to an independent nonprofit. Another example is The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Pennsylvania newspaper became a for-profit public benefit corporation in 2016. It belongs to the Lenfest Institute, a nonprofit. This structure allows Philadelphia's biggest newspaper to attract investment without compromising its purpose journalism serving the needs of its local communities. It's become a model for potentially transforming the local news industry. At this point, I believe that the public bears the burden of two governance failures. One is that OpenAI's board has apparently abandoned its mission of safety. And the other is that the attorneys general of California and Delaware have let that happen. (The Conversation) GRS India will take centre stage in the global artificial intelligence conversation this week as it hosts the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. The five-day gathering is expected to bring together heads of state, senior ministers, global technology executives, researchers and startup founders, positioning India as a key voice in shaping the next phase of AI development. With artificial intelligence rapidly transforming industries from healthcare and agriculture to finance and education, the summit is being seen as a defining moment in Indias ambition to help frame global AI standards while advancing a development-first approach. When and where to watch the AI Impact Summit live All events from the summit will be broadcast live on the official IndiaAI YouTube channel. Viewers can tune in throughout the five-day programme via: https://youtube.com/@indiaai The live telecast will cover keynote addresses, ministerial dialogues, CEO sessions, thematic discussions and Expo walkthroughs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the summit, visit the Expo and interact with global technology leaders. His speech is expected to outline Indias roadmap for responsible and inclusive AI adoption. The event will also feature the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, alongside ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries. The UN Secretary-General and senior officials from international organisations are also set to take part. Also Read | What is YUVAi challenge? Young innovators headline India AI Impact Summit 2026 What to expect from the five-day summit More than 700 sessions are planned across the summits duration, spanning themes such as AI safety, governance, ethics, data protection, sovereign AI capabilities and the future of work. Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, are expected to present deliverables including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools and shared compute infrastructure. A major focus will be on real-world applications of AI that support economic growth, sustainability and social inclusion, reflecting Indias emphasis on People, Planet and Progress. Spotlight on global tech leaders The summit boasts a high-profile lineup of technology executives, including: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI Demis Hassabis of DeepMind Technologies Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic Brad Smith of Microsoft Their presence is expected to make the summit a focal point for global AI policy discussions and potential corporate announcements. Indias innovation-first AI model Unlike the regulation-heavy framework adopted by the European Union or the largely market-driven approach in the United States, India is advocating what it describes as an innovation-first and development-oriented model. Backed by the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the country is investing in compute infrastructure, high-quality datasets, skilling initiatives and support for indigenous foundation models. The summit will also examine emerging regulatory questions, including AI-generated content labelling, platform accountability and strategies to counter deepfakes and misinformation. Why this summit matters This will be the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, underscoring Indias effort to broaden the AI conversation beyond frontier risk and safety debates to include equitable access, inclusive growth and shared technological benefits. (With inputs from PTI) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Sunday said she felt that the European Union (EU) member states are not ready to give a concrete date regarding Ukraine's EU membership. "There's a lot of work to be done," she said at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. In the end, "it's always the geopolitical picture" that shapes such decisions, she added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently called for a specific date for Ukraine to formally join the EU. Ukraine was granted candidate status for accession to the EU in June 2022. The parents of an Alabama girl who was killed at Camp Mystic are seeking more safety oversight on summer camps Longford ICA Town Guild members recently took part in a lovely walk to St Brigids Well in Ardagh to mark St Brigid's Day. After attending Holy Mass in St Brigids Catholic Church, Ardagh, prayers were said at the well and ribbons were tied on the tree, followed by a warm cuppa and refreshments in Margarets house. A sincere thanks to Margaret and Frank for organising such an enjoyable day. Longford ICA Town Guild held their most recent monthly meeting on January 14 at the ICA Headquarters in the Old Connolly Barracks. Members also enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating Nollaig na mBan on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, in the Longford Arms Hotel to mark the official end of the Christmas season. Looking ahead, Longford Town are going forward to An Grianan to represent Longford at the National Table Quiz. In addition, five members will attend the Crafts of Ireland event in Cavan on Saturday, 21st February, where they will take part in a Button Picture course followed by afternoon tea. The next Longford ICA Town Guild meeting will take place on Wednesday night, 4th February at 8pm in the Longford ICA headquarters at the Old Connolly Barracks. The evening will feature poet Darragh Coady, who will read from his own work. New members and anyone interested in learning more about the ICA are very welcome. READ NEXT: Councillor receives positive update on efforts to address north Longford flooding problem READ NEXT: Drive off: Man pleads guilty to theft of diesel from Longford retailer A Longford man who was detected by Gardai with drugs valued at 2,500 and almost 28,000 in cash at his home has been convicted for drug dealing and money-laundering offences and jailed for 15-months. Martin McDonagh (37) from Congress Terrace in Longford town pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court to being in possession of drugs, the sale or supply of drugs and money laundering on October 4, 2022. Gardai obtained a warrant and carried out a planned search of his home on the date in question and Judge Jonathan Dunphy stated when they entered the premises they were not scouring the residence for drugs. "Their initial suspicion granting the search was that they would recover unlawful fireworks. "Upon entering the property and making their way into the kitchen they met with the defendant Mr McDonagh. "He walked into the kitchen with a glass jar in his hands, which he attempted to conceal behind his back and there was also a bag of cannabis on the kitchen table. "There was a young child in the sitting room on the couch." Judge Dunphy said the defendant handed over the jar which contained suspected cocaine after being directed to do so and he was told by Gardai to sit down at the kitchen table. Mr McDonagh was subsequently cautioned by officers and he accepted ownership of the two items, which he said were for his personal use only. Judge Dunphy said the value of the bag of cannabis on the kitchen table was approximately 100, while the cocaine in the jar had an estimated street value of between 200 and 300. "The two items were seized and a more comprehensive search of the property was carried out where a set of weighing scales with cannabis residue on it were recovered from the kitchen counter." Judge Dunphy said the defendant stated he used the scales to check the weight of the cannabis that he had bought for himself. "In close proximity to the scales was an envelope with 1,130 in cash, which was also seized, which the defendant later in interview made out was a deposit for a gravestone feature." Judge Dunphy stated the drugs were analysed at the Gardais Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) laboratory the cocaine was found to be valued at 2,262, while the cannabis had a street value of 335 with the total value of the drugs worth 2,597. He said during the search a sum of 27,703 was found in a plastic zip locked pouch on the bedroom door. The court heard gardai arrested and interviewed the defendant at the garda station and he accepted ownership of the drugs. The defendant admitted from the outset they were his drugs, but he initially denied they were for sale and supply. Mr McDonagh pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs, the possession of drugs for sale and supply, and money-laundering in May 2025. The defendant stated the majority of the money was his mother-in-law's - and the rest was a deposit for a gravestone. The defendant had 13 previous convictions. Defence barrister Michael O'Higgins said his client, a married father of four, grew up in Balbriggan, Dublin and left school when he was aged between 12 and 14 and he is unable to read or write. The court heard Mr McDonagh, who moved to Longford several years ago, lives in a two-bedroom council house and he is in a very stable relationship with a strong wife who grew up in Longford. Judge Dunphy heard the defendant has a history of substance abuse and health difficulties. "I'd ask the court to extend as much leniency as possible," Mr O'Higgins added. Judge Dunphy said the offence was at the higher end of the lower end of the scale. He noted the gravity of the offence and he considered all of the mitigation before handing down his sentence and jailing the defendant for two years, however, he suspended the final nine months for two years on strict conditions that Mr McDonagh engages with the Probation Service and is of good behaviour. READ NEXT: Number of rental houses available in county Longford plummets to new low READ NEXT: Longford County Council urges use of parking permits to make substantial savings QUITO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador began its four-day national holiday on Saturday with vibrant carnival celebrations and a surge in tourism. According to official estimates, thousands of tourists will travel to Ambato and Guaranda, the epicenters of the country's most emblematic carnival festivities. Ambato, a mountainous city in central Ecuador, is famous for its annual Flowers and Fruits Parade and is expected to attract at least 200,000 tourists in its Cevallos Park during the holiday. This year's parade will feature large floats adorned with flowers and fruits, accompanied by carnival troupes performing dances and music. Beyond Ambato, local governments across the country have organized diverse cultural events to attract tourists from around the world. Meanwhile, in response to a recent surge of violence in the South American country, the government has tightened security measures during the carnival holiday as part of a nationwide crackdown on organized crime. Authorities said the security measures will be implemented through next Wednesday, with 46,748 police officers and 32,000 military personnel deployed across the country. BAGHDAD, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met with Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen here on Sunday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing security cooperation. A statement by al-Sudani's media office said the talks focused on expanding partnerships in development, economics and technology, as well as expertise exchanges in sustainable development. The prime minister stressed the need for closer security cooperation, particularly in police training, intelligence sharing, and the adoption of modern security technologies. On counterterrorism, al-Sudani asserted that transferring Islamic State (IS) prisoners from Syria to Iraq is a sovereign decision aimed at protecting regional and global security, urging the international community to take responsibility to receive foreign IS detainees and bring them to justice. For her part, Rantanen reaffirmed Finland's commitment to deepening ties and its readiness to explore new horizons in areas of shared interest. The discussions came as Iraq's National Center for International Judicial Cooperation reported on Friday that 5,704 IS detainees had been transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraqi custody. A young student from Mayo is among the winners of a nation-wide essay competition organised by MEP Nina Carberry, bringing a Mayo perspective to a programme designed to inspire civic engagement among primary school pupils. Fifth and sixth class students across the Midland North West were invited to respond to the question: If you were an MEP, what would you do to make your community the best place to live? Winners were selected from numerous entries, with Ciara Bourke of St Peters NS, Snugboro, Castlebar, Co Mayo among those recognised for their creative and thoughtful submissions. As an 11 year old girl living in Co Mayo, I know my voice may be small but if everyone works together, we can all make a difference to make our community a better place to live. You can always give something even if its only kindness, wrote Ciara in her essay. READ MORE: Fall in love with Mayos coast as 5,000 photography competition opens Im delighted to congratulate all of our winners, Carberry said in an announcement celebrating the pupils achievements. The competition not only showcased young talent but also offered a chance for students to learn about the role of Members of the European Parliament in shaping policy that affects local communities. This years prize will once again see the winners travel to Brussels, where they will meet MEPs and enjoy a guided tour of the European Parliament giving them a unique first-hand insight into European political life and the legislative process. Open to children living in the 15-county Midlands-North West region, the initiative challenges young people to think critically about community, representation and how EU decision-making can be a force for positive change. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass a funding bill before the deadline, triggering a lapse in appropriations for one of the federal governments most operationally critical departments. Unlike a full federal shutdown, this funding lapse affects DHS specifically, the agency responsible for border security, airport screening, disaster response, cybersecurity and immigration enforcement. Much of the federal government remains funded. DHS does not. For most Americans, the impact wont feel immediate. But behind the scenes, strain is already building. Why DHS Shut Down The shutdown stems from stalled negotiations over immigration policy and border enforcement funding. Lawmakers were unable to agree on a full-year appropriations bill or a short-term continuing resolution before the deadline, causing DHS funding to expire at midnight. Because DHS appropriations are separate from other federal agencies, this lapse affects only DHS components, not the Pentagon, VA or most civilian agencies. The key question now isnt just what shuts down, but how long it lasts. What Continues and What Slows Under federal shutdown rules, functions considered essential to the protection of life and property continue. At DHS, that includes: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screening Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations Immigration enforcement activities U.S. Coast Guard missions Law enforcement and emergency response operations These employees are classified as excepted, meaning they must continue working even if pay is delayed. However, not everything moves forward normally. Administrative offices, internal audits, policy rollouts, contractor-supported modernization efforts and some training programs may slow or pause. Hiring pipelines can stall. Back-office functions often feel the effects first. The longer the shutdown continues, the greater the cumulative strain on workforce morale, overtime budgets and logistical coordination. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, not shown, observes the Worst of the Worst operations in Minneapolis, Jan. 6, 2026. (DHS photo by Tia Dufour/Released) What Happens to ICE During a DHS Shutdown? Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains operational during the shutdown, particularly enforcement, detention and removal activities deemed essential to national security and public safety. ICE officers and agents must report to work. But enforcement continuing does not mean the agency is unaffected. Administrative case processing, contractor support, training initiatives and modernization efforts may slow if funding remains unresolved. Hiring processes can freeze. Internal oversight and compliance functions may operate at reduced capacity. In the short term, communities are unlikely to see an immediate halt in day-to-day enforcement activity. Over time, however, operational strain can accumulate especially if overtime budgets tighten and administrative capacity narrows. The visible side of enforcement may continue. The institutional infrastructure behind it may feel pressure. Travel: What Passengers Should Expect For travelers, TSA screening will continue nationwide. However, previous shutdowns have shown that prolonged pay disruptions can increase absenteeism among screeners, which may lead to longer security lines. Airport checkpoints remain open. But delays can build if workforce fatigue increases. Programs such as Global Entry and certain administrative processing services could experience slower response times if support staff are furloughed. If the shutdown is brief, travelers may notice little change. If it extends, airport impacts become more likely. Crews from USCGC Stone (WMSL-758), USCGC Seneca (WMEC-906), USCGC Venturous (WMEC-625) and USS Sampson (DDG-102), along with a Coast Guard helicopter from Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron and an Air Force C-130 work together to combat the illicit flow of drugs and contraband to the United States in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper ( ENS Sarah Pearson, DVIDS). The Coast Guards Unique Position Unlike the other armed services, the U.S. Coast Guard operates under DHS. That means Coast Guard personnel continue search-and-rescue missions, maritime security patrols and interdiction operations without guaranteed pay during the funding lapse. For service members and their families, prolonged shutdowns can create financial stress, particularly for those stationed in high-cost areas. Operational missions continue. Personal strain can grow quietly in the background. FEMA and Disaster Preparedness FEMA disaster response operations generally continue during a shutdown if they are tied to life-saving missions or previously appropriated disaster relief funds. However, preparedness programs, grant distributions, reimbursements and long-term mitigation planning may slow. If a major disaster occurs during an extended shutdown, Congress may need to pass targeted emergency funding to sustain full response capacity. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection DHS plays a central role in protecting critical infrastructure and responding to cyber threats. Immediate threat response functions continue. Longer-term initiatives, including modernization projects and contractor-supported programs, may face delays. In a rapidly evolving threat environment, pauses in strategic initiatives can compound risk over time, even if frontline response remains intact. How Long Could This Last? At the moment, there are no strong signals that the shutdown will end immediately. Negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House remain stalled over immigration provisions tied to DHS funding. Lawmakers left Washington without passing a continuing resolution, meaning any breakthrough would require either a negotiated compromise or a recall vote. Historically, shutdowns end when political pressure outweighs leverage. For now, both sides appear firm in their positions, reducing the likelihood of a quick resolution. If a short-term funding extension emerges, DHS could reopen within days. If broader immigration disputes persist, the shutdown could stretch longer, with operational strain gradually increasing behind the scenes. Why It Matters A DHS shutdown does not instantly close airports or halt border security. Essential personnel remain on duty. Missions continue. But shutdowns test resilience. They delay modernization, slow administrative systems, strain workforces and inject uncertainty into agencies responsible for national security, disaster response and immigration enforcement. The immediate effects may appear manageable. The long-term consequences depend entirely on how quickly Congress acts. For now, DHS remains operational, but operating under pressure. When Kayla Williams served in the Army, she worked diligently to make sure women could fight alongside their male counterparts in combat roles. Her hard work paid off, but recently, Williams has seen womens combat opportunities once again come under scrutiny as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made examining womens roles in combat one of his top priorities of 2026. Since leaving the military, Williams, an author and veterans health advocate, has worked to make sure military policies mirror the reality of whats happening in the field. The ban on women serving in combat wasnt officially lifted until a decade had passed since Williams served in Iraq in 2003. Another decade-plus has passed, and she finds it puzzling that the women in combat issue is still being debated, fearing all the hard work she accomplished might have been in vain. Williams was a recent guest on the American Legions Tango Alpha Lima Podcast, discussing this issue, along with recovering from traumatic brain injuries and the ways shes still fighting for veterans. The question, Can women hack it in combat?, has been asked and answered so thoroughly, Williams said. Im feeling tired, feeling tired of having to re-litigate things that weve really covered quite thoroughly already. Williams believes military personnel should achieve roles and promotions based on merit, what theyve accomplished to earn a certain position, rather than race, gender or artificial barriers. With service branches still struggling to recruit and retain enlistees, the Army veteran said the military needs to open, not close, doors to every qualified person. Kayla Williams during her deployment to Iraq in 2003. (Submitted) Combat Without the Protections Why is Williams so passionate about women in combat? Because she put her life on the line in Iraq and didnt receive the same protection as her fellow male soldiers. Williams, serving with the 101st Airborne Division, was sent to Iraq to work as an Arabic linguist. Despite traveling through dangerous hot spots, Williams was not given body armor plates. Technically, women werent allowed to be in combat situations, so why would she need the armor? However, the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rockets didnt care whether Williams was wearing proper protective equipment or not. But Williams kept to her mission, walking with infantry combat soldiers on foot patrols in Baghdad, providing a valuable resource of communication between U.S. troops and local citizens. Iraqi women especially gravitated toward Williams because of her gender and restrictions against talking directly to men. Hope Through Darkest Times While Williams survived a year of combat in Iraq, it was what she experienced after that that nearly broke her. Her husband, a veteran as well, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) when an IED detonated along a roadside in Mosul. After a long, grueling 18-month recovery, doctors told the couple he had likely reached the limit of his improvement. That was harder than the s---, Williams said on the podcast. You can deal with a terrible situation, but if you think the terrible situation is never going to end, that is overwhelming. I could handle Iraq because Im going home. You can do anything for a year, but to think that youre going to have to do something forever, that was too much for me. Williams felt hopeless, and she wrote about their struggles and the arduous road to recovery in her second book, Plenty of Time When We Get Home. And her husband beat the odds. His health gradually improved through years of therapy treatments and neuroplasticity. In her book, Williams emphasized that veterans with TBI and other devastating injuries can heal, despite the journey feeling overwhelming at times. I really wanted to show people that there is a path forward, she said, that you can see healing, see gain, see improvements if youre willing to put in the work, even years later. Kayla Williams with her husband Brian in 2013. (Submitted) Advocacy Leads to Positive Gains Following her time in the Army, Williams used the GI Bill to earn a masters degree, which led to more than eight years at the RAND Corporation, working on research into veterans policies and military personnel. That work led to an opportunity with the Department of Veterans Affairs, guiding the Center for Women Veterans and the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. Williams has used evidence-based research to guide her advocacy work. I dont want people to get scammed, she said. And if were talking about taxpayer dollars, its really important that we use taxpayer dollars for things that actually work and not just snake oil or somebodys personal pet project. Since she left the military, Williams has witnessed measurable gains in mental health services, more talk about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, and new policies regarding sexual assault and harassment. But Williams also realizes there is much more work ahead. Service Organizations Can Do Better Williams said service organizations like The American Legion can improve ways to recognize diversity in veterans, emphasizing the needs of women veterans, a growing population. Just really making sure that folks understand that were out there, that were serving, Williams said, and to always approach us with that same level of respect that you would give to anybody else who served. PFC Dan Bullock was killed at An Hoa Combat Base on June 7, 1969. Six days later, reporters from the New York Times visited a Brooklyn apartment on Lee Avenue to speak with his grieving family. What the family told the reporters stunned the country. The fallen Marine was just 15 years old. He had forged his birth certificate and enlisted at 14. The Department of Defense confirmed it. Bullock was the youngest American service member killed during the entire war. His Fox Company comrades learned the truth when the news broke and finally understood what they had sensed all along. "That's the first we heard of it," said Steve Piscitelli, a Marine who served alongside Bullock. "I should've known he was 15, I should've guessed it." A Boy From Goldsboro Dan Bullock was born on Dec. 21, 1953, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His family was African American, raised in the segregated South. His childhood ended abruptly when his mother died around 1965. Bullock and his younger sister Gloria moved north to live with their father and stepmother in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. The streets around Lee Avenue offered few opportunities for a Black teenager in the late 1960s. But Bullock had high-reaching ambitions. "He wanted to be a pilot at first, a policeman and then a marine," his father told the New York Times after his son's death. "I told him over and over again that he couldn't do nothing until he got some schooling. He said after he signed up that this was the quickest way to get an education." "My brother didn't like New York," his sister Gloria said. "He wanted to get an education, to make something of himself, and saw the Marines as a way to get there." Forged Papers and Enlistment In September 1968, Bullock walked into the Marine Corps recruiting station at Albee Square in downtown Brooklyn. He was 14, but at 5-foot-9 and roughly 160 pounds, he looked old enough. He had altered the year on his birth certificate from 1953 to 1949. The recruiters never questioned it. He enlisted on Sept. 18, 1968. His family found out only after he returned with the signed paperwork. "He was all excited when he was in uniform, talking about getting up in rank," his stepmother Jewel recalled. "He said, 'When I get back, I'll have my stripes.'" Bullock reported to Parris Island, South Carolina, assigned to Platoon 3039. Boot camp was 13 weeks designed to make Marines. For the teenager hiding his age, he had trouble with certain aspects of the training. He was strong for his size. But he lacked the endurance of the older men around him. During long-distance runs, he fell behind. Other recruits had to carry him to keep him in the formation. Franklin McArthur, a fellow recruit, took it upon himself to get the aspiring Marine through training. "He had already kind of washed out when he got to my platoon," McArthur later said. "He had trouble keeping up." But McArthur understood the motivation. "Dan joined the Marine Corps to help his family out," he said. Bullock graduated on Dec. 10, 1968, 11 days before his 15th birthday. Nobody at Parris Island ever discovered the truth. Dan Bullock enlisted into the Marine Corps at only 14. He was killed in action in Vietnam shortly after turning 15. (VVMF) An Hoa, Vietnam PFC Bullock arrived in South Vietnam on May 18, 1969. He was assigned as a rifleman in 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. His posting was An Hoa Combat Base in Quang Nam Province, a forward hub surrounded by some of the most contested terrain in the country. Bullock mostly kept quiet and stayed to himself. His fellow Marines did not know his real age, but they sensed something was off. "It's hard to describe, but they had the instinct of a combat veteran, and they picked up on something in Dan," Piscitelli told the New York Times in 2019. "He was younger, and he didn't belong." Piscitelli, a corporal who had arrived in Vietnam alongside Bullock, felt protective. He invited Bullock to spar, hoping physical activity would build a connection. "He wouldn't talk," Piscitelli said. "He wouldn't open up. But he was 15. He wasn't going to tell me." Company H, 2/5 Marines ride an AMTRAC near An Hoa Combat Base. (Wikimedia Commons) The Night of June 7, 1969 Bullock had been in Vietnam for just 21 days. On the evening of June 6, Piscitelli dislocated his thumb while sparring with Bullock. The injury kept him from handling a rifle, so he stayed behind at An Hoa while Fox Company deployed to the perimeter bunkers. Bullock had been assigned cleaning duty that night. When another Marine was wounded, Bullock took his place on the night watch near the airstrip. Shortly after midnight, NVA sappers breached the wire and launched a coordinated assault with rockets, mortars and small arms. Accounts differ on what happened exactly and what killed Bullock. Piscitelli and other Fox Company accounts note that NVA sappers crawled beneath the perimeter wire and hurled a satchel charge through the firing slot of Bullock's bunker. "We were all alert, but that doesn't mean much because the enemy sappers were excellent," Piscitelli said. "They were so quiet. They must have crawled under the wire and tossed the thing, and that was the signal for them to attack." The explosion killed Bullock and the three other Marines inside the bunker including PFC Donald W. Bunn, LCpl Larry J. Eglinsdoerfer and PFC Jason D. Hunnicutt. A fifth Fox Company Marine, PFC Steven Montgomery, was killed by small arms fire on the perimeter during the assault. Several others were wounded. His company commander, Capt. Robert Kingrey, detailed the fight in a letter home. "Dan immediately realized that the attack was stronger than usual and that the ammunition supply was becoming depleted," Kingrey wrote. "He rushed to get more ammunition for his unit. He constantly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to keep the company supplied with the ammunition needed to hold off the attack." Kingrey's letter mentioned that Bullock was killed by small arms fire while running ammunition. The captain likely worded the letter that way to downplay the tragedy of the incident for the grieving family. Piscitelli heard the firefight as it happened and listened to radio traffic through the night. At dawn, he counted the survivors. "Forty-five went out, only 20 returned," he said. Kingrey closed his letter with, "Dan was one of the finest Marines I have ever known." PFC. Dan Bullocks headstone in Elmwood Cemetery in Goldsboro. (VVMF) Dan Bullocks Legacy Bullock's remains were returned to Goldsboro and buried at Elmwood Cemetery with full military honors. But no headstone marked the grave. It stayed that way for 31 years. In 2000, television host Sally Jessy Raphael learned about the unmarked plot and purchased a headstone. NYPD officers, state troopers from four states and two veteran motorcycle groups escorted a caravan 600 miles from Brooklyn to Goldsboro for the ceremony. "I am so happy and thrilled," Bullock's older sister Porter said at the ceremony. "I would have never thought something like this would happen after 31 years." In 2003, the New York City Council renamed a stretch of Lee Avenue in Brooklyn as "PFC Dan Bullock Way." In 2017, North Carolina dedicated a highway historical marker near his childhood home in Goldsboro. His name is inscribed on Panel 23W, Line 96 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Memorial marker in Goldsboro, North Carolina for Dan Bullock, youngest servicemember killed in action during the Vietnam War. (Historical Marker Database) McArthur, the boot camp buddy who carried Bullock through those Parris Island runs, spent years keeping the teenager's memory alive through the PFC Dan Bullock Foundation. But the effort weighed on him. Another Marine once asked a question haunted him. "The Marine said, 'Did you ever think that if you didn't help him, he might have lived?'" McArthur recalled. "I lost my mind." "He's the youngest kid killed, and hardly anybody knows his name," McArthur said. "Everybody should know who he was." Piscitelli, wounded three times in Vietnam, became a sculptor in Florida. He carved figures of men in combat, then switched to ballet dancers. "It keeps me from thinking about the war," he said. Dan Bullock served 21 days in Vietnam. At only 15, he became the youngest American servicemember killed in action during the war. The Department of War's 2026 National Defense Strategy marks a pivotal shift toward prioritizing homeland defense and Western Hemisphere security, emphasizing deterrence through strength while avoiding overextension abroad. As explored in analyses of the strategy's homeland focus, space emerges as a critical domain for enabling these goals, offering surveillance, communication and rapid response capabilities without deploying large ground forces. Stephen Kitay, an Air Force veteran and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy who helped establish the Space Force during President Trumps first term, now serves as Senior Vice President of Space Defense at True Anomaly, a Denver-based company specializing in autonomous orbital vehicles and software for space superiority. In an interview with military.com, Kitay discussed how space assets align with the strategy's priorities, drawing on his experience bridging policy and industry. Jackal spacecraft: highly maneuverable, payload agnostic, low cost. (Photo courtesy of True Anomaly) True Anomaly, founded in 2022 by former Space Force operators, designs hardware and software to counter space threats and ensure U.S. dominance. Its flagship spacecraft, the Jackal, is an Autonomous Orbital Vehicle (AOV) that serves as a multi-role vehicle with a modular, highly maneuverable platform capable of operations in low Earth orbit (LEO). It can rendezvous in proximity to space threats to characterize and understand them. While operating in LEO now, there are future plans for geosynchronous orbit and, later down the road, possibly cislunar space. Complementing the Jackal is Mosaic, a modular and platform-agnostic software suite meant to transform commanders intent into action; amplifying action for space superiority (built by former space force operators) that integrates AI for command, control and autonomous decision-making, allowing operators to manage constellations efficiently. The company has raised over $400 million since 2022 to support expanded production and operations at its facilities in Denver, Colorado Springs, Long Beach, and Washington D.C., employing over 250 people; underscoring private sector agility in addressing defense needs. In short: True Anomaly builds spacecraft and software for space superiority. On Hemispheric Defense Space assets play a foundational role in securing U.S. borders and key Western Hemisphere terrain, such as the Panama Canal and Greenland, as outlined in the 2026 National Defense Strategy. Surveillance satellites provide real-time intelligence on threats, including narco-submarines in the Gulf of America or unauthorized incursions near strategic chokepoints, reducing reliance on manned patrols. This approach enhances deterrence by enabling swift, non-kinetic responses; for instance, orbital imaging could detect smuggling routes invisible from ground level, supporting joint operations with regional allies. Autonomous orbital vehicles like True Anomaly's Jackal can then ensure those surveillance satellites are free from on-orbit threats and ready for continuous operations. Kitay highlighted the strategy's emphasis on hemispheric stability, noting that space is a multiplier with global capabilities. Beyond drug interdiction and perhaps more importantly, space, as a warfighting domain, nests perfectly within the administrations peace through strength mantra. Space allows the U.S. to protect against missile threats. Kitay stated: The detection of missile threats starts with space systems. The Golden Dome program builds out sensors and layered defenses in land, air, sea, and space. We are building out the capabilities to protect our interests in space with Jackal and Mosaic; maintaining dominance in space is foundational to all the other missions. Mosaic software platform in action (Photo courtesy of True Anomaly) On Industrial Partnerships The NDS call to supercharge the U.S. defense industrial base finds a practical example in collaborations like those with True Anomaly, which prioritize agile innovation over traditional contractors. Jackal's modular design allows rapid payload integration, cutting development timelines from years to months, while Mosaic enables over-the-air updates for on-orbit fleets, minimizing costly relaunches. This model promotes fiscal responsibility by leveraging private investment, with True Anomaly's 2025 funding accelerating vertical integration from design to deployment. Kitay, drawing from his Pentagon tenure, emphasized the revolutionary change that the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is experiencing as a result of the updated NDS: This is a pivotal moment for the defense industrial base. The NDS isnt just about spending more; its about moving faster. By harnessing commercial innovation and private capital, the Department is breaking from legacy acquisition models and accelerating capability to the warfighter. He added: At True Anomaly, we are built for this new model and are investing in space superiority capabilities, and are partnering with the Department of War to provide capabilities much faster and more cost-effective than traditional processes. Kitay further discussed a partnership with the U.S. Space Force that involves deploying a Jackal spacecraft into LEO for Space Force Guardians to demonstrate responsive space capabilities. This, Kitay describes, is an excellent example of emerging opportunities for industry to leverage new players to get new capabilities out to warfighters. Steve Kitay - Senior Vice President, Space Defense (Photo courtesy of True Anomaly) On Threats and Deterrence Countering peer adversaries like China and Russia, whose satellite fleets and counterspace weapons pose escalating risks, requires resilient space systems as per the 2026 strategy. China's satellite count continues to grow, including anti-satellite capabilities, while Russia's orbital maneuvers, such as those recently reported at military.com, can test U.S. and allied space defenses. True Anomaly's Jackal, with its multi-spectral sensors for detection and tracking, enables deterrence through presence; Mosaic's AI processes data in real time, allowing operators to outpace threats. Kitay offered insights on adapting to these dynamics, stressing deterrence without provocation: Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific depends on our ability to operate freely in space. China and Russia are investing heavily in counterspace capabilities intended to hold U.S. systems at risk. Protecting and defending our space architecture is therefore not optional; its foundational to prevent conflict. Broader Significance Kitay's transition from DoD policymaker to industry executive illustrates the potential for effective strategy implementation with industry collaboration. In the context of any possible critiques of the 2026 National Defense Strategy, such as those questioning its feasibility amid budget constraints, space investments offer high returns by enabling asymmetric advantages. True Anomaly's focus on autonomy aligns with the ideals of an efficient and targeted defense infrastructure, which helps reduce the need for expansive bureaucracies. Kitay adds: The real opportunity in the 2026 strategy isnt just setting priorities; its executing differently. Leveraging private investment, commercial innovation, and rapid iteration allows us to generate asymmetric advantage at scale. Enduring security will depend on strong partnerships across the defense industrial base. The future will belong to those who move faster, adapt smarter, and scale efficiently. Space dominance is critical to the U.S. maintaining its edge over pacing threats and near-peer adversaries. True Anomaly is doing its part to supercharge the DIB and keep Americas military lethal. Mardi Gras sells itself as pure New Orleans: marching bands, hand-built floats, beads, Muses shoes, Zulu coconuts, Themis umbrellas, and king cakes. The military shows up in that story more often than most people realize, not as a branding exercise, but as a set of long-running working relationships. Some of it looks ceremonial, like escorting a king. Some of it looks operational, like protecting crowded waterways and ferry landings. A small part looks like Carnival itself, creating a lane specifically for veterans and active-duty members. Rex Gets a Navy, and Its the Coast Guard The cleanest example sits on the calendar every year: Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras. Rex, the King of Carnival, has a modern tradition of arriving in New Orleans by United States Coast Guard cutter, stepping off at Spanish Plaza, and formally beginning the final stretch of Carnival. The Rex Organizations own fact sheets spell out the arrangement as a continuing practice, including the location and the Coast Guard cutter arrival. That is not a one-off logistics choice. The Lundi Gras river arrival returned as a permanent modern tradition in 1987, the same period when Lundi Gras itself became an organized civic event. From the start of that revival, the Coast Guard became part of the choreography: the cutter arrival, a Coast Guard color guard, and the escort to the stage at Spanish Plaza. Over time, the Coast Guard's role expanded from transporting Rex to transporting other Carnival royalty. Zulus monarchy also participates in the waterfront arrival during Lundi Gras, framing the operation as an annual public-facing mission. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pamlico, a construction tender homeported in New Orleans, beneath the greater New Orleans Bridge in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 3, 2025. The Pamlico transported the Rex and Zulu Krewes to celebrations as part of a longstanding Mardi Gras tradition and relationship between the Coast Guard and the city of New Orleans. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cheyenne Basurto. Source: DVIDS. The result is a rare American civic ritual where a uniformed service does not just provide security. It plays a named, narrative role. In practice, it also solves a real problem: a predictable, safe, controlled way to move high-profile participants onto the riverfront at exactly the moment the crowd swells. Security Support That Looks Boring Until It Matters The Coast Guards Mardi Gras presence is not limited to pageantry. The service treats Mardi Gras as a major public-safety operation, particularly around the riverfront, ferry terminals, and pier-side infrastructure that gets packed with visitors. A Coast Guard media advisory for Mardi Gras 2026 describes security support and planned demonstrations like canine sweeps at the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, which is a good marker of how seriously the service treats crowd safety and waterside access during Carnival. That unseen work matters because Mardi Gras concentrates risk in predictable places: chokepoints near the river, dense foot traffic, and high tourist volume. Coast Guard involvement reduces the load on city police by covering a domain the city does not own by itself: navigable waterways and related maritime security tasks. The militarys presence on land can rise as well when city and state leaders decide crowd conditions justify it. New Orleans has National Guard members supporting French Quarter security checkpoints and patrols during the Mardi Gras period, reflecting a broader approach of layered public safety around major events. A city-issued Mardi Gras public safety plan for February 2026 describes an all-hands posture for local police during parades and explicitly references coordination with local, state, and federal partners as part of the operational concept. None of this feels romantic, which is the point. It is support work that keeps the party from becoming a headline. Retired Lt. Col. Ken Demarest stands with the Air Force medallion, in front of the head float for the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe February 11, 2017. Mr. Demarest, who is a board member for the krewe, hopes that the krewe shows civilians that the military likes to go and have a good time with everybody else, while still taking care of business, and defending our country. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rachel Skowyra. Source: DVIDS. A Veteran Krewe Exists, and Its Not a Gimmick The Legion of Mars is a Mardi Gras parade organization founded by veterans with a stated mission to honor military service members and first responders through a patriotic parade built into the Carnival calendar. The Legion of Mars describes itself as the only Mardi Gras parade with a membership comprised of active duty and veteran military, first responders, and civilian supporters, riding on themed floats saluting each branch of the armed forces, plus local police and fire departments. A separate charitable arm, the Mars Hero Fund, describes the Legion of Mars as launched by Louisiana veterans in 2013 and frames its mission around honoring veterans, active and reserve members, and military families, including community-facing gestures like inviting Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families to the ball and parade activities. The krewes own pages also show how it blends military culture with Carnival culture. Its Mars Ball is explicitly framed as a military-style banquet with New Orleans flair, including a military grog tradition and live music, with the Marine Corps band referenced as part of the event programming. This matters because it flips the usual framing of the military shows up to provide security. Here, Mardi Gras makes room for military identity as part of the celebration itself. The city is not merely being protected by troops. Veterans are being seen, named, and thanked in a ritual New Orleans already values. zulu Maj. Gen. Bradley S. James, left, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, greets Elroy A. James, President of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure club, at the Riverfront Park during Lundi Gras, New Orleans, March 4, 2019. Leaders from Marine Force Reserve took part in the celebrations to promote the Marine Corps and support the New Orleans community during the Mardi Gras season. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jose Gonzalez. Source: DVIDS. Why This Tradition Keeps Working The Coast Guard cutter's arrival for Rex works because it satisfies three things at once: it is symbolically resonant, it is operationally controlled, and it is uniquely New Orleans. A monarch arriving by river feels old-world without pretending the city is a museum. It also gives the public a front row view of a uniformed service doing a mission that looks ceremonial but requires real planning, real seamanship, and real coordination with city officials and event organizers. The veteran krewe works for a different reason. It does not ask Mardi Gras to become a recruitment commercial. It uses Mardi Grass existing language, parades, royalty and throws, to honor service without turning the event into a lecture. What It Says About Service and the City New Orleans has always treated ceremony as a kind of civic infrastructure. Mardi Gras is the citys biggest annual demonstration of that idea. Military involvement fits because it mirrors how the city thinks: public ritual matters, uniforms can mean service and participation instead of distance, and tradition can still be practical. The next time someone sees Rex stepping off a cutter at Spanish Plaza, it is worth recognizing what is actually happening. A federal uniformed service is doing crowd-facing civic work in the middle of a famously non-federal party, and it keeps doing it because the arrangement makes sense to both sides. CAIRO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi headed to Geneva on Sunday for a second round of Tehran-Washington indirect talks, even as relevant parties laid out starkly different visions of what a deal should entail, exposing the fragile foundations of the renewed diplomatic push. Araghchi is leading a "diplomatic and specialized" delegation to the talks on Tuesday. He is expected to meet Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, among other officials, according to a ministry statement. U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the American team, according to media reports. The meeting follows the first round in Oman's Muscat on Feb. 6 that both sides described as a "good start" but yielded no visible breakthrough. In public statements ahead of the Geneva meeting, Iranian officials struck a tone of conditional openness mixed with defiance. Speaking to BBC on Sunday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signaled Tehran's willingness to compromise on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but drew firm red lines. "The ball is in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal," Takht-Ravanchi said. He confirmed that Iran could discuss diluting its 60 percent-enriched uranium as the country's proof of flexibility, but flatly ruled out zero enrichment on Iranian soil. "It is not on the table anymore," Takht-Ravanchi said, reiterating that Iran's missile program is non-negotiable. Hamid Ghanbari, a deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy and a member of Iran's negotiating team, revealed that past discussions in Muscat explored joint investment in energy and mining projects and the potential purchase of U.S.-made aircraft, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. Any agreement, Ghanbari stressed, must ensure the release of Iran's frozen assets abroad in a "real and usable" manner. He further stated that while Tehran is seeking a "serious agreement," it will not accept zero uranium enrichment. According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, warned Sunday that any war would carry consequences for the United States. "If Trump seeks war with Iran, why does he speak of negotiation?" Mousavi said, adding that entering a conflict would "teach him a lesson" and end his "blustering." Meanwhile, signals are similarly mixed from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump prefers diplomacy and a negotiated settlement. "No one's ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran, but we're going to try," Rubio said at a news conference in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following his meeting with Trump in Washington, also suggested that Trump is "determined to exhaust the possibilities of achieving a deal, which he believes can be achieved now." But Trump himself has kept military options open. He told reporters on Thursday that if negotiations with Iran fail, "we'll have to go to phase two. Phase two will be very tough for them." On Friday, 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 Middle East region. The tensions seem to run even deeper behind the scenes. CBS News reported Sunday that Trump told Netanyahu as early as December that he would support Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program if a deal cannot be reached. CBS News said U.S. officials have since begun internal discussions on how to assist such an operation, "including the provision of aerial refueling for Israeli aircraft and the delicate matter of securing overflight permission from countries along the potential route." Netanyahu, for his part, has set a maximalist bar. Speaking at a public conference on Sunday, he insisted that any potential agreement with Iran must include the removal of nuclear material, a halt to uranium enrichment and restrictions on ballistic missiles. Netanyahu also reiterated his skepticism "about any deal with Iran." With U.S. warships massing in the region and both sides preparing for the possibility of failure, it is widely believed that the upcoming talks on Tuesday may test whether diplomacy can still offer a path forward, or merely serve as a prelude to deeper confrontation. Just over a month after signing a one-year, $20MM deal to come back to the club, Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim went down with a torn tendon in his finger. The team announced the initial recovery timeline to be four to five months. Kim is trending toward an earlier return. General manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters, including Mark Bowman of MLB.com, that theres hope Kim could come back in early May. Kim popped up as an option on MLBTRs list of 60-day IL candidates, though he was more of a long shot. Atlanta will likely do what it can to avoid making that move if theres any chance Kim can be back on the early end of the timeline. The recent update from Anthopoulos makes a 60-day IL placement all the more unlikely. The Braves scooped up Kim off waivers from Tampa Bay late last season, with the Rays looking to duck the shortstops $16MM player option. Atlanta wasnt able to get Kim back on the player option, but did convince him to sign for an extra $4MM as a free agent. He was set to return as the clubs starting shortstop. Kim delivered solid production in his final three seasons in San Diego, including a 17-homer, 38-steal season in 2023. He also netted a Gold Glove award that year. Kim then landed in Tampa Bay as a free agent. The Rays gave him a two-year, $29MM deal with an opt-out, despite the fact that Kim was recovering from right shoulder surgery. He played just 24 games with the team. Atlanta will likely patch together the shortstop position until Kim is healthy. The team acted quickly after the news broke, signing utilityman Jorge Mateo the very next day. Mateo has bounced around defensively in his six-year career, but hes spent the most time at shortstop (294 appearances). The Braves acquired Mauricio Dubon in a trade with the Astros. Nick Allen, Atlantas primary shortstop last season, went the other way in the deal. Dubon is a candidate to mix in at the position. The Braves also re-acquired Brett Wisely as additional infield depth. Led by the defensive-minded Allen, the Braves finished dead last in OPS at shortstop in 2025. Allen put up a .530 mark in 408 plate appearances. Orlando Arcia, Vidal Brujan, and Luke Williams were even worse. Kim slashed a middling .253/.316/.368 in two dozen games with Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Jordan Godfree, Imagn Images MAPUTO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani no longer poses a threat to Mozambique after moving parallel to the southern province of Inhambane and returning to the Indian Ocean, the National Meteorology Institute (INAM) announced on Saturday. Speaking in Maputo, INAM General Director Aderito Aramuge recalled that the institute had earlier warned of the possibility that the system could affect coastal areas of Inhambane Province. According to Aramuge, the cyclone tracked along the coastline without making landfall, significantly reducing its overall impact. As a result, the strong winds initially forecast did not fully materialize over the mainland. Meanwhile, Luisa Meque, president of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, announced that families who had been sheltered in accommodation centers in Maxixe City, one of the affected areas in Inhambane Province, are now allowed to return to their homes. Following assessment visits to several neighborhoods, authorities confirmed that minimum safety conditions have been restored to facilitate the return of residents, Meque said. INGD data show that eight accommodation centers were activated in Inhambane Province, currently hosting 871 people from 109 families. Although the cyclone did not make direct landfall, at least four deaths were reported, caused by falling trees and lightning strikes, according to preliminary information. Did our AI summary help? MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Did our AI summary help? Nimrat Kaur celebrates Maha Shivaratri 2026 at Mahakaleshwar Temple with heartfelt blessings, See pics Did our AI summary help? Priyadarshan hikes Rajpal Yadavs fees amid legal row, We want to save him Despite their split, the former couple have maintained an amicable dynamic and continue to focus on co-parenting their children. Did our AI summary help? MC Jobs Desk Read the latest and trending news articles on Sarkari Naukri, government jobs, UPSC, SSC, railway jobs, banking jobs, defence recruitment, state PSC exams, and more. Italian Espresso gets its distinct flavour from the roasting of coffee beans, which is carefully monitored to strike a fine balance in taste (Image: Canva) After hitting a record $5,594 an ounce, gold plunged nearly 10% as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and analysts point to speculative flows in China. DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has called for reinforced institutional cooperation and sustainable management of the Nile River to safeguard one of Africa's most vital shared resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said in a statement Sunday. The call was made by Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo during a high-level Nile Basin meeting held on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kombo emphasized the need to strengthen governance structures to ensure the equitable utilization of the river, according to the statement. Kombo noted that permanent institutional frameworks would enhance coordination, deepen trust, and provide structured mechanisms for resolving differences among member states. He underscored that cooperative management is essential for long-term water security, economic stability, and regional harmony. Kombo also expressed support for the Nile Basin Investment Program, which includes strategic projects aimed at strengthening water security, boosting energy generation, improving food systems, and enhancing environmental conservation. He highlighted the importance of joint investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, and renewable energy to address shared challenges while unlocking opportunities for inclusive growth, the statement added. Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu renews his East India Company analogy, citing Big Techs capital muscle and push for technology sovereignty. In an interview with PTI, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says India is the right place to host the AI Summit 2026 and calls for inclusive, multipolar AI governance. Did our AI summary help? BJP claims Kapil Sibal received an award funded by Jeffrey Epstein at a 2010 US event; Congress says the allegation is baseless and unrelated. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK 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 Breaking News Live: Bangladesh's new cabinet to take oath on Tuesday The newly-elected Members of Parliament of Bangladesh are scheduled to take oath on Tuesday morning, followed by the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet in the evening, local media reported. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin is likely to administer the oath of office to the newly elected parliament members at 10 am, while President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), chairman Tarique Rahman at 4 pm. According to the Election Commission (EC), the BNP led by Rahman has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. -- PTI ABUJA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of people were reportedly killed in weekend attacks by suspected bandits across three villages in Niger State of Nigeria's central region, according to multiple sources. The assailants, who used motorbikes for the raids, first hit Tunga-Makeri village on Friday night. They then attacked Paso village on Saturday morning, and later wreaked havoc on Konkoso village. All three communities are located in Niger's Borgu Local Government Area, a region that has faced frequent attacks in recent months, local media and residents said. Local media reported at least 26 killed, citing sources, but residents said the death toll had reached over 30. The police in Niger confirmed the raids, saying houses were burned down and some residents abducted, but did not give the number of casualties. The motive of the attack is not yet known, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the police in Niger, told Xinhua. Five arrested, Rs 5 crore fine imposed on contractor, and Executive Engineer suspended after Metro 4 parapet collapse in Mulund kills one and injures three. Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities at Pragues Vaclav Havel Airport on June 30, 2023, while traveling from India, following a US extradition request. Police suspect a case of murder followed by suicide, while family members are alleging foul play. US Department of Justice says Nikhil Gupta acted at the direction of Vikash Yadav, allegedly employed by Indias Cabinet Secretariat; sentencing set for May 29. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the ISF contested 14 seats independently, often against Forward Bloc nominees. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and viscera samples have been preserved for forensic analysis. The hospital operator, identified as Ruby, fled the premises and has been absconding. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) concluded on Sunday, outlining Africa's priorities for 2026 and beyond. The two-day meeting, which brought together leaders from AU member states at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, was held under the AU's 2026 theme: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063." As the African continent, under the umbrella of the 55-member organization, focuses on continental water security in 2026, the summit deliberated on enhancing sustainable water management to power Africa's socio-economic development ambitions. African leaders at the summit also discussed a range of issues related to the progress, challenges, and prospects of Africa's development and stability, as well as fostering continental unity to augment Africa's role in the wider global multilateral context. As the AU's highest decision-making body, the assembly, among other things, reflected on the achievements and gaps marked under the second 10-year implementation plan of the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063, which runs from 2024 to 2033. The summit also witnessed the election of Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi, as the chairperson of the AU for 2026, taking over the chairmanship from Angolan President Joao Lourenco. In his comprehensive report on the achievements and activities undertaken during his chairmanship of the AU over the course of 2025, Lourenco highlighted progress in advancing Agenda 2063, mobilizing investment for infrastructure, strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and enhancing the AU's institutional efficiency. He also underscored the need to silence the guns across Africa as a critical imperative for a better continental future. Ndayishimiye, for his part, emphasized his commitment, as the incoming AU chairperson, to strengthening Africa's global positioning toward building a fairer, more balanced, and inclusive world at a time of "unrelenting" security challenges, rising unilateralism, growing economic tensions, and the adverse effects of climate change. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored some critical concerns currently facing Africa. These include the continent's inability to address peace and security perils across different regions, geopolitical uncertainties and global polarization with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, the resurfacing of unconstitutional changes of government, financial and governance deficits, and climate change. To address Africa's current challenges and realize the continent's development ambitions, Youssouf pointed out a number of priorities. These include accelerating Africa's industrialization, transforming the agriculture sector as the backbone of economies and livelihoods, harnessing Africa's energy potential, and developing high-performing infrastructure. "These are the sine qua non conditions for the anticipated economic growth," he said. At Munich, S Jaishankar responds to US claims on Russian oil commitments, amid Opposition attacks and falling import volumes. Mumbai metro bridge slab falls on vehicles in Mulund, one dead, netizens furious Obama says aliens are real but admits he hasnt seen them. (Image credit: X) Researchers filmed a Southern Sleeper Shark in Antarctic waters for the first time, proving sharks can survive extreme cold and broadening knowledge of polar marine life and biodiversity. Did our AI summary help? Aditya Pandya, 17, became Indias youngest analogue astronaut after completing an eight-day lunar simulation mission in Dholavira, Gujarat, He tested survival, habitat systems and endurance in Moon-like conditions, earning a national recognition. Did our AI summary help? World Hippo Day is celebrated every year on 15th February. (Image: Canva) BANGKOK, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A double-decker bus overturned in southern Thailand on Sunday, resulting in injuries to more than 40 people, among whom over 10 were seriously injured, according to Thai media reports. Local media Khao Sod reported that police in southern Thailand's Trang Province received a case report stating that a double-decker bus had overturned on a road in the province that day. The bus, with 52 people on board, set off from Phuket on Saturday and was originally scheduled to arrive in Betong District, Yala Province, on Sunday at noon. The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation. The passengers on the vehicle said that the driver might have been driving under fatigue. 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 The cyber side of Epstein: leaked files show interest in cryptography and hackers Parents are being warned not to abandon clear boundaries with toddlers amid the rapid rise of so-called gentle parenting. Extreme gentle parenting could harm children's development The method, popularised on social media platforms such as TikTok, encourages parents to validate childrens emotions, use calm language and offer choices rather than punishments. While advocates say it promotes emotional regulation, critics argue extreme interpretations risk removing necessary boundaries. Kelly Medina Enos, a mother who experienced escalating behavioural issues with her son during lockdown, said she discovered gentle parenting through TikTok after searching for support. She told the BBC: He was starting to hit me and have real outbursts. I felt very lost before coming across the idea of gentle parenting on TikTok. Gentle parenting differs from traditional authoritative models by focusing on explanation rather than enforcement. Instead of saying no or dont, parents redirect behaviour with neutral instructions. Kelly said adapting her language was one of the biggest changes she made. She added: No, stop and dont are words that just go in one ear and out the other. Parenting author Sarah Ockwell-Smith said gentle parenting is frequently misunderstood online. She said: Gentle parenting doesnt mean letting children do whatever they want. Its about treating children with respect and kindness, without punishments that make them feel excessively bad. However, Kelly said the reality of applying the approach day-to-day was far more demanding than social media clips suggested, particularly during the pressures of lockdown. She said: I was thinking about everything I was saying and second guessing it. Motherhood became another level of exhaustion. Despite its growing popularity, academic evidence on gentle parenting remains limited. Professor Eamonn McCrory, a neuroscientist at University College London, said there is no clear data showing one parenting style is inherently superior to another. He explained: Theres no evidence that other ways of parenting are better or worse. Its only when shouting tips into sustained verbal abuse that it becomes a problem. Concerns have also been raised about how the approach is presented online. Writer and child mental health practitioner Nina Lyon warned that absolutist messaging on social media risks placing unrealistic pressure on parents. She said: Seeing posts saying you must never say no creates an implied threat that if you dont, your child will be harmed for life. People attend a rally in front of the Los Angeles City Hall, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Jan. 31, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) "They left Mexico to be out of danger. Now it seems like there is more danger here in the United States because of ICE's violence against innocent immigrants," said Maria P., a student in the Los Angeles public school system. by Julia Pierrepont III LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of high school students in Los Angeles walked out of class Friday and took to the streets, marching through downtown before gathering at City Hall for a rally condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. As they marched, students chanted "ICE out!" and denounced what they described as "unfair" and "illegal" detentions and deportations affecting friends and family members. The walkouts were fueled by a growing number of reports, videos and personal accounts alleging excessive force, racial profiling and mistreatment by ICE officers. Many students shared their own stories, or those of relatives and peers, describing traumatic encounters with immigration enforcement in their communities and sometimes near school campuses. The demonstrations also focused on ICE's presence at or near schools, an issue that has sparked concern in Southern California, home to a large immigrant population. Students argued that schools should remain safe spaces where all children, regardless of immigration status, feel protected. Maria P., a student in the Los Angeles public school system, told Xinhua she joined the protest to honor her parents, who migrated from Mexico before she was born. "They left Mexico to be out of danger. Now it seems like there is more danger here in the United States because of ICE's violence against innocent immigrants," she said. Tensions rose as protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where ICE agents reportedly requested additional backup. Officers later moved to disperse the crowd. At 1:41 p.m. local time (2141 GMT), the Los Angeles Police Department posted on X that a federal agent had been injured and that the Los Angeles Fire Department was responding. Authorities have not released further details, stating only that those involved merged back into the larger crowd. People attend a rally in front of the Los Angeles City Hall, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Jan. 31, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) Friday's walkout was part of a broader wave of student demonstrations across Southern California in response to increased immigration enforcement nationwide. Earlier this week, about 200 students from several Los Angeles-area high schools staged a morning walkout over immigration enforcement in their neighborhoods, saying their participation was deeply personal. Earlier this month, students marched in North Hollywood to protest immigration raids. On Jan. 30, high school students in Los Angeles and Orange counties participated in a "National Shutdown Day," calling for an economic slowdown to pressure federal officials to reduce or eliminate funding for ICE. In a statement, the Los Angeles Unified School District said it respects students' rights to express their views but expressed concern about safety during off-campus events. The district emphasized that school campuses remain the safest place for students and that schools are providing structured opportunities for discussion and support in a secure environment. A teacher who requested anonymity told Xinhua that the mere presence of ICE officers near schools "has a chilling effect on students," discouraging attendance among those who fear that they or their family members could be at risk. School counselors and educators have reported increased absenteeism, heightened anxiety and declining academic performance among students concerned about immigration enforcement. For many participants, the walkouts were intended to draw attention to what they see as the impact of ICE policies on their education and sense of security. Are aliens hidden in Area 51? Obama breaks silence on UFO mystery in new interview Tarique Rahman to take oath as Bangladesh PM on Feb 17; PM Modi, other regional leaders invited Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin. (Reuters) US says Trump open to meeting Khamenei as Iran nuclear talks resume in Geneva 'Trump wants to end Russia-Ukraine war once and for all': US Secy of State Marco Rubio Mercedes driver George Russell has called for a measured approach to judging Formula 1s new generation of cars, insisting it is too early to slam the ambitious 2026 regulations despite some high-profile criticism. The first three-day test in Bahrain gave drivers their first real taste of the lighter, more nimble cars, which now derive half of their power from hybrid energy systems. While innovations such as energy harvesting in corners, coasting on straights, and careful turbo management have drawn scrutiny, Russell believes the cars full potential has yet to be unlocked. A Step Forward, But a Steep Learning Curve I do think it's a step forward and I always like to give things a chance, Russell said. We're four days into a set of regulations that's going to be over three years long and the progress everyone's going to make in these early months is going to be massive. "The cars are way nicer to drive. I've only ever driven the smaller generation of F1 cars twice and I couldn't believe the difference of how much more agile the car feels being lighter, smaller. So, that's very positive." Russell praised the engineering challenge behind the new engines, noting that while they are complicated, they are likely causing more headaches for engineers than drivers. He also cautioned that early tests at Bahrain and Barcelona may not reflect the true challenge of upcoming circuits like Melbourne or Jeddah. "The engines are very complicated and to be honest, it's probably causing more of a pain for all of the engineers than it is for the drivers, the Briton added. However, these two tracks, Barcelona and Bahrain, are arguably two of the easiest circuits for the engine. So, I don't want to say anything too early before we get to the likes of Melbourne or Jeddah, because it will be much more challenging for the engines and the energy once we get there." Adapting to New Driving Characteristics Russell acknowledged some frustrations with the new powertrain demands, particularly when it comes to gear usage and cornering. Drivers must now maintain high engine revs in low gears to keep turbos spinning, which can create counterintuitive handling. "The one challenge that we're faced with is using very low gears in the corners," he explained. "Here in Bahrain, usually the first corner is a third-gear corner. Now we're having to use first gear to keep the engine revs very high to keep the turbo spinning. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a handbrake when you're having to go down the gears. This is probably the one thing that is quite annoying and isn't that intuitive. But for the rest, you can't argue with the amount of power you have when you get the full 350kW. But I also think it's going to progress a huge amount in the coming months, so we've got to give it time." Bigger Picture Matters Russell also stressed that the broader context of the 2026 rules must be considered, including the push to attract manufacturers like Audi and Honda and the influence of electric vehicle regulation in Europe. "As with anything in life, you can't tick every single box," he added. "And there's more at stake. When these regulations came into play, there was obviously a huge push on EVs from the EU, and that was a big part for the likes of Audi to come in. So that's got to be a consideration. "And I think nobody can argue that Formula 1 is in an amazing place currently. Of course, we want the best cars, the fastest cars, the best racing. But I don't know how you please everybody. "As Lando said, we're privileged to be in this position. And in all honesty, I just want to win. I guess for a driver who's won quite a bit recently, you do just want to have the best car and the most fun cars to drive. So, yeah, [Verstappen is] welcome to go to the Nordschleife, I guess." Read also: Russells comments signal a pragmatic approach amid early grumbles about F1s new era. While some drivers have voiced frustration, the five-time Grand Prix winner insists that patience and perspective will be key as teams unlock the potential of the 2026 regulations and as drivers learn how to harness their hybrid beasts on the track. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook What happened in last two weeks? Roommate recalls behaviour of Indian student found dead in US Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the 22-year-old IIT Madras graduate found dead in California? Why the FAA shut down El Pasos airspace over a Pentagon laser weapon (SCC) With just four weeks remaining, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce invites the business community to register for its First Quarter Professional Development Training of 2026, titled Business Resilience Through Strategic Problem Solving. This timely and practical training is designed to equip local businesses with strategies to remain resilient and competitive in todays challenging economic climate. Participants will gain tools to strengthen and retain customer relationships, sustain and grow their customer base during economic downturns, identify customer pain points to solve real business challenges, and improve workforce effectiveness by closing productivity gaps through clearer role alignment and accountability. Attendees may choose between two identical training sessions scheduled for March 17 or March 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Island Training Solutions office, Suite 604, Marianas Business Plaza. The training will be led by James T. Arenovski of Island Training Solutions, who will present actionable, real-world approaches to help organizations enhance performance, productivity, and long-term sustainability. Registration fees are $50 for Saipan Chamber of Commerce members and $60 for future Chamber members. Groups of three or more participants will receive a $5 discount per registrant. Interested participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited. To register, scan the QR code on the event flyer, visit https://tinyurl.com/2026SCCMarchPD/, call (670) 234-7150, or email [email protected]/. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting the growth, resilience, and continued success of the CNMI business community. For more information or to learn how to become a Chamber member, go to www.saipanchamber.com/, call (670) 234-7150, or visit the 2nd Floor of the Marianas Business Plaza (Suite 201-A). By Gregorie Michael Towai (Eiperang) Independent Researcher and CNMI Advocate WHEN Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds elevated the issue of Refaluwasch visibility in the 2030 U.S. Census, she moved a long-standing community concern into the arena where it can actually produce results: federal policy. What might appear to some as a matter of terminology is in fact tied to how governments allocate resources, how researchers understand populations, and how future leaders make their case for investment in our islands. For many families, the label Carolinian is familiar because it has been used in administrative practice for generations. Yet it is also a term rooted in colonial geography a name applied from the outside rather than arising from the way people describe themselves in their own language. Increasingly, community members are reclaiming Refaluwasch as the expression of self-identification. This is not a rejection of history; it is an insistence that living peoples retain the authority to define who they are. The distinction becomes significant when translated into federal data systems. Census categories do not merely record identity; they shape how needs are measured and which communities become visible in national statistics. Health programs, education funding, and development initiatives often begin with demographic counts. If the name used in those systems does not align with how people organize themselves socially and culturally, misrecognition can follow. By bringing the matter forward now, well ahead of the 2030 enumeration, the delegate is engaging in the patient work required to influence bureaucratic design. Federal classifications are the product of consultation, testing, and interagency negotiation. They rarely change without sustained advocacy from those who understand both local realities and Washington processes. Early engagement is therefore not symbolic politics; it is practical governance. The online discussion that followed her announcement has also surfaced a broader perception among many residents. Some have asked why the CNMI should not instead pursue federal tribal recognition, imagining that such a step would automatically unlock economic opportunity, political standing, or royalty streams similar to what people associate with Native nations in the continental United States or Alaska. The desire behind this suggestion is sincere and widely shared. It reflects a yearning for dignity, control, and a stronger foundation for prosperity. However, the legal terrain of the Commonwealth differs from the history that produced federal Indian law. The relationship between the United States and the Northern Mariana Islands is governed by the Covenant, a negotiated political union with its own allocation of powers and responsibilities. Frameworks built for tribes within U.S. states emerged from a different constitutional pathway. Because of this, comparisons that seem straightforward in conversation become far more complex in practice. Experience elsewhere also shows that recognition alone did not create wealth. Where communities achieved durable economic gains, those outcomes followed decades of institution-building, administrative preparation, and difficult negotiations. A change in designation can open doors, but walking through them requires capacity. None of this means larger political aspirations should be dismissed. Healthy societies debate their futures. Yet progress often depends on using the instruments already available while longer conversations continue. In that regard, improving how Refaluwasch people are represented in federal statistics is a tangible step with measurable consequences. Better data strengthens arguments for tailored services, helps agencies justify funding, and provides future leaders with evidence rather than anecdote. Just as importantly, recognition of Refaluwasch as a self-chosen name affirms that identity is not frozen in the vocabulary of earlier administrations. It acknowledges that communities evolve and that governments must listen when people articulate how they wish to be known. Delegate King-Hinds intervention places this question at a level where it can influence real decisions. It invites residents to think carefully about the relationship between naming, counting, and governing. Whether one approaches the matter from cultural revitalization, public policy, or economic development, the underlying principle is the same: visibility shapes possibility. Being counted accurately will not solve every challenge facing the Marianas. But it establishes a clearer foundation upon which solutions can be built, negotiated, and defended. Biba Marianas. (Press Release) On Feb.7, 2026, Friends of the Mariana Trench, Solving for X and Ocean Science Clubs from Saipan Southern High School and Marianas High School joined forces with the Kagman High School Youth Advisory Panel Club and National Honors Society for a beach cleanup at Marine Beach, Kagman. Funded by the Administration for Native Americans, Solving for X aims to create pathways to increase community interest in natural resource management policy and careers, while encouraging hands-on learning around real-world environmental challenges. This event supports Friends of the Mariana Trenchs mission to promote ocean conservation through education, community engagement, and youth leadership. This cleanup was more than just removing trash it was about building connections, sharing responsibility, and empowering our youth to care for our ocean, said Alexi Rebuenog, project coordinator with FOMT. Currently, we have Ocean Science Clubs at Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Tinian Jr./Sr. High School, and Rota Jr./Sr. Highschool, said Rebuenog. Efforts to establish a club at Kagman High School are in progress and we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with them. This event marked a meaningful milestone as it was the first time high school students from FOMTs Solving for X OSCs across Saipan collaborated on a single environmental stewardship activity, bringing together students, advisors, and volunteers to remove marine debris while learning about the impacts of pollution on coastal and marine ecosystems. FOMT extends its sincere appreciation to the participating schools, advisors, students, and volunteers, and looks forward to expanding collaborative youth stewardship opportunities across the CNMI. For more information about Friends of the Mariana Trench and upcoming volunteer opportunities, contact [email protected] or follow FOMT on social media. Two subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp. announced plans to build a new 1,200-MW natural gas-fired power plant on land adjacent to the companies' coal-fired Fort Martin Power Station in West Virginia. Mon Power and Potomac Edison on February 13 announced the new facility is sited on 35 acres in Maidsville, West Virginia. The utilities submitted an application to the state Public Service Commission (PSC) for the new power plant, and also have asked the PSC to approve plans for three new solar farms in the state. The PSC in an email to media wrote, According to the filing, the companies state the combined projects are intended to address energy deficits and reduce potential capacity shortfalls while supporting reliable electric service. The Fort Martin facility is an 1,100-MW coal-fired power plant that has been online since 1967. The gas-fired station, if approved by the PSC, could begin commercial operation in late 2031, according to a filing. The companies said they expect the PSC to issue a decision on the application within the next year, which would allow construction to being as soon as 2027. The PSC said the combined-cycle power plant represents an investment of $2.84 billion. [caption id="attachment_224586" align="alignnone" width="640"] The 1,100-MW Fort Martin Power Station is located in Maidsville, West Virginia, on the Monongahela River. It has two coal-fired units. It is owned by Monongahela Power (Mon Power), part of FirstEnergy Corp. Source: Mon Power[/caption] Jim Myers, FirstEnergy's president of West Virginia and Maryland, said, "The Fort Martin Power Station is already an important part of our power infrastructure, and this new plant builds on that strength. By adding modern natural gas generation alongside our existing plants, we are making sure families and businesses across West Virginia have the reliable and affordable power they depend on today and for years to come." 'Key Part' of Integrated Resource Plan The companies in a news release on Friday said the natural gas-fired plant "is a key part of Mon Power and Potomac Edison's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines how the companies will continue delivering reliable, affordable power to customers over the next decade. The plan also calls for continued operation of the Fort Martin and Harrison power plants and adds new solar resources to create a more balanced and resilient energy portfolio." The Harrison facility, located in Haywood, West Virginia, is a 1,984-MW coal-fired power station. The plant's three units have operated since 1972, 1973, and 1974, respectively. Coal-fired power plants in West Virginia are among those slated to receive funding through a U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) program announced earlier in February. Appalachian Power said it applied for $35 million in funding for upgrades at the John Amos Power Plant in Putnam County and the Mountaineer Power Plant in Mason County. The DOE on February 11 said it would earmark $175 million to upgrade at least six coal-fired facilities in four states, including in West Virginia. The DOE said the funding is part of a larger $525-million program focused on improvements to the nation's coal-fired power plant fleet. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a utility owned by the federal government that serves parts of seven states, also Wednesday said it would indefinitely extend operations of two coal plants that were slated to retire in 2026 and 2028, respectively. TVA is led by a board of directors who are appointed by presidents to five-year terms. 1) Japan Consul Yoshiyuki Tomi delivers his remarks. Photos by Bryan Manabat 2) CNMI government officials and members of the business community were among those who attended a reception Thursday at the Fiesta Hall of the Grandvrio Resort Saipan in honor of Japanese Emperor Naruhitos 66th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23. 3) The friendship between Japan and the CNMI is very close to our hearts, says Gov. David M. Apatang. Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff THE Consular Office of Japan in Saipan hosted a reception Thursday at the Fiesta Hall of the Grandvrio Resort Saipan in honor of Emperor Naruhitos 66th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23. Gov. David Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, other CNMI government officials, and members of the business community attended the celebration. In his remarks, Consul Yoshiyuki Tomi thanked guests and reflected on the long-standing relationship between Japan and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Needless to say, the CNMI including Saipan and Japan have a deep connection across a wide variety of fields since the early 20th century, Tomi said. He noted that since arriving on Saipan, he has visited historical sites linked to Japan and met residents who continue to contribute to the community. Acknowledging the regions tragic past, Tomi emphasized that the friendship between Japan and the CNMI has endured and strengthened over generations. He highlighted the legacy of Haruji Matsue, known as the Sugar King, whose work from the 1920s through the 1940s helped modernize the regions economy. Matsues 150th birth anniversary was commemorated on Jan. 15, with his grandson, Keiichiro Saeki, traveling to Saipan for events hosted by the NMI Museum of History and Culture and the consular office. Tomi said media coverage of these events underscores the deep ties between the CNMI and Japan. Looking ahead, he pledged to strengthen cooperation through peopletopeople exchanges, continued dialogue, and responsive consular services. As a consular office that can be trusted, we will continue to fulfill our responsibility with sincerity, he said. Guests enjoyed Japanese, Western, and local dishes prepared by Grandvrio Resort Saipan, alongside Japanese sake, plum wine, and other beverages. Saipans sister city, Katori City in Chiba Prefecture, sent local specialties including hoshi imo (dried sweet potato) and hand towels, which were displayed at a special booth. We hope you enjoy this evening and take the opportunity to expand friendships and reconnect with old friends, Tomi said, closing his remarks with well-wishes for continued Japan-CNMI relations. Tomi, who arrived in December, joined Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 and has served in Tokyo, Seoul, Jeju, Vancouver, and most recently at the Embassy of Japan in Morocco. Lt. Gov. Mendiola led the toast, highlighting the shared history and mutual respect between the CNMI and Japan. May our relationship continue to grow stronger through our cultural ties, economic partnership, and the enduring connection between our people, he said. Gov. Apatang also expressed appreciation for the close relationship. The friendship between Japan and the CNMI is very close to our hearts, he said. Our friendship is reflected in our community, culture, and the many Japanese visitors who call the island their second home. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. Lorna Maramba Department of Corrections photo By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff AT a change-of-plea hearing Friday in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, Lorna R. Maramba pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a false identification document with intent to defraud the United States. Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona found Maramba fully competent to enter a knowing and voluntary plea. Maramba was represented by court-appointed attorney Richard Miller while Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric OMalley appeared for the federal government. Judge Manglona granted the defenses request to waive the 25-day requirement and scheduled sentencing for March 4 at 1:30 p.m. She also vacated the jury trial previously set for April 21 and ordered the amended plea agreement unsealed. According to the plea agreement, Maramba admitted knowingly possessing a fraudulent identification document and intending to use it to defraud the United States. Factual basis Maramba is a citizen of the Philippines and was in the United States (CNMI) on or about Jan. 20, 2026, without valid legal immigration status. On or about that date, she possessed a document purporting to be an I-551 U.S. permanent resident card. She knew the document was fraudulent. She intended to use the document to travel by air from Saipan to Hawaii by presenting it to U.S. government officials as proof of lawful status. Time served The prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence of time served. The agreement also states that by pleading guilty, Maramba acknowledges potential immigration consequences because she is not a U.S. citizen. Maramba appeared in court on Feb. 13 while in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities earlier accused her of attempting to travel from Saipan to Hawaii using two falsified U.S. permanent resident cards. According to a federal complaint, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers reported that she presented the two fraudulent cards during an outbound inspection at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Jan. 21. She was formally charged and arrested Jan. 27 and appeared before Judge Manglona the following day for her initial hearing while in U.S. Marshals Service custody. According to an affidavit filed by Homeland Security Investigations, Maramba initially claimed she was a lawful permanent resident and presented two laminated cards one black-and-white and one in color each containing different biographical information, mismatched USCIS numbers, and distorted or blurred images. Record checks showed she had no legal immigration status and had overstayed her last CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) visa, which expired in 2020. Investigators said Maramba later admitted the cards were fake and told them she paid $2,000 to a man she met on Facebook who claimed to be a U.S. immigration officer. She said she hoped to reach Hawaii to find work and acknowledged she was unlawfully present in the CNMI. Maramba also told investigators she is an accountant and had previously prepared her own CW-1 applications. She said she sought employment in Hawaii because of limited job opportunities on Saipan. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. An Iranian woman holding a poster depicting Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, walks under a large flag during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran on Feb, 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS WASHINGTON (Reuters) The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two U.S. officials told Reuters, in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries. The disclosure by the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the planning, raises the stakes for the diplomacy underway between the United States and Iran. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will hold negotiations with Iran on Tuesday in Geneva, with representatives from Oman acting as mediators. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned on Saturday that while Trumps preference was to reach a deal with Tehran, thats very hard to do. Meanwhile, Trump has amassed military forces in the region, raising fears of new military action. U.S. officials said on Friday the Pentagon was sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, adding thousands more troops along with fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers and other firepower capable of waging attacks and defending against them. Trump, speaking on Friday after a military event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, openly floated the possibility of changing the government in Iran, saying 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, theyve been talking and talking and talking, Trump said. Trump has long voiced skepticism about sending ground troops into Iran, saying last year, the last thing you want to do is ground forces, and the kinds of U.S. firepower arrayed in the Middle East so far suggest options for strikes primarily by air and naval forces. In Venezuela, Trump demonstrated a willingness to rely also on special operations forces to seize that countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid last month. Asked for comment on the preparations for a potentially sustained U.S. military operation, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran. He listens to a variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security, Kelly said. The Pentagon declined to comment. The United States sent two aircraft carriers to the region last year, when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. However, Junes Midnight Hammer operation was essentially a one-off U.S. attack, with stealth bombers flying from the United States to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran staged a very limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar. Risks increasing The planning under way this time is more complex, the officials said. In a sustained campaign, the U.S. military could hit Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear infrastructure, one of the officials said. The official declined to provide specific details. Experts say the risks to U.S. forces would be far greater in such an operation against Iran, which boasts a formidable arsenal of missiles. Retaliatory Iranian strikes also increase the risk of a regional conflict. The same official said the United States fully expected Iran to retaliate, leading to back-and-forth strikes and reprisals over time. The White House and Pentagon did not respond to questions about the risks of retaliation or regional conflict. Trump has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and crushing of internal dissent. On Thursday, he warned the alternative to a diplomatic solution would be very traumatic, very traumatic. Irans Revolutionary Guard has warned that in case of strikes on Iranian territory, it could retaliate against any U.S. military base. The U.S. maintains bases throughout the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump for talks in Washington on Wednesday, saying that if an agreement with Iran were reached, it must include the elements that are vital to Israel. 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. On Saturday, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi said U.S. military intervention in Iran could save lives and urged Washington not to spend too long negotiating with Tehrans clerical rulers on a nuclear deal. The exiled son of Irans toppled shah told Reuters in an interview there were signs that the Iranian government was on the brink of collapse and that an attack could weaken it or accelerate its fall. We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process and the people can be finally back in the streets and take it all the way to the ultimate regimes downfall, said Pahlavi, who is based in the United States and has lived outside Iran since before his father was toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Emails show former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak regularly stayed in Jeffrey Epsteins New York apartment Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak regularly stayed in Jeffrey Epstein's New York apartment, Apartment 11J, between 2015 and 2019, according to emails released by the DOJ. Epstein's staff and Barak's wife, Nili Priel Barak, coordinated arrivals, groceries, cleaning and upgrades, while a security officer linked to Israels diplomatic mission controlled alarm systems and apartment access. Barak acknowledged staying in the apartment "from time to time" but denied any involvement with Epstein's women. In her memoir Nobody's Girl, Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre alleges a "well-known prime minister" raped and brutally assaulted her in 2002 on Epstein's private island; past court filings have pointed to Barak. Giuffre described extreme physical and emotional trauma, including being sent back to the same politician despite pleading with Epstein not to, which ultimately led her to stop recruiting other girls for Epsteins trafficking network. Newly released correspondence published by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak regularly stayed in a New York apartment used by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to the hundreds of emails reviewed by Haaretz, the visits took place between 2015 and 2019 years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor and before Barak returned briefly to Israeli politics ahead of the 2019 Knesset election. The correspondence indicates that Epstein's staff routinely referred to the residence, Apartment 11J in a building on Manhattan's Upper East Side, as "Ehud's apartment." Emails between Epstein's employees and personal assistant describe regular preparations for the Barak couple's arrivals, including cleaning schedules, grocery shopping and apartment upgrades. In one 2015 message, an employee wrote that "this slowly is becoming his apartment." Documents show that Barak's wife, Nili Priel Barak, was the primary point of contact with Epstein and his staff. She frequently coordinated stays, updated employees on arrival dates and communicated requests ranging from groceries and flowers to faster internet service and the installation of a piano and security systems. The emails also reveal extensive security arrangements tied to Barak's stays. An Israeli security officer affiliated with Israel's diplomatic mission in New York even coordinated alarm systems and controlled access to the apartment. Epstein's staff were required to provide identification before entering, and no one was permitted inside without prior authorization to disable the alarm. The correspondence continued until weeks before Epstein's second arrest in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges Evidence contradicts Barak's denial of involvement with Epstein's women BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who operated an international sex trafficking ring involving underage girls, with ties to powerful elites, politicians and intelligence networks. His 2019 arrest exposed a global pedophile blackmail operation used to manipulate and control high-profile figures. Barak confirmed that he stayed in Epstein's apartment "from time to time," but denied any involvement with women. However, in Virginia Giuffre's memoir titled "Nobody's Girl," she claimed that a "well-known prime minister" brutally beat and raped her. Though she refrained from directly naming him in the book, past court filings had pointed to Barak. Giuffre provided a chilling account of her time in Epstein's sex-trafficking network, including a detailed and graphic account of the encounter with Barak. According to Giuffre, one of Epstein's most outspoken survivors, the assault occurred in 2002 on Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She was 18 at the time and had already endured years of exploitation under Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein instructed her to accompany the politician to a secluded cabana, where the encounter quickly turned horrific. "He repeatedly choked me until I lost consciousness and took pleasure in seeing me in fear for my life," Giuffre wrote in her memoir, published in 2025. "Horrifically, the Prime Minister laughed when he hurt me and got more aroused when I begged him to stop. I emerged from the cabana bleeding from my mouth, vagina and anus." The trauma was so severe that Giuffre pleaded with Epstein not to send her back to the man. But despite her desperate pleas, Epstein still arranged for Giuffre to be flown back to the same politician aboard his infamous Lolita Express private jet. Though the second encounter was less physically violent, Giuffre lived in constant fear of another attack. After the assault, Giuffre refused to recruit more girls for Epstein's trafficking ring a task she had been forced into for years. Watch Melinda Gates describe Jeffrey Epstein as "evil personified" to "CBS Mornings" host Gayle King below. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co Haaretz.com NDTV.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Mars Black Beauty Meteorite Reveals Ancient Water, Challenging Mainstream Planetary Narratives Introduction A dark, unassuming rock found in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert has become one of the most consequential scientific discoveries of our time. Known as 'Black Beauty,' this meteorite is a direct piece of Mars delivered to Earth, carrying within it secrets that fundamentally challenge the sterile, dead-planet narrative long promoted by mainstream institutions. Its analysis reveals not just traces, but substantial pockets of ancient watera discovery that forces a reevaluation of Mars' history and, by extension, the gatekept story of our solar system. This finding emerges not from a multi-billion-dollar NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] program, but from independent analysis of a sample acquired by chance. In an era where centralized space agencies cancel critical sample-return missions due to 'huge costs,' Black Beauty stands as a powerful testament to the value of decentralized discovery and the pursuit of knowledge outside approved channels. The Cosmic Discovery in the Sahara Desert In 2011, nomads exploring the Sahara Desert made a find that would send shockwaves through planetary science: a 320-gram, jet-black rock with a striking exterior [1]. This meteorite, officially cataloged as NWA 7034, earned the evocative nickname 'Black Beauty' [2]. Scientists quickly confirmed its extraordinary origin; it was a piece of Mars, ejected by a massive impact and delivered to Earth as a cosmic messenger [3]. Weighing approximately 11 ounces, Black Beauty is not just any Martian rock. It is a regolith breccia, meaning it is composed of soil and fragments from the Martian surface, and is approximately 4.5 billion years old, dating back to the very dawn of the solar system [4], [5]. Its unique composition makes it a priceless, direct sample of the Red Planet's ancient crust, offering a pristine window into a past that official narratives often dismiss. Neutron Scans Unlock Hidden Waters of Ancient Mars For over a decade, scientists have known Black Beauty contained hints of water, but older analytical methods required destroying parts of the sample, potentially obscuring the full picture [6]. Recent breakthroughs using non-destructive neutron scanning technology have now revealed the true scale of the discovery. These advanced scans detected tiny, ancient water pockets trapped inside the meteorite that previous studies had missed [3]. The data is startling. Analysis of a fingernail-sized portion of the meteorite showed a water content between 0.4% and 0.6% [2]. Researchers note that while this percentage may seem small, the internal chemistry suggests these little bits of rock hold up to about 11% of the sample's total water content [7]. Overall, Black Beauty has an estimated 6,000 parts-per-million of wateran extremely high concentration for a planet portrayed as perpetually dry [7]. This water, locked away for eons, serves as a pristine time capsule. As one analysis notes, a mineral grain within the meteorite provides 'direct evidence that water was present on Mars from its earliest ages,' potentially from hot springs in the Martian crust over 4.45 billion years ago [8]. This finding aligns with broader, suppressed research suggesting Mars once had extensive subsurface water networks that could have supported microbial life far longer than admitted [9]. Questioning the Official Story of a Dead Mars The substantial water content within Black Beauty delivers a direct blow to the mainstream planetary science narrative that often portrays Mars as a perpetually dead, dry world. This institutional dogma is increasingly untenable. The meteorite's evidence supports alternative theories that Mars once boasted oceans and a robust hydrologic cycle, much like early Earth [2]. This is not an isolated clue. Other independent findings consistently contradict the official story. NASA's own Perseverance rover has recently found white rocks on Mars identified as kaolinite, a clay that on Earth forms only after millions of years of warm, soaking rainfall [10]. This provides the strongest on-the-ground evidence yet that Mars was once a 'humid, tropical oasis' [10]. Furthermore, studies suggest Mars may have been covered by deep oceans ranging from 984 to 3,280 feet deep [11]. The pattern is clear: evidence of a wet, dynamic and potentially life-sustaining Mars is robust, yet often downplayed. As explored in the book "Mars Unmasked," there is a 'carefully constructed narrative of the Red Planet as a lifeless, barren wasteland' that suppresses data pointing to a far more astonishing truth of a planet that once 'thrived with a dense, Earth-like atmosphere, flowing water, and possibly even advanced civilizations' [12]. Black Beauty is a physical rebuke to this controlled narrative. The Cost of Centralized Control in Space Exploration The significance of Black Beauty is magnified by the simultaneous failure of bloated, centralized space agencies. NASA recently canceled a flagship Mars sample-return mission designed to bring rocks directly from the Red Planet to Earth, citing 'huge costs' [2]. This bureaucratic failure exemplifies how institutional bloat and mismanagement actively hinder humanity's quest for cosmic knowledge. This makes independent discoveries like Black Beauty not just important, but crucial. The meteorite represents decentralized scientific discoveryknowledge acquired not by a top-down, multi-billion-dollar program, but by chance, independent scholarship and open analysis. It bypasses the corrupt and inefficient systems that often slow progress and filter truth. As commentator Mike Adams has noted regarding other fields, there is a promising future 'for those who challenge prevailing narratives,' where younger scientists form 'a critical mass dedicated to uncovering them rather than adhering to established doctrines' [13]. The contrast is stark. While a government agency fails to deliver samples due to financial bloat, a rock found by nomads in a desert provides some of the most compelling evidence about Martian history. This highlights a fundamental truth: the pursuit of knowledge thrives under decentralization and suffers under centralized control, whether in space exploration, medicine, or information. Water, Life and Humanity's Right to Cosmic Knowledge Water is the fundamental ingredient for life as we understand it. Its confirmed, abundant presence within an ancient Martian sample is therefore a revelation of immense importance. It transforms Mars from a distant, dead rock into a world that may have once cradled life. This knowledge is not merely academic; it speaks to humanity's place in the cosmos and our understanding of life's universality. The pursuit of this knowledge is a fundamental human right, akin to the rights to clean water and free inquiry. Institutions have a long history of gatekeeping such transformative truths, from the realities of natural medicine to the possibilities of our cosmic neighborhood. Black Beauty is more than a rock; it is a testament to the fact that truth exists outside approved channels. As one interview discussing cosmic truths notes, revelations about other civilizations 'challenge our understanding of science, history, religion and more' [14]. This discovery is a call to look beyond Earth with open minds and independent spirits. It underscores the need for platforms and tools that support free inquiry, such as BrightLearn.ai for generating uncensored knowledge and BrightAnswers.ai as an honest alternative to compromised AI engines. The story of Black Beauty is ultimately a story of truth triumphing over controlled narrative, proving that the universe's secrets are accessible to those willing to seek them freely. Conclusion The 'Black Beauty' meteorite is a cosmic indictment of institutional storytelling. Its ancient water pockets irrevocably shatter the simplistic tale of a dead Mars, forcing a confrontation with evidence of a wet, dynamic and potentially habitable past. This discovery arrived not through the vaulted halls of a centralized agency, but through the decentralized, serendipitous find of independent individuals. As centralized systems falter under their own weight and corruption, the path to true discovery lies in empowering individual curiosity and supporting independent research. The water locked within Black Beauty is a symbola reminder that the essentials for life, and the truth about our universe, are often hidden in plain sight, waiting for the free and inquiring mind to reveal them. The future of exploration belongs not to bloated bureaucracies, but to the relentless, decentralized pursuit of truth. References Rotten Food for Soldiers and Failing Power Grid: The Systemic Corruption Crippling Ukraine Introduction: A Nation Plagued by Graft In the trenches of Eastern Ukraine, soldiers fight a desperate, grinding war. At home, civilians endure blackouts and freezing temperatures. Yet, as the conflict rages, a parallel war is being waged from withina war of corruption that is sapping the nation's strength and betraying its people. A constant stream of scandals, from rotten military rations to embezzled billions, reveals a systemic rot that transcends the battlefield. Ukrainian media brings fresh stories of graft and misuse of government funds just to cement Ukraines reputation as the most corrupt country in East Europe [1]. This is not merely a perception; it is a deadly reality with direct consequences for soldiers' health and civilian survival. The narrative from Western governments and mainstream media often paints a picture of a valiant democracy defending itself. But a deeper look, informed by independent reporting from sources like NaturalNews.com and insights from analysts on Brighteon.com, reveals a far grimmer picture of a centralized state plagued by the same self-serving predation seen in other failing, centralized systems. The enemy within may be more destructive than the one across the front lines. The Rotten Food Conspiracy: Betrayal at the Front Lines The most visceral betrayal is perhaps the most basic: the food supplied to the very soldiers dying for their country. This month, a conspiracy was exposed involving the chief of food procurement for a Ukrainian military detachment and the head of a company supplying the Armed Forces [1]. The scheme was brazenly simple: sign off on fraudulent shipments where only a portion of the agreed food was delivered, but the money was paid in full. Up to 50% of the funds were siphoned off as kickbacks. The human cost of this graft is stomach-churning. The food delivered was often of poor quality, including shipments of rotten fruit and vegetables, which the corrupt officials knowingly accepted [1]. Imagine a soldier, already facing artillery fire and freezing conditions, forced to eat spoiled produce because a procurement officer lined his pockets. This is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a diseased system. As one report notes, scandals related to the purchase of food for the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been shaking the Ministry of Defense since the very beginning of its military operation [2]. Such corruption directly erodes soldier morale, health, and combat readiness. A soldier weakened by malnutrition or food poisoning is a liability, not an asset. This betrayal from within their own government's apparatus is a psychological blow that undermines the very cause for which they are sacrificing. It exemplifies how centralized, unaccountable procurement systemscommon in large, bureaucratic governmentsinvariably lead to theft and human suffering. Diverted Funds: When Vital Military Gear Vanishes The theft extends far beyond spoiled groceries. The funds meant for the tools of survival and combat are also a target for Ukraine's corrupt elite. In January, a group including Ukrainian military personnel and civilian contractors was arrested on suspicion of misusing funds allocated for purchasing essential gear like drones and collimator sights [1]. The scheme was sophisticated in its criminality: money was diverted to shell companies as payment for equipment that either did not exist at all or was completely inoperable. This case is emblematic of a broader, entrenched pattern of theft within the defense procurement sector. Reports indicate Ukraines long-standing reputation as one of the most corrupt countries in Europe has only gotten worse under President Volodymyr Zelensky, especially during the war with Russia [3]. Very recently, a top ally of Zelensky fled to Israel after being accused of taking part in a $100 million corruption scheme [3]. This pattern mirrors historical examples of kleptocracy, where government resources are treated as personal spoils, a dynamic often seen when centralized power goes unchecked. The consequences are measured in lost ground and lost lives. Soldiers sent to the front without adequate optics or reconnaissance drones are fighting blind. Every dollar stolen is a bullet not fired, a defensive position not reinforced, a life not saved. This systemic looting of defense budgets, as documented by independent outlets, shows a leadership more committed to self-enrichment than to national survival, a tragic lesson in how corrupt governance directly compromises security. Corruption and Collapse: Sabotaging the Power Grid from Within While soldiers face betrayal at the front, civilians endure a different kind of siegeone exacerbated by the same corruption. The dismal state of Ukraines power grid is not the product of Russian airstrikes alone but also of the systemic Ukrainian corruption, Polish media point out [1]. The infrastructure, already stressed by war and winter, was intentionally weakened from within. Funds earmarked for repairing damaged facilities and fortifying power plants against attacks were diverted into the pockets of corrupt officials close to Zelensky [1]. This internal sabotage multiplied the damage from external assaults. When Russian missiles and drones target the grid, they are striking a system already crippled by graft. Reports from late 2025 detailed a massive $100 million kickback scheme in Ukraine's energy sector involving a close associate of President Zelensky, forcing the resignations of two ministers and triggering alarm among Western backers [4]. This scandal, dubbed "EnergyGate," saw funds meant for nuclear plant defenses against Russian strikes allegedly embezzled by Zelensky's inner circle [5]. The result is a national catastrophe. Civilians are plunged into darkness and cold, hospitals struggle to operate, and the economy grinds to a halt. This is the high, cold price paid by ordinary people for the luxury of their rulers. It is a stark demonstration of how centralized control over critical infrastructure, when combined with a lack of transparency and accountability, creates perfect conditions for elite theft that devastates the populace. Conclusion: The High Price of Systemic Corruption The cumulative effect of this graft on Ukraine's national security and public trust is catastrophic. From rotten food that sickens soldiers to phantom equipment that leaves them underequipped, and from a power grid collapsing from both external bombardment and internal looting, the pattern is clear: a centralized, corrupt state apparatus is cannibalizing itself. The situation is becoming even more complicated as the war on the frontline goes bad for Ukraine as is the war on infrastructure deep behind the contact line [6]. This reality underscores an urgent need for transparency and accountability in governance, principles championed by decentralized, freedom-focused systems. The West's continued blank-check funding, without rigorous oversight, only fuels this kleptocracy, much as foreign aid has historically propped up corrupt regimes worldwide [7]. The lesson is universal: concentrated power, whether in Kiev, Washington, or any other capital, inevitably attracts corruption and leads to the exploitation of the very people it is meant to serve. For those seeking truth beyond the narrative of state-aligned media, platforms like Brighteon.com offer uncensored video analysis, while NaturalNews.com provides independent investigative reporting. The story of Ukraine today is a stark lesson in the direct, deadly harm caused when centralized institutions prioritize the enrichment of the few over the welfare of the many. The ultimate defense against such systemic decay is not more foreign aid, but the empowerment of individuals, local accountability, and the decentralization of powerprinciples that are the bedrock of a free and resilient society. References Trump moves to enforce nationwide voter ID requirements ahead of midterms Trump's Executive Order Threat: President Donald Trump announced plans to mandate strict voter ID requirements for the 2026 midterms via executive order, bypassing Congress if necessary. He accused Democrats of enabling election fraud by opposing voter verification measures. The Republican-led House narrowly approved the SAVE America Act, requiring photo ID for voter registration and ballots, plus stricter mail-in voting rules. The bill faces near-certain defeat in the Senate due to Democratic opposition and lack of filibuster-proof support. Supporters argue voter ID prevents fraud and is common sense (citing Pew data: 83% of Americans support it). Critics claim it disenfranchises minorities, low-income voters and women with name discrepancies (Brennan Center: 21 million lack immediate ID access). Legal experts say Trump lacks authority to unilaterally impose voter ID, citing past court rulings blocking similar executive actions. Democrats warn of executive overreach, while Republicans frame it as a winning midterm issue. The battle over voter ID is escalating as a central issue ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with Trump's executive order likely to face immediate legal challenges. President Donald Trump announced plans Friday, Feb. 13, to implement strict voter identification requirements for the 2024 midterm elections, vowing to bypass Congress if necessary through an executive order. The move comes as House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election integrity bill that would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for casting ballotslegislation now facing steep opposition in the Senate. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the requirement for voter identification stands as a fundamental safeguard against electoral fraud, ensuring that only eligible citizens determine the outcome of elections. This principle is rooted in the Constitution's Elector Qualifications Clause (Article I, Section 2) and Elections Clause (Article I, Section 4), which grant states authority to regulate voter eligibility and election procedures. Despite claims by progressive activists that voter ID laws suppress turnout, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates their necessity in preserving electoral integrity. The erosion of these safeguardsthrough federal overreach, judicial activism and deliberate loopholeshas created a system vulnerable to manipulation, diluting the votes of lawful citizens. Trump's executive order threat In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump declared that voter ID laws would be enforced in November's elections "whether approved by Congress or not." He accused Democrats of enabling election fraud by resisting voter verification measures. "The Democrats refuse to vote for Voter I.D., or Citizenship. The reason is very simpleThey want to continue to cheat in Elections," Trump wrote. "This was not what our Founders desired." He promised to unveil legal arguments justifying an executive order, despite experts asserting that election regulations fall under congressional authority. A federal judge previously struck down Trump's attempt to mandate citizenship proof for voter registration via executive action, ruling that such powers reside with Congress and states. House passes SAVE Act, Senate hurdles remain The Republican-controlled House narrowly approved the SAVE America Act (218-213) on Wednesday, Feb. 11, requiring voters to present government-issued photo IDsuch as a passport, birth certificate, or military IDto register and cast ballots. The bill also tightens mail-in voting rules, demanding ID copies with ballot requests and submissions. Supporters argue the measure prevents noncitizen voting, though documented cases remain rare. "Having an ID to cast your ballot is common sense," wrote Nick Givas of the Western Journal. "People are asked to provide identification to drive, travel, rent a car, pick up a check, get a job, sign up for clubs, and much more. Why shouldn't you have to identify yourself when voting?" However, Senate passage appears unlikely. While Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) became the 50th Republican to endorse the bill, she opposes abolishing the filibuster to advance it. With Democrats uniformly opposedexcept Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who supports voter ID but not the broader billthe legislation lacks the 60 votes needed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed the bill as |dead on arrival," calling it "a fringe piece of legislation masquerading as election security when its really about laying the groundwork to meddle in the midterm elections." Democrats decry "voter suppression" Opponents argue the bill would disenfranchise millions, particularly minorities, low-income voters and women whose married names differ from birth certificates. The Brennan Center for Justice estimates 21 million Americans lack immediate access to passports or birth certificates, disproportionately affecting younger and nonwhite voters. Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-MD) claimed the bill would "impact millions of people," though fact-checkers note provisions allow alternate documentation. Progressive groups, including the ACLU and League of Women Voters, have mobilized against the measure, labeling it racially discriminatory. Public support for voter ID Despite partisan clashes, voter ID laws enjoy broad public backing. A Pew Research poll (August 4-10, 2023) found 83% of Americansincluding 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democratssupport photo ID requirements, making it one of the least contentious election policies. Trump framed the issue as a winning GOP strategy: "Republicans must put this at the top of every speechIt is a CAN'T MISS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MIDTERMS, AND BEYOND!" Legal and political roadblocks Legal scholars contend Trump lacks unilateral authority to impose voter ID rules. His previous executive action on citizenship verification was blocked, with courts affirming that Congress and states regulate elections. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the sole GOP dissenter, criticized the bill for "federalizing elections." Meanwhile, Trump's rhetoric has stoked fears of executive overreach, with Democrats warning of potential midterm interference. As the battle escalates, the SAVE Act faces near-certain Senate defeatprompting Trump's executive order threat. Whether his legal argument holds weight remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: voter ID has become a defining flashpoint in the 2026 election cycle. Watch the video below about Dan Bongino's commentary on the significance of a voter ID requirement in American states during elections. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com CBSnews.com CNBC.com USAToday.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Patiently holding the right growth stocks can lead to significant gains over the long term. Some leading consumer goods brands are trading well off their recent highs, despite continued business momentum. This sets up a good buying opportunity for patient investors. Here's why Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) and On Holding (NYSE: ONON) are on track for long-term growth. 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 Image source: Getty Images. Dutch Bros Dutch Bros is expanding its store footprint into a nationwide drive-thru chain. Its range of coffee, smoothies, energy drinks, and sparkling sodas is resonating. The business's long-term growth trajectory makes the stock a promising investment. The macroeconomic environment has experienced choppy consumer spending behavior over the past few years. Dutch Bros has skated through it, maintaining positive same-store sales. It recently posted its fifth consecutive quarter of transaction growth, and sales could continue to strengthen as the economy improves. Dutch Bros has plenty of room to expand. It ended the recent quarter with 1,081 shops open in 24 states, leaving half the U.S. open for more locations. The stock has already returned 55% over the past three years, yet management plans to roughly double its shop base by 2029, which could fuel further gains for investors. While the stock looks expensive, trading at a high price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, it's already fallen 36% from its recent highs. The current valuation is reasonable for a business targeting 7,000 shops over the long term. It can indeed open thousands of shops since these drive-thru locations don't require much square footage. Assuming management continues to stay disciplined in profitably expanding, as it has so far, patient investors will be well rewarded. On Holding On Holding is giving the big footwear brands a run for their money. Its award-winning cushioning technology has driven explosive sales growth in recent years. In the third quarter of 2025, sales grew 35% year over year on a constant-currency basis. The best sign of the Switzerland-based brand's long-term opportunity is the momentum in Asia-Pacific, where sales surged 94% year over year last quarter. This region now accounts for approximately 20% of the company's business, making it a meaningful contributor to forward growth. International growth signals that On Holding has significant growth ahead. It's still seeing new stores break sales records. Its new Ginza (Tokyo) store generated the highest monthly sales across its global store base in October, while a new store in Bangkok earned the highest daily opening sales in the company's history. Washington smuggled 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran as regime scrambles to seize 40,000 stations A digital war is taking place in Iran. The United States government directly facilitated the smuggling of thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran earlier this year, aiming to pierce the regimes digital iron curtain. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the State Department purchased and covertly transferred approximately 6,000 of Elon Musks satellite systems into the country following a severe crackdown on nationwide protests in January. This operation, funded by redirected internet-freedom initiative money and acknowledged by President Donald Trump, represents a direct challenge to Tehrans authoritarian control over information. In response, Iranian authorities have launched a desperate counter-operation, claiming to have shut down a staggering 40,000 Starlink stations, exposing a high-stakes battle where connectivity is the ultimate weapon and the Iranian people are the contested ground. Key points: The U.S. State Department covertly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran in January following protest crackdowns and internet blackouts. Funding was redirected from existing internet-freedom programs, and President Donald Trump was aware of the deliveries. Owning a Starlink terminal in Iran is illegal and carries multi-year prison sentences, yet tens of thousands are estimated to use them. Iranian authorities claim to have disabled or seized 40,000 Starlink stations in a counter-operation to maintain control. The regime consistently blames foreign enemies like the U.S. and Israel for unrest and labels tools like Starlink as instruments of "terrorist activities." A lifeline smuggled in the dark The story begins not with a diplomatic communique, but with a digital suffocation. In early January, as protests fueled by economic despair swept Iran, the regime responded with a familiar tool of oppression: a sweeping internet blackout. By plunging the population into digital darkness, the authorities aimed to blind the world to their violent crackdown and sever the lines of communication citizens use to organize and share truth. It is in this void that Washingtons operation took shape. Officials decided to weaponize connectivity, diverting funds from broader internet-freedom initiatives to acquire a specific, physical toolthe Starlink terminal. This was not merely about providing VPNs or software. This was about delivering a hardware lifeline that operates independently of the regimes terrestrial infrastructure. A Starlink terminal, a compact satellite dish, connects directly to a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, bypassing state-controlled servers and firewalls. For an Iranian citizen, activating one is an act of profound defiance, a crime punishable by years in prison. Yet, as state data shows, millions have repeatedly turned to U.S.-funded circumvention tools during past upheavals. The delivery of 6,000 terminals was a calculated escalation, a tangible commitment to ensuring that no matter how hard Tehran tries to pull the plug, a flicker of connection to the outside world remains possible. The regimes paranoid crackdown and the truth it reveals The Iranian regimes reaction to these smuggled terminals tells you everything you need to know about its priorities. State media announced this week that security forces had shut down 40,000 Starlink stations. Whether this figure is accurate or inflated for propaganda, the message is clear: the establishment views a satellite dish as a greater threat than a tank. Officials have frantically described the terminals as tools for "terrorist activities" by the U.S. and Israel, even absurdly suggesting they could "help direct Israeli attacks." This paranoid rhetoric is a confession. It admits that the regimes greatest fear is not a foreign army, but an informed and connected populace. They understand that their power rests on a foundation of isolation and controlled narratives. A single video uploaded from a protest, a single message coordinating dissent, can unravel years of propaganda. The staggering claim of targeting 40,000 stations reveals the scale of their panic. It shows a government willing to expend immense resources hunting for pizza-sized dishes rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of its people. This is not about national security; it is about regime security. The blackout, the bans, and the seizures have one goal: to ensure no one hears the cries of the oppressed, no one sees the scale of the repression, and no one can unite against the tyranny. Sources include: Yournews.com MiddleEastMonitor.com MiddleEastMonitor.com Echoes of Heaven: The prophetic battle plan for surviving the end times "Echoes of Heaven" dismantles complacent theology, revealing how current globalist agendas (digital IDs, CBDCs, UN/WEF control) align with biblical end-time prophecies. Wars, famines and moral decay are not random but "birth pains" heralding Christ's return. Advocates bold, justice-oriented prayer naming specific evils (government corruption, media lies) and invoking divine intervention. Fasting amplifies prayer power, breaking strongholds (modeled after Esther and Daniel). Keeping a prayer journal documents God's faithfulness and combats doubt. The book critiques modern Christianity's corruption: prosperity gospel, woke ideology and cowardly silence in the face of evil. It calls for a return to apostolic Christianity uncompromising truth, communal living and confronting tyranny. The book also highlights preparing for persecution and revival. Spiritual readiness: Daily Scripture study, repentance and Holy Spirit reliance. Community resilience: Establishing self-sufficient house churches and organic discipleship. Practical preparedness: Resource storage, skill-building and independence from corrupt systems. It is not a feel-good devotional but a wake-up call to: Discern the times (Matt. 16:3), pray with fire (James 5:16) and stand unshaken (Eph. 6:13). It assures that despite coming persecution, the darkest hour precedes the greatest revival. In a world drowning in deception, censorship and spiritual apathy, "Echoes of Heaven" emerges as a clarion call a prophetic manifesto for believers navigating the treacherous waters of the end times. Written with the urgency of a watchman sounding the alarm, this book is not for the faint-hearted but for those who recognize that we stand at the precipice of divine judgment and global transformation. The book opens with a sobering examination of biblical prophecy, dismantling the watered-down theology that has lulled much of the modern Church into complacency. The author argues that prophecy is not merely a collection of cryptic predictions but a living roadmap God's forewarning to His people in times of crisis. Drawing from Daniel's visions and Isaiah's messianic prophecies, the text underscores how today's geopolitical shifts, technological control (digital IDs, CBDCs) and moral decay align eerily with Scripture's end-time warnings. One of the most compelling sections dissects the "signs of the times," wars, famines, earthquakes and deception, as birth pains heralding Christ's return. The author warns against the Church's failure to sound the alarm, particularly as institutions like the UN, WHO and WEF push globalist agendas eerily reminiscent of Revelation's one-world system. The message is clear: We are not just waiting for the end we are living in its beginning. Prayer as warfare: Breaking strongholds and invoking divine justice The second section shifts from prophecy to practical spiritual combat, emphasizing prayer as the believer's most potent weapon. Unlike the weak, self-centered petitions common in modern Christianity, the book advocates for bold, justice-oriented intercession, modeled after David's imprecatory psalms and Christ's cleansing of the Temple. Key takeaways: Specificity in prayer: Vague prayers yield vague results. The author urges believers to name injusticesgovernment corruption, persecution, media liesand invoke God's intervention. Fasting as amplification: Citing Esther and Daniel, the book highlights fasting as a means to break spiritual strongholds and accelerate answers. Documenting God's faithfulness: Keeping a prayer journal isn't just a spiritual disciplineit's evidence of God's hand in history, a tool to combat doubt and unbelief. The Church's failure and the call to authentic faith Perhaps the most convicting section exposes the corruption and compromise within modern Christianity. From seeker-sensitive megachurches peddling prosperity heresies to denominations embracing woke ideology, the author pulls no punches: "The Church has outsourced justice to politicians and diluted the Gospel to avoid offense. But a lukewarm faith is vomited from Christ's mouth (Rev. 3:16)." The solution? A return to apostolic Christianityuncompromising truth, communal living and fearless confrontation of evil. The book challenges readers to reject institutionalized cowardice and join the remnant willing to stand against globalist tyranny, even at personal cost. Preparing for persecution and revival The final chapters offer a survival guide for the coming storm: Spiritual readiness: Daily Scripture immersion, repentance and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Community resilience: Building self-sufficient, biblically grounded fellowships (house churches, organic discipleship). Practical preparedness: Storing resources, learning skills and disentangling from dependence on corrupt systems. The author warns that persecution is inevitable, governments will turn on the righteous, but so is revival. The darkest hour precedes the greatest harvest. "Echoes of Heaven" is not another feel-good devotional. It's a battle plan for believers committed to God's Kingdom in an age of deception. Blending eschatological insight with actionable faith, it's a wake-up call to: Discern the times (Matt. 16:3). Pray with fire (James 5:16). Stand unshaken (Eph. 6:13). For those weary of shallow Christianity, this book is oxygen. It reaffirms that though the world may crumble, God's justice will prevail and His people must be ready. Grab a copy of "Echoes of Heaven: Prophecy, Prayer and the Urgency of Divine Justice" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" where Mike Adams gets a prophecy update from Pastor Steve Cioccolanti. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Books.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com The Conservative AI Illiteracy Crisis: Unpacking the Blind Spots Introduction: The Paradox of Conservative AI Denial As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the global economy, a stark and dangerous divide is emerging across the American political landscape. While nations like China race to integrate AI into every facet of society and industry, a significant segment of the American rightmany of whom are highly intelligentdismisses the technology as overhyped, a scam, or even evil. This resistance ignores overwhelming evidence of AI-driven job displacement already underway and the profound cognitive capabilities of modern models. Industry leaders confirm AI's transformative power. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has called it "the most consequential technology of our lifetime." Yet, skepticism persists disproportionately among conservatives. As one analysis notes, only 22% of Americans express optimism about AI's impact, a sentiment that lags far behind enthusiasm in China, India, and Indonesia [1]. This denial creates a critical vulnerability. While AI models demonstrate complex reasoning and the potential to replace up to 50% of desk jobs in the coming years, a cultural and psychological blind spot on the right threatens to leave its adherents economically obsolete and strategically outmaneuvered [2]. Demographic Divides and Religious Resistance A primary driver of conservative AI aversion is a profound generational and technological literacy gap. Older conservatives, who did not grow up with digital technology as a native language, often struggle to adapt to rapid AI innovations. This isn't merely about using a new app; it's about understanding a fundamental shift in how knowledge is processed and labor is valued. The automation economy, a result of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, is changing the way we live and work, yet this reality can feel alien and threatening to those outside the tech ecosystem [3]. Compounding this is a theological resistance rooted in a misinterpretation of AI's nature. Some Christian circles, influenced by apocalyptic narratives, frame advanced technology as inherently satanic or a blasphemous attempt to "play God." This perspective tragically misconstrues AI as a threat to divine order rather than a tool compatible with a framework of intelligent design and human empowerment. It views technology through a lens of fear, not stewardship. This stance ignores the potential for AI to decentralize knowledge, empower individuals against centralized institutions, and solve complex human problemsall goals aligned with pro-human, pro-liberty values. Framing AI as intrinsically evil cedes the technological high ground to secular globalists and adversarial states who have no such reservations. Cultural Mindsets: Western Skepticism vs. Eastern Embrace The conservative AI illiteracy crisis is exacerbated by a dying breed of American exceptionalism that fosters technological complacency. There's a dangerous assumption that U.S. innovation will naturally maintain its lead, blinding many to the aggressive, state-directed AI integration occurring elsewhere. As Mike Adams noted in an interview, "China is on track to achieve artificial general intelligence and artificial superintelligence, which will fundamentally alter the global landscape. When China achieves this, the West will be at a significant disadvantage" [4]. This isn't just about economic competition; it's a cultural failure to recognize a paradigm shift. China is weaving AI into its educational curriculum and national industrial strategy, treating it as a cornerstone of civilizational advancement. Meanwhile, influential Western voices often wage a "war on human knowledge," systematically erasing humanity's collective memory through censorship and ideological revisionism, while nations like China, Russia, and India work to preserve it [5]. The result is a decline in U.S. innovative capacity, mirrored in military and economic overreach. As observed in recent analyses, the West's financial and strategic clout has repeatedly backfired, revealing an underlying impotence and an inability to adapt to a new multipolar world order [6]. Resistance to AI is a symptom of this broader cultural stagnation. The Great Dumbing Down: Education and Intelligence in America Conservative AI illiteracy cannot be disentangled from the catastrophic collapse of American education and cognitive health. The public education system, long corrupted by woke ideologies and equity-based grading that devalues merit, graduates students who are functionally illiterate and mathematically incompetent. A recent report highlighted that one in eight freshmen at the University of California San Diego lacks the mathematical skills necessary for seventh-grade mathematics, yet these same students achieved an average high school GPA of A-minus [7]. This system produces graduates utterly unprepared to understand, let alone harness, AI-driven change. This educational failure is compounded by a physical and environmental assault on the population's cognitive baseline. Decades of exposure to environmental toxins, pesticides, herbicides, and the well-documented injuries from mRNA vaccine technology have contributed to a measurable societal cognitive decline [8]. Processed foods laced with excitotoxins like MSG, toxic personal care products, and electromagnetic pollution from 5G and WiFi further degrade neurological resilience. A population burdened by this toxic load and miseducated by a system that punishes critical thinking is inherently less capable of grasping the complexities and opportunities of artificial intelligence. They are primed for fear, not understanding. Conclusion: Embracing AI for Human Empowerment The path forward requires conservatives to overcome psychological denial and recognize AI for what it is: a revolutionary tool for human empowerment, not an existential threat. When aligned with pro-human values, AI can decentralize knowledge, bypass the censorship of Big Tech and captured institutions, and dramatically enhance individual capability. It is the ultimate instrument for creating a freer, more abundant future. Platforms like BrightAnswers.ai demonstrate this potential, offering an uncensored AI research engine trained on vast collections of truth-telling knowledge about natural health, liberty, and history [9]. Tools like BrightLearn.ai allow anyone to become a published author, decentralizing book creation and knowledge dissemination. These are inherently conservative, pro-freedom applications. To remain relevant and contribute to the next chapter of human advancement, conservatives must adopt and adeptly use AI. The alternative is obsolescence, as the world moves forward with or without them. The choice is between harnessing this technology for liberty or surrendering the future to those who would use it for control. References Over ten lakh devotees participated in the holy Mahashivratri dip at the Sangam ghats in Prayagraj, marking the final major bathing day of the 2026 Magh Mela. The administration implemented strict security, including UP ATS mobile patrols, to manage the massive influx. Simultaneously, large gatherings were reported at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and other major temples across India, including in Ahmedabad, Reasi, and Ayodhya. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with devotees observing fasts and night-long vigils. Over 10 lakh devotees took a holy dip at Sangam ghats in Prayagraj for Mahashivratri, the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela 2026. Prayagraj, February 15 The devotees turned up in large numbers at the Sangam ghats on Sunday to take part in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela. The administration has implemented strict security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrol squads actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to arrive for the sacred dip. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said that Mahashivaratri marks the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, drawing a massive influx of devotees. He informed that around 10 lakh people have already taken the holy dip so far. "Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip so far. The administration has made proper arrangements," Rishi Raj told ANI. In addition to Prayagraj, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann prayed at a Punjab temple, while UP CM Yogi Adityanath performed rituals in Gorakhpur on Mahashivratri. Sangrur, February 15 Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday offered prayers at the Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dhuri. In a post on X, Arvind Kejriwal extended greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri and wished for Lord Shiva's grace on everyone. "On the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri, today I had the privilege of performing puja-archana at Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dhuri along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann ji. The divine energy of Mahadev brings peace to the mind and new strength," Arvind Kejriwal said. "May the grace of Lord Bholenath always remain upon all of you, and may the country and Punjab continue to progress steadily," he added. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also performed Rudrabhishek at the Barohiya Shiv Temple in Gorakhpur on this sacred occasion of Mahashivratri. CM Yogi extended heartfelt wishes for Mahashivratri, offering his prayers to devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Tirtharaj Prayag for the holy dip. In a post on X, CM yogi prayed for the well-being and fulfilment of the devotees' wishes and urged that the grace of Devadhidev Mahadev and Mother Ganga be upon them. "On the sacred bathing festival of Mahashivratri, dedicated to the worship of Devadhidev Mahadev, heartfelt congratulations to all the revered saints, religious leaders, sadhaks who have come for Kalpavas, and devotees who have arrived at the Triveni Sangam of Tirtharaj Prayag today to take the holy dip of faith. May the grace of Devadhidev Mahadev and the sacred Mother Ganga, the bestower of merit, remain upon all devotees. May the sadhana of the seekers be fulfilled and the heartfelt wishes of the devotees be granted. This is my sincere prayer. Har Har Mahadev," he said. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI The Foreign Ministers of the UAE and Egypt held a phone call to discuss strengthening their bilateral ties and cooperation. They reviewed critical regional developments, with a focus on the situation in the Middle East. The ministers emphasized the importance of working towards security and stability in the region. They also discussed implementing a US-led plan and bolstering the humanitarian response for civilians in Gaza. UAE's Abdullah bin Zayed and Egypt's Badr Abdelatty discuss bilateral cooperation, Gaza humanitarian needs, and regional stability in a phone call. Abu Dhabi, February 15 Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed during a telephone call today with Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the fraternal relations between the UAE and Egypt and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in a manner that serves the mutual interests of the two sisterly countries and their peoples. The two ministers also reviewed overall regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of supporting efforts aimed at establishing security and stability for the benefit of its peoples. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Badr Abdelatty discussed the importance of implementing all phases of the plan of US President Donald Trump and working to strengthen the humanitarian response to the needs of civilians in the Gaza Strip. - ANI Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, returning from the Munich Security Conference, emphasized that securing missiles for air defence is the key priority from new international support packages. He announced a new German-Ukrainian joint venture producing AI-powered, battle-tested drones and expects meetings next week on new energy packages for recovery and equipment. The United Kingdom has also announced a new air defence package for Ukraine worth over 500 million euros. Zelenskyy urged the public to remain vigilant and heed air raid alerts as Russia continues to exploit winter conditions. Zelenskyy thanks US & Germany for air defence support, announces upcoming energy package meetings after Munich Security Conference. Kyiv, February 16 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday thanked the United States and Germany for support to Kyiv's air defence system amid the war against Russia. After returning from the Munich Security Conference, in a video message to Ukrainians, Zelenskyy hailed the drone production line in collaboration with Germany. He added that Kyiv expects to hold meetings with world leaders on new energy packages. The Ukrainian President said, "I am back in Kyiv after two intense days at the Munich Security Conference. There were many meetings, but most importantly, there will be new support packages for Ukraine. The key priority is missiles for air defence, for protection against ballistic missiles. This is why we discussed it in Munich, also with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We hope the agreements will work as needed. Thanks to Germany, we have a new strike drone production line, and will continue to expand these efforts of joint development, joint production, pan-European programs and financial instruments." "Next week, we expect meetings and work aimed at new energy packages. This concerns both recovery after strikes and necessary equipment," he added in the video message posted on X. Furthermore, he asked the public to heed air raid alerts. "Several cold days lie ahead, and everyone has already seen how the Russians exploit this. Please take care of yourselves and heed air raid alerts. We are in constant contact with all partners, emphasising that each such threat only worsens the prospects for ending the war," Zelenskyy said. In Munich, Zelenskyy had unveiled the German-Ukrainian joint venture for producing drones for the Ukrainian Army. In an X post, he said the drone line is "battle-tested and powered by AI." The United Kingdom also announced a new air defence package worth over Euro 500 million for Ukraine. This comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18. - ANI Allu Sirish and his parents formally presented the first wedding invitation to his uncle, Megastar Chiranjeevi, adhering to Telugu custom. The family also celebrated the traditional Pasupu ceremony, which was attended by Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni Konidela. Allu Sirish shared glimpses of the beautifully decorated festivities and rituals on social media. His brother, Allu Arjun, expressed regret at missing the ceremony due to prior commitments. Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy's wedding festivities begin. See the first invite given to Chiranjeevi and highlights from the Pasupu ceremony. Mumbai, Feb 15 The wedding festivities for Allu Sirish and Nayanika Reddy have already kick-started with the intimate pre-wedding yacht party in Dubai, which was also attended by his elder brother Allu Arjun and sister-in-law Sneha Reddy. Now, according to the Telugu custom, Allu Sirish and his parents, Allu Aravind and Nirmala, visited his uncle, Megastar Chiranjeevi's residence to present the first invitation of the wedding. Allu Sirish took to the Stories section of his official Instagram account and shared a picture of the three giving the wedding invite to Chiranjeevi and his better half, Surekha Konidala. His post further had a glimpse of the wedding invite addressed to Chiranjeevi and Surekha. "As per Telugu customs, gave the first invite of the wedding to my uncle @chiranjeevikonidela garu and aunt Surekha. (sic)," the text on the post read. As part of the wedding festivities, the family also celebrated the Pasupu ceremony of Allu Sirish, which was also attended by Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni Konidela, who recently welcomed twins, a baby girl and a baby boy. Dropping a video montage of the festivities on social media, Allu Sirish wrote, "Wedding festivities have officially begun with our "pasupu" function." The clip captured a beautifully decorated Allu residence with bright yellow marigolds and white floral garlands. We could also see the floral hangings adorning the entrance, along with an elegantly decorated backdrop with an intricate flower arrangement. The video further featured the women of the family performing the rituals in front of a deity idol placed on an ornately decorated pedestal. Posing in a simple traditional outfit, Allu Sirish smiled warmly alongside the elders of the family. Unfortunately, Allu Arjun was not able to attend his brother's Pasupu ceremony. Admitting that he suffered from some major FOMO, AA also shared a video from the ceremony on his social media handle and wrote, "I missed being there." - IANS For more than a decade, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have been beating the drum, warning of an "icebreaker gap" with Russia. Meaning Russia has a lot of icebreakers, and we don't. Ten years ago, the U.S. had only two working icebreakers to keep open sea lanes around both the North and South Poles: the heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star, commissioned in 1976, and the newer medium breaker USCGC Healy, commissioned in 1999. In contrast, Russia boasted a fleet of 40 icebreakers, six of which were nuclear-powered. 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 To help close this gap, the Pentagon proposed acquiring 10 more icebreakers for approximately $16 billion. Ten years later, we've gotten just one of them (USCGC Storis) -- and it's not even new, but bought secondhand and then commissioned into the Coast Guard. But times, they are a-changin'. Image source: Getty Images. This dial goes to 11 (or maybe 14) Earlier this week, the U.S. Coast Guard wrapped up its awarding of contracts for the construction of not one, not 10, but 11 brand-new "Arctic Security Cutter" (ASC) medium icebreakers. $9 billion was allocated to the effort last year -- but not a penny of it will go to big U.S. naval shipbuilders like General Dynamics or Huntington Ingalls. In December of last year, the Coast Guard awarded contracts to build the first six new ships. Rauma Marine Constructions will build two of them in Finland (with delivery of the first in 2028). Bollinger Shipyards will build the remaining four at its Houma, Louisiana, shipyard, delivering its first ship in 2029. All six ships will be based on proven designs from Canada's Seaspan Shipyards and Finland's Aker Arctic Technology. Davie Defense won contracts for the final five ASCs. Two will be built at the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland and three more at Davie facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas. Additionally, Bollinger has inherited a contract originally awarded to VT Halter to build three Polar Security Cutter (PSC) heavy icebreakers. The first of those should arrive in 2030. Bollinger's PSC contract appears to be approaching $5 billion. Plus the $9 billion ASC contract, the total cost of this effort looks to be approximately $14 billion -- for a total of 14 new icebreakers, that's an average of $1 billion each. Who gets the loot? The question investors want answered, of course, is whether there's any way to share in all this spending. The answer is: Probably not, or at least not yet. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches a CBDC-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat, aiming to eliminate corruption and ensure food grains reach the poor. Gandhinagar, February 15 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated a Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, marking a significant step in enhancing transparency in the country's food distribution network. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India campaign, which aims to improve the delivery of essential services to the public. Speaking at the launch event here, Shah highlighted the transformation brought about by the Digital India initiative. "When I use the term 'Digital India' and look back 11 years, we couldn't even imagine that 60 crore people in this country belonged to families that didn't have a single bank account. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, half of the world's digital transactions are taking place in India. This is a monumental achievement," he said. The newly launched system, which has been implemented with the help of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Food Corporation of India, state governments, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to eliminate middlemen in the food distribution process. Shah explained that for many years, in remote and backward areas of India, food grains often failed to reach the poor due to corruption in the distribution system. He praised the collaboration between various stakeholders, saying, "Today, with this new digital system, corruption will be completely eliminated from the food and supply department's method of providing rations to the poor, and the distribution of food grains will become transparent," Shah added. The event saw the inauguration of the 'Annapurti' machine, a grain ATM developed in Gujarat, which Shah called a symbol of the country's technological progress. "A wonderful confluence of technology and Modi ji's sensitivity towards humanity, his feelings for the poor, and his commitment to purity and truth can be seen here. Under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gujarat, 1kg of Tur dal, 1kg of chickpeas, salt, and sugar will also be distributed through these ATMs starting today. Today, the 'Annapurti' machine (Grain ATM), which is more than 'Made in India'--it is 'Made in Gujarat' has also been inaugurated," Shah added. The new system also incorporates Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and aligns with the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) infrastructure. This ensures that the entire food distribution process is secure, transparent, and efficient. Shah expressed confidence that within the next 3-4 years, the system would be implemented nationwide, providing the poor with secure access to their full entitlement of 5kg of food grains. Shah further highlighted how, over the past 11 years, the country's food distribution system has been significantly improved. " "This will bring immense transparency to the food distribution program, providing security to the poor. This distribution system will become highly transparent. I remember 11 years ago: corruption began with weighing the grains. The weighing scales have now been digitised; fake ration cards were issued; E-ration cards were introduced. Then came the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' program. This system, now in place, will ensure complete transparency. Once this system is implemented nationwide, every poor person will have the right to receive their full 5kg of food grain. I have great faith in this." Shah concluded by stressing that the Digital India initiative has brought immense transparency to the villages, noting that connectivity has now reached 1,07,000 villages, a major leap from just 500 villages during the Congress-led government. "PM Narendra Modi ji has brought immense transparency to the villages through Digital India. During the Congress government, connectivity had reached only 500 villages; today, connectivity to 1,07,000 villages has been completed. Along with DBT, as Pralhad ji was mentioning and I was there too we were listening to PM Modi's words with great emotion in 2014 when he said that his government is a government for the poor, the backward, the Dalits, and the tribals." The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel; Pralhad Joshi; Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State (Home), Government of Gujarat; Nimuben Bambhaniya, Union Minister; Ramanbhai Solanki, Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies; Poonambhai Baranda, Minister of State, Government of Gujarat; the Mayor of Gandhinagar, Meeraben Patel; Central Secretary Shri Sanjiv Chopra; Sister Mona Khandhar, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat; and P Vasudevan, Executive Director of RBI. - ANI Andhra Pradesh Minister Ponguru Narayana celebrated Maha Shivaratri with his wife Ramadevi and family at the Sri Mulasthaneswara Swamy Temple in Nellore. He offered prayers and extended festive greetings to the people of the state, praying for their well-being. The Minister also took the occasion to comment on the state's industry-friendly budget and improving financial health. Across India, devotees marked the festival with vigils and prayers at major Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Khairatabad. Andhra Minister Ponguru Narayana and wife Ramadevi offer prayers at Sri Mulasthaneswara Swamy Temple for Maha Shivaratri, extending greetings to the state. Nellore, February 15 On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana participated in the celebrations along with his wife, Ramadevi. The Minister and his spouse offered prayers at the Sri Mulasthaneswara Swamy Temple, where they were accorded a traditional Purna Kumbha welcome by temple priests and members of the temple management committee. The couple performed special rituals along with their family members. He conveyed Maha Shivaratri greetings to the people of the state and said he was happy to have darshan of Lord Shiva with his family. "Best wishes to each and everybody on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Today, I am with my family. We prayed to god...Everyone should be happy, " he said. He prayed that everyone be blessed with prosperity, good health, and longevity. Additionally, he stated that the government has presented a budget aligned with the state's development goals, noting that it is industry-friendly and supportive of new investments. He also expressed confidence that employment opportunities will improve, adding that the state's financial situation is steadily strengthening. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Meanwhile, devotees flocked to prominent Shiva temples nationwide to offer prayers. Many worshippers visited the Dakshina Kashi Kapileswara Temple and other temples in Rishikesh. In Hyderabad, thousands gathered at the Khairatabad Lord Shiva Temple and the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple in Haridwar to mark the festival with prayers and rituals. In Varanasi, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. - ANI Devotees in large numbers took a holy dip in the Krishna River in Vijayawada to mark Mahashivratri. Temple authorities and police, including ACP Durga Rao, coordinated safety measures for the events. Celebrations were held nationwide, including at temples in Ahmedabad, Reasi, and Ayodhya. The festival, celebrating the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, involves fasting, prayers, and all-night vigils. Devotees gather in Vijayawada for a holy dip in the Krishna River on Mahashivratri. Temple ceremonies and nationwide celebrations mark the festival. Vijayawada, February 15 Devotees in large numbers thronged to take the holy dip in the River Krishna in Vijayawada on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri on Sunday. Devotees flooded the Lord Shiva temples across Vijayawada to offer prayers and seek the deity's blessings. Vijayawada ACP Durga Rao ensured that the precautions were being taken by the Temple authorities, the Police department, and other District authorities. Prudhvi, priest at the Lord Shiva Temple, said that on the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri, several programmes have been organised and will conclude with Lord Shiva's wedding in the early hours of Monday, i.e., 1:30 am. Meanwhile, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in temple festivities to seek the deity's blessings. In the 'Hindu' tradition, the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of Masi, is celebrated as Mahashivaratri. On this day, the planetary alignment naturally supports the human life force. To enable people to fully tap into this spiritual potential, our culture has celebrated Mahashivaratri with an all-night vigil for thousands of years. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has publicly supported a Muslim vendor, Shaik Shaiksha Vali, who faced harassment from a group of YouTubers during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana. The YouTubers made Vali eat the food he was selling, accusing him of "food jihad," which Lokesh condemned as divisive behavior alien to Telugu society. Lokesh, the TDP national general secretary, apologized to Vali and announced plans to meet him personally to taste his famous Khoya bun. Other politicians, including Minister Kondapalli Srinivas and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, have also condemned the incident and called for action against the perpetrators. Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh condemns harassment of vendor Shaik Shaiksha Vali by YouTubers, pledges to meet him and taste his famous Khoya bun. Amaravati, Feb 15 Andhra Pradesh minister for education and information technology Nara Lokesh has come out in support of a Muslim vendor who faced harassment by some YouTubers during the recent Medaram Jatara in Telangana. Lokesh reacted to the media reports about the harassment of Shaik Shaiksha Vali, the vendor from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Shaik Shaiksha Vali was selling 'Khoya bun', a famous food from his region, during the tribal fair in Telangana's Mulugu district. A group of YouTubers made Vali eat the food he was selling to prove he was not committing what they called "food jihad". "Dear Brother Vali, I am deeply sorry that you had to endure this. Such divisive and communal behaviour has no place in our Telugu society, which has always stood for harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood," Lokesh posted on X. "I will meet you soon and look forward to tasting your famous Khoya bun! We stand together," added Lokesh, who is the national general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The vendor has received support from residents in his town, as well as several social media influencers and political parties, who slammed the YouTubers for making such divisive videos. Meanwhile, Minister for MSEM, SERP and NRI empowerment and relations, Kondapalli Srinivas, has also come out in support of Vali. "Every hardworking individual deserves dignity and respect while earning their livelihood. Our Telugu society has always been rooted in harmony, empathy, and togetherness, and it is our shared responsibility to protect these values," he posted on X while appreciating Lokesh for his decision to personally meet Vali. He said this reflects the importance of standing with people during difficult moments. "Food safety and public awareness are important, but they must be approached with responsibility and sensitivity. Humanity is greater than religion, and compassion must guide our actions," added the minister. Earlier, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi strongly condemned the harassment of a Muslim by certain YouTubers in Medaram Jatara. Owaisi sought immediate and stringent action against those responsible, stating that such acts of intimidation and communal targeting are unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly under the law. - IANS Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed the first instalment of financial assistance under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0 to nearly 10,000 young entrepreneurs in Nagaon. He inaugurated the Shraddhanjali Udyan and unveiled a statue of cultural icon Jyotiprasad Agarwala. Sarma emphasized the scheme's role in creating job creators, not just job seekers, to address youth migration. He highlighted upcoming industrial projects, including a semiconductor plant, expected to generate thousands of jobs and foster a new entrepreneurial ecosystem. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distributes financial aid to young entrepreneurs in Nagaon, inaugurates projects, and outlines job creation plans. Nagaon, February 15 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday attended the distribution ceremony for the first instalment of financial assistance under Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0, held at Nehrubali in Nagaon district. He also unveiled a life-size statue of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala at Rupkonwar Chowk and formally inaugurated the Shraddhanjali Udyan, constructed at a cost of Rs. 25.34 crore, in Morikolong, Nagaon. At the Nehrubali event, 9,964 young entrepreneurs from Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hojai districts received the first instalment of financial assistance. Of them, 4,196 beneficiaries are from Nagaon district, 2,944 from Morigaon district and 2,824 from Hojai district. Under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0, the first instalment has been distributed to 37,101 young entrepreneurs across 16 districts. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said the scheme was launched to help Assam's youth become self-reliant. Following the disbursement of the first instalment, beneficiaries will undergo a three-day training programme. Upon completion of the training, they will receive the second instalment. He further stated that the performance of entrepreneurs will be monitored and that, to ensure their success, CM Fellows have been appointed in every legislative assembly constituency. "These fellows will maintain regular contact with the beneficiaries, track business progress, and extend necessary guidance and support. Those who properly utilise the first instalment and subsequent instalments will be given to the beneficiaries. "Evaluation of the beneficiaries will be based on proper utilisation of funds, banking transactions, monthly income generated through the enterprise, and employment created for others," he said. The Chief Minister described the scheme as one of the State government's most important initiatives. He noted that over the past five years, the government has created 1.60 lakh jobs. "However, government employees cannot create further employment opportunities. Assam now needs job creators, successful entrepreneurs under this scheme will be able to generate employment for many others," he said. The Chief Minister observed that a large number of youth from Assam migrate to other states in search of work, often earning low wages and leading difficult lives. He estimated that around 20 lakh youths from Assam are currently working outside the state. While the government has provided 1.60 lakh jobs, this alone cannot meet the employment needs of all youth. Therefore, emphasis has been placed on industrialisation, as industry generates multiple employment opportunities. Citing examples, he mentioned the upcoming semiconductor project at Jagiroad, which is expected to generate employment for nearly 30,000 youths. "The project will also create demand for transport, shops and various services. Similarly, the proposed thermal power project in Dhubri will generate significant employment opportunities. Such growing industrial ecosystems will not only create jobs but also foster a new generation of entrepreneurs. It will also help bring back Assamese youth currently working outside the state," the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister stated that the financial assistance provided under the scheme marks the beginning of the beneficiaries' journey toward self-reliance. "The government plans to make 10 lakh youths self-reliant in the coming years," he said. Calling upon the youth to commit themselves to building their careers and contributing to Assam's progress. "The new generation must resolve to script Assam's glorious future. We must never abandon the soil beneath our feet. Every Assamese must protect their market and land and gather the courage to work hard. Not through bandhs and slogans, but through hard work must we infuse new life into the Assamese nation," he said. Later, the Chief Minister unveiled a full-size statue of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala at Rupkonwar Chowk in Nagaon. He said that the statue, installed through the initiative of Nagaon Zila Sahitya Sabha, Nagaon Marwari Sammilani, Sadou Nagaon Bhogali Bihu Utsav Committee and Nagaon Municipal Board, reflects the deep respect and reverence of the people of Nagaon for the legendary cultural icon and will inspire the younger generation. Describing Rupkonwar as a multifaceted genius, he highlighted his immense contributions to Assamese art and culture. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Shraddhanjali Udyan in the heart of Nagaon town. He said that the town has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, and these changes are now increasingly visible. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, MLAs Rupak Sarma, Ramakanta Deuri, Shashikanta Das, Jitu Goswami, Ramkrishna Ghosh, Shibu Mishra, Diplu Ranjan Sarma, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion. - ANI An Austrian exhibition titled 'IMAGINE Coral Reef - Regenerative Design' is being showcased for the first time outside Europe at Delhi's Lokayata Gallery. Commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it presents design-led solutions inspired by coral ecosystems to address environmental crises. The exhibition incorporates ideas developed by Indian design students during a collaborative workshop with the Institute of Design Research Vienna. It aims to foster dialogue on innovation, responsibility, and protecting natural ecosystems, and will remain open to the public until February 25. 'IMAGINE Coral Reef' exhibition at Lokayata Gallery blends Austrian design with Indian student workshops on ecological resilience. Open till Feb 25. New Delhi, February 15 An Austrian exhibition on regenerative design and environmental resilience is being showcased at Lokayata Gallery in Hauz Khas Village, bringing together international collaboration and student-driven innovation. IMAGINE Coral Reef - Regenerative Design, commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain on display till February 25. Developed in Austria and now being shown outside Europe for the first time, the exhibition presents design-led solutions aimed at addressing environmental crises, inspired by coral reefs--one of nature's most complex ecosystems. Austrian Ambassador to India Robert Zischg said he was pleased that the exhibition had reached India. "The exhibition IMAGINE Coral Reef - Regenerative Design shows solutions of design to overcome environmental crises. It was developed in Austria, and here in India, students added design ideas which they developed in a workshop with the Institute of Design Research. The exhibition was commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is now being shown for the first time outside Europe. I am glad that it has found its way to India and hopefully adds to Indian practices and discussions," he said. Michael Pal, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum at the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi, described the exhibition as a celebration of both beauty and responsibility. "We are thrilled that the opening of the Coral Reef exhibition at Lokayata Art Gallery in Hauz Khas, showcasing breathtaking works that highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet's coral ecosystems, took place on the 6th February last week," he said. "IMAGINE Coral Reef demonstrates how design can move beyond sustainability towards regenerative thinking, inspired by one of nature's most complex ecosystems. By bringing this exhibition from Vienna to New Delhi and Bengaluru and organising hands-on workshops for design universities in India, we aim to encourage dialogue among designers, students and the wider public on responsibility, innovation and our shared future," Pal added. He further noted that the exhibition serves as "a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve our oceans." The exhibition features immersive visuals and conceptual works that metaphorically depict coral reefs as vibrant ecological habitats that support diverse marine life. Kaushalpreet Kaur, Dean of the School of Design at Sushant University, highlighted the academic collaboration behind the initiative. "This collaboration with the Austrian Embassy Cultural Forum and the Institute of Design Research Vienna created an important platform for design students from the School of Design, Sushant University, to engage with regenerative thinking through research, dialogue and experimentation," she said. "The three-day workshop, The Coral Reef - Regenerative Design, engaged students with systems thinking, sustainability and responsibility--showcasing how design can move beyond problem-solving toward regeneration. This workshop and exhibition reflect the power of international collaboration in design education," she added. The exhibition is open to the public at Lokayata Art Gallery, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, from 6 pm onwards until February 25, 2026. Organisers have invited art enthusiasts and environmental advocates to visit and reflect on the shared responsibility of safeguarding natural ecosystems for future generations. - ANI The recent violence in Balochistan is not a sudden outbreak but the result of long-simmering tensions over the Pakistani military's oppressive policies and human rights abuses. A critical analysis reveals the crisis reflects the structural weakness of the Pakistani state, where politics has been heavily militarized. Despite the region's strategic importance for projects like CPEC and its mineral wealth, the state fails to provide basic security, treating the local populace as an obstacle. The situation has worsened under current military leadership, with enforced disappearances and intimidation silencing dissent, leaving Balochistan a festering wound for Pakistan's future. Report analyzes Balochistan's long-standing tensions, linking insurgency to Pakistan's militarized policies, human rights abuses, and CPEC security failures. New Delhi, Feb 15 The spate of violence and bloody confrontation between the Baloch insurgents and the Pakistani military in recent times has brought the region into the global spotlight, highlighting the scale and intensity of human rights abuses in the region, as the rebels, refusing to give in to the military's pressure and directives, have squared off against it often. While Pakistan government sees a 'foreign hand' in inciting rebellion in the region, the locals blame it on the former's autocratic and oppressive policies for the hardened sentiments. Breaking down the complex and intricate relationship between Pakistan government and Baloch residents, a critical analysis by a leading portal, Eurasia Review, finds that it is not just a regional crisis but reflects the structural weakness of the Pakistani state and also shows a mirror on the grave consequences when politics is "militarised" i.e. when military exceeds its mandate and pervades into the decision-making process. Ironically, the vast swathes of barren land in Balochistan don't contribute substantially to Pakistan's economy, but this remains a "land of opportunity", and the Pakistani establishment also promotes it in the same way on the global stage. Notably, Balochistan is at the heart of China's investments in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and also remains central to Islamabad's recent attempts to attract US capital into the mining sector. "The province's vast reserves of copper, gold, coal, and gas have become central to Pakistan's economic recovery narrative. Yet the state struggles to guarantee even basic security for heavily guarded infrastructure projects. Persistent attacks signal that militarisation has failed to create sustainable stability," the report says. Balochistan's geographical location is of immense significance as it controls Pakistan's access to the Arabian Sea, borders Iran and Afghanistan, and also serves as the indispensable land corridor linking China to the Indian Ocean. Lately, the province has seen a spate of violence with people rising in revolt against the Pakistan government's oppression and its military's excesses. Under Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, recently elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, the military-citizen relations only went downhill, pushing the situation into strategic paralysis. The report explains that no serious investment, either Chinese or Western, can thrive where geography is treated as a strategic asset but the people who inhabit it are treated as an obstacle. Making matters worse, the Pakistani military has systematically downplayed its casualties in Balochistan since 2019, when the intensity of security operations increased markedly. Despite the public backlash, nothing has been done to address the long-standing issues of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and mass arrests of Baloch activists. Islamabad has persistently maintained that Balochistan remains a security issue and never acknowledged the real crisis. When Baloch residents expressed dissent with marches to student protests, they were met with arrests, media blackouts, and intimidation. The report concludes that Balochistan has remained a festering wound, not only for its people but also for Pakistan's future. - IANS Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary election marks a significant return to genuine multiparty politics after years of disputed contests. The victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with a two-thirds majority, must now address deep-seated issues including corruption allegations, economic stabilization, and rising youth unemployment. The political transition was accompanied by a referendum that approved sweeping constitutional reforms, giving the BNP a decisive advantage in shaping their implementation. Externally, the party's foreign policy doctrine will be tested amid strained India ties and contentious trade agreements. BNP's sweeping victory restores multiparty politics in Bangladesh, but the party faces tests on economy, corruption, and constitutional reforms. Dhaka/New Delhi, Feb 15 Bangladesh's 13th Parliamentary Election represents a return to "genuine multiparty politics" after years of disputed or largely one-sided contests, accompanied by a referendum that endorsed sweeping constitutional reforms, but the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party must now address deep-seated concerns in a nation scarred by political violence, as per a report. Securing more than two-thirds of the seats, the BNP is expected to tackle issues ranging from corruption allegations and minority reassurance to concerns among Awami League supporters and rising youth unemployment. Economic stabilisation, revival of exports and the management of contentious trade agreements will require immediate focus, according to a report titled "Bangladesh's Political Reset and the Road Ahead" published by the International Centre for Peace Studies. "Externally, BNP's 'Sobar Agey Bangladesh' doctrine will be tested amid strained India ties, stalled development projects and impending water-sharing negotiations. How the party navigates these pressures will shape Bangladesh's political trajectory," Smruti S. Pattanaik, Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, wrote in the report. The 13th Parliamentary Election marks a restoration of multiparty competition that has historically characterised Bangladesh's political transitions, except for the controversial 1996 election to the Fifth National Assembly and the 2014 and 2024 polls conducted under the Awami League. Although the 2018 election was formally multiparty, it was widely viewed as rigged in favour of the Awami League. The latest electoral exercise, therefore, is seen as a significant step towards rebuilding public trust in the democratic process. This political transition has also been accompanied by a referendum on constitutional reforms, popularly referred to in Bangladesh as the July Charter. The reform proposals were grouped into four broad categories and put to a public vote, where citizens were asked to choose 'Yes' or 'No'. According to final figures cited in the report, of the 70,640,056 votes cast, 48,074,429 (68.1 per cent) were in favour, while 22,565,627 (31.9 per cent) opposed the proposals. The BNP-led coalition's sweeping victory, securing 212 seats out of 297 declared so far, provides it a decisive advantage in shaping the proposed reforms, particularly those where the party had earlier expressed reservations. A key area of focus will be issues where the BNP differed with Jamaat, which is set to lead the opposition alliance with 77 seats. At the same time, the report notes that the weight of public expectation now rests heavily on the BNP as a two-thirds majority party. How it manages political, economic and social expectations will determine not only the country's direction but also the future of the BNP under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. On the domestic front, the BNP will need to counter perceptions that some within its ranks were involved in corruption, extortion, and the occupation of small businesses. Although the party has expelled around 7,000 members over serious corruption charges, it must avoid repeating the alleged excesses of the outgoing Awami League government, which faced accusations of corruption, authoritarian conduct, and curbing media freedoms, the International Centre for Peace Studies report stated. The party must also remain mindful of the interests of Awami League supporters and minority communities who participated in the election. Additionally, it will have to address the aspirations of a politically engaged youth population. With unemployment emerging as a pressing concern, the report suggests that beyond financial assistance, the government must create meaningful employment opportunities for young people. The economy will demand sustained attention. While the interim administration may have stabilised certain indicators, a stronger push is required. Exports, the backbone of Bangladesh's economy, have declined, underscoring the urgency of corrective measures. The recent trade agreement with the United States has also generated debate. The arrangement requires Bangladesh to import cotton yarn from the US for garments exported back to the American market, raising concerns, along with other provisions concluded under the interim regime. A proposed agreement with UAE-based port operator DP World to manage the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chittagong Port, which had sparked a workers' strike, has been shelved for now but is expected to resurface in policy discussions. The report further suggests that the BNP's foreign policy outlook is expected to be guided by its "Bangladesh First of All (Sobar Agey Bangladesh)" slogan. Its manifesto states that beyond its borders, Bangladesh has "friends not masters", emphasising sovereignty, national interest, security and the will of the people. While the party has stressed 'Equality', 'Mutual Respect', 'Trust', and understanding in relations with neighbours, particularly India, other political actors have also highlighted dignity as a cornerstone of foreign engagement. It, however, observes that it remains unclear how the BNP will manoeuvre through a complex regional and global environment where bargaining and compromise often define statecraft. The party has raised issues such as border killings and cross-border push-ins, and its leaders have spoken of taking legal action against foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh. "It is important for Bangladesh and India to look at the issue of illegal migration and trafficking that takes place across the porous border. Most significantly, the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996 for thirty years, is going to expire this year. Water sharing issues will dominate India-Bangladesh relations, and there would be pressure on BNP to sign the Teesta," Pattanaik wrote. India has extended substantial support to Bangladesh through development initiatives, including an $8 billion line of credit and an additional $500 million credit line for defence cooperation. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, several Indian technical experts, including project engineers, left Bangladesh amid security concerns and anti-India sentiment. Shortly before the elections, nine senior officials from India's National Thermal Power Corporation deputed to the Rampal joint India-Bangladesh Maitree Power Station reportedly departed over fears of unrest. The resumption of these projects will be significant. Meanwhile, the proposed Indian economic zone projects at Mirsarai and Mongla were cancelled in January by the interim administration after remaining stalled for nearly a decade despite land allocation, the report said. Overall, Pattanaik concluded by noting that India-Bangladesh ties require careful recalibration. While both the BNP and the new opposition have underlined the importance of relations with India, rebuilding trust and forging a durable partnership will depend on how both sides address existing deficits and emerging challenges. - IANS The newly elected Bangladesh government, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, has invited leaders from 13 countries including India, China, and Pakistan to its swearing-in ceremony next Tuesday. The BNP has articulated an inclusive foreign policy vision of "friends to all, malice to none," and has acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message following its landslide election victory. Modi's message expressed India's support for a democratic Bangladesh and a desire to strengthen bilateral relations. The 2026 election marked a significant political shift, ending the long tenure of Sheikh Hasina and bringing the BNP to power with a decisive mandate. BNP leader Tarique Rahman's new govt invites 13 nations, including India and China, to its swearing-in. PM Modi's congratulatory message acknowledged. Dhaka, February 15 The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath coming Tuesday and the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported. According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reported Prothom Alo. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party's inclusive foreign policy vision "friends to all, malice to none". Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us." Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none." The BNP acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections earlier this month. In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi's message and recognition of its leadership. "Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process." The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens." Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP's electoral triumph, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh's leadership landscape. In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate. "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. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78" The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Voter turnout was around 59%, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. Results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal. - ANI BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman in a courtesy meeting following the BNP's landslide victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections. The BNP-led alliance secured a commanding majority, positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate, while Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the main opposition party. The election marked a significant political shift, being the first national vote since the 2024 protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The new BNP-led government is scheduled to be sworn in at the National Parliament, with international dignitaries invited to attend the ceremony. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman pays courtesy visit to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman following a decisive election win, amid shifting political alliances. Dhaka, February 15 Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy visit to the residence of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday, just days after the BNP's landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12. The update was promptly shared by the BNP through its official handle on X, highlighting the courtesy nature of the meeting in the context of the historic electoral outcome: "Following the historic landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today paid a courtesy visit to the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at his residence." According to Prothom Alo, Tarique Rahman entered the Jamaat Ameer's home in the Bashundhara residential area of the capital at 7:10 PM. The meeting was described primarily as a courtesy call, during which leaders exchanged pleasantries and indicated that contemporary issues could also be discussed. The visit takes place amid preparations for forming the new government, following the BNP's commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament--securing well over the 151 seats required--and positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate. In the same polls, Jamaat-e-Islami, previously an ally of the BNP, contested as a rival and emerged as the second-largest party, establishing itself as a key opposition force. Election Commission figures showed the BNP-led alliance securing 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating. The 2026 general election, held on February 12, marked a significant political shift as the first national vote since the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. Voter turnout stood at around 59 per cent, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. The results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally, amid hopes for democratic renewal. The relationship between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami has shown clear signs of fracture following the election, despite the recent courtesy meeting between their leaders. Historically allies in past coalitions, the two parties contested the 2026 election independently as rivals. Later that evening, around 8 PM, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to visit Nahid Islam's residence, the convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), according to Prothom Alo. Meanwhile, the newly elected BNP-led government is set to take oath on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders from 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet. - ANI Remote work was once hailed as one of the best things to come out of the pandemic. It slashed commutes, saved workers money and helped people reclaim time for their families, health and peace of mind. Many employees thrived without office distractions, and companies learned that productivity didn't necessarily depend on cubicles. But in recent years, the push for remote work has lost steam. No Leverage, No Fight Demand for work-from-home arrangements is fading not because workers stopped caring, but because they're too preoccupied trying to stay employed. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Put professional stock research to work in a single ETF explore Motley Fool Asset Management's factor-based funds. When someone on Reddit recently asked, Why aren't we fighting for remote work again? the shift in mood was captured in a flood of responses that painted a sobering picture of today's job market. The top reply delivered the reality check. We're too busy fighting to even get a job in this economy, one person said. That sentiment echoed throughout the thread, where many said layoffs, corporate belt-tightening, and a flood of desperate applicants have erased any leverage workers once had. For every one person who poses a remote ultimatum, there are five who need a job to pay their mortgage and will commute, one commenter wrote. The workers don't have a leg to stand on when negotiating, another added. Its rough out there. Trending: This ETF issuer isn't chasing the index it's building tools for income, leverage, and conviction Productivity Vs. Perception Some managers shared that trust in remote work didn't hold up. One said their company went all in on WFH but saw a 40% productivity drop among certain employees. [Human resources] reps were spending 4-7 hours a day chasing down slackers, they said. So Corp said no more WFH for anyone. Productivity went back to normal almost immediately. Not everyone agreed. Several workers insisted remote work helped them thrive, and that poor performers were always part of the picture, remote or not. But even supporters acknowledged that company-wide policy often gets shaped around the lowest common denominator. Remote Work Still Exists, But With Strings While some companies have rolled back work-from-home options, others still use it to recruit specialized talent. One person explained that their company expanded fully remote roles because it helped them hire more effectively. Still, many pointed to an uncomfortable truth: If you can do your job remotely, your job can be done anywhere by anyone. India is intensifying its diplomatic and strategic engagements across the Indian Ocean Region to secure vital sea lanes and bolster its role as a net security provider. Key initiatives include Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia, a substantial economic package for Seychelles, and deepened defense partnerships with Oman and Sri Lanka. These efforts are framed under the SAGAR doctrine, aiming for security and growth for all in the region. The upcoming MILAN 2026 naval exercises are poised to showcase the maturation of this expansive maritime vision. India strengthens maritime ties with Malaysia, Oman, Seychelles & Sri Lanka under SAGAR doctrine, boosting naval diplomacy & regional security. New Delhi, Feb 15 The Indian Ocean Region, being the critical maritime domain bordering three continents -- Asia, African and Australia, and contributing to more than 70 to 75 per cent international trade via the crucial sea-route, remains one of the most vital and vulnerable assets in the 21st century. With India positioned at the centre, its role as security provider for the 7,500-km coastline becomes all the more important evident. The government's focus on building ties with key stakeholders in the region via diplomatic outreach is a testament of its priorities and commitment to fortify and strengthen the most vital sea-route. Notably, India has lately upgraded its diplomatic outreach in the region rather successfully, seeking to build stronger ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Malaysia on February 8, was a step in this direction. India has sought to build better ties with countries like Malaysia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Oman -- all of whom are seen as key stakeholder in the IOR. According to an assessment by a leading portal Eurasia Review, "India's Naval diplomacy has shown the scale of foundation laid over years of humanitarian work, port access negotiations, and quiet diplomatic capital-building." "What became visible was not a flurry of last-minute activism but the crest of a long strategic wave. At the heart of that wave stood Kuala Lumpur -- India's first stop in a series of engagements that pulled together the entire breadth of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)," it says. It also says that India and Malaysia have shown willingness and resolve to enhance maritime co-operation, and this was evident from their heightened bid to engage in the IOR. "Malaysia's geographic position astride the Strait of Malacca, a chokepoint through which nearly a quarter of global trade flows. Joint exercises such as 'Samudra Laksamana' now carry heightened value as India and Malaysia emphasise an open, rules-based maritime order," it adds. The report describing Oman as "the anchor of the West", says that the Gulf nation has consistently offered India something few nations can claim with such reliability: strategic predictability. "Maritime exercises, particularly Naseem Al Bahr, have matured into wider defence-industrial frameworks under a Vision Document adopted in 2025," it says, adding that partnership with Oman is crucial for India's western flank. On February 9, Indian government also announced a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles, underlining its determination to prevent the southern Indian Ocean from 'slipping into the hands of' predatory external powers. Also, over the years, India has become Sri Lanka's primary partner for naval training and equipments. This maintained the neutrality of Sri Lankan waters at a time when various powers have attempted to secure footholds for geopolitical leverage. The report further points towards India's increasing engagements with varied nations under a common doctrine of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). "The upcoming MILAN 2026 naval exercises, set to be the largest India has hosted, will likely serve as the next major platform to demonstrate the maturing of this vision," the report says, illustrating the changing equations. - IANS Bill Gates visits Andhra Pradesh to discuss tech in governance, health, and agriculture with CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. Amaravati, Feb 15 Founder Chairman of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates will be visiting Andhra Pradesh on Monday. Gates, who will be leading a delegation from the Foundation, will have a detailed discussion with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and the Minister for Information Technology Nara Lokesh, on various issues including diversifying sectors like education, health and agriculture. With the cooperation of the Gates Foundation, the State Government will focus on further expanding various projects that are in progress in these sectors, official sources said on Sunday. According to the schedule, Bill Gates will be at the State Secretariat at 10 a.m. and will visit the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre to have a glance on the utilisation of technology in governance. Chandrababu Naidu will explain the real-time governance policies and results to Bill Gates following which the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and officers of various wings will have a meeting with Gates team. Chandrababu Naidu will be giving a presentation on the reforms undertaken to reach the goals of Swarnandhra Vision-2047, public health, agriculture, education and other sectors besides giving a detailed illustration on projects like MedTech, services in diagnosticas and Sanjeevani. The State Government will also give a detailed demonstration on the Sanjeevani project being run in collaboration with the Gates Foundation. Later, the Bill Gates team will visit a farm near Undavalli village in Amaravati to examine the farming practices taken up with the help of drones and AI technology, the sources added. The Chief Minister had said two days ago that through the Sanjeevani project, public health services will be improved. Speaking in the Assembly session during the discussion on the motion thanking the Governor's address, he said that with the support of the Gates Foundation, digital health records will be created, enabling personalised medicine. - IANS The expiration of the New START treaty between the US and Russia has heightened fears of a renewed nuclear arms race. China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, projected to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030, while refusing to join voluntary limitation talks. A senior US official has accused China of conducting a secret "yield-producing" nuclear test in June 2020, alleging efforts to conceal it from seismic monitoring. However, the CTBTO stated its monitoring system did not detect any such event, and the US has not provided public evidence to support its claim. As New START expires, China's rapid nuclear buildup and alleged secret 2020 test raise global arms control concerns. US officials make claims, but evidence is disputed. Hong Kong, February 15 The New START agreement between the USA and Russia is dead, and there are concerns this will lead to a nuclear-testing resurgence. Simultaneously, China spurns invitations to join a voluntary nuclear limitation treaty with the world's largest nuclear powers. As New START - the Treaty between the USA and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms - expired on 5 February 2026, the USA has been calling for a new nuclear-arms control treaty encompassing itself, Russia and China. The latter has been conducting the world's fastest-ever expansion of a nuclear arsenal. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) had an estimated nuclear-warhead stockpile "in the low 600s" by late 2024, according to a Pentagon report issued last December. Maintaining this blistering pace, the Pentagon predicted China will reach more than 1,000 warheads by 2030. At its 3 September 2025 parade in Tiananmen Square, China proudly strutted five nuclear-weapon types: DF-61, DF-5C and DF-31BJ intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBM); JL-1 air-launched nuclear-tipped missiles; and JL-3 submarine-launched missiles. The Pentagon estimates the PLARF has 400 ICBMs and 550 intermediate-range ballistic missiles in service. China also has three massive missile silo fields in Hami, Yumen and Yulin containing 320 silos. The Federation of American Scientists estimates the USA and Russia have about 4,000 warheads each. Incidentally, the American arsenal has decreased in recent years, whereas Russia's has been growing. Notably, Washington DC accused China of secretly conducting a "yield-producing nuclear test" in 2020. This is despite Beijing claiming a moratorium on such activities and being a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), even though it never ratified it. Thomas DiNanno, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, said at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on 6February: "Today, I can reveal that the US government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tons. The PLA sought to conceal testing by obfuscating the nuclear explosions, because it recognized these tests violate test ban commitments." DiNanno continued, "China has used decoupling - a method to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring - to hide its activities from the world. Chinaconducted one such yield-producing nuclear test on June 22nd of 2020." However, the USA provided no further evidence. Oddly, nor has the USA's annual international arms control compliance report ever listed this event. The most recent April 2025 report simply stated, "Due to the lack of transparency with regard to their respective nuclear-testing activities and previously identified adherence issues, the US remains concerned about China and Russia's adherence to their respective moratoria." Nonetheless, in 2019 the State Department did raise concerns about Chinese activities at its Lop Nur test site. A 2020 report said, "China's possible preparation to operate its Lop Nur test site year round, its use of explosive containment chambers, extensive excavation activities at Lop Nur and lack of transparency on its nuclear testing activities...raise concerns regarding its adherence to the 'zero yield' standard..." The US allegation raised eyebrows. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), stated, "Regarding reports of possible nuclear tests with yields in the hundreds of tons, on 22 June 2020, the CTBTO's International Monitoring System did not detect any event consistent with the characteristics of a nuclear-weapon test explosion at that time. Subsequent, more detailed analyses have not altered that determination." Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, Distinguished Scholar of Global Security at Middlebury College in the USA, highlighted DiNanno's statement too: "It's very carefully worded. China 'prepared' tests with 'designated yields in the hundreds of tons', including 'one such yield-producing test on June 22, 2020'. The first wrinkle is that we don't see such an event in China on June 22, 2020." Lewis noted the CTBTO International Monitoring System can detect low-yield events at Lop Nor down to a body wave magnitude of mb=3.4. He also found theInternational Seismological Centre detected no events within 200km of the Chinese test site. Explaining decoupling, Lewis said it refers to exploding a nuclear device inside a cavity, usually one created by a prior nuclear explosion. This makes the yield look 20-40 times smaller than it really is. He admitted scientists do not have too much data about decoupling, although most analysts typically use the 20-40 figure for tests conducted in rock. Using this figure, Lewis estimates the monitoring threshold for detection is a 400-900-ton explosion. "A few-hundred-ton test might go undetected, although that's a worst-case scenario, and China probably couldn't count on it." The CTBT allows sub-critical testing, where a full-fledged nuclear reaction does not occur. However, part of the problem is that it does not define what an explosion is. Possibly China interprets it to mean it can conduct small nuclear chain reactions - sometimes called hydronuclear tests - short of a full-scale detonation. "So, what to make of all this?" Lewis mulled. "One possibility is that China is doing one-point safety tests, with overrun ranges in the hundreds of tons. That might explain the strange wording about preparing for dedicated yields repeatedly, but no events appearing." Such one-point safety evaluations ensure the accidental detonation of a single high-explosive detonator does not cause a nuclear yield. Lewis said safety lapses can still occur with such tests if they overrun predicted yields. In 1993, for example, a Chinese experiment resulted in contamination oflaboratory space and a subsequent move of such activities to Lop Nor. Alternatively, and more sinister, China may be testing low-yield nuclear warheads in the tens of kilotons range for new weapons such as hypersonic missiles. Unsurprisingly, China hit back angrily at DiNanno's accusations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on 11 February that the USA's "persistent distortion and slander of China's nuclear policy essentially constitute political manipulation, through which the United States aims to pursue nuclear hegemony and evade its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities". New START had been signed in 2010, but DiNanno said "its limits on warheads and launchers are no longer relevant in 2026, when one nuclear power is expanding its arsenal at a scale and pace not seen in over half a century, and another continues to maintain and develop a vast range of nuclear systems unconstrained by New START's terms". He was referring to China and Russia respectively. He highlighted how China's "buildup is opaque and unconstrained by any arms control limitations". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented, "The president's been clear in the past that, in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, it's impossible to do something that doesn't include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile." Washington DC's biggest problem is facing two nuclear peers simultaneously. Even then, Trump seems more intent on building defenses - such as Golden Dome - rather than expanding the US stockpile. The problem is compounded by the fact that Beijing categorically refuses to countenance joining any international arms control agreement. Dr. Malcom Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, commented, "Here's the hard strategic reality now emerging post-New START. With China racing to build up its nuclear arsenal and Russia now able to expand its existing nuclear arsenal, the United States must ensure it has sufficient strategic nuclear delivery systems and deployed warheads to effectively deter both China and Russia simultaneously, and deter their growing non-strategic nuclear forces, plus ensure credible, extended nuclear deterrence security guarantees to allies." Davis continued, "This is especially true given that Moscow and Beijing are coordinating their actions against the United States and its allies. Arms control is nice to have, but it must involve China, and it must have effective verification and monitoring provisions as part of any agreement. An effective balance of power must be restored first if future arms control is to be meaningful. Arms control cannot be an opportunity for Moscow and Beijing, working together, to gain a decisive nuclear warfighting advantage over the United States and its allies." On 27 November 2025, China set out its nuclear posture in a white paper entitled "China's Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation in the New Era". Unfortunately, it left many questions unanswered. Indeed, the only explanation of its nuclear modernization and build-up was that it was "to safeguard China's own strategic security and overall global strategic stability". However, illustrating its true nature as a political document, the white paper did a lot of finger pointing at the USA, and failed to list culprits like Russia or North Korea as concerns. For example, it said of the USA, "A certain country seeks absolute strategic superiority by constantly expanding its armaments, strengthening combat readiness and provoking bloc confrontation ... In particular, this country has strengthened military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, exercised extended deterrence and forward-deployed ground-based intermediate-range missiles, provoking tension and opposition, and severely undermining the security and interests of countries in the region." Although increasing dramatically, it is correct that China's nuclear stockpile does not approach the size of Russia's or the USA's. "Countries possessing the largest nuclear arsenals should fulfill their special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament and continue to make drastic and substantive reductions in their nuclear arsenals in a verifiable, irreversible and legally binding manner, so as to create the conditions for complete and thorough nuclear disarmament," Beijing pleaded. China wants others to make reduction pledges, but it refuses to engage in any voluntary restrictions itself. In fact, China warned in its white paper that it will not entertain arms control or risk reduction measures until the USA abandons its "aggressive nuclear deterrent policy based on first use," and ceases its "hypocritical policy of inciting confrontation and creating crisis". As Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Lin Jian said: "On New START, China has made clear its position on multiple occasions. We hope the US will resume dialog with Russia on strategic stability to discuss the arrangements beyond the treaty's expiration, which is what the world would hope to see." China is conveniently using the USA as a scapegoat, refusing to blame Russia for violating New START first, and at the same time absolving itself of the need to undertake any voluntary limitations. Beijing paradoxically noted, "From the day it came into possession of these weapons, China has advocated their complete prohibition and thorough destruction." It is somewhat ironic then that China is busily multiplying its nuclear stockpile rather than dismantling it. China generously excuses itself from the treaties and limitations it feels others are obliged to follow. As the latest Pentagon report on the PLA stated, "China has not demonstrated a willingness to advance discussions on nuclear risk reduction measures, bilaterally or multilaterally among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, except for affirming the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons. China unilaterally suspended a bilateral consultative mechanism with the United States on arms control and nonproliferation in April 2024." In light of all these developments, Lewis warned: "What I do worry about is a return to real nuclear explosions, largely because China has a lot more to gain than we do in terms of data. China has amazing supercomputers to model nuclear explosions, computers as good as the ones in the US - but what it doesn't have is the test data. China only conducted 45 nuclear tests, most of which were atmospheric and poorly instrumented." Lewis explained, "If the US resumes testing, I suspect China would jump at the chance to follow suit and catch up in terms of data. Honestly, if I were the Chinese, I'd be baiting Trump to do it." While newer and bigger nuclear tests might occur, it is nonetheless unlikely that Russia and the USA will splurge on a nuclear-weapon arms race. Both have parity in warhead numbers, and Russia is already deeply engrossed in its invasion of Ukraine. In the meantime, China seems intent on carrying on with its secretive and unexplained nuclear buildup. - ANI Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has framed the upcoming seat-sharing negotiations with the DMK as a complex process of dividing the electoral "cake" among coalition partners. He confirmed that a committee for these talks will be formed on February 22, noting that expectations are high and that some smaller parties are keeping their options open. The discussions follow public remarks from other Congress leaders emphasizing the party's right to a share in governance. The ruling DMK-led alliance won 159 seats in the 234-member assembly during the last state elections. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram describes coalition seat allocation as "cut the cake and share it" ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly election talks with DMK. New Delhi, February 15 Amid ongoing seat-sharing discussions between the Congress and the ruling DMK ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Sunday emphasised that allocating seats in a coalition was complex and required careful negotiation. He used the metaphor "cut the cake and share it" to describe how seats are distributed among coalition partners. In an interview with ANI, Chidambaram noted that the DMK has been an ally since 2004 and announced that a committee to discuss seat-sharing will be formed on February 22. He added that expectations are high, smaller parties may join the coalition, and some are "flirting on both sides", keeping their options open with other political groups. "The alliance with the DMK has been there since 2004. The DMK has now announced that the committee will be formed on February 22. That is not something I am going to sit here and decide over a table of dry fruits. There are 234 seats. You have to cut the cake and share it among all parties within the coalition. We'll have to see whether new partners are coming in. People have contested a certain number of seats the last time. Of course, everybody's expectation is always high. But within this formation, there might be some smaller parties which might join. There are a few parties which are flirting on both sides as well," he said. This comes after Congress MP Manickam Tagore referred to a remark by Tamil Nadu Minister Raja Kannappan, who predicted DMK could win 160 seats while contesting 170 constituencies in the state elections. He stressed that power-sharing is essential and that a share in governance is the party's right, adding that the people would ultimately decide. The Tamil Nadu assembly has 234 seats, of which the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by DMK, won 159 in the 2021 elections. The DMK alone contested 173 seats and won 133. Meanwhile, the Congress contested 18 of 25 seats and won 12. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Congress president K Selvaperunthagai stated that alliance talks with DMK are set to begin on February 22, asserting that the INDIA bloc remains united despite BJP efforts to divide the vote bank. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday assured DMK cadre that he "will take care" of the seat-sharing arrangements with its allies for the state's assembly elections. - ANI Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the importance of deep meditation and inner devotion on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings, praying for the nation's prosperity and well-being. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his wishes and attended celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. The festival celebrates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed with fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils across India. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urges deep meditation on Mahashivratri as PM Modi and Rajnath Singh extend greetings. Explore the festival's significance. Bengaluru, February 15 On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasised the importance of inner reflection and devotion as part of the sacred tradition of Shiva worship in India. Speaking to ANI, Ravi Shankar urged people to engage in deep meditation, chanting, and puja to elevate their spiritual practice. "From Rameshwaram to Kedarnath, Amarnath, Shiva stuti or Shiva devotion is so prevalent in this country for millions of years, and today is a special day where people go deep within and forget about all other worries... and focus on the devotional aspect of life. After one thousand years, the real pieces of Somnath, the real Jyotirlinga of Somnath ji is here. It is a big luck for everyone to witness that. Spend more time in meditation, chanting, pand uja. All these activities will uplift our spirit," he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, emphasising that the divine grace of Lord Shiva brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation. "To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keeps His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Singh is in Coimbatore to participate in the Mahashivaratri festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre later today. Taking to X, he wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Today, I shall be at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore to attend the 'Maha Shivratri' celebrations. Looking forward to it." Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru. The meeting aims to renew a key defence cooperation agreement for another decade and sign an MoU for a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles. Both ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the Tata Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The dialogue will review the full spectrum of bilateral defence ties, including expanding industrial collaboration and ongoing military exercises. Rajnath Singh & France's Catherine Vautrin to co-chair defence talks, renew 10-year pact, sign Hammer missile MoU, and witness helicopter facility launch. New Delhi, February 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with France's Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin, in Bengaluru on February 17, as per an official release by the Ministry of Defence. The meeting will review the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration, the release stated. During the dialogue, a defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years. An MoU on a joint venture for the manufacturing of Hammer missiles is also likely to be signed in the presence of both Defence Ministers. An announcement is expected regarding the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. The two Ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka, the release noted. Defence has traditionally formed an important pillar of the India-France relationship. The strong bilateral ties were reflected in 2024-2025 through a series of high-profile exchanges. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, and the French President attended the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest. The recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership marked a significant step in deepening engagement with European nations. Military-to-military cooperation has been increasing, with India and France regularly conducting three major exercises--Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force)-- as well as several other engagements. This will be Catherine Vautrin's first visit to India since assuming office as the French Defence Minister on October 12, 2025. The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is a structured ministerial-level bilateral meeting that reviews and guides defence and security cooperation. The 5th edition of the dialogue was held in France from October 11-13, 2023. - ANI Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has issued an advisory urging members of House Committees to ensure regular attendance and active participation in meetings. The advisory emphasizes that committees are crucial for examining governance, administrative functioning, and public accountability. In a related move, the General Administration Department has directed all Administrative Secretaries to attend committee sittings when called. These measures aim to strengthen coordination between the legislature and executive in Delhi. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta issues advisory for regular attendance and active participation in House Committee meetings to strengthen oversight. New Delhi, Feb 15 Issuing an advisory for regular attendance, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Sunday that House Committees are the working pillars of legislative oversight and their effectiveness depends upon the seriousness, regular participation, and collective wisdom of members. He issued advisory to members serving on various House Committees of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, urging them to ensure regular attendance and active participation in Committee meetings. "The advisory emphasises that Committees play a crucial role in examining matters relating to governance, administrative functioning, and public accountability," a statement said. Meaningful engagement within Committees, the Speaker noted, strengthens institutional functioning and ensures that recommendations are comprehensive and well considered. The communication further highlights that Committee proceedings often require the presence of senior officers from concerned departments for presentations and for furnishing relevant factual inputs on matters under examination. Assembly Speaker Gupta said the participation of senior-most officers facilitates substantive discussions and aids in expediting decision-making. In a related development, the General Administration Department (GAD) of Delhi government has issued a circular to all Administrative Secretaries directing them to attend sittings of the House Committees whenever called upon by the Assembly Secretariat. "In unavoidable circumstances, a suitably senior officer, fully conversant with the subject matter, may be deputed with prior approval to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings," it said. Administrative Secretaries have also been requested to ensure timely submission of information and records sought by the Committees. Recently, the General Administration Department had issued instructions on this matter to facilitate structured coordination between the Executive and the Legislature. These measures collectively aim to strengthen coordination between the Legislature and the Executive and reinforce the effectiveness of the Committee system in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. - IANS Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that every land parcel in the capital will be assigned a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), dubbed 'Bhu Aadhaar'. This system aims to modernize land records, provide a single reference for ownership, and minimize long-standing boundary disputes. The initiative, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India vision, will use high-quality geospatial data and drone imagery from the Survey of India for implementation. The IT Branch of the Revenue Department is leading the mission-mode rollout to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent property transactions. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces a 14-digit ULPIN, or 'Bhu Aadhaar', for all land parcels to curb disputes and bring transparency to property records. New Delhi, Feb 15 In a landmark initiative to curb land disputes, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that each land parcel in the city will be assigned a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number akin to the Aadhaar number to citizens. "This step forms part of the government's commitment to modernising Delhi's land records and freeing citizens from long-standing land disputes. The system is also referred to as 'Bhu Aadhaar'," she added. "For citizens, the greatest benefit will be ease and convenience. Instead of navigating multiple documents to establish land ownership, a single number will provide comprehensive details of the property," the Chief Minister said. Chief Minister Gupta described the ULPIN system as highly beneficial, saying that it is not merely a number but a powerful digital instrument against corruption and land disputes. She emphasised that the initiative represents a decisive step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Digital India' on the ground. The Chief Minister said that the need to implement this system in Delhi had long been felt. The scheme originates with the Union government's Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Land Resources, and is particularly significant for the national capital. According to Chief Minister Gupta, although the Central government introduced the scheme in 2016, it could not be implemented in Delhi as envisaged due to various reasons. "It is now being taken up in mission mode. The responsibility for implementation has been entrusted to the IT Branch of the Revenue Department, which will also receive support from the Survey of India," she said. The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive benefits of the 'Bhu-Aadhaar' system, saying that it will ensure complete transparency in land ownership. "The 14-digit code will be geo-referenced, thereby minimising disputes over land boundaries. It will facilitate coordination of land data among various government departments and effectively curb fraudulent transactions and multiple registrations," she said. The Chief Minister told that advanced technology is being deployed for the implementation of this scheme. Nearly 2 terabytes of high-quality geospatial data and drone-based Ortho Rectified Images are being obtained from the Survey of India. Through this data, accurate ULPINs will be generated for all areas of Delhi, including 48 villages, already covered under the Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme. - IANS Devotees in massive numbers gathered at Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the Mahashivaratri festival. The Pashupati Area Development Trust opened all four temple doors at 2 a.m. to manage the influx, with an estimated 100,000 devotees having offered prayers by mid-morning. The event attracted thousands of Hindu saints, including 150 Naga sadhus from India, who performed special rituals. The trust made extensive arrangements for crowd management, security, and facilities, anticipating total attendance to surpass 700,000 throughout the day. Over 100,000 devotees queued from early morning at the UNESCO site. Officials expect over 700,000 visitors for the revered Hindu festival. Kathmandu, Feb 15 A massive crowd of devotees queued from early morning to offer prayers and worship Lord Shiva at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on Sunday on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals in Nepal. Pashupatinath is venerated as one of the supreme Shiva pilgrimage sites, alongside Kedarnath and Kashi Vishwanath. Devotees, particularly from Nepal and India, as well as from other regions, visit the Pashupatinath Temple during the festival. From early morning, thousands of pilgrims from across Nepal and neighbouring India lined up to offer worship at the sacred temple premises, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The air was filled with chants of "Om Namah Shivaya", as sadhus, saints, and devotees performed traditional rituals, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere around the temple complex. "Devotees have been queuing to offer prayers to Lord Shiva since early morning, and the crowd is steadily growing," Shubhas Chandra Joshi, executive director of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), told IANS. "By 9:30 a.m., an estimated 100,000 devotees had already offered prayers." To facilitate a smooth flow of worshippers, all four doors of the temple were opened as early as 2 a.m., according to Joshi. He said that at least 3,000 Hindu saints, particularly from Nepal and India, have arrived in the Pashupati area, where they are performing special religious and spiritual practices symbolising devotion, renunciation, and spiritual discipline. "Around 150 Naga sadhus who arrived from India are also engaged in spiritual practices at the temple site," Joshi said, adding that proper arrangements for food, shelter, and other necessary materials have been made for their stay. The PADT expects more than 700,000 devotees to offer prayers throughout the day, with a significant number coming from India. "We have not yet calculated the exact number of Indian devotees visiting Pashupatinath," Joshi said. The PADT said it has also made necessary arrangements for crowd management, safety and security, health services, and sanitation to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. - IANS Devotees thronged Shiva temples across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as Maha Shivaratri celebrations commenced with great fervor. Major temples like Vemulawada, Komuravelli, and Srisailam witnessed long queues of devotees since early hours for special prayers and rituals like Rudrabhishekha. State leaders, including the Governors and Chief Ministers, extended their greetings and prayed for prosperity and peace for their respective states. The festival was marked by devotional hymns, processions, and elaborate arrangements by authorities to manage the large crowds. Thousands of devotees flock to major Shiva temples in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for Maha Shivaratri, with special prayers and rituals. Hyderabad, Feb 15 A large number of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday as Maha Shivaratri celebrations commenced in both the Telugu states on a grand note. Devotees made a beeline to Shiva temples in both the states before dawn. Temples resonated with devotional hymns and mantras as special rituals were performed. Devotees offered 'Rudrabhishekha' and participated in the special puja. They also took holy dips in rivers and ponds. Long queues of devotees were seen at major temples to offer prayers and seek divine blessings. A large number of devotees paid obeisance at Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Telangana's Rajanna Sircilla district. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MLA Aadi Srinivas offered silk clothes to the deity on behalf of the state government. Devotees lined up at Komuravelli Mallanna temple in Siddipet district since the early hours of the day. A procession was also taken out on the occasion. Mahashivaratri celebrations were also held at Keesara temple in Medchal Malkajgiri. Spiritual fervour was prevailing at Shivaite shrines in Khammam, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Sangareddy, Adilabad, Warngal In Andhra Pradesh, the biggest celebration was held at Srisailam temple in Kurnool district. Thousands of devotees were lined up at the hill shrine since early Sunday. Devotees stood in long queues for darshan at Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. Elaborate arrangements have been made by all the departments at the temple. Senior officials were monitoring the situation from command control centre through CCTV cameras. Mahashivaratri celebrations were also held with gaiety at Srikalahasti, which houses one of the famous Shiva temples in the country. Bhimeswara Swamy temple at Samalkot, Draksharamam, and Kotappakonda temples were also witnessing large-scale celebrations. Special pujas were held at Amaralingeshwara Swamy temple in Amaravati, Durga Nageshwaraswamy in Krishna district and other Shiva temples across Andhra Pradesh. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart S. Abdul Nazeer, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N. Chandrababu Naidu greeted the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Telangana Chief Minister, in his message. prayed to Lord Shiva to bless Telangana with prosperity and to grant the people happiness, peace, long life, and good health. He expressed his hope that Lord Shiva's divine blessings remain with all devotees who are observing Maha Shivaratri fasting and performing special prayers with deep devotion. Chandrababu Naidu stated in his message that Andhra Pradesh is the sacred land where the holy 'Jyotirlanga' of Srisailam is enshrined. He prayed that Lord Shiva bless the state and its people with prosperity. "Maha Sivaratri festival is celebrated by millions of devotees of across the world with great devotion as it gives an opportunity of spiritual awakening. The festival symbolises triumph of light over darkness, as devotees worship Lord Shiva by lighting of lamps, observe fasting, and chant prayers. May this auspicious occasion inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity and brotherhood in all of us," Governor Abdul Nazeer said in his message. - IANS Find winning stocks in any market cycle. Join 7 million investors using Simply Wall St's investing ideas for FREE. Context for DIC (TSE:4631) after Recent Share Price Moves DIC (TSE:4631) has caught investor attention after recent share price moves, including a 2.7% decline over the past day alongside gains over the past week, month, and past 3 months. With the stock last closing at 4,250 and a reported intrinsic discount of 26.3%, investors are weighing how this pricing compares with the companys current earnings, growth profile, and business mix. See our latest analysis for DIC. While the 2.7% 1 day share price decline stands out, DICs 30 day share price return of 12.82% and 1 year total shareholder return of 35.37% point to positive momentum that aligns with its current intrinsic discount. If this move has you thinking about other opportunities tied to industrial demand and infrastructure, it could be a good time to scan 8 top copper producer stocks as a fresh source of ideas. With DIC trading at 4,250 and an indicated 26.3% intrinsic discount, yet sitting above the analyst price target, the key question is whether the market is underestimating the business or already pricing in future growth. Price-to-Earnings of 12.4x: Is it justified? DIC is trading on a P/E of 12.4x, which sits below both its peer average of 18.8x and the Japan Chemicals industry average of 14.8x. The current level is also below our fair P/E estimate of 15.7x. The P/E multiple compares the current share price to the companys earnings per share and is a common way investors gauge how much they are paying for each unit of profit. For a business like DIC, which operates across printing materials, pigments and performance materials, this ratio offers a quick indication of how the market is valuing its earnings relative to similar companies. The forecast earnings growth rate of 5.1% per year trails the wider Japan market forecast of 9.2%. A lower P/E in this context can suggest the market is pricing in more modest profit expansion. At the same time, the fair P/E estimate of 15.7x stands above the current 12.4x. This points to a level the multiple might reasonably move toward if earnings and cash flows follow existing expectations and market sentiment shifts closer to that fair value view. Compared with the peer average of 18.8x and the Japan Chemicals industry average of 14.8x, DICs 12.4x P/E is meaningfully lower. This indicates the shares are valued at a discount to both direct peers and the broader sector on current earnings. Relative to the estimated fair P/E of 15.7x, the current multiple also appears conservative, which may be relevant for investors assessing how much they are paying today against an earnings profile that is forecast to grow, although at a slower pace than the overall market. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended Statehood Day greetings to Serbia during his visit to the Munich Security Conference. He met with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and global issues. The talks reaffirmed the traditional friendship dating back to the Non-Aligned Movement and explored cooperation in trade and innovation. Djuric also thanked India for its consistent position of not recognizing Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. EAM S Jaishankar met Serbia's Marko Djuric at the Munich Security Conference, discussing bilateral cooperation and India's support for Serbia's sovereignty. Munich, February 15 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day during his visit to Munich for the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Sunday. The External Affairs Minister had earlier met Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Marko Djuric on the sidelines of the conference on Saturday. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Greetings to FM @markodjuric, the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day. Appreciate our long-standing partnership." In an X post, the Serbian Foreign Ministry said, "Happy #StatehoodDay of #Serbia, #Sretenje! Today, we remember the historic moments that laid the foundations of our modern state and affirmed the ideals of freedom and constitutionalism. Proud of our tradition, we continue to build Serbia's future on the principles of peace, stability, and unity!" According to an official press release issued by the Serbian Foreign Ministry, on the sidelines of the MSC, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric met with Jaishankar, with whom he discussed issues important to improving relations and global issues in a changing world. The talks reaffirmed that India and Serbia share a traditional friendship dating back to the Non-Aligned Movement era and are committed to further strengthening comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation, the press release said. Djuric expressed satisfaction over the upcoming participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting the significance of high-level engagements in boosting ties. He also invited Jaishankar to visit Serbia in the near future. During the meeting, Djuric thanked India for its consistent stance on the non-recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence and briefed the Indian side on recent developments related to the EU-facilitated dialogue. The ministers agreed that there is scope to strengthen economic cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Djuric also invited India to participate in Expo 2027 in Belgrade, expressing hope that India would be among the countries showcasing its culture and innovation at the international exhibition, according to the press release. The interaction marked another step in ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Belgrade amid broader discussions at the Munich Security Conference. According to the MEA Brief, India and Serbia (as part of former Yugoslavia) have traditionally enjoyed deep friendship, as co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement. The deep bond of friendship continued in subsequent decades, resulting in close and friendly ties between India and Serbia. In 2023, the two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. India has given principled support to Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has not recognised Kosovo's unilateral declaration of Independence (UDI). India and Serbia share converging views on many global issues and support each other in international fora. To mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a jubilee stamp was issued jointly by the Serbian Foreign Ministry and Serbia Post in December 2023 as a token of friendship between the two countries. The image on the postal stamp is of the Victor monument in Belgrade and the Statue of Unity in India. - ANI The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council held its second 2026 meeting, focusing on regulating children's social media use. Chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the council emphasized developing clear, risk-based frameworks to provide a safe digital environment. The proposed strategy includes age-based access regulations and prioritizes social media platforms due to their widespread influence. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the family's crucial role in guiding children and fostering healthy digital habits from an early age. UAE's Education Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, focuses on creating safe digital frameworks and policies for children's social media use. Abu Dhabi, February 15 The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council held its second meeting of 2026, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council. Present at the meeting was H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Council. The meeting focused on topics of high priority such as regulating the use of social media by children, promoting robust digital safety measures for children, the development of education policies and curricula, and the results of students' standardised assessments. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that regulating children's use of social media is a national responsibility that requires the development of clear frameworks. These frameworks, the Chairman emphasised, must match the advanced technological transformations and be solid enough to provide a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations. He further explained that the proposed direction is informed by a carefully evaluated, phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This approach prioritises social media platforms, given their significant influence and widespread use among children, and incorporates age-based access regulations tailored to the distinct needs and developmental stages of younger age groups. This will allow the balance between leveraging the opportunities offered by modern technologies and safeguarding societal values. In addition, the Chairman emphasised the importance of the integration of policies related to children, community, and education as this builds the foundation for strengthening family, social, and developmental stability. This integration also promotes generational readiness and supports the country's long-term competitiveness. The Council Chairman noted that the real impact of policies is measured by their ability to contribute to the building of confident individuals who are proud of their identity, equipped with the necessary skills, and capable of actively contributing to the nation's development journey. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the importance of formulating comprehensive national policies grounded in the unique characteristics of the Emirati society. These policies must be responsive to societal needs and aspirations, and adaptable to accelerating global transformations. Such policies should be designed to ensure sustainable impact, enhance quality of life, and strengthen long-term investment in human capital. Furthermore, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the need to strengthen community awareness and ensure effective integration among stakeholders in regulating children's use of social media. This includes coordinated engagement across social, technical, educational, security, media, and health sectors to advance a balanced framework that combines appropriate regulation with empowerment and fosters the responsible use of modern technologies. For her part, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that empowering the family represented a key pillar in addressing rapid digital transformations, noting the importance of equipping families with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently and responsibly navigate these changes, thereby strengthening their role in guidance, supervision, and fostering healthy digital habits among children. She explained that regulating children's use of social media is not only limited to content considerations but also extends to its direct impact on family relationships, the quality of communication at home, children's engagement in real-life activities, and the potential impact on cognitive development. This includes areas concerning the ability to focus, level of attention, and time management. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed further emphasised that early intervention during foundational developmental stages is critical to cultivate healthy digital habits, thereby promoting balanced technology use from an early age and mitigating potential adverse effects on behavioral and cognitive development. She noted that the family serves as the primary reference point for children's digital conduct, and that achieving balance begins with positive role modeling at home, thoughtful regulation of screen time, and strengthened family dialogue. Additionally, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the importance of advancing children's digital well-being and safeguarding their mental health amid increasing engagement with digital platforms, with the aim of ensuring balanced emotional and social development. She affirmed that nurturing a well-rounded generation requires strong alignment between schools and families. This must be supported by a value-based framework that reinforces national identity and belonging, while fostering critical thinking and the responsible use of modern technologies. The meeting, which was held virtually, was attended by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council; Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and Brigadier Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri Rapporteur of the Digital Wellbeing Council. During the meeting, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chairperson of the Child Digital Safety Council, presented the latest developments of the national plan to enhance child digital safety in the UAE. The plan is implemented within a comprehensive national framework led by the Child Digital Safety Council in coordination with relevant entities, aiming to transition from general awareness to an integrated system combining regulation, empowerment, and strengthened community awareness. She explained that the plan is based on developing a national system for classifying digital platforms according to risk assessment, enabling more effective regulation and ensuring that platforms are subject to proportionate and enforceable obligations aligned with the level of risk they may pose to child safety. She added that the first phase will focus particularly on social media platforms and age-based access management, given their high influence and widespread use among children, paving the way for a gradual implementation covering other digital services in accordance with risk assessments. She explained that empowering families is a cornerstone of this path by providing simple and practical tools that enhance parents' ability to manage their children's use of digital devices and applications effectively, alongside raising awareness among children and caregivers and promoting safe and responsible use of digital platforms. As part of the Council's meeting agenda, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, presented the latest developments in public education, such as the development and alignment of educational frameworks and policies that contribute to the establishment of a clear national reference for school education. These also define the profile of the learner in the UAE in a way that reflects national identity and aligns with future requirements and leadership aspirations. In addition, the Minister of Education emphasised the importance of strengthening coherence across all components of the education system, including the national curriculum, assessment and examination frameworks, and strategies for the development, qualification, and empowerment of educational personnel. She noted that such alignment ensures the integration of policies, plans, and initiatives within a phased and interconnected framework, thereby enhancing the quality of educational outcomes and ensuring alignment with societal needs and national priorities. She also presented the results of student standardised assessments, including Arabic language evaluation outcomes, underscoring the importance of leveraging them as diagnostic instruments to inform curriculum development and pedagogical strategies. She emphasised that such data should enable early, evidence-based interventions to address learning gaps and strengthen foundational skills, thereby contributing to the sustained improvement of educational outcomes. The meeting also addressed updates related to the development of Arabic language and Islamic education curricula, in a manner that supports the strengthening of students' foundational skills, reinforces national identity and Emirati values, and enhances consistency of content and educational standards across various stages. The meeting was convened within the broader framework of reinforcing the integration of educational, developmental, and social policies, in alignment with 2026 as the Year of Family. This initiative reaffirms the country's commitment to strengthening family stability, safeguarding future generations, and advancing sustained investment in human capital and knowledge. - ANI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, highlighting its strategic importance for regional security. He noted its location just 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar makes it a critical asset for defense preparedness. The facility, built with the Indian Air Force, can handle military and civilian aircraft for emergencies and disaster response. Sarma also listed other key projects like railways to Tawang and new tunnels, framing them as a response to historical vulnerabilities and current threats. Assam CM Himanta Sarma says the new Moran ELF strengthens defense near China & Myanmar, highlighting key NE infrastructure projects. Guwahati, February 15 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the newly inaugurated Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass in Assam's Dibrugarh will provide strategic security to India's Northeast and strengthen the region's defence preparedness. Speaking at a press conference, Sarma described the project as a "high-stakes project", one located 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar, noting that it sends a strong signal that India is prepared to face any enemy threats. "ELF Moran is a high-stakes project. It is a project which will provide strategic security to the Northeast. ELF Moran is located in a strategic location; it is 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar. In the presence of the Prime Minister, it has given a strong message that India is ready to face the enemy," the Assam CM said. The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast India and was 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. Sarma also highlighted that multiple strategic infrastructure projects are underway in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, including a rail line to Tawang, the construction of two highways, the Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel, and a railway corridor beneath the Chicken Neck. "Strategic Infrastructures are going on in Arunachal Pradesh; the rail line will go upto Tawang, construction works of two highways are going on. After Arunachal Pradesh, Assam is a backup state, a strategic theatre. In case of war, Assam is very, very strategic. Moran ELF, the Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel and Railway Corridor beneath the Chicken Neck. These are very important strategic projects," he added. Recalling the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Assam Chief Minister said that the state had been left exposed due to the lack of defence assets and noted that the government has since sanctioned and is implementing several projects to secure the Northeast against potential threats, including perceived threats during movements such as the CAA protests. Securing Assam and the Northeast, Sarma emphasised, remains a primary thrust of the central government. "Assam has seen the 1962 war. We don't have any assets at that time. We have backup at Tezpur, and we even had to evacuate Tezpur. The Government of India is developing numerous assets in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, during the CAA movement, there was an open threat of cutting the chickens' necks. So all these perceived threats have been taken into calculation and lots of projects to secure the Northeast have been sanctioned and are being sanctioned by the Prime Minister," he stated. "Securing Assam, in the Northeast, is one of the biggest thrusts of the Narendra Modi government," Sarma added. - ANI At the Munich Security Conference, EU's Kaja Kallas announced the bloc is forging deep security and defence partnerships, specifically naming India and Australia. She outlined work on a new European security strategy addressing all dimensions from hard defence to economic security. Kallas framed Europe's path as one of defending itself, securing its neighbourhood, and building global partnerships. She also delivered a stark assessment of Russia, calling it a "broken" country that remains a multifaceted threat. EU's Kaja Kallas announces new security partnerships with India and Australia, details a new European security strategy at the Munich Security Conference. Munich, February 15 Highlighting the European Union's expanding global footprint, Kaja Kallas, the Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, stated that the bloc is actively forging deep-seated security and defence partnerships with key global players, including India. In her speech prior to addressing a panel titled "Europeans Assemble! Reclaiming Agency in a Rougher World" on the final day of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026 on Sunday, Kallas emphasised that Europe is moving beyond its traditional identity as a trade power to become a more decisive security actor. "Take trade, for example. The European Union has built the largest free trade network in the world. Close to 80 countries are now covered by EU trade agreements," Kallas said. Expanding on the EU's strategic priorities, she added, "And on top of trade, we are creating partnerships on security and defence, 10 so far, including India and Australia this year alone." The High Representative noted that countries worldwide are increasingly seeking to diversify their partnerships to manage risks in what she described as a "rougher world," citing challenges ranging from the constant threat of tariffs to digital security and semiconductors. "The vast majority of the countries also want the same thing: stability, growth, and prosperity for their people. The best way to get there is to go together," Kallas said. She invoked the panel discussion title "Europeans Assemble" as a call to action and drew on the Marvel comic universe for inspiration. "Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with." Europe's path is clear: defend Europe, secure our neighbourhood, and build partnerships across the globe," Kallas said. Her remarks come in the backdrop of India and the EU significantly ramping up their strategic cooperation, particularly through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and increasing maritime security collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region. Kallas also said that she is working closely with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on a "new European security strategy." This strategy aims to address all dimensions of security, from hard defence and preparedness to economic security, based on the principle that "security is indivisible." Kallas was in conversation with the panel, which included Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad. They focused on the urgent need for Europe to reclaim its "agency" on the global stage. Yesterday, during a panel discussion titled "Breaking Point: The International Order Between Reform and Destruction", US Ambassador Michael Waltz claimed that the Trump leadership was responsible for ending the India-Pakistan war and resolving several other global conflicts. This elicited a bewildered reaction from Kallas, which was captured on camera. Other panellists in yesterday's discussion, moderated by Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, included Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi foreign minister, and the Colombian defence minister, Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez. Meanwhile, in today's discussions, Kallas said that, "Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure." She was responding to a question on "Europe bashing" by America. She said European defence "starts in Ukraine" and depends on how Russia's war ends, as the United States pushes efforts to stop the fighting. "But we know that Russia's endgame is not Donbas. Beyond Ukraine, Russia already seeks to cripple economies through cyberattacks, disrupt satellites, sabotage undersea cables, fracture alliances with disinformation, coerce countries by weaponising oil and gas, and, of course, there is also the nuclear threat," she said "Let's be clear-eyed about Russia. Russia is no superpower," Kallas said, insisting the country was "broken." "After more than a decade of conflict, including four years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia has barely advanced beyond the 2014 lines. And the cost? 1.2 million casualties. Today, Russia is broken. Its economy is in shreds, it is disconnected from the European energy markets, and its own citizens are fleeing. In fact, the greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield," Kallas said. "Russia's maximalist demands cannot be met with a minimalist response. Think about it. If Ukraine's military is to be limited in size, Russia should be too. Where Russia has caused damage in Ukraine, Russia should pay," she said. Ukraine had applied to join the EU days after the conflict with Russia began in February 2022. On this, Kallas said that EU member states "are not ready to give a concrete date" for Ukraine's membership, despite President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's demand to do so. "There's lots to be done, but I think the priority, the urgent need to move and to show that Ukraine is part of Europe is there," she said. - ANI BJP MP Ravi Kishan has expressed strong support for the government's notification mandating the recitation of all six verses of Vande Mataram before the national anthem. His comments were echoed by other BJP leaders, including UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, who called the move a matter of pride. However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly opposed the directive, labeling it unconstitutional and against religious freedom. The controversy stems from the Union Home Ministry's recent release of detailed guidelines for the national song. BJP MP Ravi Kishan supports the Vande Mataram order, while AIMPLB calls it unconstitutional. Get the latest political reactions here. Gorakhpur, February 15 Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Kishan on Sunday expressed support for the Union government's recent notification on Vande Mataram, stating the move reflects the aspirations of the country's younger generation. Kishan told ANI, "Everyone should read those verses. Every youth of the country wants the verses recited at the time of independence to be remembered, and, along with 'Jana Gana Mana', everyone should also memorise Vande Mataram. The youth have welcomed this." Earlier on Friday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya 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 the other hand, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) 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. - ANI Former Congress leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui has officially joined the Samajwadi Party in Lucknow. He expressed deep respect for SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, citing old relations, and vowed to work to strengthen the party organisation. Siddiqui resigned from Congress last month, stating he had no grassroots work for eight years and desired a more active organisational role. The joining ceremony also saw former BSP leader Anees Ahmad Khan and former Apna Dal leader S Raj Kumar Pal enter the Samajwadi Party. Former Congress and BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui joins Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, citing respect for the SP chief and a desire for grassroots work. Lucknow, February 15 Former Congress leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui on Sunday joined the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party in Lucknow, expressing deep respect for the party chief and vowing to strengthen the organisation. Siddiqui, who was earlier associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had later resigned from the Congress, joined the Samajwadi Party in the presence of Akhilesh Yadav today. Speaking to ANI before joining the party, Siddiqui said he had "old relations" with SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav and that he would work under his guidance and "shoulder to shoulder" with other senior leaders to strengthen the organisation. "I have old relations with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. I respect him immensely. We will follow his directions. Before me, there are many other senior leaders in the party. We have to strengthen the party by working shoulder to shoulder with them. If the party is strong, then we are strong; if we are strong, then the state is strong; and if the state is strong, then the society is strong," he said. Along with Siddiqui, former BSP leader Anees Ahmad Khan and former Apna Dal state president S Raj Kumar Pal also joined the Samajwadi Party today. Last month, former Uttar Pradesh Congress MLA Siddiqui resigned from all party positions, citing an inability to work at the grassroots level for the past eight years. Speaking to ANI, Siddiqui said he respects Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, and other senior party leaders, adding that he wants to work at the grassroots level, which is why he quit the party. "I have no resentment towards anyone. I respect Kharge ji, Rahul ji, Priyanka ji, Sonia ji, and I will continue to respect them. There was no work for me there. I am a grassroots-level person. For eight years, I couldn't work at the ground level. I have never been a high-profile leader, nor am I now, so I want to work at the ground level; that's why I left the Congress party," he said. "Making someone the chairman of the media department is not grassroots-level work. Making someone a member of a committee is not grassroots-level work...I told the leaders that I am a man of the organisation. Now, there are many things which cannot be said," Siddiqui added. - ANI The grand 'Vikramotsav' dedicated to Samrat Vikramaditya has commenced in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and will run until March 19. The event was launched with the inauguration of various Shivratri fairs and a musical presentation. The extensive schedule includes an international theatre festival, a history conclave, a mythological film festival, and an intellectual gathering on justice. The festival aims to highlight the legacy of Samrat Vikramaditya and will conclude with major events on the banks of the Shipra River. A month-long 'Vikramotsav' celebrating Samrat Vikramaditya starts in Ujjain, featuring cultural events, a theatre festival, and an intellectual conclave. New Delhi, Feb 15 Over a month-long 'Vikramotsav,' dedicated to Samrat Vikramaditya, will start in Madhya Pradesh's religious city Ujjain from Sunday and will conclude on March 19. Earlier the Madhya Pradesh government, following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, released the full schedule of the events comprising religious, cultural and trade activities during the mega event. The event will commence on Sunday with the inauguration of all Shivratri fairs, Kalash Yatraand 'Shivoham' musical presentation by a group of renowned artists. The national and international theatrical artists performing under the Vikram Theatre Festival will perform between February 16 and 25. There will be an international history conclave, puppet festival, and research symposium between February 26 and 28, while an intellectual conclave on justice during the era of Samrat Vikramaditya will be organised between Feb 28 and March 1, which will be followed by an all-India poets' conference on March 7. According to the schedule, the mega event also includes various other programmes, such as an international festival of mythological films featuring entries from more than 20 countries, Veda Antakshari and Sunrise worship at Ramghat, Dutt Akhara, on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. On the last day (March 19), marking Varsh Pratipada and Srishti Aarambh Diwas will be celebrated as Ujjayini Gaurav Diwas. "The main event will be held on the banks of the Shipra River and will include the presentation of the Samrat Vikramaditya Award, release of the Vikram Panchang 2082-83 and the second edition of Arsha Bharat, along with the dance-drama Mahadev Ki Nadi Katha," according to the government. Reviewing the preparations for the event, Chief Minister Yadav emphasised that Vikramotsav, dedicated to Samrat Vikramaditya, must ensure an effective and comprehensive presentation of all dimensions of his personality. He stated that introducing the new generation to the contributions of Samrat Vikramaditya is essential for maintaining the continuity of Indian knowledge systems and cultural traditions. Chief Minister Yadav also directed that science colleges, engineering colleges and polytechnic institutes be associated with events highlighting the scientific aspects of Samrat Vikramaditya. - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the nation's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar. The system integrates Aadhaar, RBI payments, and features like the 'Annapurti' Grain ATM to ensure transparent, accurate, and quick delivery of rations. Shah stated this technology-driven reform will eliminate corruption and ensure beneficiaries in remote areas receive their full entitlements directly. The initiative is framed as a key expansion of 'Digital India', inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurates a digital, transparent ration system using Central Bank Digital Currency in Gujarat to curb corruption. Gandhinagar, February 15 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the nation's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based transparent, modern and user-friendly Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi graced the event held at Mahatma Mandir. On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the distribution of chickpeas and tur dal in 1 kg sealed packets, inaugurated the Annapurti Grain ATM facility in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, and initiated the ''Garima Poshan - Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka' campaign, according to the Gujarat Chief Minister's office (CMO). Furthermore, in the presence of the dignitaries, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Food and Civil Supplies Department and the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) to safeguard consumer interests. This MoU will establish a pre-litigation grievance redressal ecosystem to ensure issues are resolved before reaching the courts. Furthermore, the Food and Civil Supplies Department signed an MoU with CARE Ratings and the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) to develop a 'Consumer Responsibility Index' (CRI). On the launch of various projects to digitise and make the Public Distribution System more transparent, HM Amit Shah extended greetings to the nation on Maha Shivratri. The CMO stated that, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the expansion of 'Digital India' has now reached the Public Distribution System. He further noted that a decade ago, nearly 60 crore people in the country did not have bank accounts in their families. However, under the Prime Minister's leadership, India has emerged as a global leader in digital transactions, with nearly half of the world's total digital transactions taking place in India. Speaking further on digital transformation, HM Shri Amit Shah said that technology-driven reform is now becoming a reality in delivering affordable food grains to the poor. Under this initiative, modern systems such as the CBDC project and the 'Made in Gujarat' Annapurti Grain ATM have been made operational. The CMO stated that he emphasised that this new technology-based framework will eliminate corruption and remove middlemen, ensuring that citizens in remote villages, districts, and backward regions receive their full food grain entitlements directly and transparently. Congratulating all participating institutions as well as the Central and State departments associated with the CBDC project, HM Amit Shah said that this modern system truly embodies the Prime Minister's mantra of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.' He further stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 81 crore people across the country are currently receiving free rations from the government. This food security framework has now become digital and transparent. Referring to the Grain ATM, the Annapurti machine, the new pulses packaging initiative, and the Garima Poshan campaign launched during the program, HM Amit Shah termed them as revolutionary initiatives in providing food security to the poor. Elaborating further, Amit Shah stated that the Annapurti machine will enable the distribution of 25 kg of grain in just 35 seconds, ensuring complete accuracy in weight, value, and quality. He added that this system, integrated with the Aadhaar-based biometric mechanism, CBDC, and the payment system of the Reserve Bank of India, will be implemented nationwide over the next three to four years. As a result, beneficiaries across the country will receive their entitled quality rations conveniently and with full transparency. Highlighting the impact of welfare initiatives, Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the holistic development of the poor and every citizen has been ensured through the effective implementation of numerous schemes. He noted that over the past decade, the construction of 4 crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Nal se Jal connections in 13 crore households, LPG connections in around 13 crore homes under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, toilets in 12 crore households under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and 2.91 crore women becoming 'Lakhpati Didis' reflect the success of the government's initiatives, the CMO stated. Emphasising the protection of farmers and cattle-rearers, Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has remained steadfast in its commitment to farmer welfare. He said that over the past decade, procurement of food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has increased fifteenfold, while the agriculture budget has increased from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 1,29,000 crore. He further noted that in International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), India's dairy, agriculture, and fisheries sectors have been provided comprehensive protection, thereby ensuring security for domestic producers while also opening global markets for Indian products. UHM Shri Amit Shah congratulated Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and the Government of Gujarat for choosing Gujarat for the CBDC-based transparent distribution system for this pilot project. He described this leak-proof model as a blueprint for a Viksit Bharat. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of HM Amit Shah, a new chapter in public welfare is being written with the mantra of "Je Kahevu Te Karvu." He added that the Prime Minister has laid a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat through GYAN--empowering the GYAN --Garib (the Poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (Farmers), and Mahila (Women). Referring to the transformative power of technology, CM said that overcoming earlier doubts about digital payments, India has today established itself as the world's largest user of UPI. He noted that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile--strengthened further by AI-based database connectivity--have ensured that the benefits of government schemes reach beneficiaries directly and transparently. Focusing on the four pillars of food, housing, health, and income security, he added, has enabled nearly 25 crore people in the country to rise above the poverty line over the past decade. CM said that 'Grain ATMs' will now be made operational across the state for the distribution of food grains. Through these ATMs, 25 kg of grain can be dispensed in just 35 seconds, and the machines will function around the clock. He added that this facility will enable workers and members of the labour class to collect wheat, rice, and pulses entitled under the National Food Security Act at their convenience, even after working hours, marking a significant step toward empowering each citizen. Speaking about the CBDC-based Public Distribution System, the CM said this technology will provide beneficiaries with precise information on subsidies, product weights, and pricing via digital tokens. He emphasised that digital tracking and real-time monitoring will ensure complete transparency in the delivery of benefits, thereby fulfilling the government's commitment to a 'saturation approach'--reaching every eligible beneficiary without exception. CM expressed confidence that after recently connecting cattle-rearers with AI-driven solutions through Amul, this technology-based initiative in the Public Distribution System would also prove to be a milestone. He added that, following the Prime Minister's mantra of "Sewa hi Sadhana," the state government is steadfastly progressing toward the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat from Viksit Gujarat' @2047, ensuring that technology delivers benefits to the last person in society. Extending greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CBDC-based initiative is not merely a technology app or portal, but a transformative step that will secure the rightful access to food grains for nearly 80 crore needy beneficiaries, the CMO said. He stated that this innovative initiative will further strengthen the world's largest food security program, which is being implemented under the Prime Minister's guidance. He added that integrating advanced technology into the grain distribution system was once a major challenge, but under the 'Digital India' campaign, this task has become significantly easier and more efficient. He stated that with the nationwide digitisation of ration cards, the vision of 'One Nation, One Ration Card' has been successfully realised. Through digital coupons introduced under the initiative of the Reserve Bank of India, beneficiaries can collect food grains at any time by simply scanning a QR code at a Grain ATM. He added that even beneficiaries with basic mobile phones will be able to access the facility, as the system will enable grain distribution via OTP verification sent via SMS. The implementation of this technology has led to the cancellation of nearly 2 to 3 crore fake ration cards, ensuring greater integrity in the system. With the launch of the CBDC-based framework, only genuine beneficiaries will be able to access the benefits. Since the digital entitlement for food grains will be credited directly to the beneficiary's wallet, it can be used exclusively for purchasing grain from fair price shops and Grain ATMs, preventing misuse elsewhere. The introduction of this digital grain distribution model in Gujarat is expected to create a positive ripple effect across other states, helping to eliminate duplicate ration cards and further strengthen transparency nationwide. Union Minister said that the CBDC-based affordable grain distribution system will stand as a 'Digital Satyagraha' against poverty on the banks of the Sabarmati River. He said this initiative will help curb black marketing and ensure that food grains reach needy beneficiaries swiftly and transparently. The Minister added that this innovative model will be expanded nationwide in the coming years. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the nation's digital currency will help ensure food reaches the plates of the poor. He remarked that a new chapter of history is being written once again on the soil of Gujarat. He added that the country is on the verge of witnessing a transformative revolution that will redefine and strengthen the Public Distribution System, not only in Gujarat but across India. Deputy CM added that ensuring food security has long been a significant challenge in a vast country like India. In the past, issues such as middlemen and long queues at ration shops often delayed the delivery of government grain to beneficiaries. He emphasised that the CBDC-based Public Distribution System project will provide a lasting solution to these challenges. He said that traditionally, the initial benefits of new technologies have often reached large industrialists first. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of HM Amit Shah, India has charted a new course--where modern innovations like Digital Currency are being used first to ensure food reaches the plates of the poor. He stated that beneficiaries will no longer have to wait for shopkeepers, as they can collect their entitled grain from a Grain ATM at any time, 24 hours a day, within just five minutes. The system guarantees precision, with not even a one-gram variation in weight, making it a strong example of 'Digital India' in action. He added that Gujarat's forward-looking model--integrating CBDC, Grain ATMs, and biometric-based systems--will serve as a guiding framework for the entire nation, ensuring that the rightful beneficiary receives their due transparently and without inconvenience. In her welcome address, Mona Khandhar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, provided detailed insights into the entire program and its innovative initiatives. She stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing toward a digital revolution. She added that with the introduction of India's Central Bank Digital Currency--e-Rupee--a new era of modern fintech has begun in the country, and Gujarat is poised to take a leading role in this transformation. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Bambhaniya, Gujarat's Minister for Food and Civil Supplies; Ramanbhai Solanki, Minister of State; P.C. Baranda, Mayor of Gandhinagar; Miraben Patel, various MPs and MLAs, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution of the Government of India, Sanjeev Chopra, Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, P. Vasudevan, Executive Director of Punjab National Bank-PNB D. Surendran, along with central and state government officials, other dignitaries, and a large number of beneficiaries, the CMO noted. - ANI Gujarat's Labour and Employment Department has identified a critical shortage of approximately 30 lakh skilled workers across key sectors like manufacturing and services. Secretary Lochan Sehra stated the government is actively working to provide skilled manpower by aligning training programs with specific industry requirements. Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya emphasized that skill development initiatives and competitions like the India Skill Competition are foundational to building the country's future workforce. The state is focusing on preparing youth through ITI courses and practical platforms to meet the demands of its vast industrial base. Gujarat's Labour Dept reveals a 30 lakh skilled worker shortage. The state is aligning training programs with industry needs to fill the gap. Gandhinagar, February 15 Labour and Employment Department Secretary, Lochan Sehra, at the Western Region inauguration ceremony for the India Skill Competition 2025-26, highlighted that Gujarat is facing a shortage of skilled manpower, and the government is planning steps to fill this gap, adding that the state currently has a shortage of 30 lakh skilled workers across sectors. "Gujarat is facing a shortage of 30 lakh skilled manpower. We are working to provide skilled workers in the coming days," he said. He explained that manufacturing, services, and other sectors require trained workers, and the department is aligning training programs to meet these needs. "We are preparing skilled manpower based on the requirements of various industries in Gujarat," he said. Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya also spoke at the event during the inauguration ceremony for the Western Region competition. Speaking at the event, Gujarat's State Minister said the competition is connected to the country's workforce planning. "This is not just a competition. The foundation of future India is being laid here," he said. He stated that Gujarat has a large industrial base and needs trained labour across various trades. "We are preparing manpower as per the needs of industries. Skill is the biggest asset in today's time," he said. He said the event is more than just a contest because it helps shape the country's future. He noted that Gujarat has many factories and businesses that require specific types of workers. He also mentioned that skill development courses are being offered in ITIs across the state, and efforts are underway to encourage youth to participate in these programs. He said platforms like the India Skill Competition help participants test their abilities and understand industry standards. He added that Gujarat is focusing on preparing youth by keeping future job requirements in mind. - ANI The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly commences on February 16, starting with the Governor's Address by Shiv Pratap Shukla. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania outlined the agenda, noting 125 questions received and a proposed discussion on the critical Revenue Deficit Grant issue. This follows the 16th Finance Commission's unprecedented decision not to recommend continuing the grant, creating a new financial challenge for the state. The session will proceed in phases, with the budget presentation and passage required before March 31, and may include a break after the first three sittings. Himachal Pradesh Assembly's Budget session starts Feb 16 with Governor's Address. Key discussion on Revenue Deficit Grant after 16th Finance Commission shift. New Delhi, February 15 The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will commence on Monday afternoon with the Governor's Address and is expected to witness intense discussions over the Revenue Deficit Grant. This will be the first session of the current calendar and financial year and as per constitutional provisions, will begin with an address by Shiv Pratap Shukla. The sitting will start at 2 pm on February 16. Addressing a press conference at the Assembly complex in Shimla on Sunday and later speaking with ANI, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said the first phase of the Budget Session will comprise three sittings. "The session is beginning on February 16 at 2 pm. Being the first session of the calendar and financial year, it will start with the Governor's Address as mandated by constitutional provisions," Pathania said. He stated that a total of 125 questions have been received for the three-day session, including 111 starred and 14 unstarred. One notice has been received under Rule 62 (Calling Attention Motion), while the government has submitted a proposal under Rule 102 for a discussion on the Revenue Deficit Grant. "As per procedure, on the day of the Governor's Address, no other business is taken up except obituary references, if any. Question Hour will not be held on that day," Pathania added. The Speaker noted that a "new and unusual situation" has arisen following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which has not recommended continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant for eligible states, including Himachal Pradesh. "For several Finance Commissions since the Sixth onward, revenue deficit grants were recommended for states facing revenue shortfalls. However, the 16th Finance Commission has not recommended continuation of this grant. This has created a new financial scenario for the state, and a discussion on the issue has been proposed," he said. Pathania said the Budget will be presented in subsequent sittings and must be passed before March 31, in accordance with constitutional provisions. The session will have multiple phases beginning with the Governor's Address, followed by presentation of the Budget, discussion on the Budget, and voting on demands and cut motions. An all-party meeting has been convened ahead of the session, with the participation of the Leader of the Opposition, the chief whips of both parties and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "We will appeal to both the treasury and opposition benches to ensure the House functions in a cordial and constructive manner. Issues related to the interests of Himachal Pradesh should be discussed meaningfully," Pathania said. He also indicated that after the initial three sittings, the session may resume following a break. "At present, the first phase consists of three sittings. The session may be extended, and after a break, it can be resumed, depending on the business schedule," he said. The detailed List of Businesses for the first day will be notified later this evening. - ANI Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. BBVA will ask shareholders to approve up to 8b in contingent convertible capital instruments at its upcoming Annual General Shareholders Meeting. The agenda includes authorization for share buybacks that could reduce capital by up to 10% and changes to executive remuneration policies. Shareholders will also vote on the nomination of a new auditor, affecting future oversight and reporting. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BME:BBVA), trading at around 19.115, comes into this meeting after a 66.1% gain over the past year and a very large increase over five years. Recent moves have been weaker, with a 5.3% decline over the past week, an 8.8% decline over the past month, and a 6.2% decline year to date. That combination of longer term strength and recent pressure gives some context for how investors might weigh capital return plans and governance changes. For you as a shareholder or potential investor, the size of the proposed capital instruments and the potential 10% share count reduction could have important implications for future earnings per share and risk absorption capacity. The changes to remuneration policies and the appointment of a new auditor may also shape how BBVA responds to regulation and market expectations around governance, transparency and pay alignment. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria. BME:BBVA Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026 Is Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria's dividend sustainable? Check out what every dividend investor needs to know in our dividend analysis. Quick Assessment Price vs Analyst Target : At 19.12 versus a 20.69 consensus target, the price sits about 8% below analyst expectations. Simply Wall St Valuation : Simply Wall St currently assesses BBVA as trading about 41.9% below its estimated fair value. Recent Momentum: The 30 day return of roughly 8.8% decline shows recent pressure on the share price. There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria. Head to Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria's Fair Value. Key Considerations Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, commending his work towards energy self-reliance. Other leaders, including Union Minister Pabitra Margherita and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, also conveyed their wishes. The article details Puri's background, born to a refugee family in Delhi, and his extensive career as a diplomat and author. He has held multiple key ministerial portfolios and currently serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. PM Narendra Modi commends Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's efforts for India's self-reliance in petroleum and natural gas on his birthday. New Delhi, February 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended birthday greetings to Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, lauding his efforts towards strengthening India's self-reliance in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. In a post on X, the Prime Minister praised Puri's contribution to the energy sector and wished him good health and a long life. "Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji on his birthday. His efforts towards ensuring India is self-reliant in the petroleum and natural gas sectors are commendable. Praying for his long life and good health," PM Modi stated in his post. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also conveyed his greetings, highlighting Puri's role in advancing India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency. "Warm birthday greetings to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji. Your committed efforts continue to strengthen Bharat's journey towards self-reliance in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. May Maa Kamakhya bless you with good health, strength, and continued dedication in the service of the nation," he posted on X. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav extended heartfelt wishes and prayed for Puri's long life and continued service to the nation. "Honourable Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, heartfelt birthday congratulations and best wishes. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev that He may bless you with excellent health, long life, and boundless energy for the service of the nation," Yadav said in his message on X. Born on February 15, 1952, in Daryaganj in New Delhi, to a refugee family, Puri is the son of Sardar Bhagat Singh Puri and Sardarni Kundan Puri. Following the partition, his parents initially lived in a refugee camp and rebuilt their lives from the ground up. A former Diplomat and an author, he was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers in September 2017 as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. In May 2019, he was additionally assigned the portfolios of Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. In July 2021, he was sworn in as a Union Minister and oversaw the Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas. He again took oath as a Union Minister in July 2024 and currently serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A 1974-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), he represented India as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in both Geneva and New York and also served in Indian missions in Tokyo and Colombo. - ANI A historic conclave in Agartala organized by ABVP brought together nearly 4,000 tribal students to focus on empowerment and national development. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha addressed the gathering, urging students to contribute to the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event featured discussions on quality education, cultural preservation, and leadership development for tribal communities. It culminated in a large rally, symbolizing a platform for youth assertion and organized participation in India's democratic progress. Tripura CM Manik Saha addresses 4000 tribal students at ABVP conclave, focusing on education, cultural preservation, and national development. Agartala, February 16 Agartala witnessed a historic and powerful gathering as nearly 4,000 tribal students assembled for a grand conclave organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Tripura Pradesh, reaffirming the commitment to Janajati student empowerment, national unity, and character-building. The event, held in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, inspired both tribal and non-tribal students to actively participate in college activities and contribute to national transformation with a commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat alongside the goal of a developed Tripura. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister ignited the spirit of patriotism among students, emphasising their vital role in nation-building. Speaking exclusively to ANI on the sidelines of the tribal conference, he stated that in the 28 government colleges across the state, ABVP should take an active role in national reformation while keeping in mind the mission of Viksit Bharat by 2047, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conclave was followed by a massive rally in the heart of the city, reflecting not merely a numerical show of strength but a disciplined and ideologically driven mission focused on the empowerment of Janajati students. From the open stage, tribal student leaders articulated their aspirations, concerns, and long-term vision for their communities. Discussions centred on access to quality education, preservation of indigenous identity and culture, leadership development, and meaningful participation in nation-building, with the overall tone of the programme remaining confident, forward-looking, and rooted in collective progress. The inaugural session was graced by Chief Minister Manik Saha, whose presence added institutional significance to the gathering. Among other distinguished dignitaries present were Kamlesh Singh, Meghalaya Prant Sangathan Mantri and National Secretary, along with Northeast Kshetriya Nagar Mantri Kamal Nayan and State Organising Secretary Tushar Bhowmik. Leaders of ABVP emphasised that without the development of Janajati communities, the vision of overall national progress would remain incomplete, calling upon students to combine academic excellence with national responsibility. In his address, Chief Minister Manik Saha thanked ABVP for organising such a disciplined and large-scale event and highlighted the vision of "One Tripura," stating that it would accelerate the process of achieving a developed India. The conclave reinforced a strong message that unity transcends divisions of caste, creed, and community, as students from diverse tribal backgrounds came together under a shared identity rooted in national integration. More than a rally, the event evolved into a platform of representation, assertion, and organised youth power, signalling that inclusive, character-driven, and development-oriented student leadership remains central to India's democratic journey. Thousands of students, particularly from tribal communities, participated in the programme. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The pilot phase covers over 26,000 families across Ahmedabad, Surat, Anand, and Valsad, using QR codes and Aadhaar-based OTPs for authentication. The launch also featured an 'Annapurti Grain ATM' capable of dispensing 25 kg of grain in 35 seconds and the introduction of standardized one kg packs for pulses. The event included the signing of MOUs for a Consumer Responsibility Index and the launch of a malnutrition alleviation campaign in Narmada district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates India's first CBDC-based PDS in Gujarat, introducing digital subsidy transfers and grain ATMs. New Delhi, Feb 15 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System on Sunday at the Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. 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 - 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. - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India now accounts for more than half of the world's total digital transactions, highlighting the nation's rapid digital transformation. He launched the country's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, designed to eliminate corruption and middlemen in subsidised food grain distribution. The initiative includes features like Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and the 'Annapurti' Grain ATM, which can dispense precise quantities of food grains within seconds. Officials stated the technology-driven model will ensure full transparency for beneficiaries and is planned for nationwide implementation within the next few years. Amit Shah announces India accounts for over 50% of world's digital transactions and launches a transparent, CBDC-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat. Gandhinagar, Feb 15 India accounts for more than half of the world's total digital transactions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday while launching the country's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. Speaking at a function held at Mahatma Mandir, HM Shah said India's rapid digital transformation over the past decade had enabled the government to integrate advanced technology into welfare delivery. "A decade ago, nearly 60 crore people in the country did not have bank accounts. Today, India is leading the world in digital transactions, and more than half of the global digital transactions are taking place in India," he said, extending greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri. He inaugurated a transparent and technology-driven PDS based on CBDC, integrated with Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and the Reserve Bank's payment systems. HM Shah said the initiative would remove leakages in subsidised food grain distribution. "With a technology-based system like CBDC, corruption and the role of middlemen will be completely eliminated," he said, adding that the model would be implemented nationwide within the next three to four years. The programme included the launch of the 'Annapurti' Grain ATM in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, which can dispense 25 kilograms of food grains within 35 seconds with accuracy in weight, price and quality. Distribution of 'chana' and 'tur' dal in sealed one-kilogram packs was also introduced, along with the 'Garima Poshan - Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka' campaign. The Union Minister said that under the 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana', 81 crore people are receiving free ration and that digitisation would make the system more transparent. He also referred to welfare initiatives undertaken over the past decade, stating that four crore houses had been constructed under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', tap water connections provided to 13 crore households, gas cylinders to around 13 crore homes and toilets built in 12 crore households. He added that 2.91 crore women had become 'Lakhpati Didis', reflecting broader efforts at inclusive development. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the integration of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity had enabled direct transfer of benefits to eligible citizens. He stated that the Grain ATM would operate round the clock, allowing beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act to collect wheat, rice and pulses at their convenience. "Through digital tokens under the CBDC system, beneficiaries will receive precise information about subsidy, quantity and price, ensuring full transparency," he said. Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said the initiative was aimed at safeguarding the rights of nearly 80 crore beneficiaries. He said digitisation of ration cards had enabled the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' framework and that beneficiaries could access food grains by scanning QR codes at Grain ATMs or through SMS-based OTP verification. "With the implementation of this technology, an estimated two to three crore fake ration cards have been cancelled," he said, adding that the digital amount credited to beneficiaries' wallets could only be used to purchase subsidised grains. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the system would reduce queues at ration shops and allow beneficiaries to collect food grains at any time. "There will not be even a one-gram difference in weight," he said. During the event, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Food and Civil Supplies Department and the Consumer Education and Research Centre to establish a pre-litigation grievance redressal mechanism. Separate agreements were also signed with Care Ratings and the Consumer Education and Research Centre to develop a Consumer Responsibility Index aimed at strengthening accountability in the public distribution system. - IANS India has established a governance framework anchored in seven core principles, or 'Sutras,' to guide its national AI strategy. The "AI for All" vision seeks to leverage artificial intelligence for inclusive economic growth and social empowerment, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. Significant infrastructure is already being deployed, including a national compute facility with over 38,000 GPUs and a vast repository of datasets and models. The forthcoming guidelines aim to institutionalize this approach through new expert bodies, balancing innovation with safety and positioning India as a leader in responsible AI governance. India unveils a 7-principle AI governance roadmap focused on "AI for All," innovation, and safety to drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness. New Delhi, Feb 15 India's AI Governance Guidelines are anchored in seven 'Sutras' to ensure that AI serves as an enabler for inclusive development, economic growth, and global competitiveness, while effectively addressing risks to individuals and society through proportionate, evidence-based measures, according to an official explainer issued on Sunday. Through this structured and forward-looking architecture, India aims to realise the vision of "AI for All," ensuring that the transformative potential of artificial intelligence contributes meaningfully to the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat by 2047, with benefits reaching every citizen in a safe, inclusive and sustainable manner, the statement said. The seven guiding sutras are Trust is the Foundation, People First, Innovation over Restraint, Fairness & Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, and Safety, Resilience & Sustainability. By focusing on "AI for All", India seeks to combine sovereign capability with open innovation-leveraging public digital infrastructure, indigenous model development, and affordable compute to drive productivity and inclusive growth. This approach aligns AI development with the broader aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning AI as a catalyst for economic transformation, social empowerment, and strategic autonomy, the statement said. India's achievements reflect this deployment-first philosophy. Under the IndiaAI Mission, over 38,000 GPUs have been onboarded through a subsidised national compute facility. AIKosh now hosts more than 9,500 datasets and 273 sectoral models, strengthening indigenous model development. The National Supercomputing Mission has operationalised 40+ petaflop systems, including AIRAWAT and PARAM Siddhi-AI. On the capacity front, IndiaAI and FutureSkills initiatives are supporting 500 PhDs, 5,000 postgraduates, and 8,000 undergraduates, while 570 AI Data Labs and 27 IndiaAI labs across states are expanding grassroots innovation. With nearly 90 per cent of startups integrating AI in some form, India is embedding AI deeply into its innovation ecosystem, the statement said. The India AI Governance Guidelines, releasing in AI Impact Summit 2026, arrive at a critical juncture to consolidate these gains. The framework adopts a principle-based, techno-legal approach. By establishing new institutions such as the AI Governance Group, the Technology & Policy Expert Committee, and the AI Safety Institute, India is institutionalising a whole-of-government model that balances innovation with safeguards. The guidelines strengthen India's ambition to lead not only in AI adoption and capability, but also in responsible, inclusive, and trusted AI governance globally, the statement further said. The key principles of the AI Governance framework have been carefully designed to ensure cross-sectoral applicability and technology neutrality, enabling relevance across diverse use cases and stages of technological evolution. Together, these principles provide a flexible and future-ready foundation for responsible AI development and deployment, the statement added. - IANS India is launching PARAM-2, a 17-billion-parameter multilingual AI model developed under the national BharatGen programme. The model supports all 22 Scheduled Indian languages and is designed as a sovereign foundational AI for the country's specific needs. Unlike global consumer platforms, BharatGen releases its models as national public digital goods for deployment by government and institutional users, even offline. The initiative is backed by significant funding from national missions aimed at ensuring data sovereignty and shaping India's AI future. India unveils PARAM-2, a sovereign AI model for 22 languages, as a public digital good under the BharatGen initiative for governance and data sovereignty. New Delhi, Feb 15 India is set to take a major step in artificial intelligence with the launch of PARAM-2, a 17-billion-parameter multilingual AI model, at the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. Developed under the BharatGen programme, PARAM-2 represents India's push to build its own sovereign foundational AI models designed specifically for the country's languages, governance needs and cultural realities. BharatGen is India's national generative AI initiative, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The programme has quietly built a strong foundation over the past few years, helping India join a small group of nations capable of developing their own large-scale AI models. PARAM-2 supports all 22 Scheduled Indian languages and has been trained on India-focused datasets under Bharat Data Sagar. It uses a Mixture-of-Experts architecture, allowing it to handle complex multilingual tasks efficiently. Professor Ganesh Ramakrishnan of IIT Bombay, one of the key leaders behind BharatGen, described the launch as more than just a new model release. He said it represents the coming together of researchers, institutions, government bodies and industry partners to ensure that India can shape its own AI future. Unlike global consumer AI platforms such as ChatGPT or Gemini, BharatGen follows a different model. It does not operate as a centralised business-to-consumer service. Instead, its AI models are released as national public digital goods. This allows government departments, banks, hospitals, courts and educational institutions to deploy them locally, even in secure environments without internet access. The goal is to ensure transparency, trust and data sovereignty. The backbone of BharatGen is the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems under DST. The mission initially approved Rs 235 crore to seed the project. It is now being scaled further with support from the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which has allocated Rs 900 crore as part of a broader national AI strategy. - IANS New Delhi is hosting the week-long AI-India Impact Summit 2026, with representatives from over 20 countries attending. The summit aims to showcase India's leadership in global AI governance and its focus on deploying AI for measurable citizen impact. Key themes include democratizing AI resources and leveraging the technology for economic development and social good. Top tech executives from major global firms are participating and praising India's central role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Accenture, Amazon, Qualcomm leaders praise India's role in shaping AI's future at the AI-India Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. New Delhi, February 15 On Monday, the tech world, and representatives from over 20 countries will descend on New Delhi as it plays host to the mega AI-India Impact Summit 2026. The week-long summit showcases India's role in global AI governance and demonstrates how India is prioritizing on deployment of AI and its measurable impact on citizens, something that the world's tech leaders have recognised. Accenture Chair & CEO Julie Sweet says the summit comes at an opportune time when the Global South is playing an important role in positioning the future of AI. "I'm looking forward to joining leaders from around the world at the India AI Summit, especially at this time when the global south has such an important role to play in shaping AI's future. Thank you to Prime Minister Modi and the entire government and all the leaders who are participating. AI will define the next decade, changing how people work, how economies grow, and how societies thrive. To ensure those changes benefit everyone, we need bold leadership, deep collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility, with humans firmly in the lead. Governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to scale AI adoption safely and ensure widespread development of AI skills among our people and in our communities. Together, we can unlock AI's extraordinary potential for growth and human progress," she said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. One of the pillars of this summit is the democratisation of AI resources. This calls for promoting equitable access to foundational AI resources for inclusive innovation and sustainable development worldwide. Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm says that democratising access to AI is one of the key factors that will write the next chapter of AI growth. "This month, leaders from around the world will gather in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and I'm excited to be part of it. India isn't just participating in the global AI conversation. It's helping shape what comes next. AI's next chapter will be defined by how seamlessly it integrates into everyday life. Intelligence will be central to all computing devices, running on phones, PCs, cars, industrial machines, robots, and more. Understanding context as well as the physical world, responding instantly and delivering truly personal experiences. This evolution will redefine industries, productivity, creativity, and learning. Democratizing access to AI is essential and that requires more competitive and efficient technology for data centres and powerful on-device intelligence, alongside advanced networks such as 6G. For India, edge AI has unique potential, enabling real-time insights and driving scalable progress across agriculture, healthcare, education, and digital services, ensuring AI innovation benefits everyone, everywhere," he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. Another key pillar of this year's summit in India is positioning AI for economic development and social good. This involves, leveraging AI to enhance productivity, innovation, and inclusive development across economies and societies. David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, Amazon says Technology's greatest promise is realized when it solves real problems for real people. "Since 2010, Amazon has invested 40 billion dollars in India, supporting 2.8 million jobs and enabling 20 billion dollars in exports. We are committed to India's vision of being a Viksit Bharat and are investing an additional 35 billion dollars through 2030, a testament to our belief in India's potential as a global innovation hub. That potential is now being amplified by AI. The opportunity before us is extraordinary: to build technology that fundamentally expands what is possible for people and societies around the globe. Technology's greatest promise is realized when it solves real problems for real people: helping farmers increase crop yields, enabling small businesses to scale globally, and improving access to essential services. AI's true measure of success lies in the opportunities created, inequalities reduced, and lives improved worldwide. At Amazon, we have learned that the most impactful innovation happens when governments and industry collaborate to ensure AI serves everyone," he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. AI creates value only when it reaches people at scale. India's approach focuses on practical deployment across sectors to improve everyday life and public services. Giordano Albertazzi, CEO of Vertiv, says India's adoption of AI and its focus on innovation are setting an example. "India's rapid adoption of AI and focus on innovation is setting an example. The world is watching. At Vertiv, we're doubling down on our strong engineering and manufacturing investment in India. Our newest technologies are designed to support gigawatt-scale AI factories. I'm looking forward to joining the India AI Impact Summit to discuss the infrastructure, energy efficiency, and scalable ecosystems powering the next wave of AI growth. I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas and views with industry leaders and stakeholders on how we can together scale AI for the future of humanity," he said in a video posted by MeitY. India is one of the fastest-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) markets worldwide, projected to exceed USD 17 billion by 2027 according to a Boston Consulting Group report. It is backed by government support, around 800 million internet users, a strong STEM Education policy and scalable public digital infrastructure. With robust digital infrastructure, a young workforce, and progressive policies, the nation is well-positioned to leverage AI for inclusive growth. - ANI The AI-India Impact Summit in New Delhi positions India as a key global partner in fostering responsible AI development and deployment. The event emphasizes aligning technological advancement with inclusive growth, sustainable development, and scalable digital infrastructure. Top global CEOs highlight the critical convergence of AI with energy technology and its role as a catalyst for worldwide prosperity. A key focus is on transforming healthcare through AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine to democratize access across India. India hosts AI-Impact Summit, driving global cooperation for responsible AI, inclusive growth, and sustainable development with top CEOs. New Delhi, February 15 The AI-India Impact Summit that gets underway in the capital from Monday positions India as a convenor and partner in global AI cooperation, supporting shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions for public good. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. The summit has attracted significant high-level engagement, more than 40 global and Indian CEOs expected to participate. Olivier Blum, CEO, Schneider Electric looks forward to this year's summit, saying that it is critical for energy technology to work with AI to ensure scalability of digital infrastructure. "AI is accelerating faster than the energy systems it depends on. To sustain this momentum, we must make those systems more intelligent, efficient, and resilient so every watt goes further. That's the role of energy technology, where electrification, automation, and digitalisation work together with AI translating abundant data into intelligence," Blum said in a quote to MeitY. "In India, this convergence is critical as the country rapidly scales its digital infrastructure, integrates renewables, focuses on grid stability, and accelerates to become one of the top 3 world economies. At Schneider Electric, our mission is to be your energy technology partner, building energy systems that are hyper-efficient & resilient, turning operating data into true energy intelligence, advancing opportunity, and inclusive access to the benefits of the AI revolution," he added. The summit aims to work towards driving sustainable, resource-efficient AI systems that strengthen climate resilience and sustainability. In addition, it also looks to promote equitable access to foundational AI resources for inclusive innovation and sustainable development worldwide. Christian Klein, CEO & Chairman, SAP SE say AI is a catalyst for inclusive growth for communities across the world. "AI is not just a technological leap. It is a catalyst for inclusive growth and prosperity across communities worldwide. By combining trusted data with contextual AI, we can broaden access to innovation, empower people, and create opportunities that transcend borders," Klein said in a quote to MeitY. "Through the AI Impact Summit, India is leading efforts to democratise the development and deployment of AI, ensuring that innovation opportunities and benefits reach organisations across all sectors. SAP supports this vision and mission, and we believe that Business AI has immense potential to boost growth, resilience, and competitiveness. AI represents a once in a generation opportunity to transform productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life across India's digital economy. Its real impact will come not from standalone models, but from platform thinking, where intelligence is embedded into digital foundations and scaled responsibly across enterprises and ecosystems," Klein added. One of the key sectors that is seeing a transformation is Healthcare. The revolution of healthcare delivery in India is leveraging AI-powered diagnostics, telemedicine, and surveillance tools across both public and private sectors. AI-powered tools, adopted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's various national programmes, are democratising healthcare expertise across India. For example, these tools enable frontline workers to screen for TB and diabetic retinopathy while supporting 282 million telemedicine consultations nationwide. Roy Jakobs, President & CEO, Royal Philips says that in India the future of healthcare is designed to service the needs of the population and ensure improved health outcomes. "The future of healthcare in India is a connected and accessible network of virtual and in-person care, enabled by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and designed to meet the needs of a diverse population at scale. By leveraging interoperable digital health records alongside real-time and predictive insights, we can enable seamless collaboration across the patient journey - from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and long-term care. With trusted AI optimising workflows and improving system efficiency, healthcare professionals gain the time, clarity, and decision support to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate care. This future is shaped by innovation, responsible AI and access to data, as well as strong public-private collaboration. A future with people at the centre and improved health outcomes for India," Jacobs said in a quote to MeitY. India's approach through the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will focus on translating global discussions into development outcomes aligned with national priorities under the IndiaAI mission and Digital India Initiative. It will strengthen multilateral cooperation while advancing practical, people-centric AI frameworks relevant to India's governance, economy, and society. (ANI) - ANI The India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi positions India as a central platform for shaping the global AI agenda. Top tech CEOs commend India's digital infrastructure, human talent, and government support for harnessing AI's transformative power. The summit aims to move beyond discussion to create measurable outcomes for economic growth and social development. It emphasizes linking innovation with public purpose to ensure AI benefits all citizens, especially those with limited resources. Adobe, Kore.AI & Khosla Ventures CEOs praise India's role in AI for inclusive growth at the global India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. New Delhi . Februar, y 15 The India AI Impact Summit being held at the Bharat Mandapam from February 16-20 showcases India front and centre as a key player in Artificial Intelligence. 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. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen says India has led the way to show what is possible with the confluence of ambition and imagination. "India has always shown what's possible when imagination meets ambition. I commend Honourable Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of Electronics and IT for their visionary leadership in organizing the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit in the Global South. It reflects our shared commitment to harnessing the transformative power of AI to drive inclusive growth, unlock human potential, and create a sustainable future. At Adobe, we're proud to lead the way in developing commercially safe creative AI, supporting the vision of a Viksit Bharat and empowering everyone to create," he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. This year's Summit will serve as an impact-focused global platform, shaping AI into measurable outcomes across economies, aligning with the national vision of Welfare for All, Happiness of All and global principle of AI for Humanity. Raj Koneru, Founder & CEO Kore.AI says AI is more than transformation and India will play a pivotal role in this. "I've been a tech entrepreneur all my life, and I've never seen technology like AI before. We've seen the internet, we've seen the cloud, we've seen mobile, but AI is more than just transformation. It is going to change the way humans live. India has a pivotal role in this process. With its digital infrastructure, the enormous human talent, and a supportive government, it's going to provide AI to the entire world as time develops. We saw this early. About a dozen years ago, we built Kore.ai from India and brought a world-class AI platform to the world. I'm excited to be here at the India AI Summit, along with other business leaders and technology leaders, to learn and exchange ideas," he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. India's rapid adoption of AI is opening new pathways for innovation and inclusive growth across sectors. As technology evolves, India is advancing workforce readiness for an AI-driven economy while ensuring broad participation across regions and socio-economic groups. Vinod Khosla, Founder, Khosla Ventures says he looks forward to discussion on what AI service can do for Indian citizens. "The AI summit in India is going to be a really exciting opportunity to talk about the benefits of AI. AI is such a transformational opportunity, especially for the bottom half of the population that has very little access to the knowledge economy. It'll be most helpful to them and provide them services like healthcare services, education, and other things at their level, in their language. So it's such a large opportunity and I look forward to the discussion there about AI services and what it can do for the Indian population, especially those with the least resources today," he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 strengthens India's role as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. - ANI The Indian Navy successfully conducted a medical evacuation to save a critically ill Japanese national aboard a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship. The operation involved launching a Sea King helicopter to airlift the sailor approximately 200 kilometers from Visakhapatnam to a naval hospital. This event underscores the deepening defense and security cooperation within the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The relationship is further strengthened by historical cultural links and a growing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Navy airlifts critically ill Japanese sailor from ship near Visakhapatnam, showcasing strong India-Japan maritime cooperation. Jammu, February 15 The Indian Navy acted swiftly in an operation on Saturday to save a critically-ill Japanese national's life who was on board a ship at Visakhaptnam. In a post on X, PRO & Spokesperson, MoD, wrote, "Responding swiftly as a #FirstResponder and trusted GlobalSecurityPartner, #IndianNavy launched a Sea King helicopter on #14Feb to evacuate a critically ill Japanese sailor from a #JMSDF ship 200 km from #Visakhapatnam. The patient was safely airlifted to @IN_Dega and shifted to Naval Hospital Kalyani for medical aid. The #MEDEVAC operation reflects strong international Maritime cooperation between India and Japan." India and Japan share a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. Friendship between the two countries has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. The Shichifukujin or the seven lucky Gods of Japan have their roots in Hindu traditions. An early documented direct contact with Japan was with the Todaiji Temple in Nara, where the consecration or eye-opening of the towering statue of Lord Buddha was performed by an Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. In contemporary times, prominent Indians associated with Japan were Swami Vivekananda, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, entrepreneur JRD Tata, freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Rash Behari Bose and Justice Radha Binod Pal. The sole dissenting voice of Justice Radha Binod Pal at the War Crimes Tribunal struck a deep chord among the Japanese public, that continues to reverberate to this day. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru donated an Indian elephant to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo in 1949 which was greatly appreciated by the Japanese people. The Japan-India Association set up in 1903 is the oldest international friendship body in Japan. After World War-II, India did not attend the San Francisco Conference but decided to conclude a separate Peace Treaty with Japan on 28 April 1952, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations. Since then, the relations have matured over the years to cover a wide range of areas of cooperation including political, defense and security, economic, science and technology, education, cultural and people to people exchange. There is growing strategic convergence between the two countries. There is synergy between India's Act-East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision based on the principle of SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) on one hand, and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision on the other. Japan has agreed to lead cooperation on the Connectivity pillar of IPOI. Japan has also joined India led initiatives such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). India and Japan are also 1cooperating under Quad framework and India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). - ANI A popular seafood restaurant chain is looking to close more locations, two years after filing for bankruptcy. Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun told The Wall Street Journal that the casual-dining brand is reviewing its real-estate footprint and leases. In an effort to cut costs, the company could close dozens of restaurants this year, the publication said. Locations and an exact number of potential closures have not been announced. Red Lobster currently has about 518 restaurants in the U.S., including Upstate New York locations in Clay (Liverpool), Colonie (near Albany), Horseheads, Middletown, New Hartford (near Utica), Rochester, and Vestal (near Binghamton). The chain previously closed about 130 locations in 2024, including eight in Upstate New York, before emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy that year. Adamolekun told the WSJ that the company still needs to slim down, despite seeing an increase in visits and a 10% rise in sales from last year. Red Lobster laid off about 200 restaurant employees in late 2025, many of whom were managers, and cut 10% of its corporate staff. Adamolekun said sales still havent returned to pre-bankruptcy levels and upgrades are needed for some locations. Restaurant Business also notes Red Lobster doesnt own the land its restaurants are on; private equity firm Golden Gate Capital sold the chains real estate for $1.5 billion to finance its acquisition of Red Lobster in 2014. Red Lobster, beloved for its affordable menu featuring cheddary biscuits, was acquired out of bankruptcy in September 2024 by Fortress Investment Group. Adamolekun, a former chief executive of P.F. Changs, was named CEO of Red Lobster to lead the start of a new chapter in the company. The company has had a history of issues, including competition from other fast-casual chains and mismanagement, such as a $20 Endless Shrimp promotion in 2023 that lost millions of dollars. Reb Lobster isnt alone in its struggles. Other restaurants that have filed for bankruptcy or closed multiple locations in recent years include TGI Fridays, Dennys, Hooters, Wendys and Pizza Hut. Read the original article on syracuse.com. India is conducting one of its largest naval events, the International Fleet Review, in Visakhapatnam with participation from 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships. The concurrent Milan multilateral naval exercise has seen remarkable growth, now involving 65 navies from across the globe. The event features an International City Parade with foreign bands and contingents, and includes the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This showcase strengthens international naval cooperation and aligns with broader strategic maritime initiatives, with India set to host three major maritime events simultaneously in 2026. India hosts its largest International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam with 71 ships and Milan exercise with 65 navies, showcasing maritime strength. Visakhapatnam, February 15 The International Fleet Review, one of the largest naval events in independent India, is set to witness participation of 71 ships, including 19 foreign warships, with representation from 65 nations during the Milan exercise. Ahead of the mega maritime event, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, shared key details regarding the scale and preparations for the review. The IFR will be reviewed by the President at sea on February 18. A total of 71 ships will be participating in the event, arranged in six lines, including 19 foreign warships and 45 vessels from the Indian Navy. The remaining ships comprise the Coast Guard, Merchant Navy, and research vessels. The Milan exercises, which began in 1995 with just four countries, have now expanded to involve 65 navies worldwide. India is set to host Milan 2026 once again. As part of the IFR celebrations, an International City Parade will also take place along Visakhapatnam's Beach Road on the evening of February 19. Seven to eight foreign bands will also perform in the event, with 45 contingents participating in the parade. Notably, INS Vikrant has already arrived in Visakhapatnam and will be part of this grand IFR. India's IFR tradition began with the 2001 Mumbai edition, which hosted 20 foreign navies, and reached new heights with the 2016 Visakhapatnam IFR, which welcomed navies from around the world. Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla emphasised the scale and significance of this event in strengthening international naval cooperation and showcasing India's maritime capabilities. The mega event will mark a key step in operationalising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of MAHASAGAR, while highlighting India's indigenous naval capabilities and its commitment to being a Preferred Security Partner across regions. India will host three major international maritime events in Feb 2026 at Visakhapatnam, namely, the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs, scheduled to be conducted from 15 to 25 Feb 2026. This marks India's first simultaneous hosting of these major maritime events. - ANI The Union Cabinet has approved the 10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 to mobilize patient domestic capital for startups. Sanjeev Bikhchandani of FICCI hailed the move as transformative for India's entrepreneurial landscape, particularly for deep tech and innovative manufacturing. The scheme aims to address high-risk capital gaps and extend support beyond major cities to foster nationwide innovation. This follows the success of the first fund launched in 2016, which supported over 1,370 startups. FICCI's Sanjeev Bikhchandani hails the new Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0, a 10,000 crore corpus for patient domestic capital in deep tech and manufacturing. New Delhi, February 15 Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Chair of the FICCI Startup Committee and & Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Info Edge believes the new government fund is a major step for Indian startups. He argues that providing "patient domestic capital" will help founders build long-term businesses. He thinks this support is necessary for India to compete globally and grow its economy in many different regions. In a post shared by FICCI on X, Bikhchandani stated, "The approval of Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 is a transformative step for India's entrepreneurial landscape. With a 10,000 crore corpus dedicated to mobilising patient domestic capital, the initiative will capitalise deep tech breakthroughs, strengthen innovative manufacturing, and empower ambitious founders nationwide. It sends a powerful signal that India is committed to building globally competitive startups and sustaining long-term innovation-led economic growth across diverse sectors and emerging regions nationwide." This reaction follows the Union Cabinet's approval of the 10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. The government created this fund to help startups find the money they need to grow. It specifically targets deep tech, advanced manufacturing, and new founders. The main goal is to prevent good ideas from failing just because they cannot find early financial support. This new fund follows the first version of the scheme launched in 2016. The government noted that the original program successfully supported over 1,370 startups by committing its entire Rs 10,000 crore corpus to various investment funds. These funds then put more than Rs 25,500 crore into companies working in fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and space technology. The press release stated that the first phase "played a pivotal role in nurturing first-time founders" and helped build a "strong foundation for India's venture capital ecosystem." One of the main goals of the 2.0 version is to support high-tech areas that take a long time to develop. The government wants to provide "patient, long-term capital" for breakthroughs in deep tech and innovative manufacturing. By focusing on these difficult sectors, the scheme aims to address "high-risk capital gaps" that are often ignored by private investors but are necessary for the country to become more self-reliant. The fund is also intended to reach beyond big cities like Bengaluru or Delhi. The government wants to encourage investment in every part of the country so that innovation can thrive anywhere. According to the statement released by the cabinet yesterday, the scheme is "designed to accelerate the next phase of India's startup journey by mobilising long-term domestic capital" and reducing the country's dependence on foreign investment. Since 2016, the number of recognised startups in India has grown from fewer than 500 to more than 2 lakh. The government believes this new injection of capital will help maintain that momentum. The release concluded that the fund will contribute to "strengthening India's economic resilience, boosting manufacturing capabilities, and generating high-quality jobs" as part of the broader national goal to become a developed nation by 2047. - ANI French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting India to attend the AI Impact Summit and hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A central pillar of the visit is the formal launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at boosting collaboration in research and technology. The reciprocal participation in each other's flagship AI summits is highlighted as a sign of deep trust and close policy coordination. The visit underscores the steadily deepening strategic partnership between the two nations across defence, space, and critical emerging technologies. French President Macron visits India for the AI Impact Summit, meets PM Modi to launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, strengthening strategic ties. New Delhi, February 15 French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India on February 17 to attend the AI Impact Summit, hold bilateral engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and formally launch the India-France Year of Innovation, marking another significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the French Embassy in India, the visit comes a year after Prime Minister Modi travelled to France in 2025, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit alongside President Macron. The reciprocal participation in each other's flagship AI summits reflects the deep trust and close policy coordination between New Delhi and Paris, particularly in emerging and critical technologies. In an X post, the French Embassy in India said, "This visit comes a year after PM @NarendraModi's 2025 France visit, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit. Reciprocal invitations to each other's AI Summits underline the deep trust in the France-India partnership." Acccording to the French Embassy in India, the upcoming engagements aim to translate shared ambitions on artificial intelligence into concrete outcomes. Both leaders are expected to discuss measures to harness AI for the "common good", reflecting a shared emphasis on ethical governance, inclusive innovation and responsible deployment of advanced technologies. A key highlight of the visit will be the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, a cross-sectoral initiative designed to strengthen collaboration in scientific knowledge, research & innovation, and build on long-standing bilateral relations, the French Embassy in India said. In a broader geopolitical context, President Macron's visit also reaffirms both countries' commitment to strategic autonomy and multilateralism, the French Embassy said. French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on February 16 during his upcoming visit, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17, the External Affairs Ministry said. Following their meeting, PM Modi and the French President will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. According to the MEA, in Mumbai, the two leaders will exchange Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) followed by a press statement. The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace will host an India-France Innovation Forum, followed by the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Madame Brigitte Macron will visit Mumbai and Delhi during their visit to India from February 16-19, the ministry said. 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. This will mark French President Macron's fourth visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, signalling sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. 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 relations. Meanwhile, the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit, the first-ever global AI Summit to be hosted in the Global South, from February 16 to 20, will be anchored in three guiding "sutras" of People, Planet and Progress and structured around seven key "chakras," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. - ANI The Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore is hosting its grand Mahashivratri 2026 celebrations, which will be livestreamed globally with sign language interpretation for accessibility. The event, themed "Ganga," will be available in 23 languages and feature guided meditations by Sadhguru, including the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam. A lineup of renowned artists and performers is scheduled to provide vibrant music and dance throughout the night-long event. Distinguished dignitaries, including Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, are expected to attend as chief guests. Watch Isha Mahashivratri 2026 live from Coimbatore. Global livestream with sign language, 23 languages, guided meditations, and star performances. Coimbatore, February 15 The grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore will be livestreamed globally with sign language interpretation, making the event accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The livestream that starts at 6 pm today will continue till 6 am tomorrow. It will also be available in 23 Indian and international languages, enabling people from around the world to participate in this night of immense spiritual significance, as per the press release. The event will be streamed through LIVE satellite feeds in 23 languages - in English, 11 Indian languages - Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Assamese, Odia, Kannada, Bangla, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and 11 foreign languages - Nepali, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Italian, Romanian, Arabic, Indonesian and Vietnamese. The Chief Guest for Isha Mahashivratri 2026 will be Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Other distinguished dignitaries expected to attend include Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Several other dignitaries, spiritual leaders and artists from across the country are also slated to be part of the mega celebration. Themed "Ganga", this year's Mahashivratri will focus on the spiritual, cultural and ecological significance of the sacred river. The night-long event will feature powerful meditations guided by Sadhguru, vibrant music and dance performances, and live acts by leading Indian artists. Renowned performers scheduled to take the stage include Aditya Gadhvi and Prashant Sonagra. Collaborations with Sounds of Isha (SOI) will see performances by Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Harish Sagane and Dhol Tasha. Swagat Rathod, Prithvi Gandharv, Aishwarya Nigam and Deepali Sahay will also join Sounds of Isha for special musical offerings. Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for devotees to deepen their connection with Yogeshwara Linga. Millions of people from all over the world registered for the free offering, as per the press release. - ANI Israeli forces killed a Palestinian militant in northern Gaza who was said to have crossed a demarcation line and posed an immediate threat. Concurrently, the Palestinian Minister of Social Development stated that approximately 85% of Gaza's population requires emergency relief, with needs surging dramatically since the war. Humanitarian aid shipments into the enclave are reported to be at only about 43% of the planned total since the ceasefire began. Officials and NGOs warn that ongoing Israeli restrictions are severely limiting the entry of essential supplies like food and medicine, with current medical supplies meeting just 10% of the demand. IDF kills militant near ceasefire line as Palestinian minister reports 85% of Gaza needs emergency aid amid severe supply restrictions. Jerusalem, Feb 15 The Israel Defense Forces has said that its forces killed a Palestinian militant in northern Gaza. The troops identified and subsequently killed a militant who crossed the Yellow Line, which marks Israeli-controlled areas under the ceasefire, approaching them and posing an immediate threat, the IDF said in a statement on Saturday (local time). "IDF troops in the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat," it said. Several other Palestinians were wounded earlier Saturday by Israeli forces in southern and central Gaza during building demolitions, Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported. Also on Saturday, Palestinian Minister of Social Development Samah Hamad said that about 85 per cent of the population in Gaza is in need of emergency relief and recovery support, reports Xinhua news agency. The number of families in need in the enclave has surged from 86,000 before the war to about 320,000 at present, Hamad told reporters in Ramallah. "The situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly difficult, and the main reason is the Israeli occupation's refusal to allow the entry of essential supplies needed by the Strip's residents," Hamad said. She said that her ministry is coordinating with international and UN bodies to secure financial support and pressure Israel to allow the entry of food, medicine, and other necessities. The Hamas-run Gaza media office said Tuesday that 31,178 trucks had entered the enclave since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, out of a planned total of 72,000. In a statement, the office said that the shipments, including humanitarian aid, commercial supplies, and fuel, represented a compliance rate of about 43 per cent. Meanwhile, Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, told Xinhua that humanitarian assistance is declining due to ongoing Israeli restrictions and obstacles facing international organisations. He added that the volume of assistance entering the enclave remains far below actual needs, with medical supplies currently meeting only around 10 per cent of demand. - IANS A 'March for Unity' was organized in Kupwara district by civil society to honor the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Participants, including children, carried placards and raised slogans condemning terrorism while expressing solidarity with the fallen soldiers. A speaker stated the rally aimed to share the nation's sorrow and promote harmony, while another condemned Pakistan for the attack and vowed a strong response. The event coincided with wreath-laying ceremonies held elsewhere in Pulwama to pay tribute to the martyrs. Civil society in Kupwara holds a 'March for Unity' to honor the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, promoting peace and condemning terrorism. Kupwara, February 15 A 'March for Unity' was organised by the civil society of Trehgam in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district in a heartfelt tribute to the 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel who lost their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Children also participated in the march held on Saturday to express solidarity and remembrance of the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the attack. Residents gathered to honour the fallen security personnel and to send out a message of peace and unity. Participants carried placards and raised slogans condemning terrorism. Bilawal Ahmed, who took part in the march, said the rally aimed to express shared grief and promote harmony. "The aim of this rally is to show that we share the sorrow of the Pulwama attack. We are against this. Our message is to live with peace," he said. Another member of the civil society said that February 14 is observed as a "Black Day" in memory of the attack and condemned Pakistan for what he termed a "cowardly act". "Everyone knows that on February 14, 2019, Pakistan did a cowardly act. Today we are remembering a Black Day for that. The purpose of gathering here is that whatever cowardly acts of Pakistan come in front of us, we will be ready to give a befitting reply to them. Pakistan should forget about Kashmir," the member said. Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks when as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on February 14, 2019. The convoy comprised 78 buses, carrying approximately 2,500 personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was caused by a suicide bomber. Earlier, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Lethpora in Pulwama to pay tribute to 40 CRPF personnel. Senior officials of the CRPF, civil administration, and security forces paid tributes to the jawans. - ANI External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the second day of the Munich Security Conference 2026. He met with German parliamentary leader Jens Spahn and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Toiu to review and deepen bilateral ties. Jaishankar also engaged with G7 Foreign Ministers, reiterating India's support for UN reform and outlining its role in safeguarding global maritime security and infrastructure. His engagements began with a roundtable highlighting India's dynamic foreign policy and the strategic importance of pending trade deals with the EU and the US. EAM S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with German, Romanian, Canadian, Japanese & French counterparts at MSC 2026, focusing on global security & trade. Munich, February 15 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of high-level engagements on the second day of the Munich Security Conference, reviewing bilateral ties and exchanging views on pressing global developments. In a post on X on Sunday, Jaishankar said he appreciated his conversation with Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026. He described the interaction as a valuable opportunity to present perspectives and exchange views on key international issues at the 2026 edition of the global security conference. In the X post, EAM said, "Appreciated the conversation with Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of @MunSecConf #MunichSecurityConference2026, provided a good opportunity to present views and exchange perspectives." Beginning Day 2 of the conference, the minister met with Jens Spahn, Parliamentary Group Leader of the CDU/CSU. Jaishankar appreciated their support for deepening India-Germany relations and said discussions also covered contemporary global developments. In an X post, EAM said, "Started Day 2 at MSC, meeting with the leader of the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag, @jensspahn, and his team. Appreciate their support to the deepening India-Germany relations. Also exchanged views on contemporary global developments." The CDU/CSU, known as "the Union," is Germany's dominant centre-right political alliance, consisting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU). He also held talks with Romania's foreign minister, Oana-Silvia Toiu. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to work towards fully realising the potential of India-Romania cooperation. In an X post, Jaishankar said," A good meeting with FM Oana-Silvia Toiu of Romania. @oana_toiu. Reviewed our bilateral ties and agreed to realise our potential more fully." External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met with G7 Foreign Ministers and their global counterparts at the Munich Security Conference 2026, reiterating India's support for the UN80 agenda and underscoring New Delhi's role in safeguarding global security. The UN@80 agenda focuses on transforming the organisation to be more "agile, integrated, and equipped" for modern challenges. Key pillars include structural/financial overhauls, strengthening multilateralism, advancing the SDGs, and addressing AI governance and climate change. The initiative emphasises "Better Together" to enhance efficiency, with 90+ actions focusing on mandate implementation and program realignment. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to engage with G7 Foreign Ministers today at @MunSecConf. Reiterated India's support of the UN@80 agenda, particularly meaningful reform of the UN Security Council." He added, "Emphasised our role in safeguarding sea lines of communication, serving as a first responder, strengthening port security, and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure." He also emphasised India's role in safeguarding the sea lines of communication, acting as a first responder in crises, strengthening port security, and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure. "Our conversation brought out the many convergences and shared interests between India and the G7", he said further. Jaishankar began his Munich Security Conference 2026 engagements with a roundtable hosted by the Ananta Aspen Centre titled 'Delhi Decides: Mapping India's Policy Calculus'. In an X post, Jaishankar said, "Started my @MunSecConf 2026 engagements with @AnantaAspen's Roundtable 'Delhi Decides: Mapping India's Policy Calculus.' Highlighted the importance of a nimble and dynamic foreign policy to meet the demands of multipolarity.Noted the significance of the India-EU FTA and the India-US trade deal in that regard." He highlighted the importance of a nimble, dynamic foreign policy to address the demands of an increasingly multipolar world, noting the significance of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-US trade deal. On the sidelines of the conference, Jaishankar also met with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, describing his interaction with the latter as a "great catch-up" at the start of the conference. Sunday will be the last day of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 13 to 15, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and the Rosewood Munich. Led by MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, the conference brings together hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders from around the world to address pressing security challenges. Nearly 50 Heads of State and Government confirmed their participation in MSC 2026, including leaders from most European countries and a large delegation from the German Federal Government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to the MSC website, discussions this year took place against the backdrop of mounting instability, questions over longstanding alliances, and an erosion of the rules-based international order. Key topics included European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, revitalisation of multilateralism, competing visions of global order, regional conflicts, and the security implications of technological advances. The conference continued to operate under the "Munich Rule," which encouraged constructive engagement and dialogue on global security issues. - ANI The Jana Sena party, led by Pawan Kalyan, has won its first two municipal council seats in Telangana, marking its electoral entry into the state where it was originally founded. The party contested over 300 seats independently after the BJP decided against an alliance. While the wins are modest, party leaders highlight that Jana Sena candidates secured second or third place in dozens of other wards. The elections were shadowed by controversy, as Pawan Kalyan's cancelled campaign trip followed demands for an apology from Telangana leaders over his past remarks about the state. Pawan Kalyan says Jana Sena's municipal election wins in Telangana lay a foundation for the party's future, despite campaign controversy. Hyderabad, Feb 15 By winning two seats in municipal elections in Telangana, the Jana Sena has taken the first step in the land where it took birth, party President and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said on Sunday. He congratulated Aruri Vijayalakshmi and Aggu Sagar, who were elected as a councillor and a corporator, respectively. The Jana Sena, which contested 332 seats in the recently held elections, won a seat each in a municipality and a corporation. Vijayalakshmi has been elected from one of the wards in Nereducharla Municipality in Nalgonda district. Aggu Sagar has been elected as a corporator in Mancherial Municipal Corporation. Pawan Kalyan said they laid a foundation for a strong future of the party in Telangana, noting that even a big tree grows from a tiny seed. According to Jana Sena's Telangana unit leaders, the party candidates came second in five places and third in 47 wards. They said the Jana Sena outperformed all or one of the top three parties in 16 per cent (54) of contested wards. Ruling Congress, and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the top three parties in Telangana. Jana Sena is a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party led by the actor-politician is sharing power with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the BJP in Andhra Pradesh. The Jana Sena fielded the candidates in Telangana municipal elections on its own after the BJP made it clear that it would not have an alliance with any party. Contesting wards in 11 districts, the maximum number of candidates fielded by the party was 48 in Nizamabad district, followed by 46 in Nalgonda, 44 in Mahabubnagar, and 39 in Adilabad. Elections for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in Telangana were held on February 11. Jana Sena had announced that Pawan Kalyan will campaign for Jana Sena and BJP candidates on February 7 and 8. However, the visit was cancelled. While the sources in Jana Sena said that it was cancelled because of a minor health issue, it triggered speculation that it could be because of some remarks made by Pawan Kalyan about Telangana in December last year. Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy had warned that Pawan Kalyan's movies would not be allowed to be released in theatres in Telangana if he failedto apologise over his "insulting" remarks about Telangana. The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister had blamed the "evil eye" for "dying" coconut trees in the development of the Konaseema region, known for lush green fields. He was apparently referring to the bifurcation of the state. Leaders of different parties in Telangana had demanded an apology from Pawan Kalyan. The Jana Sena had said that the statement of its leader was distorted. - IANS The mortal remains of 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, Kerala's youngest organ donor, were brought to her home in Mallappally. Following a tragic road accident, she was declared brain-dead, and her parents consented to donate her organs, which saved five other patients. Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Health Minister Veena George paid their respects at her funeral service. Actor Kamal Haasan publicly saluted the parents for their courageous and life-giving decision. The mortal remains of 10-month-old organ donor Alin Sherin Abraham were brought home. Her donation gave new life to five recipients. Pathanamthitta, February 15 The mortal remains of 10-month-old organ donor Alin Sherin Abraham were brought to her home in Mallappally on Sunday. A large number of family members, relatives, and locals gathered to pay their respects ahead of the funeral. Following a public viewing of her mortal remains at the residence, the remains of the young donor were then taken to the St. Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally for the funeral service. Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Health Minister Veena George visited the St. Thomas CSI Church to pay their last respects to Alin Sherin, honouring the infant's extraordinary contribution as an organ donor. The baby had become Kerala's youngest organ donor by giving new life to five recipients after being declared brain-dead at the hospital. Her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, made the decision to donate her organs. The infant's liver, two kidneys, heart valve and corneas were donated. A six-month-old baby undergoing treatment received the liver, becoming the youngest in the state to undergo a posthumous liver transplant. The kidneys were allocated to another child, while the heart valve and corneas were also transplanted to patients in need. Alin suffered brain death following a road accident on February 5 at Pallam Borma junction in Pathanamthitta district, where a car coming from the opposite direction collided with their vehicle. She sustained severe injuries, and her mother and grandparents were also critically hurt. After initial treatment in Changanassery and Tiruvalla, the child was shifted to Kochi, where she was declared brain-dead on February 13. The family consented to organ donation soon after. The organs were transported from the hospital to various medical centres in Thiruvananthapuram under the coordination of KNOS (Kerala Network for Organ Sharing), with support from the Home Department. Following the incident, actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan paid tribute to the deceased child, stating that the state's youngest donor, through her extraordinary contribution, will help five other babies live better lives. "Salute you, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John. Our baby, Alin Sherin Abraham, lived for months within her mother, and ten months embraced by her parents' boundless love. Now, she will help five other babies live better lives. By mindset and by heart, you are - and will always remain - loving parents. Please retrieve your happiness through life. You both truly deserve it.Dear Sherin and Arun, Yours, Kamal Haasan," said Haasan on Facebook. - ANI The Kerala Police accorded a Guard of Honour to 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, the state's youngest organ donor, in a moving tribute. Her parents consented to donate her organs after she was declared brain-dead following a tragic road accident. The infant's liver, kidneys, heart valve, and corneas were transplanted, saving the lives of five recipients, including a six-month-old baby. Health Minister Veena George and Union Minister Suresh Gopi paid their respects, calling the family's decision a powerful message to society. Kerala Police accorded a Guard of Honour to 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, the state's youngest organ donor, whose organs saved five lives. Pathanamthitta, February 15 Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday stated that the Kerala Police has accorded a Guard of Honour to 10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, the state's youngest organ donor, whose selfless contribution saved the lives of five people. Speaking to ANI, the Kerala Health Minister said that such an act filled with love and care for humanity is a model for many others. "So, from the depths of their grief and their sorrow. So it is, it is quite, quite, I don't know how to describe that. It's such an active expression of love and care for humanity, serving as a model for many others. The parents decided to donate the organs, and Alan, their little daughter, became the youngest organ donor in the state. The state has decided to give the honour, Guard of Honour, to the little child. Now, the police have just given the Guard of Honour for the state as the state's honour, and the Honourable Chief Minister has called the family and expressed his condolences," said George. The Kerala Health Minister further expressed that this is an honour for the entire government. "This is an honour of the entire government. As a representative of the state government, I am here today for the funeral, and once again, I'm expressing my deep condolences to the entire grieving family and to Arun and Sharon. They are really, really, they are giving a strong message to society," added George. Earlier, the mortal remains of 10-month-old organ donor Alin Sherin Abraham were brought to her home in Mallappally on Sunday. A large number of family members, relatives, and locals gathered to pay their respects ahead of the funeral. Following a public viewing of her mortal remains at the residence, the remains of the young donor were then taken to the St. Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally for the funeral service. Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Health Minister Veena George visited the St. Thomas CSI Church to pay their last respects to Alin Sherin, honouring the infant's extraordinary contribution as an organ donor. Alin suffered brain death following a road accident on February 5 at Pallam Borma junction in Pathanamthitta district, where a car coming from the opposite direction collided with their vehicle. She sustained severe injuries, and her mother and grandparents were also critically hurt. After initial treatment in Changanassery and Tiruvalla, the child was shifted to Kochi, where she was declared brain-dead on February 13. The family consented to organ donation soon after. Her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, made the decision to donate her organs. The infant's liver, two kidneys, heart valve and corneas were donated. A six-month-old baby undergoing treatment received the liver, becoming the youngest in the state to undergo a posthumous liver transplant. The kidneys were allocated to another child, while the heart valve and corneas were also transplanted to patients in need. The baby had become Kerala's youngest organ donor by giving new life to five recipients after being declared brain-dead at the hospital. - ANI The question came to Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of French oil giant TotalEnergies, at a news conference in the Middle East: Would Total, one of the seven largest oil companies in the world, be interested in investing in the rejuvenation of Venezuela's struggling, decaying oil industry? Apparently, Pouyanne wasted little time in answering. He was in no rush, he said. The company once had operations in Venezuela since the 1990s. The challenges were great, andthe assets were ultimately taken over by the Venezuelan government in 2022. Pouyanne isn't game to try again. The challenges of Venezuelan oil Besides, Venezuela's oil industry suffered from multiple problems, despite the fact that the country has some of the biggest oil reserves in the world. Venezuela's oil is difficult to work with . It is thick and needs additives to make it easy to refine. The oil is heavy in sulfur , for the most part. That is, the oil contains more than 1% sulfur, enough to cause corrosion, poison refinery catalysts and air pollution. To meet environmental standards in many of Total's markets would require a new layer of refining and expense. Bribery and theft have been endemic. Related: Exxon CEO's stark message unfolds as US officials land in Caracas Just to make refined Venezuelan products saleable in much of the world would require immediate investments of $100 billion, maybe more, just to start growing the country's production again. $100 billion was the investment level President Trump was looking for. And it would take years to get production up from 1 million barrels of oil now to, say, 3 million barrels, Pouyanne said in Abu Dhabi. Total is a big oil company, with oil and gas production in Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and North Africa. Revenue in 2025 was $182.3 billion for the Paris-based company, down slightly from a year earlier. Net income of $13.1 billion was off 17% from 2024. It is a consumer-facing company; its service stations are a familiar sight across Europe and Asia. It's big in motorsports, sponsoring teams in Formula 1 and 2, for example. TotalEnergies is an oil supermajor with little interest in operating in Venezuela again.Getty Images Getty Images Sometimes, it's better to look elsewhere Oil companies have to produce fuel and lubricants and absorb huge amounts of criticism from environmental groups, activists and the like. And Total, Pouyanne knew, had concluded it was better to look for oil reserves that weren't heavy, didn't have much sulfur if any and allowed for lower production costs and much smaller environmental impacts. Related: Ryan Detrick signals stock market green light for bulls When Total pulled out of Venezuela in 2022, Pouyanne said in Abu Dhabi, working in the country "clashed with our strategy. It was too expensive and too polluting." And he added, "That is still the case." Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony for Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. The participation underscores the deep friendship and shared democratic values between the two neighbouring nations. The BNP has acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message on their electoral victory and expressed a commitment to advancing bilateral relations. The ceremony has invited leaders from several countries, including China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's new government led by Tarique Rahman, highlighting bilateral ties. Dhaka, February 15 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, in Dhaka on February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday. The Speaker's participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, the MEA statement read.. As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate from the people. The representation comes as the newly elected government of Bangladesh is set to take oath on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported. According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, Prothom Alo reported. Ahead of the ceremony, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited. He underscored the party's inclusive foreign policy vision, "friends to all, malice to none". Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan said, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us." Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none." Meanwhile, the BNP acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections earlier this month. In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi's message and recognition of its leadership. "Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process." The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens." Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP's electoral triumph. In his message posted on X, PM Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate. "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. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78" The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift as the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Voter turnout was around 59%, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. The results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Maha Shivratri celebrations at Coimbatore's Adiyogi Statue, drawing a profound parallel between Lord Shiva and the Indian Armed Forces. He stated that just as Shiva embodies both protection and destruction, the military combines fearlessness with profound patience. Singh emphasized that a fearless society, not one built on fear, is essential for long-term national security. He cited the armed forces' humanitarian aid and precise strikes, like Operation Sindoor, as reflections of Shiva's dual nature. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh draws a parallel between Lord Shiva's duality and the Indian military's fearlessness and patience during Mahashivratri in Coimbatore. Coimbatore, February 15 Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday drew a profound parallel between Lord Shiva and the Indian Armed Forces at the Maha Shivratri Celebration Programme, which was held at the Adiyogi Shiva Statue in Coimbatore. During the Mahashivratri celebrations, the Union Defence Minister remarked that just as Lord Shiva embodies the dual nature of protection and destruction, India's armed forces today personify both fearlessness and profound patience. Singh highlighted that, when required, the forces act with the intensity of Rudra, as demonstrated in strategic missions like Operation Sindoor, to safeguard the nation's integrity. He further asserted that a society built on fear can never achieve true, long-term security, emphasising that only a fearless society can build a truly strong nation. "...A fear-based society can never be truly secure in the long term. Only a fearless society can build a strong nation. This fearlessness does not come from physical strength; it comes from the spiritual core. Just as Lord Shiva embodies both protection and destruction, our armed forces today carry within themselves both fearlessness and patience," Singh said. He further noted that while the military provides compassionate humanitarian assistance in times of crisis, reflecting the benevolent spirit of Shiva, they also possess the resolve to execute precise strikes when necessary. "On one hand, they provide humanitarian assistance with the spirit of Shiva during times of crisis; on the other hand, when necessary, they execute operations like Operation Sindoor with the intensity of Rudra..." the Defence Minister added. Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister attended the 33rd Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation's Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore as the guest of honour. He described the occasion as a "special and spiritual experience." In his address, the Defence Minister called Lord Shiva "the beginning, eternal and infinite" and reflected on the significance of the Vellangiri Hills, known as the Kailasa of the South. "Being here among all of you on the occasion of Mahashivratri is truly a special and spiritual experience of my life. I bow to Adiyogi Shiva and extend my respectful greetings to all the devotees here. Lord Shiva is the beginning, eternal and infinite... He is the truth, and whatever is true is Shiva. It is believed that these Vellangiri Hills are the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, known as the Kailasha of the South...," the Defence Minister said. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Devotees gathered in large numbers at Shiva temples across Delhi, including Gauri Shankar Temple and Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir, to offer prayers for Mahashivaratri. In Prayagraj, massive crowds arrived at the Sangam for the holy Mahashivaratri snan, which marks the last major bathing day of the Magh Mela. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj stated that around 10 lakh devotees had already taken the holy dip, with strict security measures implemented by the administration. The festival, celebrating the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is observed nationwide with fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils. Mahashivaratri sees massive gatherings at Shiva temples in Delhi, Prayagraj, and nationwide. Devotees offer prayers and take holy dips during Magh Mela. New Delhi, February 15 On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, devotees gathered in large numbers at Lord Shiva's temples across the national capital to offer prayers. At the Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk, long queues of devotees were observed waiting for darshan. Aarti was also performed at Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir in Chhatarpur, while devotees offered prayers at Baba Vishweshwar Nath Temple. Speaking to ANI, a devotee expressed happiness after offering prayers, saying, "I am feeling very blessed after offering prayers at the temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. The arrangements that have been made at the temple are very good." Similar sentiments were echoed by another devotee, who appreciated the temple arrangements and said he felt fortunate to mark the festival with prayers. "I am feeling very blessed after offering prayers at the temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. The arrangements that have been made at the temple are very good," he told ANI. In addition to New Delhi, devotee gatherings were observed in other parts of the country, including Kali Paltan Mandir in Meerut and Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh, where devotees thronged the temples to celebrate the festival. In Prayagraj, devotees turned up in large numbers at the Sangam ghats on Sunday to take part in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela. The administration has implemented strict security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrol squads actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to arrive for the sacred dip. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said that Mahashivaratri marks the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, drawing a massive influx of devotees. He informed that around 10 lakh people have already taken the holy dip so far. "Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip so far. The administration has made proper arrangements," Rishi Raj told ANI. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu unveiled the teaser for the mythological action epic 'World of Nagabandham' on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The dialogue-free teaser presents a grand visual spectacle set in the 1750s, featuring sweeping landscapes, temple corridors, and large-scale battles. The film stars Virat Karrna in multiple intense roles, including a Lord Shiva-inspired look, alongside Nabha Natesh and Jagapathi Babu. Directed by Abhishek Nama, the Pan-India project is slated for a multi-language release in Summer 2026. Mahesh Babu unveils the teaser for 'World of Nagabandham,' a grand mythological action film set for a Pan-India Summer 2026 release. Hyderabad, February 15 On the occassion of Mahashivaratri, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu unveiled the teaser of 'World of Nagabandham', a visually expansive, dialogue-free spectacle that blends Indian mythology with historical action. Released on Sunday, the teaser introduces audiences to a mystical world rooted in temple legends and sacred traditions. Opening with sweeping, atmospheric shots of the Himalayas, the video transitions into haunting temple corridors, establishing a tone steeped in devotion and mystery. Mounted on a grand scale, the teaser relies purely on imagery, high-end visual effects and meticulous period detailing set in the 1750s. A devotionally charged musical score by Junaid Kumar underlines the visual narrative, amplifying the spiritual undertones. Striking imagery includes a majestic cobra coiled around a hidden treasure, a symbolic nod to the titular Nagabandham ritual. Large-scale battle sequences further hint at an action-driven storyline. Actor Virat Karrna is showcased in multiple intense avatars throughout the teaser, culminating in a ferocious transformation into a Lord Shiva-inspired look. The project also stars Nabha Natesh, Ishwarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and Jagapathi Babu. Directed by Abhishek Nama, the film is positioned as a Pan-India action drama. International action experts, including Kecha Khamphakdee, have been roped in to design the film's combat sequences. Presented by Lakshmi Ira and Devansh Nama, and produced by Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Annapureddy under Abhishek Pictures and NIK Studios, 'World of Nagabandham' is slated for a Summer 2026 release across Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. - ANI Mahashivratri was celebrated with immense devotion across India, drawing lakhs of devotees to major Shiva temples from the early hours. Special rituals, night-long prayers, and holy dips marked the occasion, with significant crowds at Baba Baidyanath Dham, Kashi Vishwanath, and Mahakaleshwar Temple. The festival coincided with the final bathing day of the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where nearly 10 lakh devotees took a holy dip. Authorities made extensive security and crowd management arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and proceedings at all major pilgrimage sites. Mahashivratri sees lakhs of devotees at Shiva temples like Baidyanath Dham, Kashi Vishwanath, and Mahakaleshwar for night-long prayers and holy dips. New Delhi, Feb 15 Mahashivratri was celebrated with immense devotion and spiritual fervour across the country as lakhs of devotees thronged prominent Shiva temples from the early hours on Sunday. Long queues, special rituals, night-long prayers and holy dips marked the auspicious occasion, with elaborate security and administrative arrangements put in place to ensure smooth darshan and crowd management at major pilgrimage sites. In Jharkhand, devotees thronged the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple. Since early morning, long queues of worshippers were seen waiting patiently for darshan. "Today marks the sacred day of Mahashivratri, which coincides with the 13th day of Chaturdashi. Devotees celebrate the auspicious wedding of Baba Baidyanath and Mata Parvati," a priest told IANS, adding that a grand night procession at Baidyanath Dham attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In Maharashtra, devotees gathered at the historic Aundha Nagnath Temple to seek darshan of Lord Nageshwar and participate in special rituals performed on the auspicious occasion. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, large crowds assembled at the Sangam ghats in Prayagraj for the final bathing day of the Magh Mela, which coincided with Mahashivratri. Magh Mela Officer Rishi Raj stated that nearly 10 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip since last night. Devotees also flocked to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi for Baba Vishwanath's darshan. One devotee said, "We had arrived at midnight and received darshan between 4:30 and 5:00 A.M." DCP Gaurav Banswal said, "Lakhs of devotees have arrived, and arrangements have been made to facilitate their darshan. Due to the large crowd, queues have been organised to ensure orderly darshan. Barricades have been set up along the ghats, and supervision is being carried out from boats." Officials ensured elaborate arrangements to manage the massive turnout. SDM Shambhu Sharan said, "There is great enthusiasm among the people of Kashi for the festival. Since early morning, devotees have been standing in long queues at the courtyard of Baba Vishwanath to offer their prayers and seek darshan." In Madhya Pradesh, the sacred Bhasma Aarti was performed at the renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain amid chants and rituals. A priest said, "In the courtyard of Baba Mahakal, the celebrations of Shiv Navratri and Mahashivratri is being celebrated with great devotion..." At Raisen Fort, Tehsildar Bharat Mandare informed that the gates of Someshwar and Mahadev temples were opened at 6 A.M. under administrative supervision to facilitate smooth darshan. "On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, the gates of Someshwar and Mahadev at the Raisen Fort were opened at around 6 A.M. under the supervision of the administration. The administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings and to prevent any inconvenience to the devotees," he said. In Rajasthan, a large number of devotees visited the Saipau Mahadev Temple to offer prayers. Mahashivaratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is marked to honour the deity Shiva, commemorate the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Across states, the festival was marked by devotion, elaborate security arrangements and spiritual enthusiasm as devotees celebrated the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri. - IANS Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta celebrated Mahashivratri by offering prayers at the ancient Shri Amarkh Mahadev Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan. She described the festival as an opportunity for spiritual awakening and consciousness of Lord Shiva. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Delhi cabinet ministers and local BJP leaders during the visit. The festival is being observed across India with night-long prayers, rituals, and large gatherings at major Shiva temples. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta visited the Amarkh Mahadev Temple in Udaipur for Mahashivratri, praying for blessings upon Delhi and the nation. Udaipur, Feb 15 On the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered prayers at Amarkh Mahadev Temple in Rajasthan's Udaipur, calling the festival an opportunity for "awakening of Shiva-consciousness within the soul". Taking to X, CM Gupta said: "On the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri, I was blessed to perform the worship and rituals of Devadhidev Mahadev at the ancient Shri Amarkh Mahadev Temple located in Amberi, Udaipur. This sacred site has been a living centre of austerity, detachment, and Shiva consciousness for centuries." "This holy festival of Mahashivratri is an opportunity for the awakening of Shiva-consciousness within the soul. Shiva is the void, Shiva is the infinite, and Shiva is the very foundation from which the flow of creation, balance, and transformation begins," she added. The Chief Minister was joined by the Delhi Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood and Ravindra Indraj, as well as MLA Anil Sharma, along with other BJP leaders from Rajasthan. "I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev that His blessings continue to remain upon Delhi and all the people of the country, and that He grants us all the strength to remain steadfast on the path of service and the welfare of humanity," CM Gupta said, adding, "Heartfelt Mahashivratri greetings to all of you. Har Har Mahadev." Mahashivratri, regarded as one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, is observed in reverence to Lord Shiva and commemorates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is being celebrated across the country with deep devotion and spiritual enthusiasm, as lakhs of devotees began arriving at prominent Shiva temples from the early hours of Sunday. Long queues of worshippers, special rituals, night-long prayers and holy dips in sacred rivers marked the occasion, while authorities made elaborate security and administrative arrangements to facilitate smooth darshan and effective crowd management at major pilgrimage centres. - IANS Meghan Markle shared a rare and clear photograph of her four-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, being held by Prince Harry in a Valentine's Day Instagram post. The Duchess of Sussex captioned the sweet image with a tribute to her family, calling Harry and their children her "forever Valentines." In a related interview, Meghan reflected on the strength of her relationship with Harry and how motherhood influences her approach as a business founder. The couple, who married in 2018, have largely kept their children out of the public eye since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Meghan Markle posts a rare, clear photo of Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry in a heartfelt Valentine's Day family tribute on Instagram. London, February 15 Meghan Markle has offered the clearest glimpse yet of her four-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, sharing a new photograph to mark Valentine's Day. In an Instagram post, the Duchess of Sussex unveiled a candid image of her husband, Prince Harry, smiling as he cradles Princess Lilibet in a grassy field at sunset. The young royal is seen clutching a set of red balloons in the heartwarming snap. Alongside the image, Meghan wrote, "These two + Archie = my forever Valentines," adding a red heart emoji in tribute to her family. The post marks a rare moment for the couple, who have largely kept their children out of the public eye. It is the clearest public photo yet of Princess Lilibet's face. Meghan and Harry are also parents to six-year-old Prince Archie. The Valentine's Day tribute comes as Meghan continues to balance family life with her professional ventures. The former 'Suits' actor, who stars in 'With Love, Meghan,' has often spoken about the strength of her relationship with Harry, whose romance with Meghan began in 2016 and has been closely followed ever since. As per E! News, in an earlier interview, Meghan reflected on why their relationship endures. "He loves me so boldly, fully, and he also has a different perspective because he sees media that I wouldn't," she said, adding, "No one in the world loves me more than him, so I know he's always going to make sure that he has my back." Beyond her role as a duchess and media personality, Meghan is also the founder of lifestyle brand 'As Ever'. In the same interview, she discussed how motherhood shapes her approach to business. "I'm a mom with kids at that age where they are constantly learning something new," she said, adding, "I watch them face things that feel completely insurmountable every day. I can give myself the same grace as a founder. There's no such thing as perfect." She added that she hopes to instill courage in her children through her work. "I hope they see the value of being brave," Meghan shared, adding, "I think you are a little bit more fearless. As we get older, we lose some of that." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle started dating in 2016 and married in a lavish Windsor ceremony in 2018. In 2020, they famously stepped back from royal duties to pursue financial independence in California. - ANI US President Donald Trump announced that member states of the newly formed Board of Peace have pledged over $5 billion for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The announcement comes ahead of a key meeting scheduled for February 19 at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Trump stressed that Hamas must uphold its commitment to full demilitarization, and the board, which originated from a UN-endorsed Gaza plan, is now being positioned to address conflicts beyond the region. The initiative has expanded its scope, facing resistance from some Western allies concerned about its impact on the UN system. Ahead of a key meeting, Donald Trump announces over $5 billion pledged for Gaza humanitarian efforts by the new Board of Peace member states. Washington DC, February 15 US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that member states of the newly formed Board of Peace have pledged over USD 5 billion towards humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, ahead of a key meeting scheduled for February 19. In a post on the Truth Social Platform, Trump said, "On February 19th, 2026, I will again be joined by Board of Peace Members at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where we will announce that Member States have pledged more than $5 BILLION DOLLARS toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts." He added that member states have committed " thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans," and stressed that "Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization." Trump said the Board of Peace was formally celebrated in Davos, Switzerland, last month with two dozen founding members and described it as having "unlimited potential." He claimed that a plan he released in October for a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza had been unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council and that humanitarian aid had been facilitated at record speed alongside the release of hostages. "The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honour to serve as its Chairman," Trump said. Earlier, on January 26, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that 20 additional countries had "signed up to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace," but did not disclose the names of the new participants. Leavitt said the Board of Peace, originally mandated by the UN Security Council to oversee the management of Gaza for the next two years, is now being positioned by the Trump administration to address conflicts elsewhere. She acknowledged that the initiative has faced resistance from some Western nations, uneasy about what they view as the board's attempt to sideline the United Nations. Addressing reporters at the White House, Leavitt also described the return of the last remaining Israeli hostage from Gaza as a "huge foreign policy feat" for Trump, Israel and the global community. The announcement follows Trump's signing of the charter to formally launch his "Board of Peace" initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. Trump had previously described the body as potentially the "most prestigious board ever formed." Calling it a "very exciting day, long in the making," Trump said, "We're going to have peace in the world," adding, "And we're all stars."In his opening remarks, Trump said, "Just one year ago, the world was actually on fire, a lot of people didn't know it," but claimed "many good things are happening" and that threats worldwide "are really calming down." Trump said his administration was "settling eight wars" and claimed "a lot of progress" had been made towards ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The initiative originated from the US president's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, but has since expanded beyond its original scope. Administration officials said around 35 nations had committed to join, while 60 received invitations, with Trump suggesting the new body could assume roles currently held by the United Nations. Trump said, "We have a lot of great people that want to join," during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, whose country has confirmed membership. He added that some leaders required parliamentary approval before committing, while other countries not invited were seeking inclusion. Defending the inclusion of Russia's Vladimir Putin and other leaders, Trump said he wanted "everybody" who was powerful and could "get the job done." Several European allies declined to participate, citing concerns about the board's expanded mandate and its impact on the international system under the UN Charter. The UK also said it would not sign the treaty during Trump's ceremony, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, referencing concerns over Putin's invitation. Earlier, according to a copy of the charter cited by media outlets, it was reported that countries seeking permanent membership would need to contribute USD 1 billion, while non-paying members would receive a three-year mandate. The charter also designates Trump as permanent chairman even after leaving office. Trump linked the initiative to his approach on Iran and said it played a role in securing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. "If we didn't do that, there was no chance of making peace," he said. - ANI Hillary Clinton calls for secure, humane borders at Munich conference, criticizing mass migration and Trump's Ukraine stance. Munich, February 15 Former US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday called for "secure borders that don't torture and kill people" during the Munich Security Conference in Germany. "There is a legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration," Clinton said, demanding a halt to mass migration. "It went too far, it's been disruptive and destabilizing, and it needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders that don't torture and kill people and how we're going to have a strong family structure because it is at the base of civilization," she added. The former US Secretary of State who was participating in a panel titled "The West-West Divide: What Remains of Common Values" said "migration has been a huge flashpoint." "More people were deported under my husband (Bill Clinton) and Barack Obama without killing American citizens and without putting children into detention camps than were in the first Trump term or this first year of Trump's second term," she said. A Fox News analysis of Hillary Clinton's remarks stated that during her 2016 presidential campaign, she supported the then US President Barack Obama's executive actions that deferred immigration enforcement against millions of children and parents in the country illegally and wanted to end the practice of family detention. Clinton also planned on continuing Obama's policy of deporting violent criminals, but wanted to scale back immigration raids, which she said at the time produced "unnecessary fear and disruption in communities. The Fox News report stated that in the year 2018, Clinton called out the Trump administration for its deportation policies. Earlier, in his address at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a stern critique of European policies, particularly regarding mass migration. Rubio described mass migration not as a fringe issue, but as an "urgent threat" and a "crisis" that is transforming and destabilising societies across the West. He argued that current trends in migration and the pursuit of a "world without borders" threaten the cohesion of Western societies, the continuity of culture, and the future of their people. Rubio linked mass migration to what he termed a "dangerous delusion" following the Cold War, where Western nations incorrectly believed they lived in a world without borders. "This is not an expression of xenophobia. It is not hate. It is a fundamental act of national sovereignty, and the failure to do so is not just an abdication of one of our most basic duties owed to our people. It is an urgent threat to the fabric of our societies and the survival of our civilization itself,"" Rubio said. The US Secretary of State said, ""In a pursuit of a world without borders, we opened our doors to an unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies, the continuity of our culture and the future of our people." Meanwhile, addressing the MSC 2026 session "The West-West Divide", the former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the position taken by the administration of US President Donald Trump to "force Ukraine into a surrender deal" with Russia President Vladimir Putin as "disgraceful." "I think that the Trump administration's position toward Ukraine is disgraceful. I think the effort to force Ukraine into a surrender deal with Putin is shameful. I think the effort that Putin and Trump are making to profit off the misery and death of the Ukrainian people is a historic error and corrupt to the nth degree. So, I believe Ukraine is fighting for our democracy and our values of freedom and civilization on the front lines, losing thousands of people and having their country destroyed by one man's mania to control them. And I think Trump either doesn't understand or could care less about that suffering," Clinton said. Futher she said that Trump "has betrayed the West." "He's betrayed human values, he's betrayed the NATO Charter, the Atlantic Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--a lot of what has been done before to try to make sense of how difficult it is to restrain people who want unaccountable power. And none of us in this room, including all of us on this panel, would choose to live under a regime that was so unaccountable that it could act with impunity the way that Putin does, except that's who Trump is modeling himself after," the former US Secretary of State said. Hillary Clinton ran against Trump in the 2016 presidential election campaign and lost to him in the election. When asked about the latest batch of Epstein files that were released, Clinton called the revelations "horrifying" and said the files need to be "totally transparent." Clinton, who is expected to be deposed and testify in a congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein later this month with her husband Bill Clinton, noted that it "doesn't mean" that "because someone's name is there, they committed a crime." "it's horrifying, and we're hoping that there will be continued release every day that passes. You know, that doesn't mean, as our news commentators say every day in the United States, because someone's name is there they committed a crime. But I think there's a lot of very troubling and really horrific information coming out. ....it is something that, you know, needs to be totally transparent. I've called for many, many years for everything to be put out there so people can not only see what is in them but also, if appropriate, hold people accountable. We'll see what happens," Clinton said. - ANI A Muslim sweet vendor from Andhra Pradesh faced harassment by a group at the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, accused of so-called "food jihad". The incident sparked widespread condemnation and led to financial assistance from the Minority Rights Protection Committee and political parties. Leaders from the ruling coalition, including TDP and Jana Sena, expressed solidarity and provided support to the vendor. They unanimously condemned the communal harassment and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting small traders and promoting harmony. Financial aid and solidarity flow to a Muslim sweet vendor harassed at Medaram Jatara. Political parties and leaders condemn the "food jihad" allegation incident. Amaravati, Feb 15 Financial assistance and expressions of support continued to pour in from various organisations and political parties for a Muslim vendor from Andhra Pradesh who was allegedly harassed by a group of individuals during the recent Medaram Jatara in neighbouring Telangana. The Minority Rights Protection Committee extended financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to Shaik Shaiksha Vali, the vendor from Kurnool district, who had travelled to the tribal fair to sell traditional sweets. Vali was selling 'Kova bun', a well-known sweet from his region, during the fair held in Telangana's Mulugu district when a group of YouTubers allegedly forced him to eat the food he was selling to prove he was not committing what they described as "food jihad". The incident triggered widespread outrage and condemnation from various sections of society, with political parties, social organisations, and community leaders coming forward in support of the vendor. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh, also extended support to Vali. State Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh said that such divisive and communal behaviour has no place in Telugu society, which has historically stood for harmony, mutual respect, and communal unity. Andhra Pradesh Urdu Academy Chairman and Minority Rights Protection Committee State President Farooq Shubli met Vali and handed over financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to him and members of his team. "There is no place for religious hatred in the Telugu states. It is heartening that people from all communities stood in support of Vali following the Medaram Kova bun incident. The coalition government is committed to promoting communal harmony," he said. He also urged the government to extend support for the development and promotion of the Kova bun industry, which provides livelihood to several small traders and traditional sweet vendors. Vali and his associates later visited the office of the Minority Rights Protection Committee in Vijayawada and interacted with Shubli and other leaders. Jana Sena Party, another partner in the ruling coalition, also expressed solidarity with the vendor. Jana Sena MLC Nagababu met Vali and provided financial assistance of Rs 25,000, assuring him of continued support. Nagababu, who is the brother of Jana Sena President and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, said the coalition government stands firmly with small traders and will ensure their protection. He said it was unfortunate that some individuals attempted to create fear and distress for a person engaged in lawful livelihood activities to support his family. "Following the incident, many small traders have expressed concern and anxiety. The vendor shared his distress about being unable to conduct business during Shivaratri due to fear, and we extended financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to support him," he said. He added that food safety authorities exist to regulate and monitor food quality, and such incidents should not be viewed through a communal or religious lens. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu also condemned the incident, describing the harassment of the vendor as inhuman and unacceptable. In a post on X, he said that hunger has no caste and self-respect has no religion. He said every individual who works hard to earn a livelihood deserves dignity and respect. "Harassing a small vendor for social media views and subjecting him to humiliation is deeply condemnable. This cannot be justified under any circumstances. Instead of harassing the poor, society must extend support and encouragement," he said. He also thanked citizens and social media users who expressed solidarity with the vendor. "Your response has shown that humanity and compassion remain strong. Supporting those in distress is the responsibility of both society and the government. We will continue to stand with the vendor," he added. - IANS Ross Kemp is returning to EastEnders for a lengthy stint. Ross Kemp is returning to EastEnders The 61-year-old actor played Grant Mitchell from 1990 until 1999 and has made a number of brief returns since then, including last year for the soap's 40th anniversary, but he's going to be back on Albert Square for several months and has already begun filming. Grant is set to return to the screen this spring, where he will meet with his estranged son Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and help support his friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) amid his battle with dementia. A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: Ross will always hold the character of Grant dear to his heart and loved his brief return last year. This time his stint will be for a few months so he can really get his teeth into the storyline. Its going to be hugely exciting for fans of the soap. Ross is really excited to get back in the saddle. Details of his storyline are being kept hush-hush but viewers can expect explosive drama. Ross is "truly delighted" to be returning. He said: Im truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchells shoes and returning to EastEnders. As well as exploring Grants attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, its especially an honour to be part of Nigels powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life. EastEnders bosses are delighted to have the Walford legend back. EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey added: We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders defining dynasties, and we cant wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him. The Bridge of Lies presenter previously celebrated the impact EastEnders has had on society. He said: "When 'EastEnders' started in 1985, it had one of the few female producers that existed, Julia Smith. "This was at a time when women weren't even allowed to read the news. "Julia put families on the show that were Turkish, Asian and black British. "And she had an alcoholic woman when things like that were unheard of on TV. "Mary Whitehouse was calling for it to be axed, and when there was the gay kiss, questions were asked in parliament. "We have come a long way since then, and I personally think 'EastEnders' has got a lot to do with that." As well as the first gay kiss, EastEnders also covered topical issues, including HIV in 1991 when Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) revealed to his mum Pauline (Wendy Richard) and dad Arthur (Bill Treacher) that he had contracted the sexually-transmitted infection, as well as sexual abuse and domestic violence. And Ross thinks the soap has "educated the public" through the hard-hitting storylines. He said: "'EastEnders' has educated the public. It has passed on information to the public without people even realising. "This happened when it came to topics like HIV, domestic violence and sexual abuse. You name it, EastEnders has covered it. "I'm incredibly proud of what EastEnders has achieved." In the latest knock for Ben Armstrong, the controversial influencer formerly known as BitBoy, a court has ordered him to pay nearly $3 million to Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary. A federal judge handed down the $2.8M default judgment after Armstrong failed to defend himself against claims of harassment and defamation. This ruling marks a harsh reality check for crypto influencers as the Wild West draws to a close. But whats actually going on? Well, if youve been following the market since 2016 like me, youll know the drama wasnt about Bitcoin prices or bad technical analysis. It stemmed from a personal vendetta carried by Armstrong, which saw him lash out on social media regarding a tragic 2019 boating accident involving OLeary and his wife. In a gamble for relevance, Armstrong publicly doxxed OLeary by sharing his private phone number and posted threatening messages, at one point claiming to be a rabid dog coming for the TV star. This behavior highlights the serious security risks associated with doxxing, which have spurred many grizzly crypto kidnappings over the past year, a tactic unfortunately increasingly common in the rougher corners of the crypto internet. DISCOVER: See How Other Crypto Executives Are Facing Real Jail Time For Fraud Bitboy Loses Again: What Led to the $2.8M Court Ruling? The Crypto Lawsuit officially began when OLeary filed a complaint in the Southern District Court of Florida, accusing Armstrong of malicious behavior designed to boost his own fading engagement metrics. OLeary argued that Armstrongs posts were calculated lies intended to help the influencer become rich again by manufacturing controversy. However, the massive payout wasnt the result of a dramatic jury verdict. Instead, Armstrong essentially ghosted the court. By failing to mount a proper legal defense, he triggered a default judgment. This legal defeat puts a steep price tag on defamation in the crypto space. It is a stark contrast to how Armstrong used to operate. Armstrong previously attempted to sue YouTuber Atozy for calling him a dirtbag, only to drop the case when the community rallied against him. The judgment also arrives while Armstrong faces separate legal trouble. He was recently arrested in Georgia for allegedly harassing a judge, suggesting a pattern of behavior that goes beyond simple internet trolling. EXPLORE: 10 Coins with High Returns: Crypto Forecast 2026 OLery Beats Bitboy: Is The Game Up For Loose Cannons on Crypto Twitter? This judgment signals a major shift in influencer accountability, part of a broader trend of maturation across the crypto industry. For years, figures in the Crypto Twitter bubble felt they could say anything to pump coins or attack rivals without consequences. This court judgement shows the Wild West era is ending. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly's Budget session commences on Monday, set to run until March 6. The government is expected to present a budget exceeding 4 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. Lawmakers have submitted a record 3,478 questions and numerous procedural motions, signaling intense scrutiny of governance. The session is anticipated to feature heated debates on issues ranging from local infrastructure to statewide fiscal management. Madhya Pradesh's Budget session starts Feb 15, featuring a 4+ crore budget and over 3,478 MLA questions. Follow the key debates and motions. Bhopal, Feb 15 The political atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh has grown markedly intense as the state Assembly prepares for its crucial Budget session which will start from Monday. With the government expected to table a substantial Budget of more than Rs 4 crore for the financial year 2026-27 probably on February 18, both the ruling coalition and the opposition are sharpening their strategies to scrutinise every aspect of governance and fiscal planning. With 19 sittings, the session will conclude on March 6. The session will formally open with the Governor's address, which traditionally outlines the government's achievements and future roadmap. Immediately afterwards, the finance minister is scheduled to present the budget for 2026-27, detailing revenue projections, expenditure allocations, and new policy initiatives. Given the sheer number of questions and motions already on the table, the coming weeks in the Vidhan Sabha are expected to witness lively exchanges, pointed interrogations, and possibly sharp confrontations between the treasury benches and the opposition. In the run-up to the session, members of the Legislative Assembly have submitted an unprecedented volume of questions, signalling a determination to hold the administration accountable on a wide range of issues. The Assembly Secretariat has so far received a total of 3,478 questions from MLAs across party lines. Of these, 2,253 were filed through the online portal, reflecting the increasing adoption of digital processes, while the remaining 1,225 arrived via traditional offline methods. The questions are evenly split between formats: 1,750 are starred, requiring direct oral replies from ministers in the house, and 1,728 are unstarred, to be answered in writing on the record. Beyond questions, the opposition has stepped up pressure with additional procedural tools. Notices for as many as 192 call attention motions have been submitted, enabling lawmakers to spotlight urgent public concerns and demand immediate government responses. Furthermore, eight adjournment motions have been moved by the opposition benches. These motions, if admitted, are likely to trigger prolonged and heated debates on critical matters, potentially stalling regular proceedings and drawing public attention to alleged administrative lapses or policy failures. The issues raised both local and state-wide concerns. Many MLAs have highlighted problems specific to their constituencies, such as inadequate infrastructure, delays in welfare schemes, water scarcity, and law-and-order challenges. At the same time, broader questions address statewide priorities including industrial development, agricultural support, education reforms, health services, and fiscal management amid rising expenditure demands. - IANS Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav extended greetings for Maha Shivratri, emphasizing that remembering Lord Shiva as Mahakal helps devotees understand the value of life. He conveyed his wishes through a message and a social media post, praying for the well-being and prosperity of all citizens. Across India, devotees gathered in large numbers at temples, observing fasts and night-long vigils to mark the auspicious occasion. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing love, power, and togetherness. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav extends Maha Shivratri greetings, saying devotees understand life's value through Mahakal. Read his full message. Bhopal, February 15 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, saying that devotees understand the value of life by remembering Mahakal. In his message on the occasion, the MP Chief Minister said that Lord Shiva is remembered by many names and devotees seek his blessings with deep faith and devotion. "We remember Lord Shiva by many names to get his blessings. As devotees, we try to understand the value of our life, remembering the name of Mahakal," Yadav said. He further extended his wishes to the people and prayed for their well-being and prosperity. "I extend best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. May the blessings of Lord Mahadev be upon us all," he added. In a post on X, the Chief Minister described Maha Shivratri as a great festival of devotion dedicated to Lord Bholenath and conveyed his greetings to the citizens. "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the great festival of devotion to Lord Bholenath-Mahashivratri. We pray to Devadhidev Mahadev ji to always keep His grace upon all of us and to fulfil everyone's heartfelt wishes," his post read. Devotees across the country gathered in massive numbers in temples to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri today. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Maha Shivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain on Mahashivratri to offer prayers for the welfare and development of the state and country. He marked his 51st consecutive year of visiting the temple for the festival, which coincides with the start of Vikramotsav-2026. District Magistrate Raushan Kumar Singh reported massive devotee turnout, with an estimated one million people expected for darshan on the auspicious day. Other devotees expressed their joy and fortune at being able to visit and pray at the sacred site during the festival. Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya offers prayers for state and national welfare at Mahakal Temple during Mahashivratri celebrations in Ujjain. Ujjain, February 15 On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, celebrated on February 15, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited the renowned Mahakal Temple in Ujjain to offer special prayers. During his visit to the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, the minister emphasised his devotion by praying for the continued prosperity and welfare of both the state and the nation. The event coincides with the grand commencement of Vikramotsav-2026 in Ujjain, highlighting a period of significant spiritual and cultural celebration in the region. Speaking to the media, he said the Maha Shivaratri festival is the marriage anniversary of Lord Mahakal and a day when his blessings rain down. "Mahashivratri celebrates the marriage of Mahakal and marks a day when his grace is said to bless devotees. This is my 51st year visiting, and I pray for the development of both our state and country. Each year, our nation progresses under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, and our state advances under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Initially, it was just the two of us who visited this pilgrimage, but now our entire family visit here together, as our children and their spouses have joined us. We come with gratitude for the blessings of Lord Mahakal and to witness our state's growth. This is my prayer to him," said Vijayvargiya. Raushan Kumar Singh, District Magistrate Ujjain, told ANI, "Jai Shri Mahakal. Happy Maha Shivaratri. As you can see, there is a huge surge of devotees. Thousands have already had Darshan, and Bhasma Aarti is underway, with devotees watching it as they move. The administrative arrangements are running smoothly. Entry is from the Karkraj parking, then through the Chardham zigzag, and joins in at the Interpretation Centre, and via the corridor to the Mansarovar entry point, from where devotees get Darshan," Vijayvargiya added. "Currently, around 200,000 devotees are visiting Lord Mahakal daily. For Mahashivratri today, we estimate that around 1 million devotees will have darshan of Lord Mahakal," DM added. Riya, a devotee, said, "Today is the festival of Mahashivratri, and we had the opportunity to come here. We enjoyed Mahakal's darshan very much. It is our good fortune to be standing on this sacred land today and praying to Lord Mahadev." Another devotee named Kriti said, "We got the chance to be here for Mahashivratri. We feel very lucky to have visited today and had a wonderful darshan of the Lord." - ANI The Munich Security Conference presented its Ewald von Kleist Award to Ukraine, honoring the bravery of its people and remembering war victims, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepting on the nation's behalf. The award commemorates the conference's founder and his contributions to transatlantic security. This comes ahead of scheduled trilateral meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Geneva. Zelenskyy, at the conference, held discussions with US envoys and the Secretary of State, coordinating positions and expressing gratitude for American support. Ukraine receives Ewald von Kleist Award at Munich Security Conference. Zelenskyy meets US officials ahead of key trilateral talks in Geneva. Munich, February 15 The Munich Security Conference has awarded Ukraine with the Ewald von Kleist Award to honour the victims of the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy collected the award on Saturday. "In this moment, we are presenting the Ewald von Kleist Award to the brave Ukrainian people. We honour their courage and remember those who lost their lives or were injured. President @ZelenskyyUa receives the award on behalf of his nation," Munich Security Conference's X handle posted. Ewald von Kleist was the founder of the Munich Security Conference, and, according to the conference's website, he was instrumental in advancing the transatlantic security dialogue and in integrating post-war Germany into NATO. The award honours leading figures in security policy for their contribution to international peace and conflict management. The MSC inaugurated the Ewald von Kleist Award in 2009. Meanwhile, according to the Russian news agency TASS, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the trilateral meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the US would be held in Geneva on February 17-18. Zelenskyy, who was at the Munich Security Conference, met several leaders ahead of the trilateral meeting. He discussed the upcoming trilateral meetings in Geneva with United States envoys, Steve Witkoff Volodymyr Zelenskyy also discussed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy resources. In an X post, the Ukrainian President wrote, "I had a conversation with envoys of President Trump, @SteveWitkoff and @JaredKushner, ahead of the trilateral meetings in Geneva. We count on the meetings being truly productive. We also discussed some developments following the meetings in Abu Dhabi. Not everything can be shared over the phone, and our negotiating team will present Ukraine's position next week." "I also spoke about our meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We greatly appreciate that America consistently maintains a constructive approach and is ready to assist in protecting lives. I thank President Trump, his team, and the people of the United States for their support," he added. - ANI The teaser for the upcoming mythological action film 'Nagabandham' was unveiled by Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The film is set in the Himalayas and revolves around a secret cosmic truth and a sacred temple guarded by celestial energies. It blends mythology, history, and spiritual warfare, partly inspired by the historical Afghan invasion. The film stars Virat Karrna and features a large ensemble cast, promising a monumental theatrical experience. Mahesh Babu unveils the teaser for 'Nagabandham,' a mythological action film set in the Himalayas, starring Virat Karrna and a stellar cast. Mumbai, Feb 15 The teaser of the upcoming mythological action film 'Nagabandham' was unveiled on Sunday by Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The film is set against the mystic Himalayan expanse, and the teaser gives a peek into a world where a secret older than time itself lies buried. When one man's greed threatens to expose this cosmic truth, destiny steps forward to choose its warrior. Sharing the teaser on social media, Mahesh Babu wrote, "The #WorldOfNagabandham looks absolutely fascinating all the way.... Looking forward to experiencing it soon (sic)". It is partly inspired by the historical Afghan invasion led by Abdali, the narrative blends mythology, history, and spiritual warfare. The conflict takes shape at the intersection of cultural resistance and divine guardianship. At the heart of this epic lies the sacred Nagabandham Temple, a hidden shrine protected by celestial energies and believed to safeguard an ancient cosmic force. Nestled deep within secret Himalayan pathways, the temple holds a power so immense that its fall into the wrong hands could trigger unimaginable devastation. "Born from Brahma's Creation... Guarded by Vishnu's Dharma... Powered by Mahadev's Fury", this striking line perfectly captures the soul of Nagabandham, a saga where divinity, destiny, and destruction collide. The film is helmed by Abhishek Nama and stars Virat Karrna. Abhishek Nama showcases bold ambition and crystal-clear vision. His blend of mythology, action, and spiritual depth, elevated by exceptional technical execution, gives the teaser a powerful cinematic identity that promises a monumental theatrical experience. The film also stars The casting is another major asset, featuring Nabha Natesh, Ishwarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar, Jagapathi Babu, Rishabh Sawhney, Garuda Ram, Jayaprakash, Murali Sharma, Anasuya Bharadwaj, and BS Avinash in crucial roles. It is backed by producers Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Nagireddy, the film is mounted on a massive canvas, promising world-class scale and rich production values that shape it into a true magnum opus. Their bold vision shines through in every frame, blending spiritual depth with striking visual ambition. - IANS Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio used the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival to call for expediting the long-pending Naga political settlement under the Framework Agreement. He highlighted that a Political Affairs Committee of all state MLAs and MPs recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to press for a solution. While acknowledging challenges in physical integration, Rio stressed that "emotional integration" among Naga communities must be prioritized immediately. The event was also attended by Manipur Deputy CM Losii Dikho, who spoke about the Naga people's journey from conflict to becoming contributors to peace. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio pushes for expedited Naga peace deal at Lui-Ngai-Ni festival, highlighting unity and emotional integration. Ukhrul, February 15 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday unveiled a commemorative monolith at Ukhrul headquarters during the celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed-sowing festival of the Naga community, and stressed the urgent need to expedite the long-pending Naga political settlement under the Framework Agreement. Lui-Ngai-Ni, meaning "Seed Sowing Festival," is celebrated by Naga tribes with the onset of spring. The festival marks an auspicious time for sowing seeds and invoking blessings for a bountiful harvest. It was declared a State Festival by the Government of Manipur in 1988, and in 1997, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, recognised it as one of the country's official tourist festivals. Attending the event as the chief guest, organised by the State Level Organising Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council, Rio underscored the importance of unity among Naga communities and reiterated the demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Congratulating Manipur's newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Rio termed his elevation a matter of pride not only for the party but for the Naga people as a whole. He said unity among leaders and communities had ushered in a positive political shift at both the state and central levels. Placing special emphasis on the Naga peace process, Rio referred to the historic Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and Naga political groups, as well as the "Agreed Position" signed on November 17, 2017. He noted that although nearly eight years have passed since the Agreed Position and over a decade since the Framework Agreement, a final settlement has yet to be reached. "Until a settlement is achieved, the process remains alive," Rio said, adding that contentious issues are still being discussed clause by clause. Rio also noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed six resolutions over the decades, beginning on December 12, 1964, and most recently on September 20, 2018, urging the Government of India to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas. He referred to a consolidated meeting held on September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations, including tribal bodies, civil society groups, churches, senior citizens, gazetted officers, student and women's organisations, endorsed a resolution calling for political-level dialogue. The resolution carried 226 signatories. Rio said a Political Affairs Committee comprising all 60 MLAs of Nagaland and the state's two Members of Parliament was formed to pursue the matter. A subcommittee led by him met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 5 to brief him on the situation and press for an expedited political settlement. The delegation included Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, ministers and senior leaders from various parties, reflecting what Rio described as a "party-less government" united on the Naga political issue. While acknowledging that physical integration may face challenges, Rio stressed that "emotional integration" among Naga communities must be prioritised without delay. The programme was also attended by Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Awangbou Newmai, MLAs, and leaders of various civil society organisations. Addressing the gathering, Losii Dikho said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister and through the collective efforts of the party and the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), significant strides are being made towards restoring peace and stability in Manipur. "The Naga people have endured immense struggles and challenges throughout history. Those experiences have shaped and strengthened us, bringing us to a place of maturity and responsibility. Today, we stand not just as survivors of conflict but as contributors to peace and stability in the state," he said. Dikho expressed gratitude to elders and past leaders for their wisdom and resilience, and acknowledged the visionary leadership behind the Framework Agreement, which laid the foundation for dialogue and understanding. "This is our position. This is our vision. Our target is to uphold peace, unity, and progress for our people. We have fought enough in the past. Our history has seen more than its share of conflict. Now, we have no time to fight. From this day forward, we commit ourselves to working for peace and peace alone," he added. The celebration was also graced by MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman, HAC ; President, Naga People's Front, Manipur State Unit and MLA Awangbow Newmai, MLA Ram Muivah, and MLA J Kumo Sha, MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur; MLA SS Olish, and MLA Leishiyo Keishing. - ANI North Korea is experiencing a longer Lunar New Year holiday this year as it immediately follows the national holiday marking the birthday of the late leader Kim Jong-il. The country reinstated the traditional holiday in 1989 and now uses it to honor ancestors and celebrate the achievements of its late leaders while bolstering allegiance to the current leadership. In contrast, South Korea is celebrating the holiday more extravagantly with significant outbound traffic as people travel to hometowns. Travel within North Korea is restricted and requires permission, while South Korean authorities are managing heavy holiday traffic volumes. North Korea observes a longer holiday as Lunar New Year follows Kim Jong-il's birthday. Learn about the traditions and contrasts with South Korea. Seoul, Feb 15 North Korea is expected to observe a longer Lunar New Year holiday this year, as it immediately follows the national holiday marking the birthday of the late former leader Kim Jong-il. North Korea observes a one-day Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on Tuesday this year, shorter than South Korea's three-day holiday. This year's Lunar New Year falls on a day after the late leader's birthday on Monday, following Sunday, giving North Koreans a three-day holiday. Generally, North Koreans observe the new year according to the Western calendar, while South Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year more extravagantly, reports Yonhap news agency. The socialist North Korea initially renounced the traditional Korean holiday as a feudal vestige before reinstating it in 1989, along with the other traditional holiday of Chuseok, under the Kim Jong-il regime. North Korea now uses the traditional holiday as an occasion not only to honour families' ancestors but also to celebrate the achievements of its two late leaders, including state founder Kim Il-sung, and to bolster allegiance to the current leader, Kim Jong-un. On Lunar New Year, North Koreans typically visit the Kumsusan mausoleum in Pyongyang, where the bodies of the two late leaders are enshrined, or their statues across the country to lay flowers. Restaurants remain open and busy with diners during the holiday season, as travel to other regions or hometowns is restricted and allowed only with permission. Meanwhile, in South Korea, outbound traffic congestion was expected to peak on Sunday as more people head to their hometowns on the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday. The nation will mark the major holiday, known as Seol, on Tuesday, with the holiday period beginning over the weekend and running through Wednesday. Traffic caused by cars on outbound routes was expected to be the heaviest between noon and 1 p.m. and ease from around 8 to 9 p.m., according to the state-run Korea Expressway Corp. As of 8 a.m., a drive from Seoul to the southeastern port city of Busan, about 330 kilometres away, was expected to take about six hours and 10 minutes, while a trip to Daegu, some 240 km southeast of Seoul, was expected to take 5 hours and 10 minutes. Travel times heading toward Seoul were relatively shorter, taking 5 hours and 10 minutes from Busan to Seoul and 4 hours and 10 minutes from Daegu to Seoul. The agency estimated that some 5 million vehicles would travel nationwide on Sunday, including 450,000 cars leaving the greater Seoul area and 380,000 heading toward it. - IANS Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praised the hardworking and resilient people of the Nuh region, linking their history to the First War of Independence in 1857. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 16 development projects worth Rs 47.36 crore in Tauru. The CM contrasted the BJP government's spending of Rs 1,515 crore in Sohna over 11 years with the Congress's Rs 222 crore in the previous decade. Extending Mahashivratri greetings, he stated the festival teaches lighting the lamp of self-reflection during life's darkness. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini honors Nuh's historical valor, inaugurates development projects worth Rs 47 crore, and extends Mahashivratri greetings. Chandigarh, Feb 15 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a gathering at 'Viksit Sohna Tauru-Rally' in Tauru in Nuh district, on Sunday, said this region, nestled in the lap of the Aravallis, is known for its hardworking, self-respecting and resilient people. He said, "The soil of Mewat has always upheld the traditions of courage, sacrifice and dignity. From the First War of Independence in 1857 to the country's eventual freedom, the contribution of the people of this region remains etched in golden letters in history". Extending greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Chief Minister said the "sacred festival provides an opportunity to connect with the life philosophy of Lord Shiva". "Mahashivratri teaches that when darkness deepens in life, one must light the lamp of self-reflection." He prayed that the festival bring health, peace, courage and success to every household, and that people's efforts be filled with energy and guided by wisdom. Prior to the public meeting, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 16 development projects worth Rs 47.36 crore. Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said the overwhelming turnout at the rally "is proof of people's deep faith in the BJP government's intent, policies and welfare initiatives". It is this trust, he said, that has given the Bharatiya Janata Party the opportunity to serve Haryana for a third consecutive term. He assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the rapid and inclusive development of the region. Highlighting progress in the Sohna Assembly constituency, Saini said during the past 11 years, 62 Chief Minister announcements were made for the area. "Of these, 49 have been completed, and 13 are in progress." He said over the past 11 years, Rs 1,515 crore has been spent on development works in the Sohna constituency. In comparison, only Rs 222 crore was spent during the 10-year tenure of the previous Congress government. Besides, between 2014 and 2024, the Public Works Department spent Rs 285 crore on development works in the Sohna area. "Since 2024, an additional Rs 5.70 crore has been spent, while projects worth Rs 407 crore are in the pipeline." The Chief Minister said the construction of the sub-divisional complex in Sohna "is progressing swiftly, with administrative approval of approximately Rs 41 crore. The modern complex will streamline administrative services under one roof". - IANS A new report argues Pakistan's reliance on military force has failed to resolve the 77-year conflict in Balochistan, instead suppressing a cycle of recurring insurgencies. The province, rich in natural gas and minerals, remains Pakistan's most impoverished, with local communities alleging colonial-style resource extraction by Islamabad. The current, fifth rebellion is described as younger, more middle-class, and increasingly involving women, framing its struggle as national liberation. Experts warn that without addressing root causes like revenue-sharing and enforced disappearances, heavy security deployments cannot achieve lasting peace in the vast, rugged terrain. A report details Pakistan's 77-year failure to resolve the Balochistan conflict through force, highlighting resource exploitation and unresolved grievances. Quetta, Feb 15 The long-running dispute between Pakistan and Balochistan over the province's legitimacy has never truly been settled but instead suppressed through decades of military campaigns, political manoeuvring, and what many Baloch describe as colonial-style resource extraction, according to a recent report published in Modern Diplomacy. Covering Pakistan's southwestern frontier, Balochistan accounts for nearly 44 per cent of the country's total land area while housing only about 6 per cent of its population. It is both Pakistan's most impoverished province and one of its most resource-rich, endowed with vast reserves of natural gas, copper, gold, and strategically significant ports. This stark contrast lies at the centre of the enduring conflict. Critics have long alleged that Islamabad benefits from Balochistan's natural wealth while local communities remain underdeveloped. Natural gas extracted from the province supplies other parts of Pakistan, yet many Baloch settlements reportedly continue to lack reliable electricity, the report noted. Tensions between Balochistan and the Pakistani state date back to independence. In 1947, as British India was partitioned, Balochistan existed as a princely state under the Khan of Kalat. He declared independence on August 15, 1947, the same day India and Pakistan emerged as sovereign nations. Pakistan did not recognise this claim and formally annexed Balochistan in 1948. Violence has resurfaced periodically since then. On January 31 this year, coordinated attacks across nearly a dozen cities in Balochistan left more than 30 civilians and 18 law enforcement personnel dead. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) demonstrated what observers described as sophisticated coordination across Pakistan's largest province. Security forces subsequently reported killing more than 150 fighters. A day after the attacks, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated: "The answer lies with the military rather than political dialogue." Balochistan has witnessed intermittent insurgencies since 1948, making the current unrest the fifth major rebellion in seventy-seven years. Each uprising has been countered with force, declared "suppressed," and eventually followed by another, often larger, wave of resistance. Earlier insurgencies took place in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. According to the report, each cycle has followed a similar trajectory: grievances accumulate, protests intensify, the state responds with force, violence escalates, military operations restore a degree of order, and the core issues remain unresolved. "The pattern is clear. The lesson, apparently, is not," it observed. The present insurgency differs in composition, described as younger, more middle-class and increasingly including women in leadership roles. Armed groups now frame their campaign as a "national liberation" struggle against colonial-style exploitation. The report says Pakistan is intensifying security deployments rather than addressing issues of revenue-sharing or local participation. The province is now heavily militarised, yet major attacks continue. Abdul Basit of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies highlighted the geographic challenge, noting that Balochistan's rugged terrain spans an area larger than Germany, with sparse populations and mountainous areas that provide refuge for armed groups. "Can you deploy security in a province this large, with such terrain, to ensure complete eradication of violence?" he asked. "Especially when the state refuses to look at local faultlines?" He suggested that while geography complicates suppression, failure to address root causes makes resolution even more elusive. Saher Baloch, a Berlin-based scholar, argued that local familiarity with terrain provides insurgents with an advantage. "Fighters know terrain better than security forces. They need only strike occasionally to expose vulnerabilities. Where the state rules through fear rather than trust, intelligence dries up. People don't cooperate, and that's why even high security zones get breached," she said. The issue of enforced disappearances remains particularly contentious. Activists allege that thousands have been abducted, with some later found dead bearing signs of torture. The government denies involvement. Regardless of responsibility, the report suggests the impact is radicalising communities. Families of the disappeared, along with wider social networks, increasingly view the state with hostility. Rafiullah Kakar, a Cambridge doctoral candidate specialising in Balochistan, argued that Pakistan must "fundamentally shift" away from "coercive and militarised" approaches. "The starting point must be meaningful confidence-building measures for political reconciliation and dialogue," he said. Kakar proposed steps including addressing enforced disappearances, ensuring credible political representation, establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and creating mechanisms to tackle "longstanding political, economic, and governance-related grievances." Acknowledging abuses, creating accountability structures, enabling affected communities to participate in governance and implementing benefit-sharing frameworks for resource extraction are commonly cited elements of successful conflict resolution, the report notes. It draws parallels with conflicts in Northern Ireland, Indonesia's Aceh province, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, arguing that military action may curb violence temporarily, but sustainable peace requires political settlements addressing underlying grievances. "The pattern across these cases is clear: military operations can suppress violence temporarily, but sustainable stability requires political settlements addressing root grievances. Where resource-rich regions feel exploited by central governments, benefit-sharing mechanisms matter. Where communities face state violence, accountability and truth-telling matter. Where populations feel excluded from governance, genuine representation matters," the report states. The key question, it suggests, is whether Pakistan will adopt approaches that have proven effective elsewhere or persist with strategies that have not delivered lasting peace. Reflecting on seventy-seven years of recurring unrest, the report argues that repeated reliance on force indicates a deeper issue in how the conflict is framed. "The Chief Minister's statement that 'the solution lies with the military' reflects a particular framing of the problem. If Balochistan is primarily a security threat, then security responses make sense. But if it's fundamentally a political conflict about resource distribution, governance, representation, and historical grievances, then security responses, however well-executed, can only manage symptoms, not resolve causes," it said. Following the January 31 attacks, the BLA described its actions as resistance to colonial exploitation and a pursuit of national liberation. The report notes that irrespective of whether that characterisation is accepted, the fact that segments of the population find it persuasive enough to support or refrain from opposing armed movements underscores a legitimacy challenge for the state. "Legitimacy can't be imposed through force alone. It has to be earned through governance that people find responsive to their needs and respectful of their voice," the report stated, adding that nearly eight decades of conflict suggest current methods have not secured that legitimacy. While acknowledging that abandoning security operations entirely is neither practical nor advisable amid active violence, the report concludes that Pakistan faces a strategic choice: continue treating Balochistan primarily as a security issue with occasional political engagement, or reframe it as fundamentally a political issue requiring consistent political solutions alongside calibrated security measures. Though the distinction may appear subtle, the report argues the implications are profound. Based on the response to the latest wave of attacks, it suggests Pakistan appears inclined to follow the path it has taken for decades. Whether a potential sixth rebellion prompts a shift in thinking remains uncertain. - IANS Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched the party's membership drive from its central office in Mangalagiri. He inaugurated the drive by donating Rs 2 crore and taking the first membership himself. Kalyan detailed the party's growth, from starting with 150 people to achieving nearly 13 lakh members after the elections. He introduced three new categories for members based on their level of engagement and support for the party's ideology. Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches Jana Sena's membership drive, introduces 'Udyami', 'Sadhak', and 'Pradatha' categories for new members. Amaravati, Feb 15 Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Sunday launched party's membership drive at the party's central office in Mangalagiri. The actor-politician took first membership after donating Rs 2 crore for registration. Speaking on the occasion, he said those who understand the party's ideology and take the party's aspirations forward are important to the organisation. The party needs such people, he said. He recalled that Jana Sena started with 150 people. "When the first phase of active membership was started in 2021, we registered 90,000 members. Before the elections, that number reached six lakh. After the elections, we achieved 12.98 lakh membership," he said. The Jana Sena leader said that from those who do small businesses to those who work on daily wages and those who are educated, many people enrolled as members. Pawan Kalyan announced that those who come forward to deeply understand the party's ideology and work in accordance with the party's ideologies, ideals and aspirations and take up the party membership will be called "Udyami". Those who provide more strength to the party's struggle, inspire the new generation, get attracted by the party's ideologies and register themselves as members will be known as 'Sadhak'. The Jana Sena chief said that those who indirectly contribute their time, financial, technical service and intellectual support to the public and political struggle of the Jana Sena Party will be called "Pradatha". Jana Sena said the programme was organised in the presence of those who had registered highest number of members in the previous membership registration. Chairman of the party's political affairs committee, Nadendla Manohar, political secretary of the party president, Pidugu Hariprasad, the party's general secretary, Ram Talluri, chairman of the party's programme management committee, Kalyanam Shiva Srinivas and others participated in this programme. - IANS Investing.com -- Bernstein said the China Internet sector has had a ho-hum start to 2026, but AI progress remains the key driver of relative performance. Analyst Robin Zhu wrote in a note on Thursday that the introduction of agentic services in Alibabas Qwen has supported the companys outperformance, while Tencent has lagged. Bernstein said a lot rides on the chatbot wars, noting that leading platforms have turned to red packet handouts to stimulate adoption. The firm argued that the promotions feel supportive of our view that AI model capabilities are only part of the equation in consumer-facing AI. However, Zhu added that cash handouts are a rather roundabout way to drive search behaviour, and said investors may soon look for clearer evidence of top-funnel disruption. On Tencent, Bernstein stated that the company continues to deliver solid AI ROI via its ads and gaming businesses, even as its chatbot development work has faced scrutiny. The firm pointed to the recent Yuanbao Party issue as reflecting dual-track AI development inside WeChat. Still, Bernstein argued Tencents shares offer a positive risk-reward profile as earnings compound and more AI-enabled services are introduced. For Alibaba, Bernstein believes that AI optionality remains significant following the Qwen3-Max-Thinking launch. The firm wrote that while red packet incentives feel more logical in e-commerce, investors may eventually want clearer signs that agentic AI can translate into gains in gross merchandise value and marketing revenue. Zhu added that the regulatory backdrop remains higher than wed like, with recent investigations and policy rumours weighing on sentiment, though recent pullbacks may improve risk-reward. Related articles Chinese AI winners: Comparing Tencent and Alibaba 5 reasons why Jefferies thinks Metas pullback is a buying opportunity This sector is 'poised for a big, beautiful year': Truist Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a major BJP rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground next month, with the exact date to be announced after the Holi festival. The announcement will coincide with the Election Commission revealing the polling schedule for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Prior to Modi's rally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the state for an official BSF program and an organizational party meeting. The state BJP unit is also meticulously preparing dual lists of preferred and non-preferred candidates for all 294 constituencies, emphasizing grassroots workers over celebrities. PM Narendra Modi will address a BJP mega rally in Kolkata next month. Amit Shah to visit Bengal this month. Details on candidate lists and rally date. Kolkata, Feb 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a mega rally organised by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata next month. Although the date of the rally is yet to be fixed, a formal announcement in the matter will be made soon after the Holi festival on March 4, said a state committee member of BJP in West Bengal. "The Election Commission of India is also slated to announce the polling dates for the West Bengal Assembly scheduled later this year, soon after the Holi festival. The finalisation and announcement of the rally date to be attended by the Prime Minister will also happen at the same time," the state committee member said. He also said that before the actual date of the rally, the state unit of the BJP will organise parallel 'Ratha Yatras' in multiple organisational districts in the state to make people aware of the mega rally in Kolkata. Before the mega rally at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata next month, the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, will be coming to West Bengal by the end of this month. "The Union Home Minister will be on an official programme of the Border Security Force. But during that meet, he will also be chairing an organisational meeting with the core leadership of the party in West Bengal. However, no public programme of the Union Home Minister has been scheduled this time," the state committee member of the BJP said. He also said that the state leadership is also working hard to complete the final list of recommendations of party candidates for the 294 Assembly constituencies in the state and forward the same to the central leadership for the latter to take a final decision in the matter. "This time, the state unit of the party will send two separate lists for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal to the party's high command. One list will have three names of preferred candidates, and the other will have three names that are not preferred at all as candidates," the state committee member said. At the same time, he added, the state leadership this time is focusing on the recommendation of names as party candidates in a more organised manner by focusing on candidates from the grassroots levels rather than celebrities, especially from the silver-screen world. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, a massive event spanning 70,000 square metres with over 300 exhibition pavilions. The expo, held alongside an international summit, will feature participation from 13 countries, over 600 startups, and more than 3,250 speakers. A key highlight is the unveiling of 12 indigenous Indian AI foundation models trained on local datasets and languages. The event positions India as a global bridge for inclusive and impactful AI innovation. PM Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026, featuring 300+ pavilions, 600+ startups, and 12 indigenous AI models. A global AI showcase. New Delhi, February 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16 at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. The India AI Impact Expo 2026 will be held from February 16 to 20 alongside the India AI Impact Summit and is envisioned as a national showcase of artificial intelligence in action, bringing together policy, innovation, and large-scale implementation under one platform. The Expo will be held across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres and will host global technology companies, startups, academia, research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners. Thirteen country pavilions will highlight international collaboration in the AI ecosystem, including participation from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and African nations. More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations will be organised across three thematic "chakras"--People, Planet, and Progress--reflecting AI's broad-based impact across sectors. Over 600 high-potential startups are set to participate, many of which are building globally relevant and population-scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings. The Expo is also expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, and aims to foster global partnerships and business opportunities within the AI ecosystem. In addition, more than 500 sessions featuring over 3,250 speakers and panellists will be conducted during the event. Meanwhile, the Impact Summit, the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, will showcase New Delhi's ambition: to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful. Under the IndiaAI Mission, the country is unveiling 12 indigenous foundation models developed by homegrown startups and consortia, trained on vast Indian datasets and tailored to the nation's 22 official languages. The summit will showcase them alongside the AI Impact Expo, a sprawling 70,000-square-metre showcase of real-world applications, from precision farming to accessible education. For India, a nation projected to see its AI market surge past USD 17 billion by 2027, this summit is more than a diplomatic triumph - it's a declaration of intent. With 800 million internet users, a booming startup scene, and world-class digital public infrastructure, India is positioning itself as the bridge between innovation and impact. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam in March to lay the foundation stone for the massive Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati high-speed corridor, a project costing Rs 22,864 crore. The corridor aims to drastically reduce travel time between Silchar and Guwahati to just 4.5 to 5 hours. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced other major projects, including a Brahmaputra tunnel and a Kamakhya ropeway, following recent inaugurations like the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu bridge. These initiatives are part of a broader push for infrastructure development in the Northeast, with projects worth over Rs 55,000 crore already sanctioned. PM Narendra Modi to lay foundation for Rs 22,864 cr Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati corridor in March, slashing travel time to 5 hours, announces CM Himanta Sarma. Guwahati, February 15 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state in March to lay the foundation stone for the highly anticipated Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati high-speed corridor. The project, which carries a massive investment of Rs 22,864 crore, aims to reduce travel time between Silchar and Guwahati to just 4.5 to 5 hours, transforming regional connectivity. "We have recieved sanction for several projects. Under the Guwahati Ring Road, the Kurua-Narengi bridge will also be included. Under this project, the Union government and Assam Government will spend Rs 5,729 crore, with land acquisition of Rs 7,000 crore. The Union government will spend Rs 6,957 crore under the Kaziranga elevated corridor project," Sarma said while adressing a press conference here. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again visit Assam in March, and he will lay the foundation stone of the Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati high-speed corridor project, and this will become a game-changing road as this project will reduce the time from Silchar to Guwahati to 4.5 - 5 hours. This is the biggest project which will be implemented by the Union government in Assam with a cost of Rs 22,864 crore," he added. The Assam CM also announces major infrastructure projects, including the Brahmaputra tunnel and Kamakhya ropeway. "The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs on Friday sanctioned the twin-tube under water road cum rail tunnel on the river Brahmaputra, which will connect Numaligarh and Gohpur with a cost of Rs 18,662 crore. When Advantage Assam 2.0 (Investment & Infrastructure Summit) was held, the Union government had assured us to implement projects worth Rs 80,000 crore. So far, we have been able to get sanctions of projects worth Rs 55,000 crore. In the coming days, a few interesting projects are coming, and we will lay the foundation. One is the Kamakhya ropeway project (Kamakhya railway station to Kamakhya temple), a tender has done for this project, and we will get the selected party among the two tenders within 10 days. We will lay the foundation of this project during the Prime Minister's next visit." On Saturday, PM Modi also inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the River Brahmaputra. This new bridge is 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. 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. He inaugurated and flagged 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. - ANI The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad is on high alert with mobile squads monitoring the massive crowds for the final holy dip of the Magh Mela on Mahashivratri. Over 10 lakh devotees have already taken the sacred bath at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The administration has deployed high-tech surveillance, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, to manage the pilgrimage's security. The 45-day annual event concludes with this significant congregation on the last 'snan parv'. UP ATS deploys mobile squads & AI surveillance for lakhs of devotees at Prayagraj's Magh Mela on Mahashivratri. Get the latest updates. Prayagraj, February 15 The Uttar Pradesh administration implemented high-security measures on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela as devotees arrive in large numbers on the last 'snan parv' to take a holy dip on Maha Shivratri 2026. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, "Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of #Mahashivratri2026...10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip so far...The administration has made proper arrangements..." Meanwhile, yesterday CM Yogi also extended warm wishes on the occasion of Mahashivratri and said, "I extend my best wishes to every block and all the people on Shivratri tomorrow. I thank Block Chief Brijesh Ji for developing this block with 1.25 lakh crore rupees. Now you can reach Lucknow from Jungle Kaudiya in 3 hours." Earlier in January Devotees gathered in large numbers at Sangam in Prayagraj during the annual Magh Mela to take a holy dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami. Prayagraj Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma announced that high-tech surveillance, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, was deployed to monitor the massive crowds expected for the holy dip on the occasion. The specialised monitoring system aims to manage the movement of lakhs of pilgrims arriving at the Triveni Sangam for the Magh Mela 2026. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees continued to arrive in large numbers at the Magh Mela held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Magh Mela is a 45-day annual Hindu pilgrimage that runs from January 3 to February 15 2026, centred on the holy Triveni Sangam (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati). As a significant event, it includes holy dips, held from Paush Purnima to Mahashivaratri and featuring massive congregations. Earlier, flower petals were showered on the devotees who arrived for a 'snaan' at the Sangam in Prayagraj on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya. During the festival, the helicopter showered flower petals on the large gathering of devotees present on the Ghat for a holy dip during the ongoing Magh Mela. - ANI Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the Shrinathji Temple in Rajsamand, Rajasthan, to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri. She performed traditional rituals and expressed her fortune and peace in receiving the Lord's blessings. The visit followed her unveiling of a statue of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at a Delhi hospital the previous day. Gupta emphasized her connection to the people of Rajasthan and pledged support for families from the state living in Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered prayers at Shrinathji Temple in Rajasthan on Mahashivratri, seeking blessings for the people and connecting with local residents. Rajsamand, February 15 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday visited the renowned Shrinathji Temple in Rajasthan to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, where she performed traditional rituals and sought blessings for the people. Speaking to the ANI, Rekha Gupta expressed, "Today, on the occasion of Mahashivratri, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Shrinathji. I am filled with a profound sense of peace and joy. This land of Rajasthan is a land of rich traditions, courage, and sacrifice. After receiving the Lord's blessings, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the residents here for their immense love and support. I also want to reassure the families from Rajasthan who reside in Delhi that I will always remain connected with them and stand by them through every high and low." On the occasion, Rekha Gupta participated in traditional rituals inside the temple and received a ceremonial scarf as a blessing from the temple priests. On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, unveiled the statue of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan in Shahdara. Speaking to reporters after unveiling the statue, the Chief Minister said the hospital had provided healthcare for 27-28 years and that the state government would expand it in the future, bringing the latest machinery. "This is a proud moment. This hospital has been providing healthcare to people for 27-28 years. The installation of the statue of Dr Hedgewar, by the government, on the completion of 100 years of RSS, is an inspiration for all of us. We will also extend this hospital in the future, bring the latest machinery," CM Gupta said. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, commonly referred to as "Doctor Sahab", led the organisation for fifteen years until his passing in 1940. Before his death, he anointed Guruji MS Golwalkar as his successor, who over the next three decades expanded the RSS to every nook and corner of India. Hedgewar, born on April 1, 1889, in Maharashtra's Nagpur, served as the RSS's founder and first Sarsanghchalak (Chief). - ANI KL Rahul and captain Devdutt Padikkal forged a massive 296-run partnership to put Karnataka in a commanding position on the first day of their Ranji Trophy semi-final. Rahul scored 141, his second century in a row, while Padikkal remained unbeaten on 148. Their stand helped Karnataka recover from the early loss of Mayank Agarwal to reach 355 for 2 at stumps. Karun Nair provided late support, remaining not out on 37 as Uttarakhand's bowlers toiled with only two successes. KL Rahul scores 141, Devdutt Padikkal remains 148* as Karnataka post 355/2 on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand. Lucknow, Feb 15 Wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul hit his second century in a row and forged a historic 296-run partnership with captain Devdutt Padikkal, who remained unbeaten at 148, as Karnataka reached 355/2 at stumps on Day 1 in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday. Coming to bat after losing the toss, Karnataka were off to a bad start as their experienced batter Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for 18 runs in the ninth over. But his opening partner, Rahul, stood tall with the support of Captain Padikkal as the duo stabilised the innings with their experience. Both players rotated the strike very well and handled the spin threat by continuously moving the scoreboard. Karnataka were 133/1 at the end of the first session, with Rahul and Padikkal both completing their fifties. The second session belonged fully to Karnataka, as they didn't lose any wickets, and both their batters completed centuries. Rahul hit his 25th first-class hundred off 153 balls in the 52nd over, continuing his form from the quarter-final where he notched a match-winning hundred against Mumbai. While captain Padikkal reached the three-figure mark off just 144 balls in the 55th over. With this, Karnataka were 263/1 at the end of the second session. Uttarakhand finally got their breakthrough in the third session when they dismissed Rahul in the 75th over. Rahul scored 141 runs and hammered 11 fours and five sixes. After losing his partner, Padikkal formed a 59-run partnership with Karun Nair, who looked in great touch from the start. Karun remained unbeaten at 37 runs off 65 balls at the end of the day as Karnataka crossed the 350-run mark. Aditya Rawat was the lone wicket-taker for Uttarakhand. Brief Score: Karnataka 355/2 at day 1 stumps (Devdutt Padikkal 148 not out, KL Rahul 141, Karun Nair 37*; Abhay Negi 2-73) against Uttarakhand. - IANS RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat participated in a social harmony meeting in Gorakhpur as part of the organization's centenary celebrations. He also inaugurated an exhibition detailing the Sangh's 100-year journey. Separately, speaking at a veterinary conference in Nagpur, Bhagwat called for the establishment of a powerful, independent Veterinary Council. He emphasized that animal-related policies must be guided by veterinary experts and advocated for scientific, humane solutions to issues like stray dog management. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat attends a social harmony meeting in Gorakhpur and calls for an empowered Veterinary Council to guide animal-related policies. Gorakhpur, February 15 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday participated in a social harmony meeting during his visit to Gorakhpur. The programme was organised as part of the Sangh's centenary year celebrations. According to Sangh sources, the RSS chief addressed prominent citizens and volunteers at the social harmony meeting held at Baba Gambhir Nath Auditorium. Prior to the meeting, he inaugurated an exhibition on the Sangh's 100-year journey and the theme of 'Panch Parivartan' by lighting a ceremonial lamp. Thereafter, Bhagwat visited the exhibition and gathered information about various aspects of the Sangh's centenary year. Earlier this week, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat called for the establishment of a separate, empowered Veterinary Council, stating that decisions related to animals and public safety must be guided by veterinarians and subject-matter experts. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the XXII Annual Convention of the Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice (ISACP) and the National Symposium on "Role of Canine in One Health: Building Partnerships and Resolving Challenges," held in Nagpur. Referring to the recent controversy in Delhi over stray dogs, Bhagwat said public discourse had become polarised. "Two extreme ideas were being discussed: either kill all dogs or do not touch them at all. But if humans have to live with dogs, the real question is how they should live together," he said, stressing the need for balanced and humane solutions. Highlighting scientific approaches, Bhagwat said a middle path is both possible and necessary. "Dog population can be controlled through sterilisation, and several preventive steps can be taken to reduce risks to humans. These are practical solutions based on knowledge, not emotion," he said, adding that his views were shaped by his background as a veterinarian. The RSS Chief also urged veterinarians to think beyond traditionally perceived limitations. "Earlier, it was believed that veterinarians had a very limited scope. That thinking is wrong. We must think big and recognise the larger role veterinarians can play in society, public health, and policy," he said. - ANI Secretary Marco Rubio says the US won't dispute European findings that Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a rare toxin in a Russian prison. Bratislava, February 15 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington has no basis to challenge assessments made by several European governments regarding the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Speaking about his visit to Slovakia, Rubio acknowledged the findings cited by European nations. "Sometimes countries go out and do their thing based on the intelligence they've gathered. We are obviously aware of the report. It's a troubling report." He added that the United States would not dispute those conclusions. "We don't have any reason to question it, or we're not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it, but it was their report, and they put that out there," Rubio said. Rubio's remarks came after five European countries, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, issued a joint statement asserting that Navalny was killed in prison using a rare toxin, according to CNN and Al Jazeera. The statement said laboratory analysis of samples taken from Navalny's body "conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine," a lethal substance associated with poison dart frogs native to South America. The governments said the chemical does not occur naturally in Russia and leaves no "innocent explanation" for its presence. The five nations further stated that Moscow "had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison" while Navalny was incarcerated in a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. Russian authorities rejected the allegations. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, said she would comment once the test results are publicly disclosed. Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16, 2024, in an Arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence he described as politically motivated. European governments say their findings challenge Russia's earlier claim that he died of natural causes. At the Munich Security Conference, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, saying the new evidence casts light on "the Kremlin's barbaric plot to silence his voice." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X that the alleged poisoning underscored that Russia was prepared to use prohibited methods against its own citizens. The European governments said they would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for a potential breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, a step that could trigger formal international scrutiny. Navalny's death in 2024 sparked global outrage. The renewed accusations, emerging alongside the Munich conference, threaten to further strain relations between Russia and Western capitals. - ANI Senior journalist Harish Chandra Burnwal was awarded an honorary doctorate for his pioneering research analyzing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program. His dissertation is the first to statistically link the program's themes with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, examining all 53 episodes broadcast between 2014 and 2019. The research found sanitation was the most frequently discussed topic, followed by education and women's empowerment. The study highlights how the program turned complex policy goals into a public movement and will be published as a reference book for students. Senior journalist Harish Chandra Burnwal receives honorary doctorate for first-of-its-kind research linking PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' to UN Sustainable Development Goals. New Delhi, Feb 15 Senior journalist and noted author Harish Chandra Burnwal was on Sunday awarded a doctorate for his outstanding research work on 'Mann Ki Baat' - the monthly radio broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The honorary degree was conferred on him by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda at the convocation ceremony of Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad (Haryana). Dr Burnwal completed his dissertation on "An Analysis of the Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" under the guidance of Professor Dr Kumar Rajesh. The research work by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal is the first-of-its-kind in the academic world, linking the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030, with the country's most popular radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. The research establishes how Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the complex global goals (such as poverty alleviation, health, education, and women's empowerment), languishing in government files for decades, into a "people's movement" and also facilitated engagement of common people. The thesis is based entirely on statistical data and solid evidence. Dr Burnwal conducted a detailed statistical analysis of all 53 episodes of 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast from 2014 to 2019 and found that sanitation was discussed the most, in 34 episodes of the Prime Minister's monthly radio programme. His research work also identified several episodes focusing on issues of public concern, with discussions being held in 28 episodes on education, 27 on women's empowerment, 25 on health, 21 on the environment, and 16 on poverty alleviation. The research highlights how PM Modi's storytelling skills have transformed public behaviour. "The use of the word 'Divyang' instead of 'Viklang', and campaigns like 'Selfie with Daughter', and 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', have scientifically validated the shift in social thinking," it points out. According to the Manav Rachna Institute, this dissertation will prove to be an authentic reference book not only for students of journalism but also for students of political science and sociology. The dissertation by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal will also be available in book form in the near future. On this occasion, the faculty of the institute, dignitaries and experts from the academic world congratulated Dr Burnwal for the research work. - IANS Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced several major infrastructure projects have received Union government sanctions, including the massive Guwahati Ring Road and the Kaziranga elevated corridor. He highlighted the upcoming Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati high-speed corridor, a Rs 22,864 crore project expected to drastically cut travel time, for which PM Modi will lay the foundation stone in March. However, approval for a proposed Rs 1,500 crore elevated corridor connecting Guwahati Airport to Jalukbari is still awaited, though a sanction is expected imminently. These projects are poised to significantly enhance connectivity across Assam and the broader northeastern region. Assam CM Himanta Sarma details sanctioned projects like the Guwahati Ring Road and a high-speed corridor, while an elevated airport link awaits final approval. Guwahati, February 15 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that while several infrastructure projects in the state have received Union government sanctions, approval for the elevated corridor from Guwahati Airport to Assam's Jalukbari is still awaited. Speaking at a press conference, Sarma highlighted major ongoing and upcoming projects under the Guwahati Ring Road and other key corridors. "We have received sanction for several projects. Under the Guwahati Ring Road, the Kurua-Narengi bridge will also be included. The Union government and Assam government will spend Rs 5,729 crore, with land acquisition costs of Rs 7,000 crore. The Union government will spend Rs 6,957 crore under the Kaziranga elevated corridor project," he said. The 121.43 km-long Guwahati Ring Road project has been divided into three main sections. The first section, about 55 km long, will stretch from Baihata Chariali to Sonapur via Kuruwa and Chandrapur. This part will include a four-lane road and several six-lane bridges, including the 2.9 KM Kuruwa-Narengi bridge over the Brahmaputra, as well as five other bridges, three flyovers, and three road overbridges. He further informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam in March to lay the foundation stone for the Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati high-speed corridor project. "This will be a game-changing road, reducing travel time from Silchar to Guwahati to 4.5-5 hours. It is the biggest project being implemented by the Union government in Assam, with a total cost of Rs 22,864 crore," Sarma added. The high-speed corridor was announced by the Union Cabinet in April last year. According to an official release, the 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode as an access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor at a total capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore. The project length of 166.80 km lies in Meghalaya (144.80 km) and Assam (22.00 km). The proposed greenfield high-speed corridor will improve service levels for traffic moving from Guwahati to Silchar. The development of this corridor will improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley region of Assam from the mainland and Guwahati, with substantially reduced travel distances and times. The Assam Chief Minister also discussed another key project--an elevated corridor from Guwahati airport to Jalukbari, costing Rs 1,500 crore. "This is part of the master plan. The Guwahati airport will be operational on February 22, and the Union government is expected to sanction this project within 1-2 days," he said. Sarma also mentioned a 4-lane road from Baihata Chariali to Tezpur, estimated at Rs 14,000 crore, which is at the final stage of receiving Union government approval. "This project is now under priority consideration, and we hope for a positive outcome soon," he said. These infrastructure initiatives are expected to significantly improve connectivity and transportation in Assam, strengthening the state's development and strategic importance. - ANI Workers on the assembly line for electric vehicles at the BYD factory in China. The automaker is one of several major Chinese automakers expected to make a move to sell cars in the United States. - Qilai Shen/Bloomberg/Getty Images Chinese cars could be at an American dealership sooner than you think, and thats good news for US consumers. Chinese car companies make more vehicles than anyone else on Earth and export more as well. But high tariffs and hostile US-China trade relations have kept them out of the American market. Thats likely to change, according to experts, with Chinese autos hitting US showrooms in the next five to 10 years. The ambition is there, said Lei Xing, an independent auto analyst and former chief editor of China Automotive Review magazine, even if companies have to build factories here rather than ship cars here from China. He said multiple Chinese automakers have shown readiness to come to the US, to build in the US. That would be helpful for American car buyers. Greater competition means more choices, especially for EVs, which in turn should lower prices. But it would also squeeze the profits and market share of the car companies already selling in the US, likely affecting the nearly 1 million people who work for them. Chinese cars shipped to America come with a 100% tariff, by far the highest tariff rate for any import. But President Donald Trump, a critic of most Chinese products, recently seemed welcoming of Chinese brands if they build plants in the US. If they want to come in and build the plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, thats great. I love that, he said in a speech last month at the Economic Club of Detroit. Let China come in. Asked about the administrations willingness to let Chinese automakers enter the US market, a White House official told CNN last week that the administration supports all investment into the United States as long as our national and economic security is not compromised. China automakers take the lead Any Chinese entry into the market could further cement the countrys industry dominance. China produced one-third of all cars worldwide last year, with more than 8 million of those exported to other markets around the globe, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Thats up 30% compared to 2024. China eclipsed Japan as the worlds largest exporter of vehicles in 2023. China is particularly competitive when it comes to electric vehicles. Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla last year as the largest electric car company worldwide and Ford this week in global sales. Building a car factory the US could take several years, but leading experts agree that most Chinese carmakers are already eyeing the US market. Workers in China assemble a car frame for electric vehicle maker Zeekr, whose plans to enter the US market has faced hurdles due to tariffs. Zeekr is owned by Geely Holdings, which has ownership stake in foreign brands like Volvo. - Kevin Frayer/Getty Images Its no secret that every automaker in the world looks at the United States market as the ultimate arena for triumph, said Michael Dunne, an auto industry consultant who has been involved in Western automakers efforts in China since the 1990s. Shilpa Shetty celebrated her daughter Samisha's sixth birthday with a touching Instagram post featuring a video montage of precious moments. The actress expressed that Samisha is the "magic" and "joy" that lights up their lives daily. Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, welcomed Samisha in 2020, adding to their family which includes son Viaan. The birthday tribute follows Shetty's recent Valentine's Day post where she recreated an iconic 'Titanic' pose with Kundra. Shilpa Shetty shares an adorable video for daughter Samisha's 6th birthday, calling her "my miracle." See her sweet message and family updates. Mumbai, Feb 15 Actress Shilpa Shetty's daughter Samisha has turned 6 years old, and to commemorate the special occasion, the 'Dhadkan' actress penned a lovely social media post for her little one. Shilpa uploaded a video on her IG that compiled some adorable moments of her baby girl over the years. She confessed that her daughter is the magic that lights up their lives on a daily basis. "Happy 6th Birthday to my little Samisha....You are the joy, the laughter and the magic that lights up our lives every single day. You are my miracle and watching you grow has been my greatest blessing. (sic)," Shilpa wrote on the photo-sharing app. Wishing her little munchkin great health and happiness, she went on to add, "May you always be blessed with great health, endless happiness and love beyond measure. Stay curious, stay kind and keep shining my baby girl... Mama loves you forever." Shilpa further added the track, "My Home" by Myles Smith, as the background score. For those who do not know, Shilpa tied the knot with businessman Raj Kundra in a lavish South Indian ceremony in November 2009. The couple welcomed their firstborn, son Viaan, in 2012. They embraced parenthood for the second time in 2020 as they welcomed their daughter Samisha. Shilpa keeps the netizens on the hook with some adorable social media updates connected to her personal and professional life. Marking Valentine's Day on Saturday, Shilpa decided to recreate the iconic pose from "Titanic" with her husband. She took to her official Instagram handle and posted a photograph of her and Raj standing on the edge of a boat with their arms stretched open, just like Jack and Rose did in the James Cameron directorial. "Filmy since day one! And unapologetically so...Happy Valentine's Day my darling Cookie @onlyrajkundra," Shilpa penned the caption. Raj also reacted to the post with the comment, "Love you my cookie #Cheesy". - IANS The Election Commission of India has identified five districts bordering BangladeshCooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, North and South 24 Parganaswhere the uploading of unlisted identity documents for voter registration has been abnormally high. Sources in the Chief Electoral Officer's office noted that similar irregularities were marginally high in the Burdwan districts as well. The Commission has directed district officials to remove all unlisted documents from the system by February 16, following a meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner. The final voters' list will be published on February 28, ahead of the ECI's visit to assess the situation and announce polling dates for the crucial assembly election. Election Commission identifies 5 Bangladesh-bordering Bengal districts with abnormally high uploads of unlisted voter documents ahead of assembly polls. Kolkata, Feb 15 With the hearing session on the claims and objections to the draft voters' list in West Bengal concluded and the scrutiny of the supporting identify documents scheduled to continue till February 21, the Election Commission of India has identified five districts in the state where the instances of uploading of "unlisted" documents had been abnormally high so far. The five districts are Cooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. All five districts have international borders with Bangladesh, with South 24 Parganas mainly having coastal borders. "Apart from these five states, where the instances of uploading of 'unlisted' documents being abnormally high, similar irregularities have been marginally high in East Burdwan and West Burdwan districts," sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said. He also said that the maximum uploading of "unlisted" documents have been detected in "logical discrepancy" cases, while similar irregularities in case of "unmapped" voters had been negligible as in case of "unmapped" voters. "Unmapped" voters are those who were unable to establish any link either through "self mapping" or through "progeny mapping" with the voters' list of 2002, the last time when the intention revision was conducted in West Bengal. On the other hand, "logical discrepancy" cases are those where weird family trees have been detected in the course of "progeny" mapping. "The Commission had once again cautioned the district magistrates, as well as the district electoral officers, to ensure that only the 13 listed documents are accepted as authentic identity proof documents. But even after that, such high instances of uploading of 'unlisted' documents to these districts have irked the Commission," said the sources in the CEO's office. Incidentally, at a virtual full-bench meeting of the Commission on Friday, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the latter directed the DMs/DEOs that "unlisted" documents already uploaded in the system should be removed from the system by February 16. The final voters' list in West Bengal will be published on February 28. On March 1, a full bench of the ECI will undertake a two-day visit to West Bengal to assess the post-SIR scenario. Shortly after that, the ECI will announce the polling dates for the crucial assembly election in West Bengal scheduled later this year. - IANS Defence Minister Rajnath Singh served as Chief Guest for the Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, describing it as a profound spiritual experience. During the event, the Isha Foundation presented awards to several distinguished individuals from fields like science, sports, and the arts. The night-long celebration, themed "Ganga," features guided meditations by Sadhguru and performances by various artists. The event is being livestreamed globally in multiple languages, allowing worldwide participation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended Mahashivratri at Isha Yoga Centre, calling it a special spiritual event. Awards were presented to notable figures. Coimbatore, February 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described the Mahashivaratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation's Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore as "a special and spiritual experience." Attending the celebrations as the Chief Guest, the Defence Minister addressed the gathering in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue on the auspicious occasion. In his address, the Defence Minister called Lord Shiva "the beginning, eternal and infinite" and reflected on the significance of the Vellangiri Hills, known as the Kailasa of the South. "Being here among all of you on the occasion of Mahashivratri is truly a special and spiritual experience of my life. I bow to Adiyogi Shiva and extend my respectful greetings to all the devotees here. Lord Shiva is the beginning, eternal and infinite... He is the truth, and whatever is true is Shiva. It is believed that these Vellangiri Hills are the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, known as the Kailasha of the South...," the Defence Minister said. Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by his wife Amruta Fadnavis, Union Minister L Murugan and actresses Juhi Chawla and Tamannaah, offered prayers at Surya Kundam and Dhyanalinga at the Isha Yoga Centre. After these events, the dignitaries arrived at the Adiyogi Statue place, where the Bavya Bharat Bushan Awards Medal and certificates, on behalf of Isha Foundation, were given to Artist Dr N.Rajan, Dancer Alamel Valli, Rocket Scientist Dr Nambi Narayanan, Former Chairman of ISRO A.S.Kiran Kumar, Academician Vikram Sampath, Badminton Player Saina Nehwal, Air Marshal Jithendra Mishra (Western Air Command for Operation Sindoor), Admiral Rahul Vikas Khokle (Western Naval Command for Operation Sindoor) and General Northern Command Athithya Vikram. Following the award ceremony, spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, presented shawls to the dignitaries in attendance. Other distinguished dignitaries at the grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore include Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Several other dignitaries, spiritual leaders and artists from across the country are also part of the mega celebration. Themed "Ganga", this year's Mahashivratri focuses on the spiritual, cultural and ecological significance of the sacred river. The night-long event features powerful meditations guided by Sadhguru, vibrant music and dance performances, and live acts by leading Indian artists. Renowned performers will take the stage include Aditya Gadhvi and Prashant Sonagra. Collaborations with Sounds of Isha (SOI) will see performances by Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Harish Sagane and Dhol Tasha. Swagat Rathod, Prithvi Gandharv, Aishwarya Nigam and Deepali Sahay will also join Sounds of Isha for special musical offerings. Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for devotees to deepen their connection with Yogeshwara Linga. Millions of people from all over the world registered for the free offering, according to a press release. The ongoing livestream of the celebrations will continue till 6 am tomorrow. It will also be available in 23 Indian and international languages, enabling people from around the world to participate in this night of immense spiritual significance, as per the press release. - ANI Finalists to present at New Delhi summit The Indian government highlights strong global participation for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, with over 4,650 applications from 60+ countries for its flagship challenges. Finalists have been selected to present AI solutions in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and climate resilience at the event in New Delhi. A dedicated challenge for women-led innovation, AI by HER, received over 800 applications, promoting inclusive growth in the AI ecosystem. The summit underscores India's role as a hub for responsible AI development aimed at equitable progress. India AI Impact Summit 2026 sees 4,650+ global applications for AI challenges focused on healthcare, climate, and inclusive growth. New Delhi, Feb 15 The government on Sunday said the overwhelming global participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 underlines India's growing role as a hub for responsible artificial intelligence innovation, guided by the vision of People, Planet and Progress. Ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, the finalists of three flagship Global Impact Challenges -- AI for ALL, AI by HER and YUVAi -- have been announced. These challenges were launched to promote innovative and socially impactful AI solutions aligned with global priorities, Ministry of Electronics & IT said. Together, the three competitions received more than 4,650 applications from over 60 countries -- reflecting strong international interest. After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process by domain experts and industry leaders, the top 70 teams have been selected as finalists. They will present their solutions at the Grand Finale and Awards Felicitation Ceremony on February 16 and 17 at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. The AI for ALL Global Impact Challenge alone received over 1,350 applications from more than 60 countries. It focused on scalable AI solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, governance, education and financial inclusion. The top 20 finalists have developed real-world applications including AI-driven infection screening tools, soil intelligence systems, climate risk analytics platforms, digital health diagnostics, cybersecurity solutions, industrial efficiency tools, accessible education technologies and AI-enabled governance systems. "These innovations show how AI can support equitable growth and improve public service delivery, especially across the Global South," the ministry stated. The AI by HER Global Impact Challenge, which received more than 800 applications from over 50 countries, is aimed at promoting women-led innovation in artificial intelligence. The top 30 finalists include women entrepreneurs working on AI-based solutions in healthcare, sustainability, financial inclusion, workforce development, agriculture, education and digital commerce. Their projects range from AI-powered cancer and retinal screening tools to multilingual clinical decision support systems, voice-to-EMR platforms, precision nutrition technologies, credit intelligence systems, ESG automation platforms and multilingual localisation tools. The government said the challenge reflects its commitment to inclusive digital growth and to placing women innovators at the forefront of the global AI ecosystem. - IANS Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a newly constructed flyover at the busy Madhya Kailash junction in Adyar, Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 60.68 crore to improve connectivity. He framed the project as part of the active "Dravidian Model" of governance, marked by frequent inaugurations and new initiatives. During campaign travels, Stalin made an unscheduled stop to verify the delivery of a Rs 5,000 women's financial assistance scheme to a beneficiary, showcasing his government's welfare reach. Addressing party workers, he urged them to secure votes by publicizing these schemes, expressing confidence in the DMK's electoral prospects. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurates a Rs 60.68 crore flyover in Chennai to ease traffic, while campaigning on the Dravidian Model's welfare successes. Chennai, February 15 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday inaugurated a newly constructed flyover at the Madhya Kailash junction in Adyar, Chennai. The flyover, built at a cost of Rs 60.68 crore, has been constructed by the Highways and Minor Ports Department. It connects Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR) with Sardar Patel Road at the busy Madhya Kailash junction, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement in the area. The project is expected to significantly benefit commuters travelling between the IT corridor along Rajiv Gandhi Salai and key parts of the city via Sardar Patel Road in Chennai. After inaugurating the highway, Tamil Nadu CM in a post on X, said, "The Central Kailash Flyover has been opened to meet the needs of the people of South Chennai! Opening ceremonies every day, foundation stones for new projects every day. This is the Dravidian Model in action!" Earlier, Stalin expressed satisfaction over the positive impact of the state government's policies and asserted confidence in a victory for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. This came as the Chief Minister, while travelling by road to the Circuit House in the Samanagar area of Tirupattur town on Saturday, made an unscheduled stop at the residence of a local, Megala, the wife of Muniyappan. He enquired whether the Tamil Nadu government's women's financial assistance of Rs 5,000 had been credited to her bank account. She happily confirmed that the amount had been received. Expressing pride in the state government's efforts, Stalin shared a video of the interaction on his official X handle. "Our government's schemes that have reached every home! This is the pride of the #DravidianModel! #Let'sWinTogether!" he captioned the post. MK Stalin also addressed a gathering at the party's booth agents' conference in Tirupathur. He urged DMK workers to work diligently for the upcoming elections. He asked them to inform the people of the government's schemes and policies and "ensure at least 50 votes each" to secure victory in 200 constituencies. "Since 2019, the DMK has been securing victory after victory. I urge party workers to work with determination to ensure success in the upcoming elections as well. If each functionary ensures at least 50 votes, the party can secure victory in 200 constituencies. Go door-to-door to convey the government's achievements, and discuss them even at tea shops," the CM said.The CM further reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuing to deliver significant welfare schemes for the people. "Rs 5,000 has been provided as a women's rights assistance scheme to 1.35 crore women beneficiaries, and the DMK government will continue to deliver necessary welfare measures to the people...," he added. - ANI Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin appeals to PM Narendra Modi for citizenship pathways and visa relief for long-term Sri Lankan Tamil residents in the state. New Delhi, February 15 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide citizenship pathways and long-term visa relief for Sri Lankan Tamils who have been residing in the state for decades. In a post on X, Stalin appealed for a "humane legal solution" for the Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, stating that many of them had arrived in India with the approval of the Government of India and should not be treated as illegal immigrants. "Hon'ble @PMOIndia Thiru. @NarendraModi, please provide a humane legal solution for Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu for decades by enabling citizenship pathways, granting long-term visa relief, and removing administrative barriers that keep them in legal uncertainty," Stalin wrote. He further claimed that 40 per cent of these Sri Lankan Tamils were "born on our soil" and asked for the Government of India's support in providing citizenship to them. "Honourable Prime Minister, Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu came here with the support and approval of the Government of India. They have been living on Indian soil for over 30 years. Furthermore, 40% of them were born on our soil!" the CM wrote in the post. "Therefore, they should not be considered illegal immigrants. The Government of India must come forward to provide legal solutions, including citizenship, for them," he added. The CM further noted his requests to the Union Government in this regard. He asked for the rescission of earlier administrative instructions, the waiver of passport and visa requirements, the delegation of powers to district-level authorities, and formal clarification regarding registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals sheltered in India up to 9 January 2015. "I request the Union Government to consider: Rescinding earlier administrative instructions that bar consideration of citizenship applications from Sri Lankan Tamils, Issuing an executive clarification waiving passport and visa requirements, where appropriate, for the purpose of citizenship or long-term visa applications, based on verified identity documentation issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Delegating appropriate powers to designated district-level authorities for streamlined processing, Formally clarifying the legal status of registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals sheltered in India up to 9 January 2015," the CM requested the Prime Minister. Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister MK Stalin reflected on Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) victorious history and expressed hopes for the party's win in the upcoming state assembly elections. Addressing the gathering at the party's booth agents' conference in Tirupathur, the Chief Minister urged DMK workers to work diligently for the upcoming elections. He asked them to inform the public about the government's schemes and policies and to "ensure at least 50 votes each" to secure victory in 200 constituencies. "Since 2019, the DMK has been securing victory after victory. I urge party workers to work with determination to ensure success in the upcoming elections as well. If each functionary ensures at least 50 votes, the party can secure victory in 200 constituencies. Go door-to-door to convey the government's achievements, and discuss them even at tea shops," the CM said. The CM further reaffirmed the state government's commitment to continuing welfare measures and development initiatives for the people of Tamil Nadu. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore as the chief guest for the Mahashivratri celebrations. He was welcomed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and offered prayers alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The event, themed "Ganga," features guided meditations, music, dance, and performances by various artists. The night-long celebration is being livestreamed globally with accessibility features. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends Mahashivratri at Isha Yoga Centre as chief guest. Event features Sadhguru, CM Devendra Fadnavis, and cultural performances. Coimbatore, February 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore to attend the Maha Shivaratri celebrations this evening as the Chief Guest. Upon his arrival, the Defence Minister was welcomed by spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The Defence Minister, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, then offered prayers in the Centre, ahead of the festive celebrations. Other distinguished dignitaries expected to attend the grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore include Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Several other dignitaries, spiritual leaders and artists from across the country are also slated to be part of the mega celebration. Themed "Ganga", this year's Mahashivratri will focus on the spiritual, cultural and ecological significance of the sacred river. The night-long event will feature powerful meditations guided by Sadhguru, vibrant music and dance performances, and live acts by leading Indian artists. Renowned performers scheduled to take the stage include Aditya Gadhvi and Prashant Sonagra. Collaborations with Sounds of Isha (SOI) will see performances by Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Harish Sagane and Dhol Tasha. Swagat Rathod, Prithvi Gandharv, Aishwarya Nigam and Deepali Sahay will also join Sounds of Isha for special musical offerings. Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for devotees to deepen their connection with Yogeshwara Linga. Millions of people from all over the world registered for the free offering, as per the press release. The celebrations will be livestreamed globally with sign language interpretation, making the event accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The livestream will continue till 6 am tomorrow. It will also be available in 23 Indian and international languages, enabling people from around the world to participate in this night of immense spiritual significance, as per the press release. - ANI Following the BNP's landslide victory, Chairman Tarique Rahman met with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman in a courtesy visit. Shafiqur Rahman stated that Tarique assured him steps are being taken to address post-election violence, including harm to opposition supporters and minorities. Jamaat-e-Islami, now the key opposition party, pledged cooperative but firm oversight of the new government. The meeting occurs amid reports of post-poll violence in Panchagarh district, with allegations of attacks on opposition members. BNP's Tarique Rahman assures Jamaat-e-Islami of steps to curb post-poll violence after election win. Details on the meeting and opposition dynamics. Dhaka, February 16 Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured them of taking action to curb the post-poll violence in the country. Following BNP's landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy visit to the Jamaat chief. Shafiqur Rahman assured him of the party's cooperation in discharging the constitutional duties. In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman wrote, "We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, together with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. In our discussions, he (Tarique Rahman) reaffirmed that steps are being taken regarding incidents of post-election violence, including actions to address harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. We welcome this assurance and reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity." "We will cooperate fully on matters of national interest, yet we will discharge our constitutional duty as a firm and principled opposition. Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight. The people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence," the social media post read. According to Prothom Alo, Tarique Rahman entered the Jamaat Ameer's home in the Bashundhara residential area of the capital at 7:10 pm on Sunday. The meeting was described primarily as a courtesy call, during which leaders exchanged pleasantries and indicated that contemporary issues could also be discussed. The visit takes place amid preparations for forming the new government, following the BNP's commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats required, and positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate. In the same polls, Jamaat-e-Islami, previously an ally of the BNP, contested as a rival and emerged as the second-largest party, establishing itself as a key opposition force. Election Commission figures showed the BNP-led alliance securing 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating. A post-poll violence broke out in Panchagarh district in Bangladesh, with National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam claiming that over 30 homes and businesses belonging to party leaders and activists were targeted after the results were announced, Prothom Alo reported. Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the NCP for the northern region, alleged that attacks occurred at more than 30 locations involving the homes and business establishments of party leaders and activists after the results were declared. Echoing these claims, the defeated candidate of the 11-party electoral alliance in the Panchagarh-1 constituency accused leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of involvement in the incidents, according to Prothom Alo. While in Tetulia upazila, one such account emerged from Swapan Rana, an EasyBike driver who alleged that he was attacked after the election. Rana claimed the confrontation stemmed from his campaigning activities and his daughter's affiliation with the NCP's Nari Shakti unit. - ANI The Telangana Director General of Police has made a fresh appeal for Maoist leaders and cadres to surrender and reintegrate into society. He highlighted that 588 individuals have already done so over the past two years under the state's rehabilitation policy. The DGP assured that those who surrender will receive immediate assistance and benefits to live safely with their families. The appeal reiterates the government's commitment to peaceful solutions and the long-term welfare of those who return to the mainstream. Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy urges Maoists to surrender, citing 588 successful rehabilitations under the state's surrender policy. Hyderabad, Feb 15 The Telangana Police Department on Sunday called upon all top underground CPI leaders and cadres to return to the mainstream of society and lead a peaceful, secure, and dignified life with their families. Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy reiterated the appeal earlier made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, urging underground Maoists to shun violence and reintegrate into society under the state government's rehabilitation framework. The police chief said in a statement that over the past two years, as many as 588 Maoist leaders and cadres at various organisational levels have rejoined normal life through the sustained efforts of the Telangana Police and the implementation of the government's surrender and rehabilitation initiatives. "All of them have availed the benefits under the Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy of the Government of Telangana. Today, they are living safely and happily in their native villages with their families," he said, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring their long-term welfare and security. The DGP claimed that the positive outcomes of this policy have inspired even underground Maoists from neighbouring and other states to surrender before the Telangana Police and reintegrate into society through peaceful means. "This demonstrates the credibility, compassion, and effectiveness of the rehabilitation initiatives implemented by the Telangana Government. In this context, the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana, extends a sincere and renewed appeal to all top underground Maoist leaders and cadres -- including the 15 remaining cadres from Telangana State -- to come forward and embrace a peaceful future," reads the statement. The police chief gave the assurance that those who choose to join the mainstream will be extended immediate assistance and benefits under the Government's Surrender & Rehabilitation Scheme, in accordance with the provisions laid down by the state government. The Government is committed to ensuring comprehensive support for their reintegration, enabling them to live with freedom, respect, and dignity with their families in their native villages or towns. The Telangana Police firmly believes that changing times call for peaceful and constructive solutions to address longstanding challenges, he said. "We urge underground CPI (Maoist) leaders and cadres to recognise the evolving circumstances, reunite with their families, and contribute positively to the development and progress of Telangana," the DGP added, reiterating the government's resolve to facilitate their return to normal life. - IANS The Telangana Police have renewed an appeal from the Chief Minister for underground Maoist leaders and cadres to surrender and rejoin mainstream society. This call follows the successful reintegration of 588 individuals over the past two years through the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy. The police emphasize that those who surrender will receive immediate assistance and support to live peacefully with their families. The Director General of Police urged remaining cadres to recognize changing times and contribute positively to Telangana's development. Telangana Police, citing 588 successful surrenders, renew CM's appeal for underground Maoist leaders to reintegrate into society with rehabilitation benefits. Hyderabad, February 15 The Telangana Police Department reiterated the appeal made by A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, and called upon all top underground CPI leaders and cadres to return to the mainstream of society and lead a peaceful, secure, and dignified life with their families, according to DGP Telangana Shivadhar Reddy, IPS. Over the past two years, 588 Maoist leaders and cadres at various levels have rejoined normal life through the sustained efforts of the Telangana Police. All of them have availed the benefits under the Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy of the Government of Telangana. Today, they are living safely and happily in their native villages with their families. The positive outcomes of this policy have inspired even underground Maoists from other states to surrender before the Telangana Police and reintegrate into society. This demonstrates the credibility, compassion, and effectiveness of the Telangana Government's rehabilitation initiatives. In this context, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana has extended a sincere and renewed appeal to all of the top underground Maoist leaders and cadres, including the 15 remaining cadres from Telangana State, to come forward and embrace a peaceful future. Those who choose to join the mainstream will be extended immediate assistance and benefits under the Government's Surrender & Rehabilitation Scheme, the DGP said in a release. The Government is committed to ensuring comprehensive support for their reintegration, enabling them to live with freedom, respect, and dignity with their families in their villages or towns. The Telangana Police firmly believes that changing times call for peaceful and constructive solutions. "We urge underground CPI (Maoist) leaders and cadres to recognise the evolving circumstances, reunite with their families, and contribute positively to the development and progress of Telangana," the DGP stated. - ANI Coupang (NYSE: CPNG), a Seattle-headquartered technology company, has been embroiled in the fallout from a data breach in its main market of South Korea that is hurting its reputation. Investors, nervous about uncertainties facing the business, have decided to sell off Coupang stock amid South Korean government hearings and investigations into the company's security practices. The stock is down 26% in the past year. While what's going on should not be ignored, investors focused on the long term are being given a gift with this current Coupang stock drawdown. 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 Here's why buying this stock today could set you up for life. Data breach and taking the long view Late last year, Coupang revealed that information from up to roughly 34 million accounts had been exposed in the data leak after first saying the incident had been much smaller. The South Korean government launched an inquiry, and Reuters reported that in mid-December Coupang CEO and Chairman Bom Kim skipped a parliamentary hearing on the data breach. Reuters reported this week that South Korean officials blame "management failure, rather than a sophisticated cyberattack" for the data leak. This has turned into a bigger scandal than it needed to be, with Coupang making things worse. Again, this is not something investors can just ignore. However, as with most data scandals, it is more likely than not that most Coupang customers will have forgotten about this event a few years down the line. As long-term focused investors, this is what we care about. At the same time, Coupang's business in South Korea continues to perform admirably. Net revenue grew 20% year-over-year in constant currency last quarter, along with 10% growth in active customers and positive free cash flow. Its e-commerce platform with a vertically integrated delivery network, similar to Amazon's, continues to delight customers with rapid delivery times and a wide product selection. Most customers will care more about this convenience compared to their information potentially being leaked. Image source: Getty Images. Why Coupang stock could set you up for life After experiencing this drawdown, Coupang now trades at a market cap of $32 billion. It has revenue of $33.66 billion, and management believes it can eventually grow to an adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin of 10% or more. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, publicly called on U.S. President Donald Trump to deliver promised support to help the Iranian people overthrow the government. He urged Iranians worldwide to chant protest slogans from their homes in solidarity with demonstrations in Germany. His call follows Trump's statements favoring regime change in Iran and military deployments to increase pressure on Tehran. The protest movement, which has faced a severe crackdown, remains fragmented, and Pahlavi's stance has drawn criticism within opposition circles. Reza Pahlavi urges US President Trump to support Iranian protests, declaring it is "time to end the Islamic Republic" as death toll rises. Munich, February 15 Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, urged US President Donald Trump to assist the Iranian people in overthrowing the current regime, declaring that it was "time to end the Islamic Republic." According to The Times of Israel, speaking to reporters at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Pahlavi called on Trump to deliver on promises of support. "To President Trump... The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them," he said. Pahlavi encouraged Iranians inside the country and in the diaspora to sustain demonstrations against the authorities. He invited them to chant slogans from their homes and rooftops at 8:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, aligning with protests taking place in Germany and other locations. "In this spirit, I invite you, on the evenings of February 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., to raise your voices and chant from your homes and rooftops. Shout your demands. Show your unity. With an unbreakable will, we will prevail over this occupying regime," he said. Pahlavi emphasised that the time had come for decisive change. "It is time to end the Islamic Republic. This is the demand echoing from the bloodshed of my compatriots, who are not asking us to fix the regime but to help them bury it," he told the gathering, according to The Times of Israel. His remarks followed Trump's statement on Friday that a government change in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen." Trump had also ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to increase military pressure on Tehran. Trump had previously warned of possible military intervention to back ongoing street protests in Iran, which reached a peak in January before facing a severe crackdown by security forces. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the verified death toll has surpassed 7,000, including 214 government personnel, with many more feared killed. Pahlavi, who has lived outside Iran since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the monarchy, has repeatedly backed the protest movement. Iranian officials have described the demonstrations as manipulated by "terrorists" backed by the United States and Israel. The 65-year-old opposition figure has indicated his readiness to lead a democratic transition, noting that numerous protest chants have called for the restoration of the monarchy. However, the Iranian opposition remains fragmented, and Pahlavi has drawn criticism for his public support for Israel, including a prominent 2023 visit that hindered efforts to unite various opposition groups. He has also not distanced himself from his father's autocratic governance. - ANI US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, to expand the defence partnership. This follows the recent signing of a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The agreement establishes a long-term roadmap for military collaboration and joint projects across the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations are actively advancing cooperation through high-level meetings, technical groups, and naval engagements to strengthen shared strategic interests. US Envoy welcomes INDOPACOM Commander to India as nations sign a landmark 10-year defence framework to deepen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. New Delhi, February 15 US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Sunday welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, underscoring efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership. In a post on X, Gor said, "Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations." From Februray 3 to 4, India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi to advance cooperation in Defence Science & Technology, according to a Ministry of Defence statement. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO, and Michael Francis Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering. As per the statement, the plenary was conducted in line with the vision and policy guidance of the India-US Major Defence Partnership framework, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and 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. In November, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi concluded his official visit to the United States to deepen the India-US maritime partnership and advance shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. During the visit, Admiral Tripathi held a series of high-level meetings with senior US civilian and military leaders, including US Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen P. Koehler, and US Marine Forces Pacific Commander Lt Gen James F. Glynn. He also met Vice Admiral Yvette DeVids, Steve Parode, and Rear Admiral Raymond P. Owens. The discussions focused on the core pillars of India-US defence cooperation. Both sides reviewed plans to strengthen maritime security and domain awareness, expand operational interoperability, enhance information sharing, protect sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure, and coordinate responses to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, counter-piracy, and other non-traditional security challenges. In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the two countries formalised a ten-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a major step toward advancing India-US strategic and defence cooperation. The agreement, signed in the presence of senior officials from both sides, establishes a long-term roadmap for military collaboration, capacity enhancement, and joint projects across the Indo-Pacific. Singh termed the signing as the beginning of a "new chapter" in bilateral defence ties. "We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. On this occasion, I believe a new chapter begins today with the signing of the Defence Framework. I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen," Rajnath said. Hegseth, expressing appreciation for the partnership, described the agreement as a defining moment in the evolving relationship between New Delhi and Washington. "I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It's one of the most consequential US-India relationships globally. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," he said. "This 10-year US-India Defence Framework is ambitious. It's a significant step for our two militaries and a roadmap for deeper, more meaningful collaboration ahead. It underscores America's long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership." After the meeting, Singh shared on X, "This Defence Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship. It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership." The engagement took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singh was leading the Indian delegation. - ANI The Indian government is advancing a major initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the nation's healthcare system to achieve Universal Health Coverage. AI tools are already being used to screen for diseases like tuberculosis and power over 282 million telemedicine consultations, improving detection and outcomes. The strategy includes enhancing platforms like e-Sanjeevani with AI diagnosis and using AI for disease surveillance to flag potential outbreaks. Guided by the IndiaAI mission and ethical frameworks, this push is part of the long-term vision to create a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Indian government deploys AI tools in public health for TB screening, telemedicine, and disease surveillance, aiming for universal, affordable care by 2047. New Delhi, February 15 The Government of India is pushing ahead with an ambitious plan to transform healthcare delivery across the country by integrating artificial intelligence into public and private health systems. Underlining the government's commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the Health Ministry states that AI tools are central to efforts to "effectively bridge delivery gaps, elevating the standard of medical services and products, and ensuring affordable care for every citizen." The push towards digital health is guided by the broader vision of "Welfare for All, Happiness for All (Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya)" and the Government's long-term objective of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Union Cabinet had earlier approved the IndiaAI mission in March 2024, reflecting a commitment to combine technological advancement with societal benefit. Two core principles undergird the mission: democratizing technology so that AI solutions reach even rural and underserved communities, and using technology to address human-centric challenges rather than for innovation alone. AI-based tools have already been deployed in key public health programmes, with measurable outcomes. For instance, AI solutions have empowered frontline workers to screen for tuberculosis and diabetic retinopathy and have supported more than 282 million telemedicine consultations nationwide, contributing to a 27 % reduction in adverse TB outcomes and significant improvements in case detection. The government also highlighted the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 16-20 February, which will bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators and researchers to foster dialogue on AI policy, research, industry partnerships and public engagement. A key aspect of the government strategy is the integration of AI into public health infrastructure. Tools such as the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform have been enhanced with AI-assisted differential diagnosis, while the Media Disease Surveillance System uses AI to flag potential outbreaks by scanning large volumes of digital data. Across programmes ranging from infectious disease management to cancer care and rural nutrition monitoring, AI systems are enabling earlier detection, improved treatment workflows and strengthened surveillance capabilities. The initiative also emphasizes ethical deployment and governance. All AI systems are guided by established ethical and data-privacy frameworks, ensuring safe and privacy-preserving use of health data. As India accelerates its digital health transformation, the government believes AI will play a pivotal role in expanding healthcare coverage and enhancing service delivery across socio-economic segments. - ANI US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference, conveying that President Donald Trump intends to find a permanent solution to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The discussions focused on Ukraine's defense needs, the impact of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, and preparations for upcoming trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Geneva. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for consistent US support and emphasized the importance of the Geneva meetings being productive to advance security guarantees and economic recovery. The Ukrainian leader also separately discussed the diplomatic process with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Ukraine's Zelenskyy, stating President Trump wants a permanent solution to end the bloodshed ahead of Geneva talks. Munich, February 15 United States President Donald Trump intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war "once and for all," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday. Rubio met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "Met with Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa on Ukraine's security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. President Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all," Marco Rubio wrote on X. The meeting comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18. Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that he briefed Rubio on Ukraine's situation amid the ongoing war, ahead of the peace talks. He also discussed with Rubio the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy resources. "During the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio, I briefed him on the situation at the front, Russian strikes, and the impact of attacks on Ukraine's energy system. We discussed how to help Ukraine protect lives during the winter cold and strengthen our resilience. We also had a detailed discussion about the diplomatic process and trilateral meetings. It is crucial that the talks planned in Geneva be productive, and I thank the United States for their constructive approach. We also addressed the matter of sequencing steps. It is important to make progress on the issues of security guarantees and economic recovery. I am grateful to the United States and to every American heart for the substantial support provided to Ukraine," the Ukrainian premier wrote on X. Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (local time) discussed the upcoming trilateral meetings in Geneva with United States envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stating that Kyiv expects the peace talks to be "truly productive." In an X post, the Ukrainian President wrote, "I had a conversation with envoys of President Trump, @SteveWitkoff and @JaredKushner, ahead of the trilateral meetings in Geneva. We count on the meetings being truly productive. We also discussed some developments following the meetings in Abu Dhabi. Not everything can be shared over the phone, and our negotiating team will present Ukraine's position next week." "I also spoke about our meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We greatly appreciate that America consistently maintains a constructive approach and is ready to assist in protecting lives. I thank President Trump, his team, and the people of the United States for their support," he added. Earlier, the US, Russia and Ukraine held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in January 2026. As reported by TASS, the Russian delegation will be headed by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky for the fresh rounds of talks on February 17 and 18. - ANI Jason Holder's four-wicket haul dismantled Nepal, restricting them to 133/8 and setting up a dominant nine-wicket win for the West Indies. The victory secured the West Indies' spot as the first team to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Holder credited his success to practicing yorkers and aiming to be unpredictable in the death overs, while also praising his bowling partners. Shai Hope's unbeaten 61 and Shimron Hetmyer's 46 not out then chased the target with ease in just 15.2 overs. Jason Holder took 4 wickets and discussed his unpredictable death bowling after West Indies thrashed Nepal to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super 8s. Mumbai, February 15 West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder delivered a match-winning performance by picking up four wickets, conceding 27 runs against Nepal in the group-stage match held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. With the emphatic nine-wicket victory, West Indies became the first team to qualify for the Super Eights, while Nepal were officially eliminated from the tournament. After receiving his Player of the Match award during the post-match presentation, Holder shed light on the slow nature of the pitch and highlighted the difficulty of hitting the ball through the line. "I thought the ball did a little bit more. Probably held on the surface a little bit more upfront. And it became a little bit more difficult to hit through the line of the ball. We were able to get some movement as well, which was key. And I thought our bowlers bowled a really tight line to them as well upfront, which was very, very key in terms of our execution," said Holder, according to Cricbuzz. The pacer also praised his fellow bowlers, especially Matthew Forde, for his brilliant spell. When asked about his death bowling, he mentioned his efforts to be unpredictable and his practice of bowling yorkers. Holder said, "Credit goes not only to me, but to Matthew (Forde) as well. I thought Matthew bowled an outstanding spell upfront to set the tone for us. And then we were able to adjust from there." The Shai Hope-led Windies chased down a modest target of 134 runs in just 15.2 overs to secure a comfortable win over the Asian nation. Brandon King (22 off 17 balls) and Hope (61 not out off 44 balls) added 43 runs for the first wicket. After that, Shimron Hetmyer (46 not out off 32 balls) joined Hope and took the Windies past the line comfortably. Speaking on his yorkers in death overs, he said, "It's something I've been practising now for a little while, you know. I think for me, it's just trying not to be too predictable. I'm also just varying the positions at the crease and just trying to execute a few more yorkers." Earlier, the West Indies opted to bowl after winning the toss and began with spinner Akeal Hosein. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh opened the innings for Nepal. It was a messy start for Nepal as they lost Kushal Bhurtel on the score of one to Hosein on the fifth ball of the very first over of the match. The captain Rohit Paudel was sent back to the pavilion for just five runs in the fourth over, after getting hit on the pad for lbw by Matthew Forde. The Rhinos lost their third wicket in the powerplay to Jason Holder in the form of Aasif Sheikh (11), who hit a couple of boundaries at the start. Nepal crumbled to 22 runs for the loss of three crucial wickets at the end of the power play. Following the powerplay, Aarif Skeikh was dismissed for two runs by in-form bowler Jason Holder. Nepal was 46-5 in the 11th over after Lokesh Bam's dismissal at the tally of 13 runs by Shamar Joseph. A small partnership of 23 runs took place between Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulsan Jha for the sixth wicket before Roston Chase cleaned up Gulsan at 11 runs. Dipendra was the only positive from Nepal's innings. He played a major role in the most crucial partnership of 54 runs for the seventh wicket with Sompal Kami. The partnership ended when Holder dismissed Dipendra for 58 runs off 47 balls. Nepal ended the innings at 133/8. Brief Score: Nepal 133/8 in 20 overs (Dipendra Singh Airee 58, Sompal Kami 26; Jason Holder 27/4) vs West Indies 134/1 in 15.2 overs (Shai Hope 61, Shimron Hetmyer 46; Nandan Yadav 24/1). - ANI Union Minister Suresh Gopi offered prayers at Kerala's historic Vadakkumnathan Temple on Mahashivratri as PM Modi and Rajnath Singh extended festive greetings. Thrissur, February 15 Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Sunday offered prayers at Vadakkumnathan Temple along with devotees on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, the temple, believed to have been constructed in the 8th or 9th century CE, is considered one of the most important Shiva temples in Kerala. In the centre of the temple there is multi shrined complex, besides the four Gopurams. The three key shrines of the temple have been dedicated to the Vadakkunatham or Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Shankaranarayana. Lord Shiva who in the hunter form called as the Vettekkaran, besides other places is also worshipped in the Nalambalam area. According to literature from the temple website, this religious place is an extraordinary example of the classical Kerala style of architecture featuring outstanding murals of the 17th century echoing the story of Mahabharata. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, emphasising that the divine grace of Lord Shiva brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation. "To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keeps His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Singh is scheduled to visit Coimbatore to participate in the Mahashivaratri festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre later today. Taking to X, he wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Today, I shall be at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore to attend the 'Maha Shivratri' celebrations. Looking forward to it." Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi paid solemn tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel martyred in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to decisively uproot the terrorism infrastructure sponsored by neighboring Pakistan. The attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir, was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. India responded to the attack with counter-terror operations, including airstrikes on terror camps. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi honors CRPF personnel on Pulwama attack anniversary, urging PM Modi to dismantle Pakistan-sponsored terror. Hyderabad, February 15 On the anniversary of the 2019 Pulwama attack, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi paid solemn tribute to the forty CRPF personnel who lost their lives, while calling for decisive government action against cross-border terrorism. Speaking in Hyderabad, Owaisi expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to completely dismantle the terror infrastructure sponsored by neighbouring Pakistan. Owaisi said, "On this day, 14th February 2019, terrorists attacked in Pulwama, resulting in the loss of forty CRPF soldiers' lives. We remember them and express our condolences to the brave soldiers who were killed. I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will uproot terrorism that is being sponsored by our neighbouring country." Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks when as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on February 14, 2019. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was caused by a suicide bomber, according to a local news agency. India launched a series of counter-terror operations, including airstrikes at terror camps in Pakistan. - ANI The US Army has conducted a series of retaliatory airstrikes against more than 30 Islamic State targets in Syria. The operation, named Hawkeye Strike, was launched in response to a December ambush that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. These strikes are part of a broader campaign that has resulted in over 50 ISIL fighters killed or captured. The action occurs amid shifting dynamics in Syria, including a reconfiguration of the US alliance with Kurdish-led forces. US Army conducts airstrikes on over 30 ISIL targets in Syria in retaliation for a deadly ambush, part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. Damascus, February 15 The United States Army has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets in Syria, escalating its ongoing campaign against the remnants of the extremist group following a deadly ambush that killed two American service members and a US civilian interpreter late last year, reported Al Jazeera. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces conducted 10 airstrikes on more than 30 ISIL targets between February 3 and February 12, striking the group's infrastructure and weapons storage facilities with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned drones. The military said the operations were intended to "sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network". The strikes form part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in response to a December 13 ambush near the historic city of Palmyra that killed Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, an American civilian interpreter, reported Al Jazeera. CENTCOM officials said that more than 50 ISIL fighters have been killed or captured and around 100 ISIL infrastructure targets hit since the operation began, demonstrating Washington's commitment to degrading the group's capabilities. The US strikes against ISIL come amid broader shifts in Syria's conflict landscape. Syrian government forces recently reclaimed the al-Tanf military base in eastern Syria, a site long operated by US troops in the fight against ISIL. Damascus has since asserted greater control over former opposition-held areas, while Washington reassesses the strategic role of its forces in the country. In a related development, the US military completed the transfer of thousands of ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq for prosecution at Baghdad's request, a move welcomed by the US-led coalition that has fought ISIL for years. Washington says the transfer will help prevent potential escapes amid ongoing conflict and weaken the group's networks. Regional dynamics are also shifting. The long-standing US alliance with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has been reconfigured as Damascus seeks to reintegrate former SDF fighters into its central army. Washington has signalled that the purpose of its alliance with the Kurdish forces is largely over, even as it continues to coordinate against ISIL threats. Despite ISIL's loss of territorial control more than half a decade ago, the group remains capable of launching lethal attacks and operating clandestinely. US officials say maintaining pressure through sustained military operations is necessary to prevent the extremist organisation from regrouping and mounting further assaults on US forces, partners and regional stability. - ANI Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated newly constructed advocate chambers at the Khatima Civil Court on Mahashivratri. He announced an additional Rs 2.5 crore for the construction of 20 more chambers to expand the facility. In his address, Dhami linked the development to broader national judicial reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including new legal codes and technological integration. He emphasized that these steps aim to make the justice delivery system faster, more transparent, and accessible. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates new advocate chambers in Khatima, announces Rs 2.5 crore for expansion and highlights judicial reforms. Khatima, February 15 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed chambers for advocates at Khatima Civil Court, built at a cost of Rs 1 crore, by cutting the ribbon and lighting the ceremonial lamp on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the advocates and extended his best wishes on the occasion of Mahashivratri and the construction of the new chambers. He said the new chambers will become an important centre for judicial discussions and legal studies for advocates and will help make judicial work easier and faster. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several important steps are being taken to make the judicial system more transparent. He said the facility will benefit advocates coming from Khatima and nearby areas, as well as the general public. CM Dhami further stated that the Prime Minister has done historic work by removing outdated and unnecessary laws from the British era and implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 in accordance with present-day requirements. He said this is making the judicial system more effective. According to the statement from the Chief Minister's Office, initiatives such as the e-Courts project, National Judicial Data Grid, fast-track courts, special courts, speedy justice mechanisms for crimes against women and children, online hearings, and digital case management systems have brought revolutionary changes to make the justice delivery system faster and more accessible. He added that the effective use of technology in courts today has not only saved time but has also made processes more transparent and secure, making the justice process more reliable, scientific, and authentic. The Chief Minister said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, more than 7,000 courts and around 11,000 residential units have been constructed across the country, which is a major record in itself. He said that, inspired by the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand is making continuous efforts to modernise the judicial system and further strengthen legal education. He added that every sector of Khatima will be developed. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 2.5 crore for the construction of 20 additional chambers for advocates. - ANI Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed the ritual of Jalabhishek at the Vankhandi Mahadev Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri. He announced that the portals of the Kedarnath Temple will reopen for devotees on April 22, with preparations underway to ensure their safety. Across Uttarakhand, particularly in Rishikesh, devotees thronged major Shiva temples like Neelkanth Mahadev from early morning, creating a festive atmosphere with chants and decorations. The festival, celebrating the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was observed with day-long fasts, prayers, and special offerings by devotees. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami performed Jalabhishek at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple on Mahashivratri and announced Kedarnath Temple will reopen on April 22. Udham Singh Nagar, February 15 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday performed "Jalabhishek" at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple at Chakarpur. CM Dhami performed the revered rituals with full devotion and offered milk, water (Jal), flowers, and Belpatra to the self-manifested Shivalinga. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the portals of the Kedarnath Temple are reopening on April 22, and the state government is working to ensure that the devotees remain safe during their religious visit. "I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Mahashivratri. May Lord Shiva give us enough strength so that we can work together and contribute to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat 2047. On 22nd April, the portals of Kedarnath Temple will be opened. Preparations have already started. We will ensure that all the devotees who come to Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, are safe. The number of Lord Shiva devotees is increasing every passing year, and they are flocking to the religious sites. We are putting efforts to ensure everyone's safety," he stated. The portals of the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23 last year. Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended heartfelt wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Mahashivratri. In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "...Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life for all of you," accompanied by the divine Mahamrityunjay Mantra. Meanwhile, on the occasion of Mahashivratri, a large gathering of devotees visited various Lord Shiva temples situated across the city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand from as early as 4:00 am. Devotees were seen standing in long queues in several temples, including the revered Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, to offer water, milk, fruits, flowers and other sacred offerings to Lord Shiva. All major Shiva temples in the city were decorated with flowers and colourful lights to mark the auspicious occasion. The atmosphere resonated with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole" as devotees gathered in large numbers to pay obeisance. From a security standpoint, adequate police personnel were deployed at key temple locations to ensure smooth crowd management and maintain law and order. Devotees observe day-long fasts and also perform special prayers, night vigils, and Jalabhishek, seeking happiness, prosperity and well-being for their families. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. - ANI Vietnam had allowed blockchain technology to develop in a legal grey area (Nhac NGUYEN) Nhac NGUYEN/AFP/AFP As a first-year computer science student in Hanoi, Hoang Le started trading crypto from his university dorm room, egged on by his gamer friends who were making a killing. At one point his digital holdings swelled to $200,000 -- around 50 times the average annual income in Vietnam. But they crashed to zero when the bottom fell out of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in recent months. Getting wiped out "hurt a lot", he told AFP, but he also learned a valuable lesson: he has come to think of the losses as "tuition fees". "When profits were high, everyone became greedy," said Le, now 23, adding that "it was too good to be true". Unlike neighbouring China which has banned cryptocurrencies outright, communist Vietnam has allowed blockchain technology to develop in a legal grey area -- barring its use for payments but letting people speculate unimpeded. As a result the young-and-upwardly mobile country of 100 million has been at the forefront of crypto adoption, with an estimated 17 million people owning digital assets. Only India, the United States and Pakistan have seen more widespread usage, according to a 2025 ranking by the consultancy Chainalysis. But what once looked like first-mover advantage increasingly looks like a liability as investors stare down a crypto winter. The price of bitcoin has almost halved since hitting a record high above $126,000 in October, and other digital tokens have slid even further. Vietnamese crypto startups hawking everything from NFTs to blockchain-based lending and trading services have been hammered, with bankruptcies and layoffs roiling the industry. - $100 billion market - "Many companies have shut down because of this crisis," said Tran Xuan Tien, head of Ho Chi Minh City's blockchain association. He added that others are "downsizing and conserving capital to extend their runway". Nguyen The Vinh, co-founder of blockchain firm Ninety Eight, told AFP his company has laid off nearly one-third of its staff since last year. There was more "restructuring" to come, he added, given the gloomy outlook. "The market will likely remain difficult for years, not just months, so we need backup plans." Until recently, Vietnam's crypto scene was a wild west, with highly speculative ventures and outright Ponzi schemes flourishing alongside startups offering legitimate products. The government warned about the dangers of crypto and broke up several huge scam operations, including one that allegedly swindled nearly $400 million from thousands of investors. Chief Ministers Pushkar Singh Dhami, Mohan Yadav, and Yogi Adityanath shared heartfelt messages on X for Mahashivratri, praying for the well-being of citizens. Devotees across India gathered in massive numbers at temples since early morning to offer prayers on this auspicious day. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing love and power. Observances include fasting, night-long vigils, and seeking blessings as per Hindu mythology. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, MP CM Mohan Yadav, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath extend Mahashivratri wishes as devotees celebrate nationwide. New Delhi, February 15 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended heartfelt wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Mahashivratri. In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "...Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life for all of you," accompanied by the divine Mahamrityunjay Mantra. Earlier today, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. In a post on X, the Chief Minister described Maha Shivratri as a great festival of devotion dedicated to Lord Bholenath and conveyed his greetings to the citizens. "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the great festival of devotion to Lord Bholenath-Mahashivratri. We pray to Devadhidev Mahadev ji to always keep His grace upon all of us and to fulfil everyone's heartfelt wishes," his post read. Yesterday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended warm wishes on the occasion of Mahashivratri and said, "I extend my best wishes to every block and all the people on Shivratri tomorrow. I thank Block Chief Brijesh Ji for developing this block with 1.25 lakh crore rupees. Now you can reach Lucknow from Jungle Kaudiya in 3 hours." Devotees across the country gathered in massive numbers in temples to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri today. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivaratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. - ANI Devotees gathered in large numbers at Shiva temples across Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, from the early hours to celebrate Mahashivratri. They offered prayers, performed Jalabhishek, and observed fasts, with temples adorned in festive decorations. The festival commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing love and power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings for the occasion, praying for the nation's prosperity. Mahashivratri celebrated in Rishikesh with devotees offering prayers at Shiva temples. PM Modi extends greetings, highlighting the festival's spiritual significance. Rishikesh, February 15 On the occasion of Mahashivratri, a large gathering of devotees visited various Lord Shiva temples situated across the city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand from as early as 4:00 am. The Mahashivratri is celebrated to commemorate the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees were seen standing in long queues in several temples, including the revered Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, to offer water, milk, fruits, flowers and other sacred offerings to Lord Shiva. Many observe day-long fasts and also perform special prayers and Jalabhishek, seeking happiness, prosperity and well-being for their families. All major Shiva temples in the city were decorated with flowers and colourful lights to mark the auspicious occasion. The atmosphere resonated with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole" as devotees gathered in large numbers to pay obeisance. From a security standpoint, adequate police personnel were deployed at key temple locations to ensure smooth crowd management and maintain law and order. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Maha Shivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an X post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, emphasising that the divine grace of Lord Shiva brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation. "To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keeps His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity," PM Modi wrote on X. - ANI Women's rights activist Nafisa Raihana has raised alarms over systemic "gatekeeping" after women received only 4% of party nominations in Bangladesh's recent national election, falling short of a mandated 5% quota. She argues that despite formal commitments, structural barriers within political parties actively prevent women from reaching decision-making roles. The election outcome, which saw the defeat of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, has been welcomed by activists like Taslima Nasreen as a temporary victory for secularism and women's rights. Meanwhile, the United Nations has highlighted concerns over increased online harassment, cyberbullying, and violence targeting women candidates and voters throughout the electoral process. Activist Nafisa Raihana highlights systemic barriers as women receive just 4% of party nominations in Bangladesh's 13th national election. Dhaka, February 15 Member of the Forum for Women's Political Rights and Research Fellow at Aarshi Trust, Nafisa Raihana, on Sunday, expressed concerns about women's political representation following the 13th national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. She alleged the existence of systemic barriers to women's participation in political parties. Speaking to ANI after the results were announced, Raihana said many women were unable to secure party nominations despite being politically active. "Many women could not get nominated this time, and many of the male members of their political parties did not or could not give their nomination. We met various women politicians, and all said that they are active, but it is difficult for them to reach a higher level or even talk to a higher authority," she told ANI. Highlighting the nomination data, Raihana added, "Women got a total of 4 per cent nomination, while it is mentioned in the July tender that all political parties are required to nominate at least 5 per cent women members. But the leaders give excuses such as a lack of women members or their participation, while this is more like gatekeeping." She argued that despite formal commitments to increase women's participation, structural challenges within party hierarchies continue to limit access to decision-making roles. Earlier on Friday, Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said the outcome of Bangladesh's recent 13th National Parliamentary Elections, which saw victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), sent 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. Activist 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." As Bangladesh prepared for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12, the United Nations also underscored that safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right. In which they included the rights of all women and girls, including women with disabilities, women from minority communities, gender diverse people, and others who may face heightened barriers, discrimination or gender-based violence, in their statement on Wednesday. Ahead of the election, the United Nations noted concerns raised by women's groups and civil society organisations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence. Women in public life, including political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, were reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse, including AI-altered and sexualized content, it said. The United Nations said that it has consistently advocated for women's meaningful representation and leadership across all stakeholders and is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission in boosting women's electoral participation and representation. According to the UN, it highlighted that it was essential that all voters, including women, can participate as candidates and voters without intimidation, discrimination, online abuse or fear of reprisals. The United Nations called on all stakeholders, including political leaders and their parties and supporters, to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, harassment, and any other form of violence against women throughout the electoral process. "This applies equally to women candidates and voters, whose participation and safety are essential to inclusive democratic processes. We are confident that authorities will continue to take steps to uphold security and the rule of law, and to ensure the safety and rights of every individual. The United Nations remains committed to supporting authorities in ensuring the safety and rights of every individual", it said. "We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this message on your platform and to your pertinent networks and stakeholders", the statement said. - ANI Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for serious and substantive discussions in the upcoming trilateral peace talks with Russia and the United States in Geneva. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he noted that discussions on concessions too often focus only on Ukraine, not Russia. The talks follow earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi, which secured a prisoner exchange but failed to achieve breakthroughs on core issues like territorial arrangements. The Ukrainian negotiating team, led by Rustem Umerov, aims for a sustainable and lasting peace. Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for substantive trilateral peace talks in Geneva, addressing concerns over concessions and prisoner exchanges. Munich, Feb 15 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he hopes for serious and substantive discussions in the upcoming peace talks with Russia and the United States in Geneva. "We truly hope that the trilateral meetings next week will be serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us," Zelensky said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday (local time), according to a report on the Ukrainian president's official website. Zelensky said that the United States, in trilateral negotiations, has too often discussed the topic of concessions with Ukraine, not Russia. "The Americans often return to the topic of concessions -- and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine -- not Russia," he said. In late January and early February, two rounds of security working group talks involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, reports Xinhua news agency. Ukraine and Russia agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire. The next round of talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's state news agency TASS reported, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, wrote on Facebook that the Ukrainian negotiating team has been formed, incorporating the military, political, and security components of the process. Umerov stressed that achieving a sustainable and lasting peace remains the goal of the Ukrainian delegation at the talks. The first round of trilateral security consultations among the three countries was held on January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, where the Russian delegation was led by the country's military intelligence chief, Igor Kostyukov. The second round was held in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5. Following the meeting, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russia and Ukraine had agreed on an exchange of 314 prisoners of war. - IANS Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Akhtar Mengal questions state strategy, warns of deepening crisis in Balochistan Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 13:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lahore [Pakistan], February 15 (ANI): Former Balochistan chief minister Akhtar Mengal delivered a scathing assessment of the situation in the province while addressing a gathering organised by the Asma Jahangir Foundation, arguing that decades of force have failed to resolve what he described as an essentially political dispute.Mengal said repeated attempts to subdue dissent through military operations, arrests and enforced disappearances had only deepened the divide between the federation and Baloch citizens. Quoting revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, he remarked that Balochistan was not simply burning" but had already been reduced to ashes.Tracing the roots of mistrust, the former CM referred to early understandings involving Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Khan of Kalat. According to Mengal, commitments related to autonomy and self-governance were gradually abandoned, setting off a chain of betrayals that continued in later decades through dismissals of elected governments, executions, and prison terms for tribal leaders.He maintained that even mainstream representatives from the province are today confined to limited areas of influence and often unable to move freely among their own constituents. Appeals made before courts, parliament and successive governments, he added, yielded little progress, while those demanding dialogue were frequently labelled anti-state.Mengal described how sections of the local population now display openness toward armed groups while remaining wary of officialdom. He attributed this shift to accumulated anger and fear born of years of heavy-handed policies.Mengal said he personally felt a profound sense of despair after exhausting institutional avenues. Conversations with national leaders, he revealed, reinforced the perception that the crisis may have crossed the point of no return. Even so, he urged decision makers to adopt urgent political measures to prevent further bloodshed. History, he stated, would not be rewritten through later justifications, and failure to act now could permanently damage the relationship between the state and the people of Balochistan. (ANI) First Published: February 15, 2026, 13:45 IST News agency-feeds Akhtar Mengal questions state strategy, warns of deepening crisis in Balochistan 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... Congress eyes alliance with GFP for 2027 Goa polls Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 13:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Panaji, Feb 15 (PTI) The Congress has signalled an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) for the 2027 assembly elections, asserting the combine would form the next government in the coastal state. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar made a statement regarding the alliance at the Carnival 2026 festivities in Fartoda on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, Patkar said, Right now, you are told to eat, drink and be merry only for four days during the carnival. Once we form our government along with the Goa Forward Party, you can eat, drink and make merry every day." Carnival 2026 is being held at multiple locations in the coastal state since Friday and will culminate on February 17. Patkar made the statement in the presence of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Goa in-charge, Manikrao Thakare, and GFP chief Vijai Sardesai. The Congress has worked for the development of the state, but has become slow, Sardesai said. They have to act fast. This is a make-or-break year," he said, referring to the elections due next year. The Congress currently has three MLAs, and Sardesai is the only legislator from the GFP in the 40-member assembly. PTI RPS ARU First Published: February 15, 2026, 13:45 IST News agency-feeds Congress eyes alliance with GFP for 2027 Goa 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... In the fourth quarter, Definity posted operating earnings per share of CAD 0.99. The combined ratio was 89.9%, which management attributed to broad-based strength, including particularly strong results in personal property and commercial insurance. Consolidated operating net income for the quarter was CAD 120.7 million, reflecting underwriting income along with contributions from the insurance broker platform and net investment income. For full-year 2025, Definity reported operating earnings per share of CAD 3.53, up nearly 33% from 2024. The company said it met or exceeded its financial targets, including top-line growth of 8.8% (adjusted for an exited line), a combined ratio of 91.6%, and operating ROE of 12.2%. Management also cited a 16% increase in book value per share during the year, supported by operating performance and private placements of common shares completed in the second quarter of 2025. Definity Financial (TSE:DFY) reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results marked by strong underwriting performance and initial integration work following the recent closing of its acquisition of Travelers Canadian business. Management emphasized that the deal, which closed on January 2, 2026, is intended to increase scale, expand specialty capabilities, and support longer-term operating return on equity (ROE) improvement, while 2026 is expected to be a transition year as the acquired book is converted onto Definitys platforms. Invested assets are just north of CAD 9 billion with a blended yield ~ 3.4% , net investment income is expected to exceed CAD 300 million in 2026, and the national broker platform (CAD 94m operating income in 2025) is projected to grow about 20% in 2026. The acquisition of Travelers Canadian business (closed Jan 2, 2026) adds roughly CAD 1.5 billion of premiums, supports guidance of > CAD 6.5 billion GWP in 2026 (+35%), and targets at least CAD 100 million of annual cost synergies over three years, with policy conversions starting in Q2 2026 and 2026 expected to be a transition year for combined ratios. Definity delivered strong FY2025 results with operating EPS of CAD 3.53 (up ~33%), a combined ratio of 91.6% , operating ROE of 12.2% , and book value per share up about 16%. Story Continues Personal auto: Gross written premiums rose 9.7% in Q4 and 8.9% for the year, adjusted for the Sonnet Alberta exit. The Q4 combined ratio improved to 95%, with management citing earned rate increases, improved Sonnet profitability, and a lower expense ratio. For 2026, the company expects a mid- to upper-90s combined ratio as it integrates the acquired book. Personal property: Gross written premiums increased 11.6% in Q4 and 9% for the year, supported by higher average written premiums and increased unit growth after actions in higher-peril regions and product enhancements. The combined ratio was 82.7% in Q4 and 88.5% for the year, improving 7.8 points from 2024. For 2026, management expects a low- to mid-90s combined ratio in the first year of integration. Commercial: Premiums grew 6.9% in Q4 and 8.6% for full-year 2025, driven by retention, rate achievements, and expansion in small business and specialty. The Q4 combined ratio was 89.1%, while the full-year combined ratio was 89.3%, essentially unchanged from 2024. The company said results reflected lower catastrophe losses and a reduced expense ratio, partly offset by a higher core accident year claims ratio. Management noted that catastrophe losses and the core accident year ratio were impacted in part by a revised definition of a single-claim catastrophe loss. Cisco Systems Below $82? Buy Now, It Wont Last$182 Is Coming On the call, management said it expects 2026 combined ratios in the low- to mid-90s across personal property and commercial, and mid- to upper-90s in personal auto, reflecting integration of the acquired Travelers portfolio, which management said operated near break-even in 2025 due to elevated expenses. Travelers acquisition: scale, synergies, and integration timeline Chief Executive Officer Rowan Saunders described the acquisition as transformational, adding approximately CAD 1.5 billion in premiums and positioning Definity in the top five Canadian P&C insurers, while reiterating an updated objective of becoming a top three P&C insurer. Saunders said the acquired commercial book expands capabilities in mid-market and specialty, and the personal lines portfolio (close to CAD 1 billion in premiums) is expected to benefit from migration to Definitys digital buying platform. Palantir Is Down 27%, But the Long-Term Math Still Favors Bulls Definity reiterated its target of at least CAD 100 million in annual cost synergies to be realized over a three-year integration period. Management said these synergies are expected to come from technology platform consolidation as personal and commercial volumes migrate to the Vyne platform, elimination of U.S. parent company service charges, and operational efficiencies from removing duplicative activities and gaining scale. Mather said these synergy drivers represent six to seven points of combined ratio reduction for the acquired business before considering future loss cost benefits. The company expects roughly two-thirds of integration efforts to be completed in the first 18 months, translating to about one-third of total synergies earned in that period. On integration progress, Definity said transition services were operational from day one and that it has already begun moving new business intake to Definity. The company expects to start the policy conversion process in the second quarter of 2026. In Q&A, Saunders said 2026 will be a transition year focused on retention and conversion. He said the Travelers portfolio may contract somewhat in 2026 due to prior underwriting actions and some expected dislocation during conversion, but he characterized the expected impact as not material. Management said it expects Definitys existing book to continue growing at upper single-digit rates, while acquired portfolio growth is expected to be flatter in early 2026 and improve as conversion progresses. 2026 outlook: premiums, combined ratio, investment income, and brokerage growth For 2026, Definity guided to gross written premiums exceeding CAD 6.5 billion, representing growth of at least 35% from 2025, driven by the Travelers acquisition and ongoing organic growth. The company also set a target for a sub-95% combined ratio in 2026 despite integrating a near break-even acquired business. Management said it is maintaining its operating ROE target for 2026, noting that synergy realization is expected to begin contributing more meaningfully in 2027, with full realization by the end of the three-year period. Saunders said the company sees a path for the acquired book to operate sustainably in the low 90s combined ratio as integration benefits take hold. Definity also provided an update on investment income expectations. Net investment income totaled CAD 215.7 million for 2025, up nearly 9% year over year, driven primarily by higher interest income and increased bond holdings. For 2026, management expects net investment income to exceed CAD 300 million, supported by asset growth from the acquisition. In Q&A, Mather said Definity now has just north of CAD 9 billion of invested assets and a blended book yield of about 3.4%, heavily weighted toward fixed income. On its national broker platform, Definity reported CAD 94 million of operating income before finance costs and minority interests in 2025 and said it expects approximately 20% growth in 2026, with a 60/40 split between distribution income and intercompany commission income. Executives discussed how AI tools are being used to support the broker platform through lead generation, service improvements, customized advice for commercial segments, and operational automation, while also describing consolidation trends in Canadian brokerage. Separately, management noted it strengthened reserves in exited lines, contributing to a CAD 10 million loss in the quarter, driven by actions related to bodily injury amounts. Executives said the exited book is fully in runoff with no future earned premium and that the company aimed to leave 2025 with a more robust balance sheet position against that business. About Definity Financial (TSE:DFY) Definity Financial Corp is a multi-channel, property, and casualty insurance company. It offers auto, property, liability, and pet insurance products to individual customers. The article "Definity Financial Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Hindus among four from minority communities elected to Bangladesh parliament Last Updated: February 16, 2026, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka, Feb 15 (PTI) Four candidates from minority communities, including two Hindus, won in the recent general elections in Bangladesh, with all being nominees of the BNP, which is set to form the government on Tuesday. Goyeshwar Chandra Roy and Nitai Roy Chowdhury are the two Hindu candidates who won on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ticket. They won from a Dhaka seat and western Magura constituency defeating their rivals fielded by the Jamaat-e-Islami. Roy is a member of the BNPs highest policy-making standing committee while Chowdhury is one of prominent vice presidents of the party as well as a senior advisor and strategist for its top leadership. The third minority MP-elect is Saching Pru, a senior BNP leader and follower of Buddhist faith, representing Marma ethnic community in southeastern hill district of Bandarban, from where he was elected. The fourth minority candidate, Dipen Dewan, belongs to the Buddhist majority Chakma ethnic minority group, who won from a constituency in southeastern Rangamati hill district. However, his religious identity is obscure with many describing him as a Hindu. Hindus make up about eight per cent of the population in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people. Dewan defeated an independent Chakma candidate as his nearest rival while Pru defeated a nominee of the student-led National Citizen Party, which was formed last year by the Students Against Discrimination, which led the mass protests against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. According to the Election Commission, 79 candidates, including 10 women from religious minority communities mostly Hindus, contested the election on Thursday. While 67 were nominated by 22 political parties, 12 ran as independent candidates. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) fielded the highest number with 17 minority candidates. It was followed by left-leaning Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal (BSD) with eight minority candidates, little-known Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP) with eight candidates and left-leaning Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASOD) with seven candidates. The BNP fielded six candidates and Jatiya Party nominated four candidates. The Jamaat-e-Islami nominated a minority Hindu candidate for the first time in its history. The largest Islamist party fielded veteran businessman Krishna Nandi from a southwestern Khulna constituency who lost but his participation as a Jamaat nominee was widely discussed. He finished as the runner-up in the Khulna-1 constituency conceding defeat to a BNP candidate. The number of Hindu MPs in the 2024 election was 17 and the same number of Hindus won in the 2018 election with most of them belonging to Hasinas Awami League. Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats in the Thursdays polls, results for which were declared on Friday. The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the countrys 1971 independence from Pakistan, registered its best ever performance with 31.76 per cent votes and 68 seats. The National Citizen Party (NCP) secured the third-highest number of seats, six, and 3.05 per cent votes. PTI AR GSP GSP First Published: February 16, 2026, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds Hindus among four from minority communities elected to Bangladesh parliament 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 challenges Bangladesh polls result, retracts welcome message for BNP Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka, Feb 15 (PTI) The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, which emerged as the main opposition party in the just-concluded Bangladesh polls, on Sunday challenged the results demanding the Election Commission to hold recounting of votes in 32 constituencies where its candidates were unfairly defeated." The party also retracted a Facebook message acknowledging victory of its former ally the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the polls that were held on Thursday and results for which were declared Friday. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats while the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the countrys 1971 independence from Pakistan, registered its best ever performance with 31.76 per cent votes and 68 seats. On Sunday, after lodging the formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC), senior Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad said, We have identified 32 constituencies where our candidates were unfairly defeated." The start (of the voting) was good, but the end was not," Azad told reporters at the EC compound, adding, his party demanded recounting of votes in the 32 constituencies. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam, meanwhile, told reporters that the EC would decide on vote recounting as demanded by Jamaat if the commission received any court order. Their demand requires examination and analysis. The law provides them the opportunity if there are any election-related complaints, they may inform the Court. The Court will then take a decision accordingly," he said. But, the commissioner said, the EC was satisfied about the vote management. The development came a day after Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat in a Facebook post, saying, BNP-led alliance has secured a majority of seats." We acknowledge this result and respect the constitutional process," he said, but added the polling outcome also reflects a deeper and more complex reality." Several mainstream news outlets reported that the Facebook post was retracted minutes after it was uploaded. The BNP alliance won 212 seats, compared with 77 for the Jamaat-led alliance. Jamaat was a key partner in the BNP-led four party alliance floated in 1999 while two of their leaders served as minister in the 2001-2006 BNP-led government of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. PTI AR NPK NPK First Published: February 15, 2026, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Jamaat challenges Bangladesh polls result, retracts welcome message for BNP 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... CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2026 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2026. All rights reserved. Reported missing earlier, Indian boy found dead in San Francisco Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 09:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) San Francisco [US], February 15 (ANI): The mortal remains of a UC Berkeley student named Saketh Sreenivasaiah from Karnataka, who had been reported missing just a day earlier, have been discovered by local authorities. The Consulate General is in touch with the boys parents.In a post on X, the Consulate General wrote, The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time."The post also stated that it would provide all necessary assistance to the family.The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services. @MEAIndia ; @IndianEmbassyUS"The Consulate General had been involved in the search efforts and had regularly posted updates about the boys disappearance.A day earlier, in a post on X, the Consulate General wrote, Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post-graduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student."The reasons behind this tragedy is yet to be revealed by the American Police.Indian students abroad often complained of alleged discrimination, racist attacks and negligence by authorities.In a question raised by MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha about student safety abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted its efforts towards keeping Indian students safe.In its answer to the question by the MP, the MEA wrote, The Government accords high priority to safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents against them are immediately taken up by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that they are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished."Indian Missions/Posts also take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions and conduct pre-orientation sessions with them upon their arrival in foreign lands to brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas, including issue of advisories from time to time," the statement read.With the view to ensuring effective communication and timely support, Indian students are encouraged to connect with the local Indian Missions/Posts through various means, including the MADAD Portal of this Ministry, WhatsApp Groups created specifically for Indian students, Consular Camps, Open Houses, emergency hotlines etc.," the statement read further.Indian Missions/Posts also remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability, economic crises, and where the risks of students being misled or exploited may be higher. Any incident affecting Indian students are immediately raised with host Governments to ensure their safety and appropriate redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support, temporary accommodation, and other essential services, is extended whenever needed. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is utilised to support Indian nationals, including students, in times of distress and extend assistance when necessary."During emergencies, Government of India has undertaken large-scale evacuation operations to protect and bring home Indian nationals, including students. Notable recent evacuation operations include Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). These efforts demonstrate Government of Indias unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad and towards protecting them from miscreants and unsafe security situations." (ANI) First Published: February 15, 2026, 09:15 IST News agency-feeds Reported missing earlier, Indian boy found dead in San Francisco 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 Impact Summit 2026: Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Among Prominent CEOs Attending; Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 12:31 IST AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will unite global AI leaders like Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and Mukesh Ambani, focusing on People, Planet, and Progress. Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, venue for AI Impact Summit 2026. AI Impact Summit 2026 To Be Held In New Delhi From February 16 To 20: New Delhi is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam, bringing together some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence and technology from across the world. The five-day event, scheduled from February 16 to February 20, will mark the fourth global AI summit in an ongoing international series. Registration for the summit has already begun through the official website. A Continuation Of The Global AI Summit Series The AI Impact Summit follows three previous global gatherings focused on artificial intelligence. The first, the AI Safety Summit, was held in 2023 at Bletchley Park in the United Kingdom. It was followed by the AI Seoul Summit in South Korea and then the AI Action Summit in Paris in February last year. The New Delhi edition is positioned as the next step in this evolving multilateral dialogue on AI governance, safety and development. Focus On People, Planet And Progress Organisers have described the AI Impact Summit 2026 as a pivotal global platform" aimed at shaping an inclusive and impactful AI future. The summit will revolve around three core pillars People, Planet and Progress. Discussions are expected to centre on skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI systems, economic growth, and social development. Seven working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, will present deliverables including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific AI use case compendiums. More than 700 sessions are planned over the five days, covering AI safety, governance, ethical deployment, data protection and Indias approach to sovereign AI. Global And Indian Tech Leaders To Attend Several top AI executives have confirmed their participation. These include Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, however, has cancelled his visit at the last moment. Among leading AI researchers, Yann LeCun, Yoshua Bengio and Stuart Russell are expected to attend. Indian industry leaders such as Mukesh Ambani, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Nandan Nilekani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, K. Krithivasan, Salil Parekh and Roshni Nadar Malhotra have also been confirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to formally open the summit on January 19, followed by a high-level CEO roundtable with global industry leaders. First Published: February 15, 2026, 12:25 IST News business economy AI Impact Summit 2026: Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Among Prominent CEOs Attending; Details 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... OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Signals Deeper India Ties Ahead Of Global AI Impact Summit 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 14:44 IST OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sees India as a future AI leader, with 100M ChatGPT users. OpenAI expands in Delhi ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026. OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman In a strong endorsement of Indias growing artificial intelligence ecosystem, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described India as a potential full-stack AI leader," outlining plans to expand the companys presence and deepen engagement with the government ahead of the Global AI Impact Summit 2026. OpenAI is the creator of popular chatbot ChatGPT. Writing in The Times of India on Sunday, Altman said India has become OpenAIs second-largest user base globally, behind only the United States. He noted that the country now has 100 million weekly active users on ChatGPT, with India hosting the largest number of student users worldwide. India also ranks fourth globally in adoption of Prism, OpenAIs free scientific research and LaTeX-based collaboration tool. New Delhi is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam, bringing together some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence and technology from across the world. The five-day event, scheduled from February 16 to February 20, will mark the fourth global AI summit in an ongoing international series. Registration for the summit has already begun through the official website. OpenAI Expands India Footprint Altman said OpenAI opened its first office in Delhi last August and plans to expand operations further this year. He added that the company recently convened more than 200 nonprofit leaders across four Indian cities to train them on using ChatGPT to enhance organisational capacity. OpenAI is committed to doing its part to help build AI in India, with India, and for India," Altman wrote, adding that new partnerships with the Indian government will be announced soon to broaden access to AI tools. Altman is expected to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Access, Adoption, And Agency Framework In his article, Altman outlined a three-part strategy to maximise AIs benefits: ensuring access regardless of income or education; driving adoption across schools, clinics and small businesses; and building agency through large-scale AI literacy. He cautioned against a capability overhang," where access outpaces user skill, and called for practical fluency in coding and knowledge work. Altman also highlighted the governments India AI Mission, approved in March 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore over five years, aimed at expanding compute capacity, supporting startups and accelerating multilingual applications in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. AI will help define Indias future, and India will help define AIs future," Altman wrote, emphasising infrastructure and democratic participation as key differentiators. First Published: February 15, 2026, 14:44 IST News business economy OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Signals Deeper India Ties Ahead Of Global 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... Manappuram Finance Gets RBI Nod For 41.66% Stake Sale; Stock In Focus On Monday Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:59 IST RBI approves BC Asia Investments to acquire up to 41.66% in Manappuram Finance, with conditions and pending nods for Asirvad Micro Finance. Manappuram Finance gets RBI nod to sell stakes Manappuram Finance Stake Sale: Manappuram Finance Limited has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the proposed investment by BC Asia Investments XXV Limited and BC Asia Investments XIV Limited. According to the press release, investors can acquire up to 41.66 per cent stake in Manappuram Finance Limited. Manappuram Finance Limited is one of Indias leading gold loan NBFCs. Stocks will remain in focus on Monday following the RBIs approval to sell stakes. Shares of Manappuram Finance Limited closed at Rs 302.15 per share in the last session, dropping 2.11 per cent from the previous day close at Rs 308.65 per share. Even though the RBI has waived the public notice period for this transaction, it has put two conditions for the investors: 1) If the investors increase their stake beyond 26% after one year (except through warrant conversion), they must take prior RBI approval. 2) The investors must submit an action plan to RBI to ensure there is not more than one NBFC/housing finance company of the same category under majority control in their group. The company informed in the press release that it is still awaiting RBIs approval for for Asirvad Micro Finance Limited and Manappuram Home Finance. The investment and open offer will be completed only after these approvals and other agreed conditions are met. BC Asia Investments XXV Limited and BC Asia Investments XIV Limited are investment entities affiliated with global private equity firm Baring Private Equity Asia (now part of EQT). These entities are typically used as special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to make structured investments in companies. First Published: February 15, 2026, 08:59 IST News business markets Manappuram Finance Gets RBI Nod For 41.66% Stake Sale; Stock In Focus On Monday 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... Love, Betrayal, Blackmail: Woman Killed By Married Lover In Bhopal, Body Thrown Into Septic Tank Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 09:05 IST About a year back, Siya and Sameer met each other on Instagram. Soon, their friendship blossomed into love. Image credit: X/@fptarun A decomposed body of a 33-year-old woman was recovered from a septic tank in an empty plot in the Nishatpura area of Bhopal on Thursday evening, NDTV reported. According to the report, citing the police, the victim has been identified as Ashrafi alias Siya, a resident of Maharashtras Gondia district. Siya was strangled to death on Monday by her married lover, Sameer, with the alleged help of his family members. Her body was then stuffed into an iron box and thrown into a septic tank near their house in Kamla Nagar to erase all evidence. INSTAGRAM, AFFAIR, AND BETRAYAL As per the NDTV report, about a year back, Siya and Sameer met each other on Instagram. Soon, their friendship blossomed into love. Siya left her home in Maharashtra and moved to Bhopal about three months ago to live with Sameer, who was married and father of two children. As Siya started living in his Kamla Nagar house, disputes became a part of their lives. According to police source, as cited by the outlet, frequent arguments broke out between Siya and Sameers wife, leading to a tense atmosphere in the household. Sameer had reportedly hidden several facts from Siya, leading to domestic unrest. According to the police, Siya was pressuring Sameer to marry her. She reportedly demanded Rs 5 lakh and threatened legal action if he refused. Meanwhile, Sameers wife, unable to bear the situation, left for her parents house in Jabalpur. On Monday evening, another heated argument broke out between Siya and Sameer. Out of rage, Sameer strangled Siya to death, NDTV reported. In order to erase traces of the killing, Sameer allegedly sought help from his mother, and siblings. With their help, the body was stuffed into an iron box, and thrown into a septic tank in a vacant plot near their house. HOW THE INCIDENT CAME TO LIGHT On Thursday evening, children playing nearby complained of a foul smell emerging from the septic tank. Residents also noticed an iron box floating inside the tank and informed the police, reported the outlet. When investigators reached the spot and searched the tank, they encountered a horrific discovery Siyas decomposed body reeking of love, betrayal, and murder. Due to advanced decomposition, injury marks were visible around the victims neck. Police identified the victim by a distinctive tattoo of a lamp on her hand, with the date, 26 May 1992", possibly her birth date. While Sameer remains at large, police have detained her mother, brother, and sister, for allegedly helping the accused dispose of the body. Location : Bhopal, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 09:05 IST News cities bhopal Love, Betrayal, Blackmail: Woman Killed By Married Lover In Bhopal, Body Thrown Into Septic Tank 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... Search In Cremation Ground Pond: Note Leads To Missing Teens Body In Gurugram Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 19:21 IST Distressed over their daughters disappearance, her father even announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any information about her whereabouts. Rapid Read Image used for representation In a tragic incident, a 16-year-old girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Gurugram. The deceased has been identified as Neha. Her body was recovered from the pond after the suicide note left her directed people to search in the cremation ground pond", leading police to launch a search operation at the site. The Class 11 student, left her home on Friday in her school uniform and did not return. Her family promptly alerted the police, who began a search operation. CCTV footage later showed Neha walking alone in her uniform, but no further movement could be traced after that. Distressed over their daughters disappearance, her father even announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any information about her whereabouts. Later, during the investigation, police recovered a suicide note from Nehas room. The note read, Mom and Dad, please forgive me I am going to be with Grandpa. Do not search for me, and if you must, then look in the cremation ground pond you will find me there." During the search operation, her body was recovered from the pond. Preliminary findings suggest that she died due to drowning. Neha is survived by her parents and an elder brother. Her father is employed at a court library. On the evening of February 11, the family had dinner together, after which Neha went to her room saying she needed to study. However, later that night, she left the house wearing her school uniform and never returned. The reason behind the alleged suicide is not yet known. Further investigation into the incident is underway. DISCLAIMER: 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) First Published: February 15, 2026, 19:21 IST News cities gurgaon Search In Cremation Ground Pond: Note Leads To Missing Teens Body In Gurugram 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 12 Student, Arts Graduate Held Over Illegal C-Section After Woman Dies Post-Delivery Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 11:21 IST The Ambedkar Nagar police in Lucknow arrested a Class 12 student and an Arts graduate for allegedly performing a caesarean surgery on a woman, resulting into her death. Image for representation In what can be defined as a case of gross negligence, the Ambedkar Nagar police in Lucknow arrested a Class 12 student and an Arts graduate for allegedly performing a caesarean surgery at an unregistered private hospital, leading to the death of a woman during childbirth. According to a report by The Times of India, citing the police, the hospital had been running for the past five years. The accused have been identified as Yogesh Verma (32), a BA graduate from Malipur, and Shubham Vishwakarma (19), an intermediate student from Sultanpur. The duo reportedly conducted surgeries at Navjeevan Hospital in Baskhari without possessing a recognised medical certificate or qualification. The deceased, Priyanka, was admitted to the hospital on February 5. According to the police, as quoted by TOI, the duo conducted a caesarean section, after which Priyanka delivered a baby girl. However, she suffered excessive bleeding post surgery and never gained consciousness. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Lucknow, where she died. Following the incident, the enraged family members held protests at the hospital, after which, the operator, identified as Ruby, fled the spot and remains at large. Yogesh Verma one of the accused is only a graduate and learned basic medical procedures while assisting his father, who worked as a ward boy at CHC, Jalalpur, said Baskhari SHO Sunil Kumar Pandey, as quoted by TOI. Yogesh Verma is only a graduate. His father worked as a ward boy at CHC Jalalpur, and he learned basic medical procedures while assisting him. He reportedly performed surgeries for several years". Shubham Vishwakarma another accused is associated with Bajrang Nursing Home in Belwai under Akhandnagar police station limits of Sultanpur district. Both the accused used to arrive on call to conduct surgeries at Navjeevan Hospital. According to the TOI report, the duo charged between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per caesarean operation lower than qualified surgeons attracting poor patients. An FIR has been lodged under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). A further investigation is underway to identify other hospitals where the two accused may have performed surgeries. Efforts are on to trace Ruby, who remains absconding. First Published: February 15, 2026, 11:21 IST News cities lucknow-news Class 12 Student, Arts Graduate Held Over Illegal C-Section After Woman Dies Post-Delivery 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... Starbucks competitor Dutch Bros saw its stock price rise in premarket trading on Friday after the coffee chain posted double-digit revenue growth in its most recent quarter. However, shares were flat as of late morning, with the stock (NYSE: BROS) hovering at just over $50 a share. Most Read from Fast Company Perhaps even more important for the stockand for those investors who are long on itis the chains announcement that it is on track to nearly double its store footprint by 2029. Heres what you need to know. Dutch Bros had a record Q4 2025 Dutch Bros was founded in 1992, but its only been in recent years that the coffee chain started to become a household name, thanks to its ever-expanding footprint. And while the company isnt yet as well known as Starbucks, it is increasingly looking like a significant threat to the Seattle coffee giant. Yesterday, Dutch Bros reported its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, showing impressive gains in nearly every key metric, including: Total revenue: $443.6 million (up 29.4% year over year) Net income: $29.2 million (versus $6.4 million in the same quarter a year earlier) Systemwide same shop sales: up 7.7% Adjusted EBITDA: $72.6 million (up 48.8%) The company also issued strong guidance in many metrics for its current fiscal year 2026, including projected total revenue of between approximately $2 billion and $2.03 billion, and same-shop sales growth of 3% to 5%. But besides its financial numbers, Dutch Bros also revealed something else: Its aggressive store expansion plans are on track for 2029, and if it achieves its goals, the companys footprint could nearly double over the next three years. Dutch Bros plots new store openings for 2026 and beyond While same-store sales are increasing for Dutch Bros, one of the fastest ways for any chain to boost overall sales is to open more locations. And that is exactly what Dutch Bros has been doing. In its full-year fiscal 2025, which just ended, Dutch Bros said it opened 154 new stores across 22 states. That put its total number of locations at 1,136 stores in 25 states, as of December 31. And its aggressive rollout is continuing in 2026. In a supplemental earnings slide deck the company released, it revealed that it expects at least 181 new Dutch Bros stores to open in 2026. Those new openings are in service of the companys lofty 2029 goals. Five Held, Rs 6 Crore Penalty On Contractors After Mumbai Metro Slab Collapse Leaves 1 Dead Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 07:12 IST A massive concrete slab from Metro Line-4 construction crashed onto traffic in Mulund, Mumbai, killing one Ramdhan Yadav and injuring three others on LBS Marg. Image from the accident site (Credits: X) A wedding journey turned tragic in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon when a massive concrete slab from the under-construction Metro Line-4 crashed onto moving traffic in Mulund, killing one person and injuring three others. The structure fell on an auto-rickshaw and a car along the busy LBS Marg. The victim, Ramdhan Yadav, a local Samajwadi Party functionary and village head, was on his way to attend a wedding when the incident took place. A wedding journey turned tragic in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon when a massive concrete slab from the under-construction Metro Line-4 crashed onto moving traffic in Mulund, killing one person and injuring three others. The structure fell on an auto-rickshaw and a car along the busy LBS Marg. The victim, Ramdhan Yadav, a local Samajwadi Party functionary and village head, was on his way to attend a wedding when the incident. Government Action And Compensation Following the accident, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde ordered the suspension of Executive Engineer Satyajeet Salve. Authorities also imposed penalties amounting to 6 crore on the contractors and consultants involved in the project Milan Road Buildtech and Louis Berger. Shinde further directed officials to carry out a full safety and structural audit of the entire Metro stretch. The state government also increased compensation for Yadavs family to Rs 15 lakh. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a detailed investigation would determine responsibility and strict action would follow. What Happened? The fallen structure was part of the Metro Line-4 corridor connecting Wadala and Thane. The slab collapsed suddenly onto passing vehicles in the afternoon, leaving commuters and bystanders shocked. Emergency teams rushed the injured to hospital while police sealed off the area and began an inquiry. First Published: February 15, 2026, 07:03 IST News cities mumbai-news Five Held, Rs 6 Crore Penalty On Contractors After Mumbai Metro Slab Collapse Leaves 1 Dead 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... Maharashtras Bid To Host 2028 Skill Competition Gets Positive Signal From Centre Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aanchal Sinha Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 21:34 IST The IndiaSkills competitions are being organised nationwide as preparation for the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year. Rapid Read Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Maharashtra is set to get a major boost in vocational education, with the Centre indicating support for hosting a national-level skill competition in the state. The assurance came after Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha placed the proposal before Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary during the inauguration of the West Zone round of the IndiaSkills Competition in Gandhinagar. Lodha urged that Maharashtra be chosen as the host for the 2028 national skill competition. Chaudhary responded favourably, indicating that the proposal would be considered further. The IndiaSkills competitions are being organised nationwide by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation as part of preparations for the WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai later this year. The Gandhinagar round saw over 300 students from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Goa take part. The next stage will be held in Noida, following which selected candidates will go on to represent India at the global event. Interacting with participants, Lodha said such platforms help students build confidence and open up real career opportunities based on practical ability. He added that Maharashtra has been steadily expanding training programmes and aims to become a leading state in skill development. Union Minister Chaudhary said Indias young population will play a key role in the countrys development goals, and skill training will be central to that effort. Students competing at the international level will demonstrate skills in fields such as mechatronics, electrical work, electronics, automobile technology, industrial systems, cyber security and social care services. Lodha said Maharashtras participants had performed well in the previous edition and expressed confidence that Indian competitors would once again deliver strong results. First Published: February 15, 2026, 21:34 IST News cities mumbai-news Maharashtras Bid To Host 2028 Skill Competition Gets Positive Signal From 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... Nine Injured As BJP, Congress Workers Clash In Pune Over Remarks On Tipu Sultan, Shivaji Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 19:48 IST Cops said three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel, and two journalists sustained minor injuries in the melee. BJP workers had gathered outside Congress Bhavan to condemn Sapkals comments, which triggered a row across the state. Nine people, including party workers, police personnel, and journalists, were injured on Sunday as BJP and Congress activists clashed during a protest over Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkals remarks comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma said three Congress workers, two BJP workers, two police personnel, and two journalists sustained minor injuries in the melee. A protest was held near the Congress Bhavan, which saw sloganeering from workers of BJP and Congress. Workers of both parties climbed onto walls and there was stone pelting from both sides. Cases are being registered against workers of both sides," he said. Pune, Maharashtra: Tension erupted in Pune as BJP protested outside the Congress office against Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkals comparison of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Tipu Sultan. The clash between BJP and Congress workers escalated to stone-pelting, damaging pic.twitter.com/5w50a5yKK5 IANS (@ians_india) February 15, 2026 BJP workers had gathered outside Congress Bhavan to condemn Sapkals comments, which triggered a row across the state. Pune city Congress chief Arvind Shinde said his party had submitted a written complaint to the police against BJP leaders, including Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and city president Dheeraj Ghate, alleging attacks on Congress workers. ALSO READ: Maharashtra Congress Chief Booked For Calling Tipu Sultan Symbol Of Bravery Like Shivaji The controversy began on Saturday after Sapkal cited Tipu Sultans call for battle against the British as an ideal similar to Shivaji Maharajs idea of Swarajya while discussing historical examples of valour. The remarks sparked outrage among BJP and right-wing groups. Congress leaders accused the BJP of double standards" in its criticism. Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant highlighted previous instances where BJP leaders had praised or endorsed Tipu Sultan, such as resolutions in civic bodies in Akola and Mumbai and visits by BJP leaders to Tipu Sultans tomb. The BJP is now portraying Tipu Sultan negatively as part of a strategy to polarise voters," he said. During the protest, two Congress workers were reportedly injured when stones were hurled. Police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further, and sit-in protests were held by injured workers seeking action. Meanwhile, the BJP lodged a complaint against Sapkal for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments, and a first information report was registered at Parvati police station. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: February 15, 2026, 19:30 IST News cities pune Nine Injured As BJP, Congress Workers Clash In Pune Over Remarks On Tipu Sultan, Shivaji 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... Rath Yatras, PM Modi In Attendance: BJP Plans Mega March Rally In Kolkata To Launch Poll Campaign Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 16:03 IST To ensure maximum mobilisation, the BJP is planning to launch 'rath yatras' from multiple organisational zones across South Bengal, which will then converge at the rally BJP insiders said PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend and address the rally. (Image: PTI/File) The BJP is gearing up for a massive mid-March rally, which is likely to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the heart of Kolkata as part of its campaign strategy in poll-bound West Bengal. According to sources, March 15 being tentatively considered for the event while the venue will be the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkatas Maidan. Party insiders said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend and address the rally. The final date, however, is yet to be officially confirmed. To ensure maximum mobilisation, the BJP is planning to launch rath yatras from multiple organisational zones across South Bengal, which will then converge at the Brigade rally. The party is expected to roll out the rath yatra programme immediately after Doljatra. Senior BJP leaders met in Kolkata on Saturday (February 14) to chalk out detailed election strategies. Sources said several key campaign plans were discussed during the meeting. The party is also working on its election manifesto and intends to incorporate public opinion into the document. Multiple rounds of consultations are underway to ensure that the manifesto reflects people-centric priorities. When it comes to candidate selection, the BJP is seeking feedback from local leadership before finalising names. The campaign strategy this time is focused on a micro-level approach, with the party releasing constituency-wise chargesheets" that target specific local issues and voter concerns in each assembly segment. While the rath yatra and Brigade rally are still in the planning stage and await official confirmation, it is evident that the BJP is preparing a big launchpad for its poll campaign. First Published: February 15, 2026, 16:03 IST News elections Rath Yatras, PM Modi In Attendance: BJP Plans Mega March Rally In Kolkata To Launch Poll Campaign 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... Decoding Marco Rubios Valentines Day Message Of Tough Love For Europe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 19:23 IST Marco Rubio implied US is no longer willing to be the partner that pays for everything while receiving little in return, framing a potential "breakup" if expectations aren't met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters) In a striking Valentines Day address from the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a tough love" ultimatum to European allies regarding the future of the transatlantic alliance. Rubio emphasised that the US and Europe belong together" and that America will always be a child of Europe" due to a shared cultural and Christian heritage. Rubio signalled that the era of the US acting as Europes primary security provider is ending. He characterised the current relationship as unbalanced, warning that Europe must change" its approach to defense or face a significant American withdrawal. What Rubio said Rubio warned that the US is not interested in being a polite and orderly caretaker of the Wests managed decline". He demanded that European nations increase defense spending beyond current NATO targets, moving from consumers of security to producers of it". Rubio emphasised that US priorities are shifting toward the Indo-Pacific to counter China, leaving Europe responsible for its own regional security, specifically regarding Russia. Keeping with the holiday theme, Rubios rhetoric implied that the US is no longer willing to be the partner that pays for everything while receiving little in return, framing a potential breakup" if expectations arent met. He made it clear that while the U.S. seeks a reinvigorated alliance", it expects seriousness and reciprocity" from its friends, signalling that the era of unconditional support has ended. European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the softer tone compared to the previous years address by Vice President JD Vance, but they also used the forum to stress that Europe must become more independent and stand on its own two feet". Rubio to visit eastern Europe, bolster ties with pro-Trump leaders Rubio is set to begin a two-day trip on Sunday, to bolster ties with Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders, often at odds with other European Union countries, have warm ties with President Donald Trump. Rubio will use the trip to discuss energy cooperation and bilateral issues, including NATO commitments, the State Department said in an announcement last week. These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us, and its a good opportunity to go see them and two countries Ive never been in," Rubio told reporters before departing for Europe on Thursday. Rubio, who in his dual role also serves as Trumps national security adviser, will meet in Bratislava on Sunday with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Trump in Florida last month. The U.S. diplomats trip follows his participation in the Munich Security Conference over the last few days. On Monday, Rubio is expected to meet with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. With agency inputs First Published: February 15, 2026, 19:07 IST News explainers Decoding Marco Rubios Valentines Day Message Of Tough Love For Europe 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 Poison Dart Frog To Ricin Umbrella: The Navalny Case And Historys Strangest 'Political Killings' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:00 IST The alleged epibatidine killing of Alexei Navalny revives a chilling tradition: when states turn to bizarre, exotic toxins to eliminate their enemies This bizarre method of execution is not an isolated quirk of history but part of a long-standing, grisly tradition of using unconventional means to silence political adversaries. Representational image/AI-generated In a revelation that reads like a Cold War thriller, five European nationsthe United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlandsannounced on February 14 that the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using a neurotoxin derived from a South American poison dart frog. Laboratory analysis of material samples found on Navalnys body conclusively identified epibatidine, a lethal toxin that causes paralysis and respiratory arrest. While the Kremlin had previously attributed Navalnys 2024 death in an Arctic penal colony to natural causes", the joint intelligence report asserts that only a state actor could have processed and deployed such a rare biological weapon. This bizarre method of execution is not an isolated quirk of history but part of a long-standing, grisly tradition of using unconventional means to silence political adversaries. Here are five other political murdersor attempted assassinationsthat used truly bizarre methods. 1. The Ricin-Tipped Umbrella (1978) In one of the most famous espionage hits of the 20th century, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov was waiting for a bus on Londons Waterloo Bridge when he felt a sharp sting in his thigh. A man behind him, carrying an umbrella, apologised for the clumsiness and hurried away. Three days later, Markov was dead. Forensic investigators discovered a pinhead-sized pellet made of platinum and iridium embedded in his leg. The pellet had two tiny holes drilled with a laser, filled with a minuscule dose of ricina toxin derived from castor beansand sealed with a wax coating designed to melt at body temperature. 2. The Radioactive Teapot (2006) Former Russian spy turned critic Alexander Litvinenko met with two ex-colleagues at Londons Millennium Hotel for what seemed like a routine meeting. However, his green tea had been spiked with Polonium-210, a highly radioactive isotope. Litvinenko became the first person in history to die of acute radiation syndrome as a murder weapon. The toxin was so potent and rare that it could only have been produced in a nuclear reactor, leaving a trail of radiation across London that investigators eventually traced back to the perpetrators flight seats and hotel rooms. 3. The Nerve Agent Face-Mist (2017) In a surreal scene at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was approached by two women who appeared to be playing a prank. They wiped a liquid on his face and fled. Within 20 minutes, Kim was dead. The prank" was a sophisticated binary attack using VX nerve agent, the most lethal chemical weapon ever created. The women had each carried a non-lethal component that, when mixed on the victims skin, created a deadly toxin. 4. The Dioxin Soup (2004) During the Ukrainian presidential campaign, pro-Western candidate Viktor Yushchenko suddenly fell ill, his face becoming severely disfigured with cysts and deep scarring. It was later revealed he had been poisoned with TCDD (dioxin), a chemical contaminant often found in Agent Orange. The dose was 50,000 times higher than average, intended to kill or permanently incapacitate him. Remarkably, Yushchenko survived, though his pockmarked face became a permanent visual symbol of the Orange Revolution". 5. The Fentanyl Ear-Spray (1997) In an attempt that backfired spectacularly, Israeli Mossad agents attempted to kill Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on a street in Amman, Jordan. They used a device disguised as a bandage to spray a modified version of fentanyla potent synthetic opioidinto his ear. The plan was for Meshaal to fall into a permanent sleep". However, the agents were caught, and King Hussein of Jordan threatened to hang them unless Israel provided the antidote. Under immense pressure, the Israeli government flew the life-saving serum to Jordan, effectively saving the man they had just tried to kill. First Published: February 15, 2026, 08:00 IST News explainers From Poison Dart Frog To Ricin Umbrella: The Navalny Case And Historys Strangest 'Political Killings' 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 Impact Summit Kicks Off Monday: How India Plans To Emerge As A Key Player In The Age Of AI Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 22:42 IST For India, the AI Impact Summit is about securing a seat at the global high table of technology leadership and shaping the next phase of the AI age. A motorcyclist rides past the hoarding of 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' along a street on the eve of the summit in New Delhi. (AFP photo) India is set to host the AI Impact Summit from February 16 to 20 at the grand Bharat Mandapam, bringing together global leaders, policymakers and industry heavyweights in Artificial Intelligence. For India, the summit is not just a high-profile gathering. It is a statement of intent. New Delhi wants to signal that it does not aim to remain merely a participant in the AI revolution, but to emerge as a key architect shaping its rules, standards and opportunities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the summit, visit the Expo and engage with global CEOs. At his invitation, several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, are expected to attend. Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries, along with the UN Secretary General and senior international officials, will also take part in the event. ALSO READ: Delhi Police Issue Traffic Advisory Ahead Of AI Impact Summit | Check Routes To Avoid Why This Summit Matters Artificial Intelligence has moved far beyond research labs. It is reshaping healthcare delivery, transforming agriculture, recalibrating financial markets and redefining education and work. In this context, the AI Impact Summit aims to widen the global conversation. Earlier global meets focused strongly on AI safety and frontier risks. India is broadening the focus to highlight AIs developmental impact how it can drive economic growth, inclusion and sustainability. The emphasis is on People, Planet, and Progress". India will showcase its deep talent pool, digital public infrastructure and expanding startup ecosystem. Backed by the IndiaAI Missions push for compute capacity, datasets and skilling, the summit will reflect Indias strategy of balancing rapid innovation with appropriate safeguards. IT Secretary S Krishnan has said the key message is that AI must be human-centric and inclusive. The key message we want to send is that whatever happens with AI needs to be human-centric and inclusive. There needs to be democratic access to AI resources, and it needs to be done in a way where people are at the centre of this process," he told news agency PTI. ALSO READ: Opinion | AI Impact Summit: Indias Bid To Reframe The Global AI Conversation Big Themes To Watch Seven thematic working groups will present proposals on AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific use cases. Over 700 sessions are planned over five days, covering AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and sovereign AI. There will be strong focus on indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors. Discussions will also explore how AI is changing industries and what new skills will be needed in the job market. India, with over 65 per cent of its population under 35, sees its young workforce as a major advantage in adapting to AI-driven industries. Reskilling and AI-focused training are likely to be key talking points. ALSO READ: AI Impact Summit 2026: Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Among Prominent CEOs Attending; Details Prominent CEOs Attending The summit features a blockbuster list of global tech leaders. These include Sundar Pichai of Google, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Demis Hassabis of DeepMind Technologies, Dario Amodei of Anthropic and Brad Smith of Microsoft. The presence of these influential figures places the summit at the centre of global tech deliberations. Frontier AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic, along with tech giants like Microsoft and Google, are expected to offer insights into the future direction of AI development. Indian startup founders building indigenous models will also share the stage. ALSO READ: Inside AI Impact Summit 2026: What Participants Need To Know Before Reaching Bharat Mandapam? Spotlight On Sovereign AI Ahead of the summit, 12 Indian AI startups selected under the Foundation Model Pillar presented their work to the Prime Minister. Their projects range from Indian language foundation models and multilingual tools to healthcare diagnostics, engineering simulations and generative AI applications. Indias approach is innovation-first. While acknowledging the need for regulation, the government has said it stands ready to act when required, without harming innovation. As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event also aims to bring developing nations to the AI high table. A joint declaration or roadmap for responsible AI deployment could emerge as a key outcome. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: February 15, 2026, 22:41 IST News india AI Impact Summit Kicks Off Monday: How India Plans To Emerge As A Key Player In The Age Of AI 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... 'Budget 2026 Reflects India's Yearning To Become A Developed Nation': PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 18:52 IST PM Modi told PTI the budget shows Indias drive to become a developed nation, calling it a we are ready moment inspired by preparation, not compulsion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo/ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Union Budget 2026-27, which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, reflects Indias yearning to become a developed nation". In an exclusive interview with news agency PTI, the Prime Minister described the budget as a we are ready" moment, born out of preparation and inspiration, rather than a now or never" moment forced by compulsion. None of our budgets are run-of-the-mill bahi-khata documents; thats not our approach," he added. PM Modi pointed out that India is witnessing the most expansive infrastructure push in its history, built with future readiness in mind. He said, India has to be strong and prepared at all times, and that is what we are doing," referring to the defence budget and modernisation plans. ALSO READ: Budget 2026: Focus On Sustainable Consolidation, Infra Push, Tax Tweaks & Part B Pivot Likely? The Union Budget 2026 has unveiled a series of measures aimed at accelerating growth across infrastructure, power, renewable energy and technology, offering a significant demand boost for the capital goods sector. The proposals are expected to benefit engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies as well as domestic manufacturers by lowering production costs and enhancing competitiveness. On the economic front, PM Modi said that restored political stability and predictability" have strengthened investor confidence in India, enabling the country to negotiate trade agreements from a position of strength. Speaking on free trade agreements (FTAs), he said the deals are designed to expand market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in sectors such as textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, and gems. Stronger manufacturing, services, MSMEs enable India to negotiate trade pacts from a position of strength," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also criticised previous Congress-led UPA governments over their economic management, saying India was then unable to negotiate trade pacts with confidence. During UPA rule, talks would begin and then breakdown; a little real substance achieved despite long negotiations." he noted. First Published: February 15, 2026, 17:58 IST News india 'Budget 2026 Reflects India's Yearning To Become A Developed Nation': PM Modi 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... Can Tarique Rahman Mend India-Bangladesh Ties? Will Sheikh Hasinas Extradition Be A Sticking Point? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 19:23 IST Tarique Rahmans win could prompt reset of India-Bangladesh ties, but BNP's demand of Hasinas extradition may be hurdle. Extradition complications to other factors, explained (From left) Tarique Rahman, PM Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina. (PTI/AP File) Among the tasks ahead for Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief who secured a sweeping victory in the election, will be resetting of the countrys ties with India. Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the countrys next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, according to a BNP statement on Saturday. How India responded to Tarique Rahmans win Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with 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." The BNP on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating Tarique Rahman following the partys decisive victory in Bangladeshs parliamentary elections, stating that it looks forward to constructive engagement with India to further strengthen bilateral ties. In a response posted on social media platform X, the BNP expressed appreciation for the Prime Ministers message and highlighted the significance of the electoral mandate received by the party. Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Mr. Tarique Rahmans leadership in securing the BNPs decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in https://t.co/hJAOguIvKZ Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) February 14, 2026 BNPs plans Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power, Humayun Kabir, adviser to Tarique Rahman, has said, asserting that the two nations should work together for mutual benefit". In an interview to PTI, Kabir stressed that the onus lies on India to recognise the changed political reality in Bangladesh after the BNPs resounding electoral mandate. The change has to come from the mindset in India. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League dont exist in todays Bangladesh anymore. The people have given a clear verdict in favour of BNP," Kabir said. What we want is balanced relations. Were not going to have relations with one country specific, and were not going to have any disclosures on any agreements," Kabir said. On minority safety, particularly Hindus, Kabir dismissed concerns of communal violence in Bangladesh. Even during the five days without a government after the August uprising, an unprecedented situation, no one attacked minorities. That shows communal harmony here. The problem doesnt exist in the way its sometimes projected." India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasinas extradition a sticking point? A major point of contention is former PM Sheikh Hasinas presence in India. Kabir described Hasina, who fled to India after 2024s August uprising, as a terrorist" responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people. Kabir urged the Indian government to ensure that its territory is not used by Hasina or other Awami League figures in ways that could affect stability in Bangladesh. India must not be seen as complicit in any activities that undermine Bangladeshs sovereignty. Once that is addressed, normal diplomatic cooperation can resume. We are neighbours and should work together for mutual benefit," he added. India on November 26, 2025, said it is examining a request by Bangladeshs interim government to extradite Hasina and asserted that it is committed to ensure the best interests of the people of that country. We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Why the extradition may not be easy 2013 Treaty: Although the 2013 Extradition Treaty (amended in 2016) streamlines the process, it contains critical safeguard" clauses that India can invoke. Article 6 allows refusal if the offence is of a political character". While serious crimes like murder are typically excluded from this definition, India can argue the charges are politically motivated. Under Article 8, extradition can be denied if it is deemed unjust or oppressive" due to the passage of time or if the request is not made in good faith. Human Rights and the Death Penalty: Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Indian Legal Precedent: Indian courts generally prohibit extradition to countries where the accused faces the death penalty, unless the requesting state provides a sovereign guarantee that the sentence will not be carried out. Extradition in India is not a purely executive decision; it involves a lengthy judicial process. Hasina can challenge an extradition order in an Indian Magistrates court, then appeal to the High Court and eventually the Supreme Court. Section 29 of the Indian Extradition Act empowers the central government to stay or cancel extradition proceedings at any time if they are deemed trivial or politically motivated. Fair Trial Concerns: International bodies like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have questioned the fairness and impartiality of the ICT proceedings. India can refuse extradition if there is a risk of a biased trial. Domestic factors: India must balance its legal obligations with its long-term regional interests. Handing over a 15-year strategic partner could damage Indias reputation as a reliable protector for other regional allies. India is cautious about the potential rise of anti-India forces in Bangladeshs interim or future governments. India has a long tradition of providing shelter to political figures, such as the Dalai Lama and various leaders from neighbouring countries, which sets a precedent for its current stance. Indo-Bangladesh ties: Other challenges ahead Influence of Jamaat-e-Islami: Although the BNP won a two-thirds majority, the Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest party. India remains wary of this alliance due to its history of anti-India activities and radicalism. Public Sentiment: Rahman must balance diplomatic repair with a skeptical domestic public, particularly Gen Z" voters, many of whom harbor anti-India sentiment following the 2024 unrest. China and Pakistan: New Delhi is closely watching how the new government balances its relations with Beijing and Islamabad, especially after Rahmans aide mentioned building balanced ties" that dont treat any country as a master". Ultimately, the potential for a reset" exists, but success depends on how Rahman manages security concerns and whether India can navigate the complex issue of Sheikh Hasinas asylum. With PTI, ANI Inputs First Published: February 15, 2026, 15:17 IST News india Can Tarique Rahman Mend India-Bangladesh Ties? Will Sheikh Hasinas Extradition Be A Sticking Point? 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... Chatbot To Simulation: Panchayat Ministry To Showcase Grassroots Governance At AI Impact Summit Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 19:56 IST The Ministry will present AI-enabled governance tools designed specifically for decentralised administration Security officials at the entrance of Bharat Mandapam, ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi, on Sunday. (PTI) From how to upload a Panchayat asset photo and its details to clarifying scheme guidelines, eGramSaathi, an AI-powered assistant developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, is now positioning itself as the digital bridge between village citizens and grassroots governance. And this is not a pilot project tucked away in files. It will be live on the international stage at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, starting February 16. News18 reviewed the documents prepared for the summit. At a time when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often showcased through flashy consumer apps and global tech debates, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is quietly placing AI inside the Gram Sabha, empowering Indias grassroots governance. The Ministry will present a suite of AI-enabled governance tools designed specifically for decentralised administration. Alongside eGramSaathi, there is SabhaSaar, an AI system that records, transcribes and converts Gram Sabha deliberations into structured, actionable minutes of meeting, reducing paperwork and ensuring decisions dont dissolve into memory. Then comes PRAMAN (Panchayati Raj Asset Monitoring and Notification), an image analytics platform that automatically validates uploaded asset photographs, checks authenticity, flags duplication and assesses quality. In a system where physical asset verification often slows schemes, automation could prove transformative. But the showcase is not confined to dashboards and screens. Visitors will be able to Be the Sarpanch a role-based simulation placing participants inside AI-assisted decision-making scenarios. A virtual reality Gram Sabha experience, immersive walkthroughs and live demonstrations aim to show how technology can simplify complex administrative processes without displacing human agency. The larger message is unmistakable here. AI in Indias public systems is not being framed merely as efficiency software, but as an accountability tool. By embedding transcription accuracy, image verification and instant citizen responses into Panchayat workflows, the Ministry is signalling that emerging technologies can strengthen transparency at the grassroots, where governance is most immediate. As India hosts what is being described as a first-of-its-kind global AI summit in the Global South, the rural Ministrys bet is clear. The future of AI will not be defined only in boardrooms, but in village meetings, asset registers and citizen queries, answered, perhaps, by a chatbot. First Published: February 15, 2026, 19:50 IST News india Chatbot To Simulation: Panchayat Ministry To Showcase Grassroots Governance At AI Impact Summit 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... Lawmakers in the Netherlands have taken a major step toward reshaping how digital assets are taxed. The countrys House of Representatives voted Thursday to advance legislation introducing a 36% capital gains tax on savings and most liquid investments, including cryptocurrencies. Key Takeaways: Dutch lawmakers advanced a 36% tax on savings, equities and crypto, including unrealized gains. Critics warn the proposal could trigger investor relocation and capital outflows. The bill still requires Senate approval before a planned 2028 implementation. The proposal cleared the chamber comfortably, receiving 93 votes, well above the 75 required to move forward, according to the official tally. Netherlands Targets Unsold Crypto Profits in New Tax Proposal If adopted, the measure would apply broadly. Bank savings, crypto holdings, most equities and returns generated from interest-bearing instruments would all fall under the levy. Notably, the tax would be assessed regardless of whether investors actually sell their assets, meaning unrealized gains could still be taxed. The Dutch Senate must still approve the bill before it can become law. Implementation is targeted for the 2028 tax year, but reaction from investors has already been swift. Critics argue the policy risks pushing wealth out of the country. Some investors warn that higher-net-worth individuals could relocate to jurisdictions with lighter tax regimes, particularly within the European Union where cross-border movement is relatively straightforward. Entrepreneur Denis Payre pointed to historical precedent, saying France experienced a wave of business departures after imposing similar policies in the late 1990s. Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe was even more blunt, calling the plan deeply misguided and predicting significant relocation by investors. Financial projections circulating among market participants illustrate the concern. According to data shared by Investing Visuals, an investor starting with 10,000 and contributing 1,000 monthly over 40 years could accumulate roughly 3.32 million without the tax. Under the proposed 36% levy, the ending value would drop to about 1.885 million, a reduction of roughly 1.435 million. The debate echoes similar disputes elsewhere. In the United States, technology leaders and crypto industry figures pushed back strongly against Californias proposed wealth tax on billionaires, with some entrepreneurs openly discussing relocation. While supporters argue the Dutch plan modernizes taxation across financial assets, opponents say it could discourage long-term investment and weaken the countrys position as a destination for fintech and digital asset businesses. Sham Marriages, Student Visas: How Epstein Exploited US Immigration To Control Foreign Women Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 12:58 IST A cache of files recently released by the US Department of Justice show how Jeffrey Epstein bypassed federal immigration protocols via financial aid and influential networking This undated photo released by the US Justice Department on January 30, 2026, as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files shows Jeffrey Epstein (R) with Karyna Shuliak in an unidentified location. (Image: AFP) Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein used a sophisticated network of sham marriages, student visas, and high-profile legal connections to ensure foreign women in his orbit remained under his control within the United States. According to a cache of files recently released by the US Department of Justice, the documents give a detailed look at Jeffrey Epsteins pattern of bypassing federal immigration protocols through financial sponsorship and influential networking, effectively keeping these women within his immediate reach. Central to these revelations is the case of Karyna Shuliak, Epsteins long-time girlfriend from Belarus. According to an exclusive report in Bloomberg, in early 2013, she was stressed regarding her visa status but her concerns went away after she married" an American woman named Jennifer later that year. Bloomberg reported that the so-called marriage records show a joint bank account and residency at a New York address frequently linked with Epsteins guests facilitated Karyna Shuliaks acquisition of a green card in 2015 and US citizenship by 2018. Shortly after, she divorced her spouse. On the day of her naturalisation interview, one of Epsteins immigration lawyers, Arda Beskardes, joked about throwing a party with red white and blue balloons" to celebrate her new status. HOW DID EPSTEIN FACILITATE THIS? Records show that Epsteins manipulation of the system often began with educational institutions: case in point, Shuliaks admission to Columbia Universitys dental school as a transfer student from Belarus. The Bloomberg report said the process involved navigating complex hurdles with Columbias international student office. To maintain the legal residency of other associates, Epstein frequently enrolled them in English language courses at midtown Manhattan schools, such as the Spanish American Institute and the now-closed American Language Communication Center. Enrolment allowed the women to obtain the I-20 paperwork necessary for student visas, provided they could demonstrate sufficient funds that were often obtained through Epsteins direct financial sponsorship. The report said his efforts to keep women in the US extended to providing educational material in remote locations. Correspondence shows his employees were tasked with purchasing TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation books and mailing them to his private island and his apartment in Paris to ensure the women could prepare for standard entrance exams. WHAT ABOUT THE IMMIGRATION ROUTE? When standard visas proved difficult, Epstein reportedly leveraged an elite professional network to navigate federal hurdles. In 2012, seeking to restore Shuliaks student visa without his own name appearing on the file, he contacted British investor Ian Osborne. Osborne asked him to involve Greg Craig, a former White House lawyer, who reportedly had connections to the highest level" of the immigration service, as per Bloomberg. Messages show that Craigs specialist firm would provide a heads-up" to Ali Mayorkas, then-head of the US immigration agency but there is no indication that he was ever aware of the outreach. Beyond student visas, Epsteins circle frequently exploited the O-1 visa category, reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement", the report said. Petitions were filed for different women citing exceptional talents in fashion modelling, art curation, and public relations. To facilitate these entries, he maintained a $1 million credit line for MC2 Model Management, an agency founded by Jean-Luc Brunel. A former bookkeeper for the agency testified that Epstein funded the visas processed through the firm, it said. Brunel, who died by suicide in 2022, had previously been accused of trafficking young girls to the US for the late financier and his associates. This is how Epstein ensured that the women remained legally tied to the US and, by extension, to him. One internal message captured the anxiety of this operation, with an associate expressing relief when a woman failed to board a flight, stating that they felt sick at the thought of her coming back and something going wrong" with her immigration status. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 12:58 IST News india Sham Marriages, Student Visas: How Epstein Exploited US Immigration To Control Foreign Women 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... Have Faith In Our Agencies: Minister Rejects Italian Media Report On Air India Crash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 11:13 IST Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol denied the report and said investigation agencies are looking into the matter. The London-bound aircraft crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport. (PTI Photo) Days after an Italian media report on the Air India crash, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol rejected claims about the investigation into the crash in Ahmedabad last year, saying the probe is still underway. His statement came after an Italian newspaper reported that Indian investigators were preparing to say in their final findings that Air India Flight 171 crashed because one of the pilots shut off the planes fuel controls. Mohol denied the report and said investigation agencies are looking into the matter. I just want to inform you all that our investigation agencies are probing the matter. Should we have faith in our own agencies or outsiders? Our agencies are working on it," he was quoted as saying by PTI on Saturday. Once the final report is finalised, then only it will be justifiable to comment on it," he added. What the Italian report claimed? The report in Corriere della Sera said Indian investigators were preparing to state in their final report that Air India Flight 171 crashed because one of the pilots switched off the aircrafts fuel switches in an act that was almost certainly" intentional. It said the claim would rely on findings that no technical fault was detected in the aircraft, suggesting the crash may have been caused by human action. The newspaper added that cockpit voice recordings, cleared of background noise, identified which pilot moved the fuel switch from RUN to CUTOFF". The report said it was still not known whether the final findings would directly assign blame. It named the pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, who died in the crash, as being at the centre of the matter. The publication said a conclusion pointing to the flight captain would be a desired turning point" for US experts who have been presenting evidence to Indian authorities, as the Indian side has refused to accept a human role in the disaster. It also said sound analysis clearly showed which pilot carried out the move and ruled out the possibility of an error. AAIB says probe ongoing The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said reports claiming that the investigation into Air India Flight AI-171 had been completed were incorrect and speculative". The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached," it said. The agency referred to its preliminary report and added that the final investigation report, containing conclusions and safety recommendations, would be published after completion of the probe in line with international norms. In one of Indias deadliest air accidents, 260 people, including 241 passengers, were killed when Air Indias Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 to London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 11:03 IST News india Have Faith In Our Agencies: Minister Rejects Italian Media Report On Air India Crash 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... Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla To Represent India At Bangladesh PM-Elect Tarique Rahmans Swearing-In Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 16:21 IST The MEA said that Birla's participation "underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh". File photo of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. (Image: PTI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh PM-elect and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The MEA said that Birlas participation underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh", reaffirming New Delhis commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations. As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladeshs transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people," it added. The BNP is set to form the government after it registered a sweeping victory in the recently held parliamentary elections. Rahman, 60, is set to become the countrys first male head in 35 years. Bangladesh has invited the heads of government from 13 countriesChina, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet. The BNPs invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was viewed as Rahmans bid to constructively engage with India to strengthen relations between India and Bangladesh. After the poll results, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with 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." Responding to PM Modi, the BNP said, Thank you very much. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Tarique Rahmans leadership in securing the BNPs decisive win in the national elections." We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each others concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the post 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. First Published: February 15, 2026, 16:15 IST News india Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla To Represent India At Bangladesh PM-Elect Tarique Rahmans Swearing-In 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... Maharashtra Congress Chief Booked For Calling Tipu Sultan Symbol Of Bravery Like Shivaji Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 13:12 IST After Sapkals statement comparing Tipu Sultan with Shivaji, leaders of the BJP in Ahilyanagar announced a Rs 10 lakh reward for anyone who would cut off his tongue. Harshwardhan Sapkal Booked Over TipuShivaji Remark; BJP Leaders Announce Rs 10 Lakh Reward Harshwardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Congress chief, has been booked by Pune police after he described Tipu Sultan as a symbol of bravery" comparable to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The case was registered following a complaint by city BJP chief Dhiraj Ghate, who alleged that Sapkals remarks were provocative and hurt religious sentiments. The complaint relates to Sapkals comments about similarities between Shivaji and Tipu Sultan. Rs 10 lakh reward for cutting tongue After Sapkals statement comparing Tipu Sultan with Shivaji, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Ahilyanagar announced a Rs 10 lakh reward for anyone who would cut off his tongue. The announcement was made during a protest held in front of the Shivaji memorial, where BJP workers alleged that Sapkals remarks were objectionable. Party workers staged a shoe protest against Sapkal and raised slogans at the site. The statement has triggered sharp political reactions and increased tensions in the region. What Sapkal said? Sapkal said journalists had asked him whether photographs of all great leaders should be displayed together in offices, and how he viewed the demand that the photos of Shivaji and Tipu Sultan should be placed side by side. While replying, he said, Fadnavis old habit of twisting words turning dha into ma has resurfaced, and he has found an opportunity to create a Hindu-Muslim controversy." Sapkal had made his remarks on Saturday while speaking to reporters about a controversy over a portrait of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of the Malegaon municipal corporations deputy mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, who is Muslim. The portrait of Tipu Sultan, known for fighting British colonialists, is being opposed by the Shiv Sena and other groups. Sapkal said in Marathi that Tipu had followed Shivajis ideals. The kind of bravery that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj possessed and the concept of swarajya (self-rule) that he introduced much later, following in that very tradition and taking inspiration from his ideals, Tipu Sultan waged war against the British," he said. In that sense, Tipu Sultan was a great warrior who displayed immense bravery and was a true son of India. He never allowed any poisonous or communal ideas to sway him. As a symbol of bravery, we should view Tipu Sultan as equivalent to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he added. What we know about the complaint? According to ANI, the complaint said Sapkals remarks hurt the sentiments of Hindus", apparently because Tipu was a Muslim and Shivaji a Hindu, and could disturb communal harmony. Ghate said the remarks hurt the sentiments of Hindus who believe and consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as God". I dont understand what point Harshwardhan Sapkal wants to prove by making such a statement, which hurts sentiments," he said. The case has been registered under sections 192, 196(1), 196(2), 352 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said further investigation is underway. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 12:52 IST News india Maharashtra Congress Chief Booked For Calling Tipu Sultan Symbol Of Bravery Like Shivaji 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... Assam CM Himanta Sarma Takes A Dig At Nehru As He Counters Congress Criticism On Moran ELF Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 15:08 IST Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: "No PM will say my heart goes for Assam. Instead the new line will be that we will defeat enemies from the soil of Assam." Rapid Read Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the newly inaugurated Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Assams Dibrugarh will provide strategic security to Indias Northeast and strengthen the regions defence preparedness, even as he slammed the opposition for mocking the project. The Chief Minister invoked former Prime Minister, the late Jawaharlal Nehru, who said my heart goes out to the people of Assam" in 1962 when China had attacked Arunachal and advanced to Tezpur town in Assam. The opposition, including Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi and Akhil Gogoi, have questioned the ELF project, terming that it has nothing to do with the development of Assam. We dont want war but assets are for security which will mainly benefit the public. We have written for more ELFs, so that during flood, C-130 can land for relief. All the assets are for dual uses. Internal enemies are comparing this to high price of snacks and tea at the airport and thus discouraging the developments. The chicken neck blackmailing days are over and no PM will say my heart goes for Assam. Instead the new line will be We will defeat enemies from the soil of Assam," said the Assam CM. Addressing the media on important issues concerning Assam. https://t.co/bJErmMYlBZ Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 15, 2026 About the ELF The ELF is a first-of-its-kind in Northeast India and was 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. Countering Opposition BJP MLA Manab Deka said, Akhil Gogoi, who is involved in the farmers movement, does not know how defence strategy worksHow can Gaurav Gogoi, who had worked in conflict zones like Gaza, Palestine during his service in NGO, not understand this?" The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the underwater rail-cum-road twin tube tunnel connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh, an Rs 18,500-crore project that got a cabinet approval on Saturday while PM was in Assam. The CM said the tunnel project under Brahmaputra will be Indias first Road and Rail tunnel and Worlds 2nd and its foundation stone will be soon laid by the Prime Minister himself. If any situation arises where our bridges over Brahmaputra get bombed, this project will be still safe and our connectivity will remain intact," said the CM. First Published: February 15, 2026, 14:53 IST News india Assam CM Himanta Sarma Takes A Dig At Nehru As He Counters Congress Criticism On Moran ELF 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... Police Lathi-Charge As Farmers Protest Landfill Site In Ghaziabad, Stone Pelting Alleged Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 23:59 IST Farmers and police clashed at a village in Ghaziabad, over a landfill protest. One of the farmers claimed 50 to 60 protestors were injured. The situation reportedly escalated after locals opened main gates of the dumping ground to stage a sit-in. (Photo: Screengrab from a video on X) A protest against a local landfill site turned violent on Sunday afternoon in Ghaziabads Meerpur Hindu village, Loni, as farmers and police personnel clashed. The altercation resulted in alleged stone-pelting and police lathi-charge, injuring both farmers and officers. A video going viral on social media shows police lathi-charging farmers. The unrest began when local residents reportedly forced open the main gates of the dumping ground to stage a sit-in. The situation escalated, leading to injuries on both sides and a heated exchange on social media. The protesters alleged that police launched a brutal lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. However, police claimed that the farmers were pelting stones that led to the lathi-charge. As per a report by PTI, a farmer named Manoj Kumar claimed that around 50 to 60 protestors sustained injuries to their hands and heads. Viral videos on social media appear to show demonstrators with various injuries, allegedly due to police action. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan only until you speak. Mirpur Hindu Village, Ghaziabad, UP.Farmers staged Protest against dumping ground, demanding school and hospital on that land. This followed pic.twitter.com/2oaSu5IBKN RAHUL (@RahulSeeker) February 15, 2026 Note: The video was shared by a user on X, but News18 could not verify the authenticity of the video. Loni Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Siddhartha Gautam denied the allegations of a lathi-charge. In a statement, the ACP asserted that the police did not use force. Protesters resorted to stone-pelting, which left two police officers injured. The injured officers were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment," he was quoted as saying by PTI. However, images or names of the injured cops were not disclosed. ACP Gautam added that the law and order situation is currently under control." Location : Ghaziabad, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 23:57 IST News india Police Lathi-Charge As Farmers Protest Landfill Site In Ghaziabad, Stone Pelting Alleged 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... Rajasthan Cop Suspended After Wanted Criminals Seen Dancing, Showering Notes At His Wedding Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 22:18 IST Ashok Bishnoi, a Rajasthan constable, was suspended after a viral video showed wanted criminals attending his wedding in Nagaur. The wedding was held in Nagaur, nearly 500 km from Jhalawar. (Photo: X) A Rajasthan constable has been suspended after a video of at least eight wanted criminals enjoying at his wedding went viral. As per the reports, Constable Ashok Bishnoi invited history-sheeters and smugglers to his wedding. The video shows the criminals dancing and showering notes at Bishnois wedding celebrations over Feb 1 and Feb 2. These criminals are active in Rajasthans Jhalawar and Madhya Pradesh. Amit Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Jhalawar, said that Bishnoi was dismissed from duty after allegations of his association with criminals. A formal enquiry has been raised into the matter. As per the reports, the matter came to light when a confidential complaint was received alleging that several known criminals were attending Bishnois wedding celebration that was held in Nagaur, nearly 500 km from Jhalawar. Through the enquiry and CCTV footage, it was revealed that criminals like Pappu Tanwar, who is accused of encroaching on forest department land and building a house, attended the wedding. Furthermore, another serious offender, Ramesh Lal, who is accused in two separate NDPS cases, was also in attendance. Other criminals who are listed among top 10 criminals in Jhalawar for drug trafficking and arms smuggling, including Durgalal (alias Durgashankar), Ramesh, Ramgopal, Rambabu Ruheda, Atiq Mohammad, Mangilal, and Chain Singh were in the guest list. Taking the cognisance of the matter, authorities have taken action in the matter and Bishnoi is suspended. Location : Jhalawar, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 22:18 IST News india Rajasthan Cop Suspended After Wanted Criminals Seen Dancing, Showering Notes At His Wedding 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... Rohit Pawar Writes To Amit Shah, Aviation Minister, Seeks Probe Into Uncle Ajit Pawars Plane Crash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 11:22 IST The incident occurred on January 28 when a chartered Learjet 45 carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Rohit Pawar. (PTI file photo) NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday said he has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the January 28 plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In a post on social media, the Karjat-Jamkhed legislator said he had emailed the Home Minister, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), attaching a detailed presentation outlining his concerns related to the crash. Sharing copies of the correspondence, Rohit Pawar said his demand for a probe was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring that the truth behind the accident is established beyond doubt. It is important that the actual sequence of events is placed before the people so that there is no room for speculation or suspicion," he said. Earlier, at a press conference on February 10, Rohit Pawar had claimed there were grounds to suspect sabotage in the fatal air crash and called for a deeper examination of all possible angles. The crash occurred on January 28 when a chartered Learjet 45 carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The aircraft came down near the runway threshold, killing all five people on board. The deceased included Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and the pilot and co-pilot. Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Parishad elections. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA are probing the incident. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said on February 7 that investigators had recovered the aircrafts black box and that its data is currently being analysed. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash, and officials said the investigation is ongoing. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 11:22 IST News india Rohit Pawar Writes To Amit Shah, Aviation Minister, Seeks Probe Into Uncle Ajit Pawars Plane Crash 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... Spa Used For Prostitution Racket Busted In Rajasthan's Bidar, 5 Women Rescued Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 12:04 IST Police rescued five women at the premises including two from Maharashtra and one each from Assam, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, who were allegedly being exploited. AI-generated image used for representation Police in Karnatakas Bidar district conducted a late-night raid and uncovered an alleged prostitution operation being run from a spa centre, officials said on Saturday. Two men were arrested and five women from different states were rescued during the operation. The action took place at a facility called Lotus Spa near Shivanagar after officers received specific information about illegal activities. The raid was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti. Arrests And Rescue The accused have been identified as Karan and Sandeep, both reportedly residents of Kalaburagi. Police said five women were found at the premises and were allegedly being exploited. Among them, two were from Maharashtra, while the others were from Assam, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Case Registered Authorities have registered a case at the Bidar Women Police Station and further investigation is underway. SP Pradeep Gunti said police will continue taking strict action against such unlawful activities in the district. Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 12:04 IST News india Spa Used For Prostitution Racket Busted In Rajasthan's Bidar, 5 Women Rescued 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... 'White-Collar' Terror Probe Reveals Doctor Made Terror Outfit 'Ansar Interim' For Attacks In J&K Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 14:39 IST The 'White-Collar' terror network came to light following the appearance of Jaish-e-Mohammed posters in Bunpora, Nowgam, on the outskirts of Srinagar on October 19. Representative (Image: PTI) A probe into the recently dismantled white-collar" terror module by Jammu and Kashmir Police has revealed that a group of doctors and radical preachers floated a new terror outfit named Ansar Interim to carry out subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The case, now taken over by the National Investigation Agency, has uncovered that Dr Umer-un Nabi, who later died in an explosion involving an explosive-laden vehicle outside the Red Fort on November 10, had made multiple failed attempts to join active terror groups in 2016 and 2018. According to officials, evidence gathered so far shows that the accused, doctors Muzamil Gannie, Umer-un Nabi (now deceased) and Adeel Rather, along with Adeels brother Muzzafar Rather (absconding), Maulvi Irfan, Qari Aamir and Tufail Gazi, met at Eidgah in downtown Srinagar in April 2022. During the meeting, they decided to form Ansar Interim, with Adeel Rather designated as the groups Ameer (chief), Maulvi Irfan as Deputy Ameer, and Gannie tasked with managing finances. Officials said the name Ansar" is commonly associated with Al-Qaeda-linked nomenclature. During questioning, the arrested accused told investigators that the decision to create a new outfit was taken after their links with existing terror groups were severed. Roles, communication protocols and operational methods were finalised at the meeting. Umer-un Nabi allegedly took on the role of coordinator and, along with Gannie, handled procurement and funding. In 2023, the group sourced fertilisers from Haryanas Sohna and Nuh areas, while NPK chemicals were procured from a shop in Faridabad on Umers instructions. Investigators said Umer began learning basic improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication by watching online videos and succeeded in preparing triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive frequently used in terror attacks. Officials added that Adeel had begun recruiting new members and brought in Danish alias Jasir from south Kashmir. Danish was allegedly taken to a rented accommodation near Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where he witnessed Umer and Gannie preparing explosive material. Umer later attempted to persuade Danish to carry out a suicide attack, but he backed out, citing financial hardship and religious reasons. Officials believe Umer, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, was the most radicalised member and a key operative linking Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. He is suspected to have been planning a major vehicle-borne IED attack at a crowded location, possibly in the national capital or at a religious site, with plans to flee afterwards. The plot is believed to have unravelled after Srinagar Police arrested Gannie and seized explosives, triggering panic within the module. Officials said this may have led to the premature blast near the Red Fort. The inter-state terror network came to light following the appearance of Jaish-e-Mohammed posters in Bunpora, Nowgam, on the outskirts of Srinagar on October 19. A case was registered and CCTV footage reviewed, leading to the arrest of three local youths with prior stone-pelting records. Their interrogation resulted in the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic-turned-imam from Shopian, who allegedly supplied the posters and played a key role in radicalising the doctors. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 14:39 IST News india 'White-Collar' Terror Probe Reveals Doctor Made Terror Outfit 'Ansar Interim' For Attacks In J&K 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... It's no secret that Eli Lilly's (NYSE: LLY) strong performance in recent years is due in large part to its clinical and commercial progress with tirzepatide, a medicine approved for diabetes and weight loss. This therapy's sales are growing rapidly, helping the pharmaceutical leader post excellent financial results. Further, Eli Lilly's weight loss portfolio, even beyond this single product, should remain its biggest growth driver in the foreseeable future. However, there is more to the company than its work in this therapeutic area. Let's consider one thing the company recently said and why investors should see it as a bullish signal. 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 Image source: Getty Images. Strong clinical execution One problem pharmaceutical companies routinely run into when developing medicines is clinical trial failures. According to some data, the success rate for phase 2 studies is only about 50%, and it rises to 59% in phase 3. Estimates do vary, and these rates are also not uniform across different therapeutic areas (Alzheimer's disease, for instance, is a particularly tough nut to crack). But the basic point is that a surprisingly high percentage of medicines, even those that make it to late-stage studies, don't end up on the market. Eli Lilly, though, is trying to rewrite the records and defy expectations. According to the company's chief scientific and medical officer, Daniel Skovronsky: "We [Eli Lilly] achieved positive outcomes for nearly all R&D key events in 2025, a rare set of results in this industry." True, the majority of those results were in weight management or diabetes. Eli Lilly's retatrutide, a next-gen anti-obesity medicine, performed well in a phase 3 study, as did orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 racing toward approval. However, Eli Lilly also made solid clinical progress in other areas. For instance, the company's cancer medicine, Jaypirca, aced a phase 3 study and is well on its way to earning label expansions. In 2025, Eli Lilly also reported that its Alzheimer's disease medicine, Kisunla, is helping slow cognitive decline in a long-term study. Eli Lilly's innovative machine is performing well, arguably better than that of most of its peers in the industry. And that's a point worth highlighting. Why the stock is a buy Eli Lilly is looking to further boost its clinical trial success rate. That's why the drugmaker is investing in artificial intelligence (AI), notably by building what will become the industry's largest AI supercomputer, among other initiatives. Eli Lilly hopes to leverage AI to accelerate drug development. Even regulators have recognized the value of AI in drug discovery. That's why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last year that it was phasing out animal models in favor of other methods, including AI-based models. Shashi Tharoor Explains His Relationship With English: Language Is Intimacy' Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 10:13 IST Shashi Tharoor speaks about multilingualism and cultural connection at The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, sharing anecdotes from his personal and public life. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (PTI file photo) Shashi Tharoor spoke in Dubai at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, during a session that was titled A Wonderland of Words. The Literature Festival took place from January 2127, 2026, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. The edition featured over 200 speakers from more than 40 countries, showcasing fiction, non-fiction, Arabic literature, poetry, performances, and discussions. One of the major highlights of the festival was a memorable session delivered by the Indian politician, former diplomat, writer, and wordsmith Shashi Tharoor. While the festival took place in January, videos from the festival has been recently making the rounds of the internet. A Wonderland of Words: Shashi Tharoors Engaging Session At The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Titled A Wonderland of Words, which is also the name of Tahroors latest book, quickly caught the attention. It was moderated by award-winning British presenter Amandeep Bhangu and focused on how language shapes thought, culture, and connection. Tharoor described his book as a collection of short reflections meant for casual reading. These are bursts of thought," he said, explaining that the chapters are bite-sized, perfect for dipping in and out." The session was engaging as Tharoor shared stories from his personal and public life. When asked about his love for language, he spoke about how his father learned English through sheer determination. When he arrived in London, he rapidly realised the inadequacy of what hed learned, so he taught himself the language," he said. His father kept notebooks filled with quotes from writers like Byron, Shakespeare, and Dickens. This wasnt about showing off; it reflected his genuine curiosity and love for words. He shared that at home, language was treated like a game. His father created Scrabble-like word challenges, even a homemade pre-digital version of Wordle with 20 guesses and no clues, where Tharoor said he usually won." Beneath this playful approach, his father had a precise way with words, writing letters so moving that people remembered them long after his passing, whether in moments of joy, grief, or setback. Whether it was a bereavement, a promotion, a setback, or a challenge, his father had the gift of using the right word at the right time." Words, he learned, were not just decorative; they were precise tools. He conveyed to us that words are both a pleasure in their own right and valuable because of what they convey," he said. Shashi Tharoor On His Reputation for Difficult Vocabulary The conversation shifted to Tharoors famed vocabulary. With a touch of dry humour, he said, I unfortunately have an undeserved reputation for difficult words. I use the most appropriate words for what Im trying to convey. If I cant convey my thoughts to the audience, Im a poor communicator. I use language to get my message across, not to confuse or impress. Tharoor likened English to a magpie, borrowing words like the German schadenfreude" instead of the rarely used English epicaricacy." Speaking about multilingualism, he noted, A language chooses you through the circumstances of your life," reflecting on his own journey across cities and languages. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: If you speak to someone in a language they understand, you reach their mind; if you speak to them in their language, you reach their heart." Shashi Tharoor Urged Parents And Readers To Model Lifelong Reading For Children When one audience member asked Tharoor to describe his relationship with English in a single word, he replied, Intimacy." Tharoor urged parents to model reading for children, making it fun rather than homework. He spoke about the danger of students using AI to outsource thinking and eventually sacrificing individuality. We risk giving up the ability to craft words that reflect your personality and style," he said, and that loss matters. First Published: February 15, 2026, 10:13 IST News lifestyle events Shashi Tharoor Explains His Relationship With English: Language Is Intimacy' Quiet Breathwork Over Gym: Why The No-Sweat Calm Trend Is Gaining Ground Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 13:25 IST Pulmonologists explain why quiet breathwork is gaining popularity as a no-sweat fitness trend. Learn how slow nasal breathing supports lung function & complements regular exercise Pulmonologists highlight that slow, controlled nasal breathing can improve lung efficiency, reduce stress, and complement regular physical activity without intense workouts. For decades, fitness has been associated with sweat, speed, and stamina, pounding treadmills, high-intensity intervals, and pushing physical limits. But a quieter, more measured approach is steadily gaining attention: structured breathwork. And according to pulmonologists, this shift may be more than just a wellness fad. As a pulmonologist, I often meet people who believe getting fit always means heavy workouts and running breathlessly on a treadmill," says Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi. However, lungs may respond better to slow, controlled breathing than to intense physical exertion." The Science of Slowing Down Breathing is unique among bodily functions, it operates automatically, yet can also be consciously controlled. That dual control allows it to influence heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. Deep, slow diaphragmatic breathing draws air into the lower parts of the lungs, where oxygen exchange is most efficient," explains Dr Jain. This improves breathing efficiency without placing strain on the joints or heart, an important benefit for beginners, older adults, asthmatics, and those recovering from post-COVID weakness." In contrast to high-impact workouts, quiet breathwork offers physiological benefits without triggering exhaustion. For many urban dwellers, the problem is not lack of exercise but chronic stress, anxiety, shallow breathing, and poor sleep. A lot of city residents complain of fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia," notes Dr Jain. For them, a hard gym workout may feel like punishment rather than healing." A simple pattern, inhaling through the nose for four counts, holding briefly, and exhaling for six activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the bodys recovery mode." Over time, chest muscles relax, airways dilate, and mental activity settles. A Nervous System Reset From a clinical standpoint, breathwork is not merely relaxation, it is regulation. Breathwork is not a soft alternative to fitness," says Dr Ajinkya Gulve, Pulmonologist, Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune. It is a practical way to train your nervous system, and the lungs can benefit almost immediately." Modern lifestyles; long screen hours, rushed schedules, poor sleep, and constant stimulation often lead to shallow, upper-chest breathing. This pattern keeps the body in a low-grade stress state. Nasal breathing, a slower rhythm, and a longer exhale help shift the body from alert mode to recovery mode," explains Dr Gulve. This can reduce anxiety-related breathlessness and improve everyday breath control." The appeal of no-sweat calm" lies partly in accessibility. Breathwork requires no equipment, no membership, and no special setting. It can be practised at a desk, in a car, or before sleep. Dr. Jain adds that breath awareness also improves posture and encourages nasal breathing both critical in polluted urban environments where airway protection matters. Breathwork Is Support Not Substitute However, both experts caution against viewing breathwork as a replacement for physical activity. The gym has its place," says Dr Jain. Lungs prefer rhythm over rush but the body still needs movement." Dr. Gulve reinforces this balance: Breathwork should support movement, not replace it. The heart and lungs require regular physical activity to build stamina, improve oxygen utilisation, and maintain long-term metabolic health. Breathwork guides the system; movement strengthens it." In other words, calm breathing enhances efficiency but aerobic conditioning builds capacity. A Safe Starting Point For most healthy adults, a basic routine is both simple and safe. Practise for five minutes, twice a day," advises Dr. Gulve. Sit upright, relax your shoulders, inhale through your nose for four counts, and exhale for six. Repeat for 20 to 30 breaths." Those experiencing tightness or wheezing should keep the breathing gentle and prioritise slow, soft exhalations. If dizziness, tingling, chest discomfort, or panic occurs, the session should stop, as these may signal over-breathing. Breathwork may be particularly helpful for individuals who: Experience stress-related breathlessness Lead sedentary lifestyles Habitually breathe through the mouth Snore during sleep Are recovering from respiratory infections However, it is not a cure-all. It cannot reverse the effects of smoking, vaping, or prolonged exposure to poor air quality," Dr. Gulve cautions. Individuals with uncontrolled asthma, severe COPD, serious cardiac conditions, pregnancy complications, or recent chest surgery should practise under medical supervision. The Quiet Shift in Fitness Culture The growing interest in calming practices reflects a broader change in how people define health. Fitness is no longer only about visible muscle tone or calorie burn; it increasingly includes nervous system resilience and emotional regulation. What quiet breathwork teaches us," Dr Jain concludes, is that sometimes the most powerful exertion is mastering the art of breathing slowly and calmly." In a culture that equates effort with exhaustion, the rise of no-sweat calm suggests something radical: progress does not always require pushing harder. Sometimes, it begins with simply breathing better. First Published: February 15, 2026, 13:25 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Quiet Breathwork Over Gym: Why The No-Sweat Calm Trend Is Gaining Ground 'Beautiful Coincidence': Ranbir Kapoor On Ramayana Releasing In Rahas Birthday Month Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 18:16 IST Ranbir Kapoor reacts to Ramayanas Diwali 2026 release coinciding with daughter Rahas birthday month, calling it a beautiful coincidence during an AMA. Rapid Read Ranbir Kapoor reacted to Ramayana releasing around daughter Rahas birthday, calling it a beautiful coincidence during an Instagram AMA session. Actor Ranbir Kapoor recently surprised fans with major updates about his upcoming films during an Ask Me Anything session on Instagram. Though Ranbir isnt personally active on social media, he went live through the official handle of his lifestyle brand, ARKS, to celebrate the brands anniversary. The interactive session quickly turned into an exciting update on his highly anticipated projects. Ramayana To Release Around Rahas Birthday During the live session, a fan pointed out that Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana Part 1 is expected to release around November, coinciding with his daughter Rahas birthday month. Reacting to the observation, Ranbir called it a beautiful coincidence." The mythological epic is slated for a Diwali 2026 release and remains one of the biggest projects of his career. Love & War Likely Delayed Ranbir also shared an update about Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War, co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The film was initially scheduled for release in August 2026, but the actor revealed that fans may have to wait longer. According to him, the film is now likely to release later in 2026 or possibly in 2027. Explaining the delay, Ranbir said that ambitious projects like Ramayana and Love & War require more time due to their scale and creative vision. However, he assured fans that the wait would be worth it. Updates On Brahmastra 2 And Animal Park The actor also revealed that Ayan Mukerjis Brahmastra 2 is expected to go on floors sooner than previously anticipated. Additionally, Animal Park, the sequel to Animal directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is set to begin shooting by mid-next year. Ranbir Praises Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar During the session, Ranbir also praised Ranveer Singhs recent blockbuster Dhurandhar. Absolutely loved that film. The entire cast and crew smashed it. Really good times at the movies," he said. The sequel, Dhurandhar Part 2, is scheduled to release on March 19. With mythological epics, romantic dramas, superhero sequels and action-packed follow-ups in the pipeline, Ranbir Kapoors upcoming slate promises a massive cinematic phase ahead even if audiences will have to wait a little longer to witness it. First Published: February 15, 2026, 18:16 IST News movies bollywood 'Beautiful Coincidence': Ranbir Kapoor On Ramayana Releasing In Rahas Birthday Month Deepika Padukone Confirmed For The White Lotus Season 4? Heres What We Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 13:57 IST Reports claim that Deepika Padukone is set to join The White Lotus season 4, and has been cast alongside Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina and others. Rapid Read Deepika Padukone To Join The White Lotus Season 4? Bollywood actress Deepika Padukones long-rumoured stint on The White Lotus may finally be happening- just a season later than expected! In 2024, reports suggested that the actress would join The White Lotus season 3 alongside BLACKPINKs Lisa, however she allegedly passed on the offer due to her pregnancy. Now, a report in Deccan Chronicle claims that she is joining the cast of The White Lotus season 4, alongside Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina and others. If reports are to be believed, the actress will be headed to France, where Chateau de La Messardiere in Saint-Tropez has reportedly been selected as the central filming location. Deepika Padukone To Join The White Lotus Season 4? According to Deccan Chronicle, Deepika Padukone will reportedly join the ensemble cast of The White Lotus season 4 later this year. However, it should be noted that details surrounding Padukones involvement remain speculative, and have not been officially confirmed by the studio. Meanwhile, last month, HBO announced the new cast members for season 4 of the series, including Harry Potter actress Helena Bonham Carter and Chris Messina. The series also stars Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Marissa Long, Alexander Ludwig, and AJ Michalka and Sandra Bernhard, and reports suggest that the filming for the series is scheduled to run from April to October 2026. When Deepika Padukone Was Rumoured To Have Been Approached For Season 3 In 2024, Deepika was rumoured to be joining The White Lotus season 3. The rumours emerged when Ranveer Singhs mother liked a post claiming that Deepika will be seen in the international show. During the Fighter press conference, Deepika was coy about the rumours. When she was asked about the White Lotus rumours, director Siddharth Anand jumped in to fuel the rumours by saying, Lotus 3 Wheres the space now? Lotus 3 is coming." Deepika laughed at his answer while giving a puzzled expression. Deepika quickly said, If Siddharth Anand makes Fighter 2" The filmmaker replied, Kaise karenge? Abhi Fighter 2 band kara di aapne, Lotus 3 kar rahi hain, pata nahi kya kya kar rahin hain White Lotus 3." Deepika then continued to laugh. Later, a few reports claimed that Deepika declined the offer to focus on her pregnancy. Deepika is entirely focused on her impacting motherhood. She has not signed any new film. She said no to a very prestigious international series. I dont think she will be back to work anytime soon," a source told Times Now in 2024. First Published: February 15, 2026, 13:57 IST News movies bollywood Deepika Padukone Confirmed For The White Lotus Season 4? Heres What We Know Jacqueline Fernandez Gets Rs 30 Crore Helicopter From Jailed Conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar On Valentines Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 10:24 IST Sukesh Chandrasekhar, jailed for a Rs 200-crore case, gifted Jacqueline Fernandez a Rs 30 crore customised Airbus H-Series helicopter on Valentines Day. Sukesh Chandrasekhar Gifts Rs 30 Crore Helicopter to Jacqueline Fernandez Valentines Day just got a lot more dramatic at least on paper. From inside a Delhi jail, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar has claimed he has gifted actor Jacqueline Fernandez a customised helicopter worth around Rs 30 crore, along with yet another emotional letter addressed to her. Sukesh, who is currently lodged in Delhis Mandoli jail in connection with a Rs 200-crore money-laundering case, shared details of the extravagant present in a handwritten note sent on Valentines Day. In the letter, he referred to the actor as his botta bomma" (beautiful doll), a term he has repeatedly used for her in past correspondence. Baby, Ive arranged a special gift that befits the queen you are," he wrote, revealing that the present was allegedly a customised Airbus H-Series helicopter. According to Sukesh, the aircraft features specially designed interiors bearing Jacquelines initials, JF. He further claimed that the helicopter complements other luxury assets including a yacht and a jet that he says he had earlier gifted her. The Airbus H-Series includes several models with varying price tags. Smaller single-engine variants such as the H125 are priced at approximately $3 million (around Rs 27.17 crore). Larger and more advanced helicopters, including the H225, can cost upwards of $30 million. Other popular models in the range include the H135, estimated at about $6 million, the H145 at roughly $12 million, and the H160, which is priced between $14 million and $20 million depending on specifications and customisation. In his Valentines Day message, Sukesh expressed his longing in emotional terms. As the world bathes in the Soft Glow of Valentines Day, it feels incomplete without you beside me. My heart aches with an intensity that words can scarcely capture. Every heartbeat of mine Especially today, reminds me of the distance between us and every breath carries your name." He continued, Here I am separated from you by these cold walls, iron cars, missing you like a man lost in the desert. Every moment without your radiant smile, your gentle touch, your laughter, echoes like music in my dreams. Baby, I miss you in ways words struggle to explain." He added that he wished to hold her close and whisper to her under a canopy of stars," before asserting, No matter what hits us, nothing can or could break our love for each other." This is not the first time Sukesh has written to the actor from prison. He has previously sent similar letters on occasions such as New Years, reiterating his claims about their relationship. Jacqueline Fernandez, however, has consistently maintained that she is innocent and has no involvement in the ongoing investigation related to Sukesh. Her legal representatives have previously stated that she has no connection to the alleged financial crimes under probe. As of now, the actor has not issued any public statement responding to Sukeshs latest claims about the helicopter gift. First Published: February 15, 2026, 10:24 IST News movies bollywood Jacqueline Fernandez Gets Rs 30 Crore Helicopter From Jailed Conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar On Valentines Day Opinion | AI Impact Summit: India's Bid To Reframe The Global AI Conversation Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 18:14 IST The focus has moved from preventing harm, to coordinating principles, to taking action and finally to asking a deeper question: impact for whom A BSF jawan stands guard at a bus stop, ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi on February 15, 2026. (Image: PTI) When the United Kingdom convened the first global AI summit at Bletchley Park in 2023, the emphasis was unmistakably on safety. Artificial intelligence was framed as a transformative yet potentially catastrophic technology, demanding guardrails, risk mitigation and global coordination. The subsequent gathering in Seoul broadened the conversation, linking safety to innovation and inclusivity. In Paris, the terminology evolved again to AI Action signalling a shift from diagnosing risks to implementing frameworks. Now, as the summit arrives in New Delhi under the banner of the AI Impact Summit, the evolution in language tells a larger story. The focus has moved from preventing harm, to coordinating principles, to taking action and finally to asking a deeper question: impact for whom? Indias hosting of the AI Impact Summit is not simply the next stop in a rotating diplomatic calendar. It marks a conceptual inflection point in global AI governance and potentially a geopolitical one. A GLOBAL SOUTH MOMENT For the first time, this high-level AI summit is being held in the Global South. That shift is more than symbolic. Until recently, the architecture of AI governance has largely been shaped by a narrow axis: the United States innovation-driven model, the European Unions regulatory approach, and Chinas state-centric framework. Developing countries have often been positioned as markets, data sources, or downstream adopters not as agenda-setters. New Delhi is attempting to change that dynamic. India is the worlds most populous nation, the fastest-growing major economy, and a country that has demonstrated how digital infrastructure can be deployed at population scale. By hosting the AI Impact Summit, India is implicitly arguing that the future of AI governance cannot be solely defined by frontier labs and regulatory capitals. It must also account for developmental realities, demographic pressures, and social equity. If Bletchley was about existential risk, New Delhi is about distributive possibility. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT The word impact" is not accidental. It signals a reframing of priorities. Safety debates, while necessary, often revolve around extreme scenarios: catastrophic misuse, systemic bias, model opacity. These concerns remain vital. But for much of the world, the more immediate question is how AI can tangibly improve livelihoods in agriculture, healthcare, education, financial inclusion and public service delivery. Indias emphasis suggests that global AI governance must move beyond abstract principles and address measurable outcomes. Who benefits? Who gains access? Who builds capacity? And who is left behind? In this framing, impact is not just technological performance; it is socioeconomic transformation. INDIAS DISTINCTIVE AI PROPOSITION Indias credibility in advancing this agenda rests on a unique policy foundation: its experience with digital public infrastructure (DPI). Over the past decade, India has built interoperable digital rails Aadhaar for identity, UPI for payments, CoWIN for vaccination management that have reached hundreds of millions of citizens. These platforms were not designed as profit-maximising products but as public goods upon which private innovation could flourish. The AI Impact Summit offers India an opportunity to extend that logic. Rather than competing directly in the race for the most powerful frontier models, India appears to be positioning itself as a champion of scalable, inclusive AI deployment layered atop public digital infrastructure. This proposition has three dimensions: Access and affordability: Ensuring AI tools are not confined to a handful of advanced economies or corporations. Open and interoperable ecosystems: Encouraging innovation through shared infrastructure. Development-first applications: Prioritising AI for public service and social benefit. For many developing countries, this approach may be more relevant than the frontier race for ever-larger models. It offers a template that links AI governance to developmental statecraft. CARVING OUT A THIRD WAY? In a world increasingly shaped by technological blocs, Indias positioning raises a strategic question: is it attempting to carve out a third way" in AI governance? The US emphasises market dynamism and light-touch regulation. The EU foregrounds rights-based frameworks and comprehensive legislation. China integrates AI development tightly with state objectives. India, by contrast, appears to be seeking a hybrid path innovation-friendly yet sovereignty-conscious, development-oriented yet globally engaged. This balancing act is not simple. India must attract investment and talent while maintaining regulatory flexibility. It must engage both Washington and Beijing while preserving strategic autonomy. The AI Impact Summit provides a stage to articulate that equilibrium: AI as a public good, not merely a strategic asset or commercial commodity. CONVENING POWER AND GEOPOLITICAL SIGNALLING The AI summit also underscores Indias growing convening power. The presence of major global leaders and leading technology executives reflects recognition of its centrality in the digital economy. This matters geopolitically as AI governance is fast becoming a domain of strategic competition. Compute capacity, semiconductor supply chains, data flows and standards-setting are instruments of influence. By hosting the summit, India positions itself as a mediator capable of bridging regulatory and innovation-driven camps, and of amplifying Global South concerns at high-level forums. It also signals that AI diplomacy is now firmly embedded within broader geopolitical realignments. The ability to convene diverse actors around shared frameworks is itself a form of strategic leverage. CONTOURS OF CONTESTATION Yet the summit will not be devoid of tension. Access to advanced compute and foundation models remains highly concentrated. Questions around open-source versus proprietary systems divide policymakers and industry leaders. Data localisation debates intersect with cross-border flows and digital trade rules. Even the meaning of trust and safety" varies across political systems. For some governments, safety is about mitigating catastrophic risk. For others, it is about ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in everyday deployment. For still others, it involves maintaining state oversight over information ecosystems. Indias emphasis on inclusivity and access may generate friction with those wary of diluting competitive advantage. The test will be whether the language of impact can translate into practical mechanisms capacity-building partnerships, shared research initiatives, or innovative financing models rather than remain rhetorical. BEYOND THE COMMUNIQUE Ultimately, the importance of the AI Impact Summit lies not in the final declaration but in what follows. If New Delhi succeeds in embedding development, equity and access into the mainstream AI governance conversation, it will have shifted the global discourse in a durable way. If it catalyses concrete coalitions that expand participation in AIs benefits, it will mark a substantive milestone. For international observers, the summit represents more than Indias diplomatic moment. It reflects a broader recalibration in how the world understands AI from a technology to be feared or regulated, to a tool whose transformative potential must be consciously shaped. In that sense, the move from safety to impact is not a rejection of caution. It is an expansion of ambition. And as the world gathers in New Delhi, the question is not only how to govern artificial intelligence but how to ensure that its gains are shared across the societies it is poised to transform. (Kamal Madishetty is an Assistant Professor at Rishihood University and a Visiting Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. He tweets at @KamalMadishetty. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: February 15, 2026, 18:14 IST News opinion Opinion | AI Impact Summit: India's Bid To Reframe The Global AI Conversation 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... Amit Shah Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of Spreading Lies On US, EU Trade Deals, Says Farmers Protected Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 23:36 IST Amit Shah asserted that PM Modi and his government had ensured full protection of farmers' interests in every agreement. Amit Shah was addressing a gathering in Gandhinagar after launching India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading lies and misleading farmers over Indias trade deals with the US UK and the EU, asserting the central government has fully safeguarded the interests of the agriculture and dairy sectors. While addressing a gathering after launching Indias first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System in Gujarats Gandhinagar, Shah said that the Oppositions allegations that the trade agreements would harm farmers are nothing but laughable." I feel like laughing when Congresss Shahzada Rahul Gandhi stands in Parliament and talks about protecting farmers. The Congress has a long history of misleading the country and now they are spreading lies about trade deals," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. Referring to the Congresss criticism that the agreements would destroy Indias dairy sector, Shah said Rahul Gandhi is spreading a lie that PM Modi has finished Indias dairy sector by signing these deals. Rahul Gandhi, you are spreading lies. Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi has destroyed our dairy sector by doing this trade deal. We are the people who are paving the way for dairy. PM Modi has done the work of giving complete security to the dairy sector in all the agreements, and through this, the way has been opened for our agricultural products and our fishermens products to reach the markets all over the world," he said. #WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, Rahul Gandhi, you are spreading lies. Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi has destroyed our dairy sector by doing this trade deal. We are the people who are paving the way for dairy. PM Modi has done the work of giving pic.twitter.com/uq9vYfa8wL ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026 The Union Minister asserted that PM Modi and his government had ensured full protection of farmers interests in every agreement. I want to assure the farmers, cattle-rearers and fishermen of this country that in every trade deal signed with the European Union, England and America, Narendra Modi has safeguarded your interests completely. There is no need to worry," he said. He also challenged the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition to debate the issue on any public platform, saying that even the president of the BJP Yuva Morcha can come and debate on who has harmed farmers and who has worked for their welfare. I want to challenge Rahul Gandhi. Set up any platform, the president of the youth wing of the BJP will come and discuss with you, who has caused the harm? Today, I have come to this platform to tell the farmers of the country that Rahul Gandhi is lying; he is misleading the farmers of the country," he said. #WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, He (Rahul Gandhi) is misleading the FTA with the European Union and the UK, and the trade agreement with the United States has harmed the interests of farmers. I want to challenge Rahul Gandhi. Set up any pic.twitter.com/D27UB1xpmz ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026 During the previous regime, agreements detrimental to Indian agriculture were signed. PM Modi reversed such provisions as soon as he assumed office in 2014, he said. Shah said the Congress had spoken of garibi hatao" but failed to take concrete steps to eradicate poverty, while PM Modi provided houses, gas connections, toilets, drinking water, free foodgrains and health insurance of Rs 5 lakh. In 10 years, 27 crore people have been lifted above the poverty line," he stated, adding that today, 81 crore people are receiving free foodgrains in a transparent manner. Compare 10 years of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA rule and a decade of the Modi government, Shah said, We have procured 15 times more foodgrains from farmers at MSP." During the Congress government, the budget allocation for farmers was around Rs 26,000 crore. Under PM Modi, it has been increased to over Rs 1.29 lakh crore, said Shah. You misled farmers by giving a loan waiver only once in 70 years. For the last 10 years, Modi ji has been directly transferring Rs 6,000 every year into the bank accounts of farmers so that they do not need to depend on loans," he highlighted. Shahs response came after Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the trade deal with the US, reasserting that it could betray" Indian farmers and compromise the countrys agricultural sovereignty. We are witnessing a betrayal of Indias farmers in the name of a US trade deal.I want to ask the Prime Minister some simple questions: 1.What does importing DDG really mean? Does it mean Indian cattle will be fed distillers grain derived from GM American corn? Wont that https://t.co/1dM1DsJ85t Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 15, 2026 The Congress leader posed five questions" in a post on X. The thrust of his argument was if India is allowing another country to gain a long-term foothold in agriculture industry". Responding to Gandhi, several Union Ministers and BJP leaders slammed the former for spreading lies" and misleading the farmers". Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, Tweet pe Tweet, Jhooth pe Jhooth!" Tweet pe Tweet,Jhooth pe Jhooth! pic.twitter.com/lzSpLt1qWR Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 15, 2026 Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, Neither does he know trade, nor does he understand technology." Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, The Government has repeatedly made it clear that major farm products are protected under the trade deal framework and that Farmers interests will never be diluted. However, the Leader of the Opposition is spreading fear through misleading and unfounded claims. It has been clarified and confirmed that the IndiaUS trade deal will not affect our farmers, and no GM food is being imported. Yet, the hit-and-run" politician chooses to ignore these facts." The Government has repeatedly made it clear that major farm products are protected under the trade deal framework and that Farmers interests will never be diluted. However, the Leader of the Opposition is spreading fear through misleading and unfounded claims.It has been https://t.co/8v1k9CXiuR Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) February 15, 2026 Following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, both sides recently announced a reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. Last month, India and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which will help boost two-way commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two sides, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal earlier said. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Gandhinagar, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 15:59 IST News politics Amit Shah Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of Spreading Lies On US, EU Trade Deals, Says Farmers Protected 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... 'Charismatic Words': Kerala CM To Mani Shankar Aiyar After Congress Leader Hails Vijayan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 23:20 IST Mani Shankar Aiyar said that the only state in India where progress has been made in Gandhijis direction is CPI(M)-ruled Kerala. Mani Shankar Aiyar praised Keralas decentralised governance model and asserted that Vijayan would remain Chief Minister after the polls due later this year. (File images) Kerala Chief Minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday described senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyars remarks as charismatic," after the latter expressed confidence that Vijayan would continue in office after the upcoming Assembly elections. In a post on X, Vijayan said that his party stands united in the belief that democracy only flourishes when power resides with the people. The charismatic words of Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar during the #Vision2031 International Conference resonate well with the contemporary scenario. We stand united in the belief that democracy only flourishes when power resides with the people. We will continue to strengthen our local bodies as the heartbeat of growth," he said. The charismatic words of Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar during the #Vision2031 International Conference resonate well with the contemporary scenario. We stand united in the belief that democracy only flourishes when power resides with the people. We will continue to strengthen our local pic.twitter.com/El9wNmULMP Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) February 15, 2026 His response came after former Union Minister praised Keralas decentralised governance model and asserted that Vijayan would remain Chief Minister after the polls due later this year. While speaking at the Kerala governments Vision 2031 International Conference on Development and Democracy in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar who had served as Union Cabinet Minister for Panchayat Raj during the Congress-led UPA government, recalled Mahatma Gandhis vision of India. He said the father of the nation envisaged a country where even the poorest would feel ownership and believe they had an effective voice in nation-building. He said that the only state in India where progress has been made in Gandhijis direction" is CPI(M)-ruled Kerala. I dont know whether this is a compliment or an insult, but I deeply regret the absence of my party colleagues on this occasion, which is a state occasion and therefore a national occasion," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. His remarks came as the Congress, the main Opposition party in Kerala, seeks to return to power, with Assembly elections scheduled in the coming months. Aiyar said Kerala is, without doubt, Indias leader in Panchayati Raj and has fulfilled the expectations of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi more than any other state. But while Kerala is the first state in Panchayati Raj in practice, it ranks only second in law," he noted. He said Karnataka has exemplary contemporary legislation based on the Ramesh Kumar Committee, to which he had suggested 38 amendmentsall of which were accepted. So, in the presence of the CM, who I am confident will continue in office, I renew my plea: to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state law should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaacs insights, the five-volume report I chaired, and the note on district planning by V K Ramachandran circulated by the Planning Commission when it truly supported Panchayati Raj," he said. Aiyar added that there is no champion for Panchayati Raj left in the country. Therefore, I must fall at your feet, Chief Minister Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you, and may Kerala prosper," he concluded. His remarks have sparked political discussion as the Congress is hoping to regain power after two consecutive terms of CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front rule. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had earlier urged invitees to reconsider attending the conference, terming it a pre-election promotional exercise. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 23:20 IST News politics 'Charismatic Words': Kerala CM To Mani Shankar Aiyar After Congress Leader Hails Vijayan 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... 'Come Out Of Trisha's House First': Tamil Nadu BJP Chief's Remarks On Vijay Spark Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 14:18 IST Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagendran invited controversy after he made a personal remark involving TVK Chief Vijay and actress Trisha. Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagendran, actress Trisha, and TVK Chief Vijay (From left to right) A fresh political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu after the state BJP chief, Nainar Nagendran, made a personal remark, suggesting that actor-politician Vijay should come out of actor Trishas house" to gain experience, as he described the TVK Chief as a completely inexperienced" man. The comment triggered a political storm in the poll-bound state as several leaders called it inappropriate and unfair. Responding to Vijays claim that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), would be the DMKs sole challenger in the upcoming Assembly elections, BJP leader Nainar Nagendran referred to him as an inexperienced leader, saying that someone who cannot even climb onto a rooftop is dreaming of climbing to heaven", as quoted by India Today. Poor man, he is completely inexperienced. First, he needs to come out of his house. Come out of Trishas house first, then something can happen", Nagendran said. Later, when confronted over his remarks, the BJP leader stood by his remarks, saying, I said it only once", as cited by the outlet. DMK ACCUSED BJP OF DISRESPECTING WOMEN The comments triggered fresh outrage in Tamil Nadu, as DMK leaders alleged the BJP of disrespecting women". They follow Manu Dharma, which never gives respect to women. Naturally, he will speak like that. That is why the people of Tamil Nadu are against the BJP. They will ill-treat women. They are known for it," DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Chief Selvaperunthagai also condemned the remarks, asking why Trishas name was dragged into politics. Its shocking. Why is he talking about Trisha? The BJP has a lot of work in the country, yet he is talking about personal lives. Its not fair. Personal comments should not be made in politics. One must not malign someone with such remarks," he stated. COMMENTS MADE IN A GOOD SENSE Amid the controversy, several BJP leaders came out to defend Nagendran, asserting his comments were made in a good sense. It is the DMK that normally maligns women. When I left the Congress party and joined the BJP, the DMK was persistent in making bad remarks about me. It is the DMKs usual stance to target women, harass them, and speak very badly about them. Whatever comments by our state president were made in good sense and cannot be twisted. The DMK is purposely distorting them," BJP leader Vijayadharani said. Tamil Nadu is set to undergo assembly polls anytime before May this year. While the MK Stalin-led DMK seeks re-election, the BJP and TVK are vying for political ground in the southern state. Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 14:18 IST News politics 'Come Out Of Trisha's House First': Tamil Nadu BJP Chief's Remarks On Vijay Spark Row 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... European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust logo Key Points Major 2025 dispositions: Nearly 2,000 Netherlands suites and ~300,000 sq. ft. of commercial GLA were sold for EUR 490 million , with EUR 245 million used to repay mortgages and reduce leverage to a record 30.5% , and a special cash distribution of EUR 0.90 per unit was paid. Portfolio shrinkage and path to exit: The portfolio is down to 619 residential suites and just over 100,000 sq. ft. of retail after additional sales (including 410 suites for EUR 89 million in 2026), and management is pursuing a potential final transaction with BMO Capital Markets . Operating and balance-sheet position: Same-property occupied AMR grew 5.9% to EUR 1,458 with a 72.3% NOI margin and 90.6% residential occupancy (reflecting deliberate vacancies), while year-end liquidity was EUR 37 million and there are no mortgages maturing in 2026 . Interested in European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust? Here are five stocks we like better. European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:ERE.UN) used its fourth-quarter 2025 results conference call to review progress on its portfolio disposition strategy, debt reduction, and ongoing plans to complete a wind-down of the business. Chief Executive Officer Mark Kenney and Chief Financial Officer Jenny Chou led the call, which did not include analyst questions during the Q&A portion. Asset sales and capital return in 2025 Kenney said that in 2025 the REIT completed the sale of nearly 2,000 residential suites in the Netherlands, along with close to 300,000 square feet of commercial gross leasable area (GLA) in Belgium and Germany. He put total consideration for those transactions at EUR 490 million. Amazon Bets Big on BETA: Why Analysts See 50% Upside According to Kenney, net proceeds were used to repay EUR 245 million in mortgage debt, which reduced the REITs leverage ratio to a record low of 30.5% at year-end. He also said the REIT paid a special cash distribution of EUR 0.90 per unit, describing it as consistent with managements commitment to return capital to unitholders. Additional dispositions and a smaller remaining portfolio Management said disposition activity continued into 2026. Kenney noted that the REIT had sold or entered into agreements to sell an additional 410 suites for EUR 89 million so far in 2026. Cisco Systems Below $82? Buy Now, It Wont Last$182 Is Coming As a result of 2025 and early 2026 transactions, Kenney said the portfolio has been reduced from approximately 3,000 units at the beginning of 2025 to a remaining 619 residential suites and just over 100,000 square feet of ancillary retail space in the Netherlands. He characterized the remaining assets as an attractive integrated portfolio for sale. Congresss Renuka Chowdhury Served Privilege Notice Over 'Dog In Parliament' Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 20:31 IST Renuka Chowdhury faces a breach of privilege notice for bringing a stray dog to Parliament and making remarks against MPs. Renuka Chowdhury brought a dog, which she claimed to be a stray, on Parliament premises. (PTI/File image) Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury has been served a notice for breach of privilege for bringing a stray dog into the Parliament complex in her car and for allegedly making derogatory remarks against MPs during the Winter Session of the Parliament in December 2025. The Committee of Privileges of the Rajya Sabha has taken up a complaint against Chowdhury and has asked her to respond to the charges by February 23, news agency PTI reported, citing sources. The Congress MP stirred a major row by bringing a rescued stray in her car to Parliament on December 1 during the Winter session. Chowdhury, when questioned about the presence of the animal, defended her actions, stating, The government doesnt like animals. Whats the harm if a small, harmless animal comes inside?" As per the news agency, BJP MPs Brij Lal and Indu Bala Goswami submitted a notice for breach of privilege against Chowdhury, which the Rajya Sabha chairman forwarded to the Committee of Privileges. The committee examined the matter in its meeting held last week and decided to seek her written comments on the matter. The two BJP MPs moved a complaint against Chowdhury under rule 188 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States for allegedly making contemptuous and defamatory statements against members of Parliament. In their notice, the complainant MPs said that Chowdhury allegedly said that those who bite are sitting inside the Parliament", which, they claimed, denigrates the respect of elected representatives and MPs of both Houses of Parliament. They had also pleaded with the chairman to take strict action against the Congress MP to protect the dignity and respect of MPs, while also accusing her of violating security protocols by bringing a stray dog inside the Parliament complex. When asked about the notice, sources in Chowdhurys office said they will respond under the Parliamentary rules, norms, conventions and procedures, upholding all democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. Whats The Row? Chowdhury had brought a rescued stray in her car on December 1. This triggered a row, prompting some BJP members to accuse her of indulging in drama and demand action against her. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal reacted strongly, saying, Renuka Chowdhury brought a dog into Parliament. Action should be taken against her." Having certain parliamentary privileges does not mean they can be misused," she said. Later, in a self-recorded video, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Ponawalla demanded an apology from Renuka Chowdhury. The Congress party has made it amply clear that they dont want dialogue or discussion in the Parliament, they want disruption. They dont want delivery in Parliament. They want drama, they dont want Niti in Parliament, they want narebazi (sloganeering)," he said. The Congress MP had also claimed that the government dislikes animals and questioned the objections raised by the ruling party MPs, saying there was no law against rescuing a stray dog. Chowdhury is a self-confessed dog lover with a few pets at home. She claimed that on her way to Parliament, she rescued a stray and her driver was supposed to take the canine to a veterinarian. Later, when some reporters had asked her to comment on the privilege motion being contemplated against her by some ruling party MPs, she gave a snappy reply bhow bhowwhat else should I say." (With inputs from agencies) First Published: February 15, 2026, 20:30 IST News politics Congresss Renuka Chowdhury Served Privilege Notice Over 'Dog In Parliament' Row 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... 11 Of 14 Trapped Jharkhand Workers Rescued From Dubai, Allege Assault And Unpaid Dues Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 09:26 IST The workers landed in Bengaluru from Abu Dhabi. They then travelled to Kolkata before reaching their districts in Jharkhand by road. After SOS Video, 11 Stranded Workers Brought Back From UAE The Indian government has rescued 11 of the 14 workers from Jharkhand who were stranded in Dubai over alleged non-payment of wages. The workers returned to India on Thursday after the state governments intervention. According to The Indian Express, Shikha Lakra, an official at the state migrant workers control room, said the workers landed in Bengaluru from Abu Dhabi. They then travelled to Kolkata before reaching their districts in Jharkhand by road. Three workers, one from Hazaribagh and two from Giridih, have stayed back in the UAE. Triloki Mahato from Hazaribagh said each worker spent around Rs 12,000 on flight tickets. We paid for everything ourselves. No government assistance came. We booked tickets and came back," he said. He said Ajay Kumar from Hazaribagh and Roshan and Falender Mahato from Giridih stayed back after being moved to another section of work. All of us had protested, but they decided to stay," he said. Workers allege unpaid wages in Dubai Mahato alleged that the workers did not receive wages for nearly one-and-a-half months before leaving. Earlier also, payments were cut heavily. They would give 200 or 300 dirhams at a time, just enough to manage food. Our full dues were not paid," he said. He also claimed that when the workers demanded full payment and sought to return home, they were threatened. Our camp boss used to threaten us and there was an incident when he entered our room and beat our coworker, Baijnath Mahato," he alleged. Workers decide against returning Deepak Kumar, 32, from Hazaribagh, said the group has decided not to return to the same company. We are back and now searching for other opportunities. We were not paid properly there. If we go abroad again, we will first ensure there is a written agreement," he said. SOS after video message The workers, from Giridih, Hazaribagh and Bokaro, said they were stranded after their employer allegedly failed to pay wages as promised and made salary deductions. They sent a video message about their condition and contacted social activist Sikandar Ali through social media for help. After verifying their details, Ali shared the information publicly and sought government intervention. The SOS team under the Labour Department then began steps to rescue and bring them back. Ali said three workers remain in the UAE as they did not have immediate funds to buy return tickets. After the matter came into public, there was pressure. Eleven managed to come back, but three are still there," he said. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 15, 2026, 09:26 IST News world 11 Of 14 Trapped Jharkhand Workers Rescued From Dubai, Allege Assault And Unpaid Dues 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... Bangladesh First: Tarique Rahman On Ties With India After BNP's Poll Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 07:09 IST India described the return of an elected leadership as an opportune moment to repair ties. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman. (AFP File Photo) After a sweeping win in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, Tarique Rahman said his party would put Bangladesh first" when shaping foreign policy, including ties with India and other South Asian countries. Responding to a question on relations with India, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief said the interests of Bangladesh and its people would determine all external engagements, stressing on a policy guided strictly by national priorities. Bangladesh first foreign policy At a press conference, Tarique Rahman said the countrys foreign policy would prioritise national interests. The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy," he said in response to a question on ties with India. Switching from English to Bangla, he added that the interests of Bangladesh and its people would come first and that foreign policy decisions would be made accordingly. Our foreign policy is in the interest of Bangladesh and the interest of the Bangladeshi people. By protecting the interest of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people, we will decide our foreign policy," Rahman added. Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the party would follow a multilateral approach rather than a country-centric one. Rahmans Bangladesh First" policy aims to balance ties with neighbouring India, China and Pakistan. The BNP leadership said safeguarding sovereignty, ensuring strategic autonomy and maintaining mutual respect would guide foreign relations. Meanwhile, Humayun Kabir, who handles international relations for Rahman and is expected to play a key role in the new government, said the priority is to build stronger cooperation among people. He said India would be one of the countries to be visited, though no timeline was given. India described the return of an elected leadership as an opportune moment to repair ties. Officials said they were cautiously optimistic" about Rahman. Humayun Kabir said the framework of engagement that existed during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League is now irrelevant" after the fresh democratic mandate in Dhaka. He said India-Bangladesh bilateral ties need a complete reset" following the sweeping parliamentary victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Kabir said the partys two-thirds majority showed the confidence people have in Tarique Rahman, his leadership and his vision. He argued that New Delhi must recognise that Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League do not exist in todays Bangladesh" and adjust its approach. The relationship under Sheikh Hasina, he said, no longer exists and a reset needs a change in mindset on both sides. BNP thanks PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he was delighted to speak with Rahman and congratulated him on the victory. He reaffirmed Indias commitment to peace, progress and prosperity, highlighting deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Earlier on Saturday, the BNP thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating party chairman Tarique Rahman following the partys decisive victory in Bangladeshs parliamentary elections. The party said it looks forward to constructive engagement with India to further strengthen bilateral ties. In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for the Prime Ministers message and highlighted the significance of the electoral mandate. Thank you very much, Honourable Narendra Modi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Mr Tarique Rahmans leadership in securing the BNPs decisive win in the national elections," the party said. It added that the results reflected the will of the people and their faith in democratic institutions. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process," the statement read. Reiterating its priorities, the party said Bangladesh would remain committed to democratic governance and inclusive growth. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 212 seats, according to the Electoral Commission. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 15, 2026, 07:04 IST News world Bangladesh First: Tarique Rahman On Ties With India After BNP's 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... BNP's Tarique Rahman Meets Jamaat's Chief Two Days Before Taking Oath As Bangladesh's PM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 23:11 IST The meeting was held just two days before Tarique Rahman's BNP is set to form the next government in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman pays courtesy visit to Jamaat-e-Islami chief. (Photo: X/@Drsr_Official) BNP chief Tarique Rahman met with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nahid Islam on Sunday, marking what he described as a positive political beginning." This meeting occurred just two days before Tarique Rahmans party is set to form the next government in Bangladesh. In the recent elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured a significant victory with a two-thirds majority, receiving 49.97 per cent of the votes and winning 209 seats. The election results were announced on Friday. Tarique Rahman visited the residence of Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman, accompanied by BNPs secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Following the visit, Shafiqur Rahman shared the picture of the meeting on X. Advance congratulations to Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp), Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on his election as the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His visit to my residential office marks an important moment in our national political journey. We welcome pic.twitter.com/jSFzZhIEZZ Dr. Shafiqur Rahman (@Drsr_Official) February 15, 2026 The Jamaat-e-Islami, a party historically opposed to Bangladeshs 1971 independence from Pakistan, achieved its best-ever performance, garnering 31.76 per cent of the votes and securing 68 seats. The National Citizen Party (NCP) obtained six seats with 3.05 per cent of the votes, making it the third-highest party in terms of seat numbers. Congratulating the BNP chief on his election as the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh," the Jamaat said his visit to Shafiqur Rahmans residential office marks an important moment in our national political journey." Stating that the Jamaat welcomes this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility," the party said in a post on X that it hopes it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect." The party reiterated its commitment to establishing a prosperous, stable, and modern state rooted in democratic values and constitutional governance. In our discussions, he (Tarique Rahman) reaffirmed that steps are being taken regarding incidents of post-election violence, including actions to address harm against opposition supporters and minority communities," the post added. The BNP leader Tarique Rahman also met Jamaat-ally National Citizen Partys (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam later. The NCP, which was formed in February last year with support from Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, emerged from the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, which played a significant role in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government in August 2024. In December, the NCP joined forces with an offshoot of Jamaat-e-Islami to form the pressure group Gonotantrik Songshkar Jote in preparation for the February elections. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 15, 2026, 23:11 IST News world BNP's Tarique Rahman Meets Jamaat's Chief Two Days Before Taking Oath As Bangladesh's 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... I Dont Care About Anything: Indian Students Last Words To Roommate Before Going Missing In US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 10:39 IST Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, went missing on February 9. Saketh Sreenivasaiah's body was recovered from Lake Anza in California. A 22-year-old Indian student who went missing in the United States earlier this month was found dead in California, police said, with his roommate revealing that the student had expressed indifference toward life shortly before his disappearance. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, went missing on February 9. His body was recovered from Lake Anza on Saturday afternoon, local time. His roommate, Baneet Singh, said in a LinkedIn post that police informed him the death was being treated as a suicide. He described the incident as having left the campus community shocked to the core." Singh said Saketh had shown signs of withdrawal in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, including eating less and disengaging socially. There were no clear signs until the last two weeks, when he started eating less and engaging less," Singh wrote. Recalling their last conversation, Singh said Saketh returned from class wearing a red bathrobe, prompting a casual remark. In response, Saketh said he had stopped caring about how others perceived him. I dont care about anything," he told his roommate, a comment Singh said he did not fully understand at the time. Singh added that he is coordinating with authorities to help Sakeths family travel from India to the US on emergency visas. Police have not released further details on the circumstances surrounding the death. The case has renewed concerns over the mental health challenges faced by international students studying abroad. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 10:39 IST News world I Dont Care About Anything: Indian Students Last Words To Roommate Before Going Missing In US 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... Indian Student From Karnataka Found Dead In California 6 Days After He Went Missing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:21 IST Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was pursuing a masters degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, went missing on February 9. Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah who went missing in US A 22-year-old Indian student from Karnataka has been found dead in California, six days after he was reported missing, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was pursuing a masters degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, went missing on February 9 after last being seen about a kilometre from the campus. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed that local police had recovered his body. In a statement, the consulate expressed condolences to Sreenivasaiahs family and assured them of all necessary assistance, including the repatriation of his mortal remains to India at the earliest. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time," the statement said. Following his disappearance, authorities launched a citywide search, focusing on areas around Lake Anza and the Berkeley Hills. Days later, a backpack containing his passport and laptop was found near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park, also located near the university campus. The case prompted widespread concern, with community members and students mobilising online to support search efforts. Several users took to Reddit and other platforms to coordinate information and appeals for help. Sreenivasaiah was an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras and had completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru. According to available details, he stood over six feet tall, weighed around 160 pounds, and had short black hair and brown eyes. His academic achievements included being among six inventors listed on a patent for a microchannel cooling system for hyperloop and a method thereof," as noted on his LinkedIn profile. Friends and peers remembered him as intelligent, humble, and quick-witted. The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns over the safety of Indian students studying abroad. Recently, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, seeking details on measures taken to protect students overseas. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions regularly stay in touch with students enrolled in foreign universities and conduct orientation sessions to brief them on potential risks and safety precautions, along with issuing advisories from time to time. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 08:03 IST News world Indian Student From Karnataka Found Dead In California 6 Days After He Went Missing 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... 'Iran Won't Be Allowed To Have Nuclear Weapons': Marco Rubio Says Trump Wants To Reach A Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 11:08 IST He added that the United States has maintained military forces in the region because Iran has demonstrated in the past a willingness to attack American interests. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump. (File photos) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran will never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon while noting that President Donald Trump still prefers a diplomatic solution to resolve tensions with Tehran. Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Thats pretty clear," Rubio said, noting Washingtons long-standing position that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to regional and global security. He added that the United States has maintained military forces in the region because Iran has demonstrated in the past a willingness to attack American interests. Rubios remarks come as the United States bolsters its military footprint in the Middle East, including reports of a second US aircraft carrier being deployed. He said the increased presence is meant to deter potential Iranian attacks on US troops and facilities, not to escalate conflict. Despite the show of force, Rubio emphasised that the administrations priority remains diplomacy. Earlier in an interview with Bloomberg, he said Trump believes direct engagement is often the most effective way to resolve international disputes, even with adversaries. I serve under a President thats willing to meet with anybody," Rubio said, adding that Trump would be open to meeting Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if such an opportunity arose. According to Rubio, such a meeting would not signal approval or concession, but rather a pragmatic effort to prevent conflict. The President would always prefer to end problems with a deal," he said. Rubio noted that discussions with Iran could take place in the near future, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner expected to be involved in upcoming talks. The secretary of state also addressed concerns that some US allies may be moving closer to China following recent and planned visits to Beijing by leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Rubio dismissed suggestions that such diplomacy signals weakening alliances, arguing that dialogue among major powers is both normal and necessary. He noted that Trump himself plans to visit China and has previously met Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that maintaining open channels is essential to avoiding unnecessary conflict. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 07:49 IST News world 'Iran Won't Be Allowed To Have Nuclear Weapons': Marco Rubio Says Trump Wants To Reach A 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... Israel Clears Path For Settlers To Buy Land In West Bank, Palestinians Call Move De-Facto Annexation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 22:30 IST Israel approved tighter West Bank control and easier land purchases for settlers, sparking Palestinian outrage over de-facto annexation. The coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an election later this year, includes many pro-settler members who want Israel to annex the West Bank. (AFP) Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved further measures to tighten the control over the occupied West Bank and make it easier for settlers to buy land. The move has been slammed by the Palestinians who called it a de-facto annexation". According to Reuters, the coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an election later this year, includes many pro-settler members who want Israel to annex the West Bank, land captured in the 1967 Middle East war to which Israel cites biblical and historical ties. Ministers voted in favour of beginning a process of land registration for the first time since 1967. Also Read: Trump Warns Israel Would Lose All Of US Support If It Annexes West Bank We are continuing the revolution of settlement and strengthening our hold across all parts of our land," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Netanyahus government. In a statement, the cabinet said that registration was an appropriate response to illegal land registration processes promoted by the Palestinian Authority," and would end disputes. Reuters quoted Defence Minister Israel Katz saying that land registration was a vital security measure designed to ensure control, enforcement, and full freedom of action for Israel in the area to protect its citizens and safeguard national interests. Also Read: Trump Can Go To Hell, Were The Owners: Palestinians Vow To Stay Put In Gaza Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority rejected the Israels decision and said it constitutes a de-facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory and a declaration of the commencement of annexation plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through illegal settlement activity". US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has ruled out Israeli annexation of the West Bank but his administration has not sought to curb Israels accelerated settlement building. According to the Palestinians, the USs decision denies them a potential state by eating away at its territory. In 2024, the United Nations highest court said in a non-binding advisory opinion that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there are illegal and should be ended as soon as possible. Location : Israel First Published: February 15, 2026, 22:30 IST News world Israel Clears Path For Settlers To Buy Land In West Bank, Palestinians Call Move De-Facto Annexation 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... 'Michelle Would Divorce Me': Barack Obama Rules Out Political Comeback Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 16:15 IST Obama admitted that while the law might technically allow him to run for certain offices, he has no wish to do so. Former US First Lady Michelle Obama with husband and former US President Barack Obama. (AFP file photo) Former US president Barack Obama has ruled out any return to elected politics, joking that it would cost him his marriage. Speaking on a podcast hosted by political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama said he no longer sees himself as a politician. The interview was released on Saturday. First of all, Im not a politician anymore and I cant be," he said. Obama admitted that while the law might technically allow him to run for certain offices, he has no wish to do so. He added, with humour, that personal reasons also matter. I believe in the Constitution, and I also believe in my marriage. Michelle would divorce me if I even tried to run again," he said, referring to his wife and former first lady, Michelle Obama. The former US president explained that life after the White House has changed his focus. He said he and his wife are now more interested in mentoring and inspiring young people. Michelle and I still have the capacity to inspire and motivate young people and invite them into this process," he said. ALSO READ: They Are Real: Obama Talks About Aliens, But Says US Not Hiding Them At Area 51 Obama argued that real political change in the US must come from younger generations. That change is going to come from the 20- and 30-year-olds. Theyre the ones who will remake our institutions," he said. During the interview, Obama also addressed a recent social media post shared on the Truth Social account of US President Donald Trump. The video briefly showed Obama and his wife with their faces placed on the bodies of monkeys. The post drew criticism from across the political spectrum before it was removed. The White House later said it had been posted in error by a staff member. Without naming Trump directly, Obama said most Americans find this behaviour deeply troubling". He added that public discourse had become more cruel and that standards of respect once expected in politics appeared to have declined. Theres this sort of clown show thats happening in social media and on television," he said, adding that a sense of decorum and respect for public office had been lost. (With inputs from agencies) Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 16:13 IST News world 'Michelle Would Divorce Me': Barack Obama Rules Out Political Comeback 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... No More Oye, Say Sir Or Madam: Maryam Nawaz Tells Pakistani Cops To Speak To Public Gently Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 20:31 IST The chief minister added that police personnel who patrol or deal with the public should also maintain appropriate body language. Rapid Read Punjab (Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, (AP file photo) Pakistans Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed police personnel to adopt a more respectful and polite tone while interacting with the public, saying casual or rude language will no longer be tolerated. Police in Punjab often address citizens in public spaces with oye rather than speaking to them gently," Maryam Nawaz said during a meeting on police reforms in Lahore. Do not violate the dignity of the public. There is a need for accountability and unlearning harmful attitudes," she said. The Pakistans Punjab CM directed that at all police stations, offices and checkpoints, citizens should be addressed respectfully as sir or madam" or sahib or sahiba". She said immediate steps should be taken to groom" policemen. There are numerous complaints of intimidating behaviour of policemen. Teach them how to talk to people and groom them mentally as well. The police officials will not be permitted to interact with people if they refuse to address them as sir or madam," Maryam said. The chief minister added that police personnel who patrol or deal with the public should also maintain appropriate body language. Maryam also directed policemen to wear body cameras. All Punjab Police and traffic personnel will be provided with body cams in phases over the next two months. (With inputs from PTI) Location : Lahore, Pakistan First Published: February 15, 2026, 20:31 IST News world No More Oye, Say Sir Or Madam: Maryam Nawaz Tells Pakistani Cops To Speak To Public Gently 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 sky over Cape Canaveral has seen enough launches to make spectacle feel almost vulgar, but this one carried a quieter kind of pressure: the sort you only notice when you remember the people already up there, working short-handed, while Earth carries on scrolling. NASA and SpaceX have now sent a Dragon capsule towards the International Space Station on the Crew-12 mission, with docking targeted for Saturday afternoon. It's the practical business of keeping an orbiting laboratory properly staffed againless 'giant leap,' more 'thank goodness.' NASA-SpaceX Lifts Off On A Mission That Isn't Just Another Launch Crew-12 launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with NASA listing a planned liftoff time of no earlier than 5.15 a.m. Eastern on Friday, 13 February. On board are NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. NASA describes the flight as its 12th crew rotation mission with SpaceX's Dragon and Falcon 9 under the Commercial Crew Program, part of the now-regular pipeline of US launches to the ISS that began in 2020. Regular, though, doesn't mean disposableespecially when the schedule has been bent by events nobody wanted on the manifest. Because the context here is not glossy. It's medical. NPR reported last month that NASA decided to bring the entire Crew-11 team home early after one astronaut developed an undisclosed medical condition, prompting a return roughly a month ahead of plan so the crew member could be evaluated on the ground. Space.com described the knock-on effect in plain terms: Crew-11's departure left the ISS with three resident crew membersNASA's Christopher Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayevuntil the next team arrived. Three people can keep the place running, but nobody should pretend it's the same station. The ISS was never designed to be 'fine' on vibes and professionalism alone. NASA-SpaceX And The Uncomfortable Problem Of An ISS Without A Proper Handover Under normal circumstances, crew rotations overlap, letting the incoming team learn the station's mood and quirks from the people about to leave. NPR noted that this time there would be no such overlap, because Crew-11 ended early. Meir has been admirably candid about what that means in practicemore improvisation, more catching up, more reliance on human memory and good note-taking. In a pre-launch news conference carried by CSPAN, she recalled that 'around six, seven years ago' indirect handovers were routine, adding that it was 'more rare to have that direct handover where the other crew stayed on board before you arrived.' That's the part of spaceflight the public rarely sees: the unsexy transfer of institutional knowledge. If you've ever started a job where the person you're replacing has already left, you understand the feelingonly this office is 250 miles up and mistakes are priced accordingly. There's also the geopolitics, hovering in the background like static. Crew-12 is international by necessity, not sentimentality, and NASA's own mission line-up underlines that the station still functions as a shared project even when Earth looks increasingly allergic to cooperation. NASA-SpaceX, The Money Question, And Why It Still Matters The International Space Station isn't just iconic; it's expensive, and that reality shapes everything NASA says about 'value' and 'productivity.' A NASA Office of Inspector General report noted that, over the last decade, NASA's annual ISS-related spend has typically ranged between $2 billion and $4 billion when operations, maintenance, research and transportation are included. That kind of bill invites an obvious, slightly brutal question: what are we getting for it? The honest answer is that the returns are rarely cinematicincremental research, long-haul engineering lessons, and a platform that lets astronauts live long enough in orbit to learn what 'long enough' does to a human body. Crew-12's arrival is about restoring capacity for that work, not chasing headlines. Still, what cannot be ignored is the fragility revealed by the last month: one medical issue, one early return, and suddenly the world's most famous laboratory is operating in a pared-back mode that feels uncomfortably reminiscent of earlier eras. Space is unforgiving, but it's also oddly domestic. People come and go. The place needs cleaning. Someone has to keep the lights on. Originally published on IBTimes UK We recently published 13 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is one of the stocks that Jim Cramer talked about. Car manufacturer General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)s shares are up by 67% over the past year and are flat year-to-date. Cramer discussed the firm after European car manufacturer Stellantis announced a $26.5 billion electric vehicle writedown. He indicated his preference to change the narrative and remarked that General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) CEO Mary Barra had anticipated the event. As per The Fly, DZ Bank discussed the firms shares in late January. It bumped the rating from Hold to Buy and set a $98 share price target. In February, Benchmark raised General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)s share price target to $90 from $65 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The financial firm commented that the car manufacturer has managed to buffer from electric vehicle losses and had ended 2025 after executing superior price management and tariff navigation. In this context, Cramers brief comments about General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) are unsurprising: General Motors Company (GM) CEO Nailed It, Says Jim Cramer TonyV3112 / Shutterstock.com Well Im going to say, how about we change the narrative here? How about how Mary Barra saw it and nailed really nailed it? Isnt that the story instead of these guys? Hey, did you see Mary Barra? She anticipated this. While we acknowledge the potential of GM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, 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. 'Not Asking Europe To Be A Vassal': Marco Rubio Says US Seeks Partnership, Not Dominance Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 20:16 IST Rubios comments come a day after he called on European nations to defend Western civilisation and back Trumps vision for a renewal of the world order. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint news conference with Slovakia's Prime Minister in Bratislava, Slovakia. (AFP photo) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the Donald Trump-led administration welcomes Europe reducing its dependence" on US power, stressing that Washington is not asking Europe to be a vassal." Speaking in Bratislava, Slovakia, after attending the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said the United States aims to be a partner to Europe, not a controller. We want to be your partner. We want to work with Europe. We want to work with our allies," he said. Rubios remarks follow a speech at the Munich conference on Saturday, in which he urged Europeans to defend Western civilisation" and support Trumps vision of a renewal" of the world order. ALSO READ: We Belong Together: Marco Rubio Calls Europe A Friend At Munich Conference Amid months of strained US-European relations, sparked by Trumps proposals such as seizing Greenland and his often critical comments about allies, Rubio struck a conciliatory tone. We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history," he said, calling for a reinvigorated alliance". We want Europe to be strong," Rubio added, stressing that Europe and the US belong together." On Sunday, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas responded to perceived US criticism of Europe, saying that woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure." She added, The message that we heard is that America and Europe are intertwined, have been in the past and will be in the future. I think this is important. It is also clear that we dont see eye to eye in all the issues, and this will remain the case." There is an urgent need to reclaim European agency," Kallas noted. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Slovakia First Published: February 15, 2026, 19:58 IST News world 'Not Asking Europe To Be A Vassal': Marco Rubio Says US Seeks Partnership, Not Dominance 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... PM Modi Gets Invite For Tarique Rahman's Oath Ceremony In Bangladesh On February 17 Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Meemansa Shekhawat Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:20 IST Sources said Bangladesh interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has invited the heads of government from 13 countries to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BNP Chief Tarique Rahman (Image credit: Reuters) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is set to form the government after the general elections were held in Indias neighbouring country on February 12, has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of its chairman Tarique Rahman. The invitation is being viewed as Rahmans bid to constructively engage with India to strengthen relations between India and Bangladesh. Cabinet secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid said the newly elected MPs will take the oath on February 17. However, no decision has yet been made on whether PM Narendra Modi will attend the oath-taking ceremony. An official confirmation is still awaited. According to sources, interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has invited the heads of government from 13 countries to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet. So far, the list includes China, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. LOOK FORWARD TO ENGAGING CONSTRUCTIVELY Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modis congratulatory message on X, the BNP said: Thank you very much. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Tarique Rahmans leadership in securing the BNPs decisive win in the national elections." We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each others concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the post added. Notably, in his first phone call with Rahman after the BNPs win on February 13, Modi said he looked forward to working with the leader to strengthen ties between the two nations. Indias participation with Bangladesh at any level will be closely watched as it will define and shape the future trajectory of the new government. Rahman, 60, is set to become the countrys first male head in 35 years after the BNPs decisive triumph in the elections. Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 15, 2026, 07:12 IST News world PM Modi Gets Invite For Tarique Rahman's Oath Ceremony In Bangladesh On February 17 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... Saketh Engaged Less, Survived On Chips, Cookies: Roommate Recalls Last Meet With Karnataka Student Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 12:45 IST Life as an international student is tough, manThere were no signs of anything until the last 2 weeks, wrote Baneet Sidd in his post on Saketh Sreenivasaiah Rapid Read Saketh Sreenivasaiah's body was recovered on Saturday. Baneet Sidd, the roommate of a 22-year-old Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was found dead in California, has put up an emotional post, highlighting how life as an international student is tough". The body of Saketh, who went missing in the United States on February 9, was recovered from Lake Anza on Saturday afternoon. His roommate, Baneet Singh, said in a LinkedIn post that police informed him the death was being treated as a suicide. He described the incident as having left the campus community shocked to the core". Saketh hailed from Karnataka and was enrolled in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley. His LinkedIn profile said, Im a Masters student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras." He ate less, engaged less, slept less, survived on chips and cookies I am sorry, I wish I had a positive update. The entire community has been shocked to the core. The police shared this with me so far and I am currently working with the authorities to fly his family to the US from here on an emergency visa," he wrote. Life as an international student is tough, manThere were no signs of anything until the last 2 weeks, when he ate less, engaging less and slept less, surviving only on chips and cookies. On Jan 21, he also invited me to Lake Anza, hoping I would come with him (I was too lazy to). Little did I know that would be the same place hed take his life," said Sidd. I dont care what anyone thinks of me: Sidds last conversation with Saketh We had found Saketh coming from class with a smirk on his face. He said, I have stopped caring, man, I am cold and dont care what anyone thinks of meI dont care about anythingAt the time I laughed it off, Saketh was just being silly as usualHe was always up to something silly. Now I know that he really meant it. The opposite of life was never death, it was indifference. To stop caring. Which led to him not caring for his own life, either," he wrote. Take this as a reminder to please reach out to your loved ones and check if they are okay. I didnt expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me. It hurts Take this news as a way to bring together love with friends, instead of sitting in sorrowSaketh would have wanted that for you all," Sidd said. 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) First Published: February 15, 2026, 11:47 IST News world Saketh Engaged Less, Survived On Chips, Cookies: Roommate Recalls Last Meet With Karnataka Student 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... Search For NBC Anchor Savannah Guthries Mother Enters Third Week: Key Questions Answered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 20:17 IST Nancy Guthrie, 84, Tucson resident and mother of Savannah Guthrie, vanished January 31. FBI found blood, DNA, and a masked suspect on video. Over 13,000 tips received. Nancy Guthrie, 84, Tucson resident and mother of Savannah Guthrie, vanished January 31. FBI found blood, DNA, and a masked suspect on video. Over 13,000 tips received. (Image: NPR) Nancy Guthrie, 84, is a longtime Tucson resident and the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBCs Today. A widow who lived alone in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighbourhood, she has been described by her family as a loving woman of goodness and light." She was last seen at her home on January 31 and was reported missing the next day. As the search enters its third week, authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing. Who is Nancy Guthrie? Nancy Guthrie is an 84-year-old Tucson resident who lived alone in the Catalina Foothills area. She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a longtime national television anchor. Family members say she was independent but had underlying health conditions requiring daily medication. What evidence have investigators found? Authorities say Guthries blood was discovered on her front porch. Investigators have also collected DNA from her property that does not belong to her or those close to her. Several gloves were found in the broader area, including one about two miles from her home. Those items have been sent for forensic analysis. Who is the suspect seen on surveillance video? The Federal Bureau of Investigation released footage showing a masked person outside Guthries home the night she vanished. The suspect is described as a man about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing a ski mask, gloves, long pants and a jacket, and carrying a 25-litre Ozark Trail backpack. The FBI has labelled him a suspect in the case. Investigators were initially unsure whether usable video existed because Guthrie did not have an active doorbell camera subscription, but digital forensic specialists later recovered footage. Why are authorities concerned about her health? Officials say Guthrie needs vital daily medication. She reportedly has a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart-related health issues, increasing urgency in the search. How many tips have authorities received? The FBI says it has received more than 13,000 tips since February 1, the day Guthrie was reported missing. Meanwhile, the Pima County Sheriffs Department reports handling at least 18,000 calls connected to the case. Authorities have not said whether any of the tips have led to major developments. Where have searches and investigations taken place? Law enforcement sealed off a road about two miles from Guthries home as part of investigative activity. Multiple sheriff and FBI vehicles, including forensic units, were seen in the area. Investigators also towed a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking lot. Earlier in the week, deputies detained a man during a traffic stop south of Tucson and later released him. A court-authorised search was also conducted in Rio Rico. What is known about ransom notes and family appeals? Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, though two listed deadlines for payment have passed. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have shared emotional video messages on social media, appealing for information and promising not to give up on their mother. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: February 15, 2026, 20:17 IST News world Search For NBC Anchor Savannah Guthries Mother Enters Third Week: Key Questions Answered 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... 'Self-Deport, Spend Valentine's Day With One You Love': Trump Admin's Message For Illegal Migrants Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:23 IST The Donald Trump-led US administration has a cheeky Valentine's message for illegal migrants - "Self-deport today and spend this Valentine's Day with the one you love". US President Donald Trump (Credits: Reuters) The Donald Trump-led US administration has a cheeky Valentines message for illegal migrants Self-deport today and spend this Valentines Day with the one you love". Urging illegal migrants to take advantage of the Trump Administration program to self-deport", and spend Valentines Day with their loved ones, the US Customs and Border Protection wrote in a post on X, Dont wait, self-deport today and spend this Valentines Day with the one you love," the agency wrote in a message posted Saturday morning on X. The post carried a short clip, featuring slow-motion images of the deportation process, set to Elvis Presleys torch song Cant Help Falling in Love." The #Trump administration just posted this Valentines message for illegal aliensDont wait, self deport today and spend this Valentines Day with the one you love. We will even give you $2,600 to take them out." pic.twitter.com/plcNafF8kU Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) February 14, 2026 As the lyrics, Shall I Stay? Would it be a sin?" play in the background, the video shows military transport aircraft, and a bunch of handcuffed people being escorted by agents to flights back home. The ad targets migrants living in the United States illegally. In his second term, President Trump has adopted a hardline immigration agenda focused on mass deportations," border militarization, and the systematic removal of legal protections for undocumented migrants. From Maduros Capture To Greenland In yet another post, the White House delivered a series of politically charged digital cards for Valentines Day. The first card showed former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blindfolded and in handcuffs, being captured by the US forces and transferred to New York. The caption, You captured my heart." Made just for you pic.twitter.com/DhSgnGK1M6 The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 14, 2026 Another card shows Trump holding a document reading Executive Order 4547," with the message UR My Valentine" written on it. The third card features Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen sipping margaritas with alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador as the text reads, My love for you is as strong as Democrats love for illegal aliens. Id fly 1,537 miles to have a drink with you." And here it is! The Greenland map encircled by a heart the card is line with Trumps long-standing agenda to acquire the Danish territory. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 08:23 IST News world 'Self-Deport, Spend Valentine's Day With One You Love': Trump Admin's Message For Illegal Migrants 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 And Netanyahu Agreed US Should Increase Pressure On Iran Over Oil Exports To China: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 12:16 IST The understanding was reached during talks at the White House earlier this week, with discussions centring on curbing Tehrans ability to sell crude to Beijing. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Reuters File) US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed that Washington should intensify economic pressure on Iran, particularly by targeting its oil exports to China, according to a media report. The understanding was reached during talks at the White House earlier this week, with discussions centring on curbing Tehrans ability to sell crude to Beijing, Axios reported, citing two US officials familiar with the matter. We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China," one official was quoted as saying. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, purchasing more than 80 per cent of Irans seaborne crude exports, according to 2025 estimates from analytics firm Kpler. Due to US sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for Irans nuclear programme, Tehran has limited access to global energy markets. Data cited in the report shows China imported an average of about 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian oil last year, accounting for roughly 13 per cent of its total seaborne crude imports. Beijing, however, opposes unilateral sanctions and maintains that its trade with Iran is legal. Oil shipments from Iran to China are often routed through third countries and labelled as originating elsewhere, including Malaysia and Indonesia, according to Reuters. Chinese customs data has shown no official Iranian oil imports since mid-2022. US officials believe that increasing pressure on Irans oil exports to China could force Tehran to soften its stance in ongoing and future negotiations over its nuclear programme. According to the report, the renewed maximum pressure" campaign will operate alongside diplomatic efforts with Iran and a continued US military build-up in the Middle East, in case talks fail to deliver results. An executive order signed by Trump earlier this month authorises tougher economic measures against Iran. Under the order, the US secretaries of state and commerce can recommend tariffs of up to 25 per cent on countries that continue trading with Tehran. Iran and the United States are expected to hold a second round of talks next week on Tehrans nuclear programme, Switzerlands foreign ministry said on Saturday. Following the first round, Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement would have very traumatic" consequences for Iran. Trump has repeatedly said he is prepared to use military force to compel Iran to accept restrictions on its nuclear activities, while Tehran has warned it would retaliate if attacked. Tensions have further escalated after Trump announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East, adding to US naval and air assets already in the region. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. However, Iranian officials have increasingly suggested the country could move closer to developing a nuclear weapon. Before the June conflict, Iran had enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity, a short technical step from weapons-grade levels. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 12:16 IST News world Trump And Netanyahu Agreed US Should Increase Pressure On Iran Over Oil Exports To China: 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... Trump Told Netanyahu He Would Back Israeli Strikes On Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 23:49 IST Two US officials said talks among senior military and intelligence figures have focused less on whether Israel would act and more on what support the US could provide. US President Donald Trump with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (Image: AFP/File) US President Donald Trump had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Florida in December last year that he would support Israeli strikes on Irans ballistic missile programme if Washington and Tehran failed to reach a nuclear deal, CBS News reported on Sunday, citing two sources familiar with the talks. According to the report, discussions within the US national security establishment have since begun examining how Washington might assist Israel in the event of renewed strikes. Two US officials said talks among senior military and intelligence figures have focused less on whether Israel would act and more on what support the United States could provide. Options under consideration reportedly include aerial refuelling for Israeli aircraft and the sensitive issue of securing overflight permission from countries along the possible flight path. However, it remains unclear which nations would allow their airspace to be used. Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all publicly said they would not permit their territory to be used for strikes on Iran or for attacks launched by Iran. ALSO READ: Trump And Netanyahu Agreed US Should Increase Pressure On Iran Over Oil Exports To China: Report The developments come as the Trump administration pursues renewed negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Switzerland earlier today, ahead of a second round of talks with US officials later this week. During his visit to Geneva, Araghchi is expected to meet Swiss and Omani counterparts, as well as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. Tehran and Washington resumed indirect negotiations in Muscat on February 6, months after earlier talks collapsed following a 12-day conflict triggered by Israeli air strikes on Iran last June. Uncertainty remains over Irans stockpile of more than 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. On Sunday, Netanyahu said that any agreement must require Iran to remove all enriched uranium and dismantle its enrichment capability entirely. Iran has signalled some openness to compromise. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran could consider limits on its uranium stockpile if the US lifts sanctions. If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement," he said. Switzerland has long acted as an intermediary between the two countries, representing US interests in Iran since diplomatic ties were severed after the 1980 hostage crisis. (With inputs from agencies) Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 23:49 IST News world Trump Told Netanyahu He Would Back Israeli Strikes On Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: 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... Trump's Board Of Peace Pledges $5 Billion For Gaza Reconstruction, Calls For Hamas To Disarm Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 22:44 IST Donald Trump announced over $5 billion pledged for Gaza's reconstruction, urging Hamas to disarm before a Washington meeting with global leaders. US President Donald Trump (Credits: Reuters) US President Donald Trump said Sunday that member states of his proposed Board of Peace" have pledged more than $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, as he pressed Hamas to proceed with full and immediate" disarmament. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said participating countries had also committed thousands of personnel for a United Nations-authorised stabilisation force and local policing operations in the Palestinian enclave. Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarisation," Trump wrote, ahead of a February 19 meeting of the board in Washington. Disarmament Central to Ceasefire Plan The call for demilitarisation forms a key part of the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached in October between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending the war triggered by Hamass October 2023 attack on Israel. The United Nations endorsed the framework in November. Under the plan, Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from Gaza while Hamas disarms, with an international stabilisation force deployed to maintain security and oversee the transition. Hamas, however, has repeatedly described disarmament as a red line, though it has suggested it could consider transferring weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority. Both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating elements of the ceasefire. Board of Peace to Meet in Washington Trump said he would formally announce the $5 billion pledges on Thursday, when the Board of Peace" convenes in Washington following an initial meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Although initially described as a body to oversee Gazas rebuilding, the boards charter does not appear to limit its mandate to the Palestinian territory. The Board of Peace has unlimited potential," Trump wrote. The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History." Countries have reportedly been asked to contribute $1 billion to secure permanent membership, a requirement that has drawn scrutiny. An invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin has also sparked criticism, particularly given Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Key U.S. allies, including France and Britain, have voiced reservations about the initiative. Trump has said the body will work in conjunction" with the United Nations. Governance and Stabilisation As part of the ceasefires political track, a Palestinian technocratic committee has been established to eventually assume governance in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. The conflict has left large swathes of Gaza in ruins, displaced much of its population and triggered a humanitarian crisis. Reconstruction and stabilisation efforts are expected to require sustained international funding and security guarantees, issues likely to dominate discussions at the upcoming Washington meeting. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 22:05 IST News world Trump's Board Of Peace Pledges $5 Billion For Gaza Reconstruction, Calls For Hamas To Disarm 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... Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Black Sea Oil Warehouse As Russia Claims 12 Villages Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 16:32 IST Russia claims it captured 12 villages in Donetsk as fighting intensifie while Ukraine strikes Taman port before the US-mediated Geneva peace talks. Russia claims it captured 12 villages in Donetsk as fighting intensifie while Ukraine strikes Taman port before the US-mediated Geneva peace talks. (Reuters Image) Russias army chief Valery Gerasimov, has claimed that Kremlin forces captured 12 villages in eastern Ukraine in the first half of February, even as fighting intensifies ahead of fresh US-mediated peace talks in Geneva. According to Russias defence ministry, Gerasimov told frontline troops that despite severe winter conditions", combined forces had advanced in parts of the Donetsk region. The claims could not be independently verified. Moscows push in eastern Ukraine has accelerated since autumn, with Russian troops moving closer to Sloviansk, a strategic industrial hub that briefly fell to pro-Russian separatists in 2014. Russian forces are now reported to be around 15 kilometres from the city. The Kremlin maintains its demand that Kyiv withdraw from the entire Donetsk region as a condition for ending the war, a position Ukraine has firmly rejected. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said Russia will secure full control of Donetsk by force if diplomacy fails. Moreover, Russia has conducted fresh drone strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa on the Black Sea that claimed the life of a woman, as stated by the governor. Moscow also claims the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions as Russian territory following annexation moves in 2022 that were condemned by Kyiv and its Western allies. Ukrainian Drone Strike Damages Taman Port Even as Russian forces press forward on land, Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone attacks inside Russian territory. Russias Black Sea port of Taman, a major hub for oil products, grain, coal and other commodities, was damaged in a Ukrainian drone strike, the governor of the Krasnodar region said Sunday. A Ukrainian Drone Attack has reportedly taken place against a Fuel Depot in the Russian Port City of Taman which is roughly 5 Miles from the the Kerch Strait Bridge into Crimea. pic.twitter.com/kQ4Or8vhP4 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 3, 2023 Regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said an oil storage tank, a warehouse and terminal facilities were hit in Volna village, where the port is located. Two people were injured in the attack. More than 100 emergency workers were deployed to extinguish multiple fires at the site, he added in a post on Telegram. Separate strikes also targeted the resort city of Sochi and the village of Yurovka near Anapa, though officials described the damage there as less significant. Industry sources said roughly 4.16 million metric tonnes of oil products were shipped through Taman last year, underlining its importance to Russias energy exports. Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent days after a US-brokered moratorium on such strikes expired. Kyiv has previously argued that such operations are aimed at undermining Russias military supply chains and war financing. Energy Infrastructure Under Fire on Both Sides Throughout the war, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian energy and utility infrastructure, cutting heating and electricity to hundreds of thousands of civilians during periods of extreme winter cold. Ukraines renewed strikes on Russian oil depots and ports appear to signal a return to tit-for-tat infrastructure attacks as both sides seek leverage ahead of negotiations. Peace Talks in Focus The developments come just days before a new round of US-facilitated talks in Geneva aimed at exploring a possible ceasefire framework. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said any agreement must guarantee Ukraines sovereignty and security, while Moscow continues to insist on recognition of the territories it claims. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary on February 24, the battlefield remains fluid with incremental Russian advances in the east, expanding Ukrainian drone operations inside Russia, and diplomacy struggling to bridge wide gaps between the two sides. Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: February 15, 2026, 16:32 IST News world Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Black Sea Oil Warehouse As Russia Claims 12 Villages 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 Intercepts Another Oil Tanker In Indian Ocean For 'Defying President Trumps Quarantine' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 20:44 IST US forces intercepted the Veronica III oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after it tried to defy President Trumps quarantine on sanctioned vessels, tracking it from the Caribbean. US military forces boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea. (Department of War/X) The US has intercepted an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that had come from the Caribbean, which tried to defy President Donald Trumps quarantine, the Defense Department said. In a post on X, the Department of War said: We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you. Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility." Trump had ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers in December to pressure then-President Nicolas Maduro before Maduro was apprehended in January. We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you.Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. The vessel tried to defy President Trumps pic.twitter.com/Tran3cLR9g Department of War (@DeptofWar) February 15, 2026 The defence department said: The vessel tried to defy President Trumps quarantine hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this. International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice." The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain," it added. The department also shared a video which showed US forces on board the tanker. The Hill quoted MarineTracker, a ship-tracking website, showed Veronica III, a Panamanian crude oil tanker, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, at close to 8 am EST Sunday. According to New York Times, the tanker was previously linked to Venezuela which reported last month that it departed from the countrys main oil port. Last week, the US military intercepted a different oil tanker it claimed had been operating despite Trumps quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Indian Ocean. The military had also chased after the ship from the Caribbean. In past months, the US has seized multiple oil tankers in the Caribbean. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 20:25 IST News world US Intercepts Another Oil Tanker In Indian Ocean For 'Defying President Trumps Quarantine' 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 iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF (NYSEMKT:SLVP) and SPDR Gold Shares ETF (NYSEMKT:GLD) differ most in their approach to precious metals exposure: SLVP invests in silver miners, while GLD tracks physical gold. This comparison highlights how these differences play out in costs, returns, risk, and portfolio construction. Snapshot (cost & size) Metric SLVP GLD Issuer iShares SPDR Expense ratio 0.39% 0.40% 1-yr return (as of Feb. 14, 2016) 194.28% 72.83% Beta 0.79 0.14 AUM $1.2 billion $175.67 billion Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. SLVP and GLD charge nearly identical expense ratios, but GLD has a significantly lower beta, offering more price stability in an already volatile market. However, SLVPs one-year return is tough to beat. Performance & risk comparison Metric SLVP GLD Max drawdown (5 y) -55.41% -21.03% Growth of $1,000 over 5 years $2,482 $2,673 What's inside Launched over 20 years ago, GLD tracks the performance of physical gold, offering investors direct gold exposure by allocating 100% of its holdings to gold bars held in London vaults. SLVP holds 42 stocks that are predominantly tied to the silver mining market. Created in 2012, its top three positions are Hecla Mining Co. (NYSE:HL), Industrias Penoles (PE&OLES.MX), and Fresnillo Plc. (FRES.L), with most of its top weight leaning towards Mexican-based mining companies. For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link. What this means for investors In 2025, the precious metals market skyrocketed, with many metals often following Gold's price movements. Gold, along with other metals, is seen as a hedge against the U.S. dollar, especially during periods of geopolitical and economic turbulence. With international tariffs and heightened tensions throughout 2025 and this year, demand and prices for metals have risen significantly. Since the start of 2025 up until Feb. 14, 2026, the price of gold per ounce has nearly doubled. However, investors should be aware of the volatility of the precious metals market, especially with GLD, since it directly holds gold. Precious metals are highly volatile compared to stocks, and prices can fall as quickly as they rise. In SLVPs case, silvers value may continue to rise as it becomes increasingly rare and in demand, but silver mining companies may have to pivot operationally, as its estimated that over 70% of silver is mined indirectly as a byproduct of other metals. Thats because silver is difficult to mine on its own. Wedded To Strategic Autonomy: Jaishankar On Russian Oil Imports As Rubio Says India Assured Cut Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 08:08 IST Jaishankar described the global oil market as complex. He said oil companies look at availability, costs and risks before taking decisions in their best interest. EAM Jaishankar at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in the US. (Reuters) Amid fresh claims from Washington that New Delhi has agreed to curb purchases of Russian crude, India stated that it will decide its energy policy on its own terms. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said energy choices would be guided by costs, risks and availability", underlining that India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy despite the newly announced US-India trade deal and pressure over Russian oil imports. Wedded to strategic autonomy: Jaishankar at Munich Jaishankar said India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy. We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it is very much a part of our history and our evolution. And it is something which is very deep, it is something which cuts across the political spectrum as well," he said. His remarks came amid claims by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio that India had agreed to stop buying additional Russian oil. Indias energy choices based on costs, risks and availability Jaishankar described the global oil market as complex. He said oil companies look at availability, costs and risks before taking decisions in their best interest. When asked whether India would stop buying Russian oil under a recent trade pact with US, he replied that India would remain independent-minded and may take decisions that do not align with others. India has neither confirmed nor denied Washingtons claim that it committed to halting additional purchases of Russian crude. Rubios big claim At the same conference, Rubio said the US had secured Indias commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil after new sanctions on Moscows energy sector. Russian news agency Tass quoted him as saying that Europe had also taken steps. The United States has imposed additional sanctions on Russias oil. In our conversations with India, weve gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil. Europe has taken its set of steps moving forward," said Rubio as quoted by Russian news agency Tass. More than a week earlier, Trump said India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and buy more from the US, describing it as a key outcome of a trade breakthrough. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed reports of any such assurance, saying no one besides US officials had spoken about India halting imports and that the Indian government had made no such statements. India-US trade deal The energy issue unfolded alongside changes in trade ties. After a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, both sides announced a cut in US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. The rollback included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff imposed last August over Indias continued imports of Russian oil. During trade tensions, Trump repeatedly urged India to reduce Russian oil purchases amid the war in Ukraine and criticised New Delhis position. Indias balancing act on Russian oil Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, India has sharply increased imports of discounted Russian crude, which now make up nearly 35 per cent of its total oil needs. US crude accounts for nearly 10 per cent, and public sector refiners have signed a one-year deal for American liquefied petroleum gas. Parliament recently passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India SHANTI Bill, 2025, opening the nuclear power sector to private participation. At Munich, Jaishankar also called for reforms in the United Nations, saying recent global shocks had exposed limits in the current international system. He made clear that while partnerships may grow and trade tensions may ease, India will retain the final say on its strategic choices. Location : Germany First Published: February 15, 2026, 08:08 IST News world Wedded To Strategic Autonomy: Jaishankar On Russian Oil Imports As Rubio Says India Assured Cut 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... 'Western Validation'? Yunus Faces Backlash From Industry Bodies Over US-Bangladesh Trade Deal | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 17:52 IST Export-import bodies have slammed the deal as a "conditional trap" that functions more as a compliance mechanism rather than a genuine economic boost While the Muhammad Yunus-led government in Bangladesh initially projected the deal as a means to provide tariff protection for garment exports, industry experts said the reality is far more restrictive. (Image: @ChiefAdviserGoB/X) Before he hands over reins to the BNPs Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus is facing severe backlash from his countrys textiles sector over a trade agreement with the United States. The recent trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US has come under intense domestic and regional scrutiny despite being originally hailed as a landmark victory for the countrys vital textiles industry. Export-import bodies have slammed the deal as a conditional trap" that functions more as a compliance mechanism rather than a genuine economic boost. They have expressed growing alarm that the agreement favouring US interests could soon become a domestic liability". At the heart of the criticism is a cotton clause" that industry experts said undermines Bangladeshs economic autonomy by effectively locking its supply chain into an American agricultural ecosystem. WHAT IS THE COTTON CLAUSE CONTROVERSY? While the Yunus-led government initially projected the deal as a means to provide tariff protection for garment exports, industry experts said the reality is far more restrictive. By linking tariff relief to the mandatory use of American cotton and man-made fibre, the US has effectively inserted itself into the core of Bangladeshs supply chain decisions. The experts warned that this is less about creating a fair trade balance and more about ensuring Bangladeshi factories serve as a guaranteed market for US raw material. They said the deal has failed to address the most significant hurdle for exporters: high import duties. Even with full compliance, Bangladeshi garments still face the old most favoured nation (MFN) duty of approximately 16.5 percent leaving local manufacturers at a structural disadvantage compared to global competitors who enjoy preferential access. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? From the point of view of Indian intelligence, Yunus has prioritised international validation and political optics over the long-term competitive advantage of Bangladeshs manufacturers. According to top intelligence sources, the deal allowed Yunus to project a sense of international acceptance during a period of domestic transition but did so by deferring to US commercial and geopolitical interests. This highlights a troubling absence of technical safeguards, annexes, and enforcement clarity within the deal, the sources said. The sources told News18 that this ambiguity is viewed by some as a strategic manoeuvre by Washington, granting US authorities significant discretionary power at the implementation stage that could allow enforcement to quietly override diplomatic intent". Experts further said lack of definition regarding volume thresholds, verification mechanisms, and accessory coverage has left Bangladeshi exporters burdened by vague regulations and increased production costs. If technical thresholds are not met, exporters will be left exposed further squeezing already thin margins, they added. This is in stark contrast to the interim trade agreement secured by neighbouring India, which has been described as cleaner trade arrangements" devoid of such raw-material strings". Unlike the Yunus-led deal, Indias approach has ensured the complete protection of its agriculture sector from American market incursions. As competitors like Vietnam and India secure more favourable terms, there are growing fears that Bangladesh will lose its comparative advantage in the US market. Critics said the Yunus administrations apparent willingness to defer hard details whether due to inexperience or a desire for western approval has placed the countrys trade-dependent economy at significant risk. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 15, 2026, 17:43 IST News world 'Western Validation'? Yunus Faces Backlash From Industry Bodies Over US-Bangladesh Trade Deal | 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... Who Was Saketh Sreenivasaiah? IIT Madras Graduate Found Dead In California After Going Missing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2026, 09:16 IST Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death or further details surrounding the circumstances in which his body was found. Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah who went missing in US A 22-year-old Indian student from Karnataka, who had been missing in the United States for nearly a week, has been found dead in California, officials confirmed on Sunday. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said local law enforcement authorities recovered the body of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, bringing an end to an anxious search that had gripped his family and the Indian student community. In an official statement, the Consulate said it is coordinating closely with US authorities and will assist the family with all formalities, including the repatriation of his mortal remains to India at the earliest possible time. Saketh was last seen on February 9 in the vicinity of Tilden Regional Park, a popular recreational area near the university campus. After he failed to return or contact friends, local police initiated search operations in and around the park and adjoining neighbourhoods. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death or further details surrounding the circumstances in which his body was found. His father, Sreenivasaiah, had earlier said the family last spoke to him on the day he went missing and had since been making frantic efforts to trace his whereabouts. The family remained in contact with his roommates and approached Indian authorities for assistance as days passed without information. Who Was Saketh Sreenivasaiah? Saketh Sreenivasaiah was a graduate student in the chemical and biomolecular engineering programme at the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to moving to the US, he completed his undergraduate studies in chemical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. According to details shared on his LinkedIn profile, Saketh had a keen interest in advanced materials and deep-technology research, particularly in areas related to semiconductors and next-generation engineering solutions. During the search, police described him as over six feet tall, with short black hair and brown eyes. With no leads emerging in the initial days, Sakeths parents wrote to Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on February 13, requesting state-level support to trace their son. In the letter, they noted that his roommates had searched all known locations before filing a missing-person complaint with the Berkeley Police Department. The Karnataka government subsequently took up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, urging it to intervene through the Indian mission in the US. In a communication to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the state sought continued coordination with local authorities and support for the grieving family. US authorities have said the investigation is ongoing, and further information is awaited. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 15, 2026, 09:04 IST News world Who Was Saketh Sreenivasaiah? IIT Madras Graduate Found Dead In California After Going Missing 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... Police in one Chicago suburb were securing the scene when they decided that the one thing they wouldn't do is scrutinize the federal agent who'd just killed a man. Bodycam footage from Franklin Park, Illinois, shows then-police chief Mike Witz telling his officers last September that they wouldn't be looking into the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who shot 38-year-old Silverio Villegas Gonzalez. "You're not going to investigate a federal officer," he said, as the department left the inquiry to the FBI and didn't even record the agents' names in its report. The same hands-off approach has surfaced around the country, a pattern that has sharpened amid an aggressive immigration crackdown under President Trump, per a deep dive by ProPublica . In Minneapolis last month, ICE and Border Patrol agents fatally shot two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and injured a Venezuelan man. Minnesota state investigators say federal officials blocked them from crime scenes, despite a warrant, and refused to turn over basic information such as the names of the agents involved. Legal scholars and civil rights advocates argue that, with federal agencies largely policing themselves, state and local authorities have a duty to step in, despite constitutional hurdles and political risk. The Constitution's supremacy clause protects federal officers acting reasonably within their duties, and agents can shift prosecutions to federal court or seek immunity, as happened when Virginia prosecutors tried to charge two US Park Police officers with manslaughter. Still, a small group of local officials is pushing back. Chicago's mayor has ordered police to document alleged crimes by federal immigration agents and refer potential felonies to prosecutors. California officials, meanwhile, have reminded police they can investigate federal officers, and a new nationwide coalition of prosecutors has formed to support such cases. Even so, it's a patchwork response. Some jurisdictions, including in Arizona, Maryland, Texas, and Oregon, have opened independent probes into recent shootings. Others have stayed on the sidelines, bowing down to federal jurisdiction. That leaves communities like Franklin Park and Minneapolis waiting for answers from the same federal system whose agents pulled the trigger. More here. The city of Dalton in Georgia is known as the "Carpet Capital of the World," but a new investigation suggests the very industry that built the town's prosperity has left a toxic legacy. The joint investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution , the AP, AL.com, FRONTLINE (PBS), and the Post and Courier traces how Dalton's carpet mills spent decades using PFAS "forever chemicals" in Scotchgard- and Stainmaster-style treatmentsand sending tainted wastewater into the Conasauga River system that supplies drinking water for hundreds of thousands in Georgia and Alabama. What helped carpets shrug off stains also made the compounds nearly impossible to break down in water, soil, or people. Reporters detail how weak regulation, a cozy relationship between local officials and industry, and chemical makers' secrecy allowed the contamination to spread even after internal studies flagged PFAS in human blood and the environment. Researchers now call the region a PFAS hotspot, and some residents tested by the AJC and its partners had levels of PFAS in their blood far above national safety benchmarks. Doctors, meanwhile, are seeing clusters of thyroid and endocrine issues, and cities downstream are suing for the hundreds of millions it will take to clean up. Carpet companies Shaw Industries and Mohawk Industries largely blame the chemical manufacturers, and vice versa. For the full pictureincluding internal emails, whistleblower accounts, and how the chemicals keep circulating even after "phase-outs"read the AJC story. Stephen Schwarzman is moving to put his name in a different kind of top 10 list. The Blackstone co-founder, whose fortune Altrata pegs at about $43 billion, is retooling his Stephen A. Schwarzman Foundation with the aim of turning it into one of the country's 10 largest private foundations, the Wall Street Journal reports. A new executive director, Melissa Roman Burch, started in January to help "organize and institutionalize" his giving, which has historically been more "ad hoc," per the paper. It notes he has committed about $1 billion in gifts to date, and reports the SASF will stick to themes he has favored: education, culture, medical research, and AI. As for the company his foundation will find itself in, the Journal reports that as of 2023, America's 10 largest foundations (as determined by IRS filings) had assets of $8.8 billion to $77 billion. The bulk of the 78-year-old's wealthlargely his Blackstone stakeis expected to flow to the foundation after his death. In a story that starts like a fairy tale and veers into a legal and ethical maze, the New Yorker digs into how one Los Angeles couple quietly amassed more than 20 babies through American surrogatesonly to have those children swept into foster care. Reporter Ava Kofman follows Kayla Elliott, a Texas mom who signed on with the Mark Surrogacy agency in 2024 to carry a child for a wealthy Chinese couple, 64-year-old businessman Guojun Xuan and 36-year-old real-estate agent and agency owner Silvia Zhang. Elliott thought she was helping a small family grow. She later learned, however, that the pair had roughly 20 children other than the one she carried, mostly toddlers, many of whom were born via different surrogates at the same time. There were also rumors that the babies were being created to be sold, which both Xuan and Zhang consistently denied. An 11-year-old's casual rock hunt in Wyoming ended with a big fossil find. While searching for quartz crystals and other rocks on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in southwest Wyoming with his grandparents in September, Touren Pope spotted what experts now say is a 48-million-year old turtle specimen, nearly complete. Touren tells Wyoming Public Media that he initially wanted to chuck the apparent hunk of rock before giving it a closer look. At first, the group wasn't entirely sure what Touren had found, but the boy's mother, amateur geologist Tessa Patterson, agreed it looked special. "It blew all of our minds," she tells WPM. Though Touren wanted to dig up the fossil straight away, the family instead contacted the BLM, as required for discoveries on public land. Paleontology staff from the Rock Springs Field Office quickly determined the find was a well-preserved softshell turtle fossil that had rested in what was once an ancient lake surrounded by a tropical floodplain home to turtles, crocodiles, and fish, per People. JP Cavigelli of the Tate Geological Museum said the animal would be recognizable to anyone familiar with modern softshell turtles, and archaeologist Craig Thomas noted the fossil was found just in time, before surface exposure could destroy it, per WPM. Touren was invited to help with the eventual excavation. "We basically just pulled it out and then carried it" some distance to a truck, he tells Your Wyoming Link. "Then we had lunchbest part." He was even given the chance to name the specimen, choosing "Little Timmy." In a statement, the BLM credited his sharp eye and decision to report the fossil with preserving a piece of Wyoming's paleontological record and underscored how members of the public can aid scientific work on public lands. Little Timmy is now housed at the Tate Geological Museum, available for researchers and visitors alike. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a high-profile security gathering in Munich on Saturday to argue that the US and Europe are fundamentally linked, even as he backed Trump administration policies that have strained those ties. In a keynote address to the Munich Security Conference, Rubio told European leaders that the two sides are connected by shared history, faith, and heritage and "belong together," the Washington Post reports. The Europeans welcomed Rubio's tone and message, especially after Vice President JD Vance's accusatory scolding of them last year, per the New York Times, but said they didn't hear anything that changes the dynamic. Vance's speech was met with silence; Rubio's received applause. BXP, Inc. (NYSE:BXP) is included in our list of Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 10 Best Stocks to Buy. On February 5, 2026, Goldman Sachs lowered its price target on BXP, Inc. (NYSE:BXP) to $72 from $75 and kept a Neutral rating. The firm updated its model following fourth-quarter results, noting progress on property dispositions and rolling its AFFO estimates forward by one quarter. Views were more constructive earlier in the week. On February 2, 2026, BofA analyst Jeffrey Spector raised his price target on BXP, Inc. (NYSE:BXP) to $84 from $83 and maintained a Buy rating, arguing that while Q4 results came in slightly below consensus, investor attention was centered on progress toward the companys 2026 goals outlined at its investor day. He said BXP is on track to meet its core objectives, with solid momentum in both leasing and transactions. On January 28, 2026, BXP, Inc. (NYSE:BXP) reported quarterly revenue of $877.1 million for the period ended December 31, 2025, up 2.2% from $858.6 million a year earlier. Net income attributable to the company. was $248.5 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $230.0 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, in the prior year period. BXP, Inc. (NYSE:BXP) is a publicly traded REIT focused on developing, owning, and managing large-scale office properties in major U.S. gateway markets, including Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. While we acknowledge the potential of BXP 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: 10 Most Profitable Undervalued Stocks to Buy and 11 Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street. Disclosure: None. Controversy is swirling in curling at the Winter Olympics, and it centers on whether the mighty Canadian team is cheating. Both men's and women's teams have now been accused of the same infraction: double-touching the curling stone after it is released, per the AP . Women's team: Late Saturday, an umpire accused acclaimed Canadian skip Rachel Homan of the same infraction in Canada's match against Switzerland. The umpire stopped play and the stone was removed from play. Homan looked shocked and denied the allegation. Again, video spread on social media appearing to show her double-touch. The Canadians lost to the Swiss, 8-7. After the uproar, World Curling clarified that double-tapping is not allowed, issuing a statement: "During forward motion, touching the granite of the stone is not allowed. This will result in the stone being removed from play." (See this explainer.) Asked about the footage, Kennedy said: "If somebody said to you, 'Hey, do you double-touch all the time?' I honestly, in that split second of a moment, I couldn't even tell you if I do or not." He then suggested the whole thing might have been "premeditated planning to try to catch us." Homan, meanwhile, postulated that she was being unfairly targeted because of the controversy on the men's side. "I don't understand the call. I'll never understand it. We've never done that," she said. "It has nothing to do with us." Canada is a curling powerhouse, and both teams are still alive in the medal hunt. The Pentagon's push to weave artificial intelligence into warfare received its first high-profile test in Venezuela, according to the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper reports that the military used Anthropic's AI chatbot Claude in the operation to capture then-President Nicolas Maduro last month. The details about the role the bot played in the mission are unclear, but the Journal reports that Claude's deployment came via defense contractor Palantir, an Anthropic partner. What's notable is that Anthropic's own rules bar using Claude to enable violence, build weapons, or conduct surveillance. US military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea in an effort to target illicit oil connected to Venezuela, the Pentagon said Sunday. Several tankers had fled the Venezuelan coast, including the ship that was boarded in the Indian Ocean overnight, the AP reports. "The vessel tried to defy President Trump's quarantine," the Pentagon said. The Defense Department posted on X that US forces boarded the Veronica III to conduct "a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding." Venezuela had faced US sanctions on its oil for several years, relying on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to smuggle crude into global supply chains. Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers in December to pressure President Nicolas Maduro before Maduro was seized in January during an American military operation. The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel under US sanctions related to Iran, according to the website of the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. It left Venezuela on Jan. 3, the same day as Maduro's capture, with nearly 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil, TankerTrackers.com posted Sunday on X. "Since 2023, she's been involved with Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil," the organization said. Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, told the AP in January that his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers left the Venezuelan coast in contravention of the quarantine. The Trump administration has been seizing tankers as part of its broader efforts to take control of the Venezuela's oil. The Pentagon did not say in the post whether the Veronica III was formally seized and placed under American control. Last week, the US military boarded a different tanker in the Indian Ocean, the Aquila II. The ship was being held while its ultimate fate was decided by the US, according to a Defense official. A wave to the celebrating crowd, a glide across the lineand a moment of Winter Olympic history. Norway cross-country skiing star Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won his ninth gold medal on Sunday, setting a Winter Games record. The 29-year-old anchored the 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay in the men's competition for his fourth gold of the Milan Cortina Olympics, the AP reports. He had shared the record with three retired Norwegian athletes: cross-country skiers Marit Bjoergen and Bjoern Daehlie and biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. Klaebo now stands alone at the top. "I like the sound of that! It's a pretty nice title," he said after the race. Klaebo put in a flawless but casual-looking race, slowing down before the finish to wave to cheering supporters before finishing in 1 hour, 4 minutes, 24.5 seconds. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre was at the stadium at Val di Fiemme, in north Italy's Dolomites, on his feet cheering as Klaebo crossed the line. "With today's team effort, Klaebo becomes the Winter Olympian of all time!" Stre wrote on social media. Despite fierce rivalry in competition, fans from Sweden and Norway mingled in the stands and enjoyed a party atmosphere. "It's awesome," said Oddmund Haughness, adding, "Johannes is just amazingprobably the best cross-country skier of all time." Squandering a strong start, the US finished sixth behind Finland and Canada. Sweden came in last, in 10th place, after a slow start. France continued its strong performance for second place, 22.2 seconds behind, while Italy placed third with a 47.9 second lag. Klaebo acknowledged the team effort afterward, saying the athletes have "had so much fun" through training and at the Olympics. "It's special to do this together with this group," he said. "In Norway, winning the relay is what really mattersand today we all delivered." American politicians of both parties used this year's Munich Security Conference to assure European leaders that US alliances remain intact despite political turbulence under President Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered the main US address, signaling that transatlantic ties have been damaged but not severed. The large Democratic contingent at the conference focused almost exclusively on calming anxieties about US reliability, suggesting current tensions will not define the long term, the BBC reports. "Donald Trump is temporary," California Gov. Gavin Newsom told one event. "He'll be gone in three years." The message often was bipartisan, echoing the comfort Rubio offered without the criticism. "The reason we're here is to provide reassurance that we understand how important our European allies are," Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis echoed that, noting that the US and Europe were not in a "civil war" and cautioned American allies not to get caught up in the "rhetoric of American politics." Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin said the US is "going through something profound," adding, "We'll get through it." Sen. Ruben Gallego found it to be "a very good conference to reassure nerves," per the BBC. "Sometimes you have to remind them that this is not all Trump. ... We're still here." But there was reason to think the reassurances didn't take. The European Union foreign policy chief on Sunday rejected the notion that what she mockingly called "woke, decadent Europe" faces "civilizational erasure"a shot included in the US national security strategy released in December. "In fact, people still want to join our club and not just fellow Europeans," Kaja Kallas said in her speech, per the AP. She added that she was told when in Canada last year that people there are interested in joining the EU. Kallas also rejected what she called the bashing of Europe. "We are, you know, pushing humanity forward, trying to defend human rights and all this, which is actually bringing also prosperity for people." The conference ended Sunday. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High -2F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low -28F. Winds light and variable. By Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI, Feb 13 (Reuters) - India's civil aviation watchdog has fined Air India $110,350 for flying an Airbus plane eight times without an airworthiness permit, saying the lapse has further eroded public trust in the country's second-biggest airline, a confidential order shows. 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. Air India's own internal investigation into the incident, which Reuters reported in December, found "systemic failures", with the airline, which also admitted there was an urgent need to improve compliance culture at the carrier. A confidential penalty order issued by Indian authorities on February 5 to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the incident had "further eroded public confidence and adversely impacted the safety compliance of the organisation." "The accountable manager on behalf of Air India is found blameworthy for the above lapses," Joint Director General of Civil Aviation, Maneesh Kumar, wrote in the order, referring to Wilson. Air India did not respond to Reuters queries. The airline has been asked to deposit 10 million Indian rupees, or $110,339, within 30 days. Air India suffered its worst disaster when a Boeing Dreamliner crashed moments after take-off in June last year, killing 260 people. The Airbus incident investigation by Air India also blamed pilots, saying those who flew the eight flights did not comply with standard operating procedures before taking off, Reuters has reported. Air India, which is owned by India's Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has also received warnings from the watchdog for running planes without checking emergency equipment as well as other audit lapses. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Anil D'Silva) TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com The American University of Bahrain hosted its International Day on campus, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahromi, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, along with their Excellencies the ambassadors of several countries. The event also welcomed over 2000 visitors. This years festivities brought together representatives from over 20 countries across several continents, featuring dedicated pavilions for various nations. Several embassies took part in the event, supporting cultural showcases and performances that highlighted the distinct traditions and heritage of their nations. Guests experienced a blend of international flavors, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural attire, creating an immersive journey through the worlds diverse identities within the heart of the AUBH campus. The one-day event provided a dynamic platform for intercultural exchange, fostering connections among people of different nationalities and enhancing students cultural awareness. The event encouraged positive engagement across cultures, reinforcing values of mutual respect and openness. Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost of the American University of Bahrain, said: AUBH extends beyond the traditional role of an educational institution by serving as a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue and community connection. Initiatives like International Day are essential to expanding global awareness and encouraging genuine openness, enriching the perspectives of both students and the wider community. This reflects the American University of Bahrains mission to promote coexistence and mutual respect, said Dr. Almansoori. The event was graciously sponsored by Almoayyed Motors and the Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), in partnership with Mumtalakat. Raffle sponsors included etc Cafe and Reviive Cafe, while media partners for the event were Gulf Insider and LocalBH Feb 16 (Paolo fromTOKYO) - This is a day in the life in Japan, following Shota, a fourth generation Japanese oyster farmer at Yamaguchi Suisan in Noto. If youve ever wondered where oysters in Japan come from, this is Japan oyster farming at scale. As part of a family business founded in 1941, Shota represents true Japanese work culture, balancing tradition, leadership, and life in Japans countryside.In Japan, oysters are grown hanging from ropes instead of resting on the seabed. This oyster farming method helps maintain a tender texture and clean flavor. In the mineral rich waters of Noto, where warm and cold currents meet, Japan oysters develop deep umami and a flavor distinct from European or American varieties.On an average day, the team harvests around 3,000 oysters. During peak season, that number can reach 30,000 in a single day. Over a year, production reaches roughly 1.5 million oysters, reflecting the intensity of working in Japans seafood industry. This oyster farming documentary captures Japan life beyond the cities, showing what work in Japan really looks like for a Japanese worker dedicated to preserving tradition in modern times. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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 In a striking reversal from the "job-hopping" fervor that defined the early 2020s, a growing share of American workers are now exhibiting what career analysts call job hugging staying in their current roles less from loyalty than fear. According to a February 2026 survey by ResumeBuilder.com, 57% of workers now identify as job huggers, up from 45% in August 2025, marking a rapid shift toward risk aversion in career decision-making. The term coined in 2025 to describe employees who stick with their roles amid uncertainty reflects a labor market that many feel is shaky, even as headline employment data shows tentative signs of stabilization. January job data from the Labor Department was the strongest in months, pushing the unemployment rate down to 4.3%. Yet underlying metrics show a slower overall pace of hiring and a continued slump in voluntary quits a common indicator of reduced worker confidence. Denting confidence may be the recent flurry of seemingly never-ending lay-offs at major corporations. Amazon laid off 16,000 employees in its latest round of job cuts at the end of January. Last year, 1.17 million people lost their jobs, the highest total the U.S. has seen since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, according to a report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. At the heart of the job-hugging surge are fears that switching jobs now could backfire. In the ResumeBuilder survey, 70% of self-identified huggers say they worry that artificial intelligence will affect their jobs in the next six months, and 63% fear layoffs in that period. More than two-thirds of respondents expect to continue job hugging through much of 2026, and a substantial minority say theyll cling to their current positions for more than two years. Unlike the talent flight of the Great Resignation when, in early 2021, employees left in search of higher pay, flexibility, or purpose todays stayers are often hardly content. Many report trading career momentum for perceived stability: over half of job huggers say theyre working longer hours, and significant shares report missed promotions or raises. For employers, low turnover may appear superficially beneficial. But analysts warn that hugged jobs can mask deep disengagement. Workers who stay out of fear may be less open to innovation, professional development, or organizational change. Some studies suggest this can dampen productivity and stifle growth especially in smaller companies where employee morale often underpins performance. Economists, speaking to Axios Wednesday, point to broader structural forces behind the shift. After years of pandemic-era hiring frenzies and generous counteroffers, recent labor data reveals a cooling job market, softened wage growth, and fewer openings relative to job seekers In such an environment, the rational choice for many isnt chasing greener pastures but staying planted where they are. At the same time, the specter of automation continues to loom. A recent national survey by Resume Now, an online platform offering AI-powered CV tools, found a majority of workers believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates in 2026, intensifying anxiety about career mobility. Lets get this straight: I dont want to bash any ETF issuer. I want to bash the idea that investors need to chase leverage and that they need even more new tools to do that. In my experience, this phenomenon is what drives events like Thursdays new launch from Direxion, a pioneer of issuing funds that help individual investors act more like traders. More News from Barchart For active traders, Direxion added to its line of leveraged and inverse tools this week, introducing four new 2x leveraged ETFs that aim to deliver 2x the daily return of an individual stock. Added to the roster, and to the markets overwhelming number of these types of ETFs: Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (ASMU) Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) Direxion Daily MRVL Bull 2X ETF (MRVU) Direxion Daily SOFI Bull 2X ETF (SOFA) My concern is not about these funds themselves. It is twofold. First, that they will be misused by investors. I know, thats their problem, not mine. but when someone gambles on a leveraged index ETF on a basket of stocks, even a basket of 10-20 of them, theres some diversification. Not here. Of course, the key to using this is position sizing, which I talk about here a lot. When I buy a leveraged ETF, I typically buy it at the same exposure level I would an unleveraged ETF. So if I were buying ASMU, Id ask myself, what would be my starting position in ASML if I were buying it right now? Then Id divide that percentage of my portfolio and/or dollar amount in half. Thats how much ASMU Id buy. Second, this reminds me of many past market eras, where the product flood gates opened, as if to ring a bell at the top. The Bottom Line on New Leveraged ETFs Lets close here by charting the underlying stocks of those four new Direxion 2x bull ETFs. ASML (ASML) is indecisive but overvalued technically. And selling at more than 50 trailing earnings. www.barchart.com Alibaba (BABA): Chart is leaking, $120 is a potential target. Chinese stocks latest rally was the typical 50% in a flash, then a skittish few months. Look at the chart to see how this has become routine for Alibaba. That makes it a good candidate for both leveraged long and short ETFs. www.barchart.com Marvell (MRVL): Any stock with a 10-month range from $120 to $50 a share is ripe for leveraged ETFs, right? But only if you know your limits. Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. Energy Vault Holdings (NRGV) is back on investors radar after a framework agreement with Crusoe to deploy up to 25 MW of modular AI data centers in Texas, along with new partnerships tied to AI focused energy storage. See our latest analysis for Energy Vault Holdings. Despite the fresh AI focused agreements and recent financing moves, Energy Vaults share price return has been weak in the near term. The 30 day share price return is 44.23% and the year to date share price return is 34.76%, while the 1 year total shareholder return of 95.71% points to strong earlier momentum that has cooled recently. If this AI infrastructure push has caught your attention, it could be a good moment to widen your watchlist with our 34 AI infrastructure stocks. That list can help you spot other power and data center names linked to the same theme. With the shares around $3.19, new AI related projects, a recent $140 million convertible bond and 1 year total return near 96%, you have to ask: is Energy Vault still mispriced or is future growth already baked in? Most Popular Narrative: 14.5% Undervalued Energy Vault Holdings last closed at $3.19, compared with a widely followed fair value estimate of $3.73, which frames how some analysts see the AI and storage story today. The market appears to be pricing in significant recurring EBITDA growth over the next few years, driven by expectations that newly announced Asset Vault projects and a $300M preferred equity investment will unlock over $1 billion in CapEx and rapidly scale up owned and operated storage assets; however, actual project execution and timely commercialization may face delays or operational risks, which could impact future revenue and ultimately leave earnings below current optimistic projections. Read the complete narrative. Curious what sits behind that optimism and caution in the same breath? Revenue compounding, margin shifts, share count changes, and one key profit metric tie this fair value together. According to the most followed narrative, analysts are building their fair value using a discount rate of 9.41% and an outlook where revenue grows quickly while profitability improves from current loss making levels. Those assumptions include a path to positive earnings several years out, combined with a future earnings multiple below what the US Electrical industry uses on average. The same narrative also points out that analyst price targets have moved over time. Earlier work referenced a consensus target of $1.10, with individual targets between $0.50 and $1.70 and a view that the market price then was ahead of those numbers. The newer fair value of $3.73 and the current share price of $3.19 show how changing assumptions about revenue, margins and discount rates can materially shift what different models call "fair." The spacious Uptown living room was quiet so still that a black Lab named Evie dozed on the cool marble floor as sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows. Then Kelsey Grace French walked in, picture-perfect in a powder-blue suit and sparkly mauve pumps, and things suddenly started happening. +5 Meet Rex 2026 Merritt Lane, a CEO with a heart for civic responsibility in New Orleans In a scene that could have been lifted from a spy movie, Poco Sloss summoned his friend H. Merritt Lane III to the front of his office buildin People materialized. A makeup artist dabbed at the young womans cheeks with a brush, and an aide walked around, passing out glasses of ice water. Frenchs mother, Kara Van de Carr, put down a platter of snacks to fuss with her daughters light-brown hair while a photographer set up lights and a backdrop. Evie roamed the room, yearning for attention that wasnt being lavished on French. Usually, I dont really like a lot of attention, French said as the rush subsided, but its been fun, and Im starting to like it more. Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC) has entered a joint venture to move into India's life insurance market. The company has announced acquisitions in Indonesia and the U.S. as part of a wider international expansion plan. Manulife is rolling out AI powered tools and has opened a global office in Dubai to support digital and high net worth client growth. For you as an investor, this string of moves indicates that Manulife is focusing more on its role as a global insurer and asset manager, rather than only a North American player. Life insurance and wealth products remain central to its business model, and India, Indonesia and the Gulf region are all significant markets for insurance penetration and wealth creation. The push into AI tools and the Dubai office suggests a company working to align its distribution, product design and client servicing with more digital and higher wealth segments. These shifts do not guarantee outcomes, but they provide additional areas to monitor around execution, integration of new businesses and how the TSX:MFC risk profile changes as its geographic mix evolves. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Manulife Financial by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Manulife Financial. TSX:MFC Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026 3 things going right for Manulife Financial that this headline doesn't cover. For you, the key point is that Manulife is tying long-term business moves in Asia and the Gulf to an active capital return program. Management is committing cash to expansion in India and Indonesia, private-credit and asset management capabilities, and AI-powered tools, while at the same time raising the common dividend by 10.2% to C$0.485 per share and planning to repurchase up to 42.2 million shares, or about 2.5% of the share count, subject to TSX approval. That mix suggests a focus on both growth and balance sheet discipline rather than an all-or-nothing tilt in either direction. How This Fits Into The Manulife Financial Narrative Customers at Exeters Pho restaurant will be in with a chance of winning a trip to Vietnam as part of a nationwide Lunar New Year promotion. The Vietnamese street food chain is marking Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, on Tuesday, 17 February by giving every customer a traditional red envelope containing a prize. Pho, which has more than 50 restaurants across the UK including a branch in Exeter, said one envelope nationwide will contain the top prize of two return flights to Vietnam from London and a five-night hotel stay. Other envelopes will include smaller prizes such as free bowls of pho, desserts, Vietnamese beers or a VIP card offering 50 per cent off food for a year. The giveaway applies to customers dining in, ordering via Deliveroo or using click and collect services on the day. There is no minimum spend. READ NEXT: Devon supports 88m Government push to boost foster carer numbers Tet is the most significant celebration in the Vietnamese calendar and traditionally marks the start of the lunar new year. Red envelopes are commonly exchanged during the festival as a symbol of good fortune. A spokesperson for Pho said that this is the most important celebration in the Vietnamese calendar - a time of renewal, generosity and good fortune. We wanted to mark the occasion by sharing that tradition with our customers across the UK. Pho was founded by British couple Stephen and Juliette Wall after travelling in Vietnam. The chain specialises in pho, a Vietnamese rice noodle soup, as well as other dishes including curries, salads and noodle dishes. Full terms and conditions of the promotion are available on the companys website. IN recent years, membership of the Tullamore Branch of the National Organisation of Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) has increased to over 20 members. Mindful of the need to provide an opportunity for members to meet on a weekly basis, a partnership with Tullamore Family and Community Resource Center located in Arden View, will facilitate Defence Force veterans meeting on Thursday mornings from 10.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs. A key objective of the establishment of the Veteran Support Centre is to provide social activities on a weekly basis in a comfortable and pleasant environment for our members retired members of the Defence Forces living in the locality. The Veteran Support Centre will act as a conduit for peer-to-peer support, and provide training and education opportunities to assists veterans in managing everyday life obstacles. The provision of this new Veteran Support Centre will provide services to all veterans of the Defence Forces and not just members of Tullamore Branch ONE. Comradeship is a primary focus of ONE and the opening of the new Veteran Support Centre will provide opportunities to build and sustain comradeship within the veteran community. READ NEXT: 'Offaly Camino Canal Way Walk' from Tullamore to Croghan hill proves a great success Remembrance is another important objective of ONE and Tullamore Branch organise an annual remembrance ceremony to remember deceased members. Tullamore Branch ONE is seeking new members and membership of ONE is open to personnel with at least one years satisfactory service in any of the following organisations: Veterans and serving personnel of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) Veterans and serving personnel of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Ex-service personnel of the Civil Defence Ex-service members of An Garda Siochana Ex-service personnel of the Irish Red Cross The 2026 AGM of Tullamore Branch ONE will take place at 20.00 hrs on Wednesday 11th February in the Tullamore Family and Community Resource Center, Arden View Eircode R35 YF57. Paul Cooley ONE National President will attend and address the meeting. Personnel interested in joining ONE are requested to contact any Tullamore Branch member. All potential members are welcome to attend the AGM and comrades please remember that As individuals we stand alone, together as veterans we are ONE. READ NEXT: Still no winner of 20,000 jackpot in Offaly GAA club's lotto Photograph above shows members of Tullamore Branch ONE attending the recently opened Veteran Support Centre in the Tullamore Family and Community Resource Centre, Arden View. (Back Row) Mary Theresa Lowbridge, Gerard Monahan Branch Secretary, Eugene Lowbridge, John Forrestal, Noel Digan, (Front Row) Joe Fagan, Pat Doheny Branch Chairperson, Dinjo Connolly, Philip Martin. Valued at a market cap of $460 billion, database giant Oracleraised its quarterly dividend in 2025 while recently announcing plans to raise $50 billion for AI infrastructure buildouts, CNBC reported. That combination tells you everything about where this 47-year-old tech company stands today. Most companies pick one lane. Oracle is racing down both. The Redwood City-based tech titan announced in December that its Remaining Performance Obligations (RPOs) skyrocketed 438% to $523 billion. It signed major AI cloud deals with Nvidia, Meta, OpenAI, AMD, and TikTok, which fundamentally changed its growth trajectory overnight. Oracle is strengthening capex.Shutterstock Shutterstock Is Oracles dividend payout under threat? A companys dividend payout is tied to its free cash flow. Typically, the company should generate sufficient free cash flow to pay shareholders a dividend, reduce its balance sheet, and pursue accretive acquisitions. Oracle is investing heavily in capital expenditures and is forecast report a free cash outflow of $23 billion in fiscal 2026 (ended in May). Moreover, its free cash outflow is also projected to surpass $35 billion over the next two fiscal years. More Dividend Stocks: Comparatively, Oracles annual dividend expense is around $5.75 billion. The tech giants widening debt balance and rising capital expenditures have made investors nervous, driving ORCL stock lower by 51% below all-time highs. However, analysts forecast Oracles annual dividend per share to increase to $3.05 per share in fiscal 2030. Oracle's dividend metrics: By the numbers Current Quarterly Dividend: $0.50 per share Annual Dividend: $2.00 per share Dividend Yield: Approximately 1.5% (based on current stock price) 10-Year Dividend Growth Rate: 12.8% CAGR Oracles AI infrastructure bet Oracle isn't just maintaining its dividend. The company is doubling down on a massive infrastructure initiative that dwarfs anything it has done before. Earlier this month, Oracle said it planned to raise between $45 billion and $50 billion during calendar year 2026, according to CNBC. The funds will support additional capacity for cloud customers who have already signed contracts totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. The tech behemoth secured construction loans for data centers in New Mexico and Wisconsin through a consortium of banks. Principal Financial Officer Doug Kehring addressed investor concerns head-on during the December earnings call. He committed to maintaining Oracle's investment-grade debt rating. Feb 13 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance has named Rene Augustine, a former Trump administration attorney, as its senior vice president of global public policy, according to a company memo seen by Reuters, amid an ongoing takeover battle for Warner Bros Discovery. Augustine, who served in the Trump administration as a special assistant to the president and senior associate counsel in the office of White House Counsel, will join Paramount Skydance on February 17, reporting to Chief Legal Officer Makan Delrahim. "In her role, Rene 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," Delrahim said in the memo. Delrahim, also a former senior U.S. antitrust official, previously worked with Augustine at the Department of Justice, the Senate and the White House. Augustine has served as deputy assistant attorney general in the antitrust division of the Justice Department from 2019 to 2021. Paramount and Netflix are locked in a battle for Warner Bros. This week, Paramount sweetened its bid by offering Warner Bros investors about $650 million in extra cash for each quarter the deal fails to close after this year and agreeing to cover the $2.8 billion breakup fee the HBO owner would owe Netflix if it walked away. Netflix has offered to pay Warner Bros shareholders $27.75 per share in cash for the film and television studios, the extensive library and its HBO Max streaming service, instead of a mix of cash and stock. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona) The US Department of Homeland Security is compelling major technology firms to comply with subpoenas aimed at exposing individuals behind anti-ICE social media accounts, a move that civil liberties advocates warn threatens fundamental free speech protections. The subpoenas demand that companies provide names, email addresses, and phone numbers linked to accounts critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Unlike standard warrants, administrative subpoenas do not require judicial approval before issuance. The DHS can authorise and dispatch these demands directly to technology companies without court oversight, a power that civil liberties advocates argue is being exercised with unprecedented aggression. Whilst the department claims it has 'broad administrative subpoena authority', it has declined to address specific questions about the scope and deployment of these legal instruments or the criteria used to select targeted accounts. Secure elections are vital to maintaining our republic. Today I joined officials and elected representatives in Arizona to make this abundantly clear: securing our elections is not painful or inconvenient, it is the bare minimum assurance we give to our citizens that their pic.twitter.com/FGGlyempUY Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 13, 2026 Which Platforms Received Subpoenas Google, Meta, Reddit, and Discord have reportedly received subpoenas targeting accounts that post information about ICE activities across the United States. Meta alone received two separate subpoenas related to anti-ICE content on its platforms. Some unnamed companies have chosen to comply with the demands, whilst others have taken a more protective stance by alerting account holders that they have 10-14 days to mount legal challenges against the government's requests. DHS lawyers stated in court filings that the subpoenas aim to "investigate threats to its own officers or impediments to their officers" and provide protection for ICE agents conducting field operations. The department has framed the effort as necessary for officer safety, though critics contend this justification is being used to silence legitimate dissent and public accountability efforts. Among the targeted accounts was Montco Community Watch, which operates on both Facebook and Instagram, posting bilingual alerts about ICE sightings in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The account serves immigrant communities by providing advance warning of enforcement activities in their neighbourhoods. After Meta informed the account owners about the subpoena, the American Civil Liberties Union moved to block the order in federal court, arguing the government was targeting constitutionally protected speech. The DHS withdrew the subpoena before a ruling, though legal experts suggest this was a tactical retreat rather than a change in strategy. Homeland Security Investigations continue to grind day in & day out in Minnesota to follow leads and complete the ongoing, MASSIVE fraud investigations. The American people deserve answers on how their taxpayer money was abused, and arrests are being made in pursuit of the pic.twitter.com/CXEg3dfk1p Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 12, 2026 Federal Crackdown on ICE Criticism The subpoena campaign coincides with broader Trump administration efforts to suppress criticism of immigration enforcement operations. In cities like Minneapolis, federal agents have informed anti-ICE protesters they are being recorded and identified, creating what advocates describe as a chilling effect on public demonstrations. White House border czar Tom Homan has previously discussed creating a database of individuals arrested for attempting to interfere with ICE and Border Patrol operations, raising concerns about government surveillance of political activism. 'The government is taking more liberties than they used to,' said Steve Loney, senior supervising attorney at ACLU Pennsylvania. 'It's a whole other level of frequency and lack of accountability.' Civil liberties advocates warn that deploying administrative subpoenas to unmask anonymous critics pushes federal power into areas of protected speech, potentially criminalising acts of community solidarity and information sharing. Whether technology companies will universally comply remains uncertain, given past resistance to similar demands. During President Donald Trump's first term in 2017, the platform then known as Twitter sued the federal government to block an administrative subpoena seeking to identify an account critical of the administration. The subpoena was ultimately dropped following public pressure, though the current climate suggests a more aggressive and sustained approach to identifying and potentially prosecuting DHS critics. Originally published on IBTimes UK Pump jacks working on the Permian Basin near Odessa on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer) When the shale revolution kicked off in 2009, beautiful black crude gushed in Texas, attracting the attention of wildcatters the world over. The drilling opportunities were so prolific that it sucked the air out of the room for most international shale plays at the time. But now, the relationship between U.S. crude producers and domestic oil fields may be coming to a crossroads. Companies that once exclusively operated in the U.S. are beginning to turn their heads abroad in favor of foreign oil plays in South America, Africa and the Middle East, as concerns deepen over the availability of resources in domestic oil fields such as the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shale. Harold Hamm, the billionaire wildcatter who helped usher in the shale revolution, announced last month that his company Continental Resources would stop drilling in the Bakken of North Dakota for the first time in decades. The announcement came less than two weeks after the company announced plans to double down in the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina. VENEZUELA GAMBLE: What role will Houston's oil companies play in rebuilding Venezuela's oil industry? EOG Resources, another early champion of the shale revolution, has explored drilling opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, and more recently, the Middle East. It also has landed agreements in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, likely worth billions of dollars. International shale exploration is nothing new, said Matthew Bernstein, vice president of North America oil and gas for Rystad Energy. What is unique, he said, is how these companies whose "core competencies" were in U.S. shale are now taking those skills abroad. One of the questions moving ahead, Bernstein said, will be what this trend means for the long term opportunities for smaller and even mid-sized domestic producers. "It's a bit of a trickier position to be in," he said. Combined now with complicated tariffs, increased production costs and a year of low crude prices, it's likely that companies of almost all sizes that focus largely on the Permian will need to consider looking elsewhere in the coming years, said Joshua Dixon, a senior research analyst with Wood Mackenzie. "If they want to continue rates of production, or even growth, something else will have to fill that gap," he said. GAME PLAN: Chevron and Exxon Mobil, Houston's oil majors, take rival stances on Venezuelan oil as profits drop The first serious cracks in the relationship started to show in 2022 with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Dixon said. David Dee Delgado/Getty Images Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. When asked about the ongoing labor crisis and where things are heading for Americans, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent isnt mincing words. In a Fox Business interview, he admitted that young graduates and white-collar professionals across the country face a difficult job market because of disruption from artificial intelligence (1). Must Read When asked by Maria Bartiromo at Fox Business what he would do if he were a young graduate facing the current job market, he offered quick advice. I don't know what job I would go into, Maria. But I can tell you, I would be trained up in AI What I would do is become an AI native. The message lands at a time of profound change. Heres why you should consider adopting some AI skills, regardless of your age, industry and experience. Widespread disruption Job losses from AI arent a distant prediction but an ongoing reality. As of the end of November, AI was directly cited as a reason for nearly 55,000 job cuts in 2025, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas (2). Young Americans are particularly vulnerable to this disruption, as the unemployment rate for recent college graduates hit 5.6% by the end of 2025 (3). Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said in December he believes the rate could hit 25% within the next five years if current trends continue (4). Dario Amodei, CEO of AI firm Anthropic, had an even more terrifying prediction. He told Axios that nearly half of all entry-level white-collar workers could be obsolete within five years because of AI (5). Young, entry-level workers are at the forefront of this trend, but as the technology improves, older workers could be at risk as well. Goldman Sachs predicts up to 14% of global jobs could be disrupted by AI, under specific assumptions about the technologys improvement and adoption over time (6). Thats 1 in 7 workers. With the threat of automation looming over us all, acquiring new and unique skills to work with AI could be the equivalent of a career insurance policy. Read More: Approaching retirement with no savings? Dont panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast) How to become AI native The pace of change in the AI industry can feel overwhelming. But the good news is that this rapid change also creates a level playing field. New tools and upgrades are launched every few months, and if you master even one of them, you could be miles ahead of your peers. Aiken Standard reporter Bill Bengtson is an Aiken Standard reporter. He can be reached at (803) 644-2355 and bbengtson@aikenstandard.com. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Multi-jurisdiction structures are processed in parallel, with each region's approval enabling incremental service access Trade finance services are activated once commercial documentation is cleared One global bank inverted this relationship by asking: "What's the minimum information required to activate each product safely?" The result was layered activation: Most CLM platforms measure success by audit readiness. This treats onboarding as a risk management function that happens to enable revenue, rather than a revenue function that manages risk. Legacy platforms were built as workflow engines: route this document, collect these fields, enforce this sequence. What fintechs need are decision engines: evaluate this risk, dynamically determine requirements, activate when rules permit, and escalate only genuine ambiguity. The required transformation demands rethinking CLM from the ground up. Manual validation of machine-readable data , despite the IDP being capable of instant extraction Sequential processing across borders , even when regulatory requirements are independent Today's challenge is different. Fintechs compete on activation speed, not documentation quality. They need systems that make intelligent risk decisions in real-time, not platforms that route documents through approval queues. Most banks rely on established CLM vendors like Pega, KYC360 and Encompass. These platforms were designed to centralise documentation and enforce process consistency. They digitised manual workflows effectively when compliance was about record-keeping. Yet reductions of up to 70% are achievable by rethinking the architecture from the ground up. Up to 63% of customers abandon digital onboarding if it takes too long A fintech executive watches their latest customer acquisition campaign deliver thousands of signups, only for 70% to drop out before completing onboarding. A corporate client ready to move millions waits six weeks while documents shuffle between operations, compliance teams across three jurisdictions. This happens daily across UK fintech. Client Lifecycle Management (CLM), encompassing onboarding, KYC, AML, and ongoing monitoring, has become a critical chokepoint in the revenue engine. Story Continues Clients who previously waited months could begin transacting within days. Revenue capture occurred in the first week rather than the first quarter. Regulatory risk didn't increase; it was managed more precisely. Technical implementation requires: Progressive disclosure : Show clients only the information needed at each threshold Contextual guidance : Explain why data is required Smart defaults: Pre-populate from authoritative sources When combined with deterministic policy execution, compliance becomes nearly invisible to users. Shift two: Encode compliance policies as executable logic A major bank managed compliance across 50+ markets using spreadsheets. Updates are required every month. Regional teams interpreted rules differently. Audit findings multiplied. The problem was that policies existed only as documentation, not as code. When rules live in PDFs, every implementation is an interpretation. Policy-as-code makes compliance deterministic. Instead of "High-risk industries require enhanced due diligence," the system encodes specific logic that auto-executes. This enabled a three-tier architecture: 80% global core rules are deployed enterprise-wide 15% regional configuration for jurisdiction-specific variations 5% client-specific overrides with explicit approvals All rules are exposed as APIs, enabling pre-onboarding tools to auto-generate jurisdiction-specific requirements. When new AML directives were issued, the bank deployed updated rules globally within days rather than months, ensuring identical interpretation across every jurisdiction. Shift three: Automate document intelligence, reserve humans for judgment Traditional CLM treats document review as a human task supported by technology. Intelligence-led CLM inverts this: technology performs extraction, validation, and risk assessment; humans intervene only when genuine judgment is required. One institution delivered 70% reductions in manual work through: IDP and data aggregators auto-populate 80% of routine information from authoritative sources LLMs validate extracted data against compliance requirements and auto-clear low-risk applications Predictive routing assigns complex cases to the right specialist immediately Real-time dashboards give leadership visibility into risk velocity The key principle: machines handle pattern recognition and rule application; humans focus on ambiguous risk assessment and relationship context. The integration with Shift Two is critical, as executable policies define the rules against which AI validates documentation. Shift four: Architect a unified intelligence layer over distributed data One bank discovered that three internal systems reported three different risk scores for the same client. In intelligence-led CLM, this is architecturally impossible. The solution is an API-based data fabric treating all information as streams feeding a single analytical layer. Client data lives on a centralised platform; CLM consumes it via APIs, ensuring consistency. This enables: Real-time data enrichment from internal and external sources Composite risk scoring that's continuously calculated rather than periodically updated Parallel processing across jurisdictions One implementation reduced corporate onboarding time by 70% while achieving zero false positives and complete audit traceability. Sequential processing adds no regulatory value when requirements are independent. Digital-native CLM should operate like modern software: distributed, parallel, coordinated through data. Shift five: Measure business outcomes, not activity completion Traditional metrics count activity: reviews completed, documents collected, and cases pending. Intelligence-led platforms measure outcomes: Time to activation : How quickly clients can transact Audit performance : Zero high-severity findings prove speed doesn't compromise quality User adoption : 90% adoption in week one signals intuitive workflows Customer satisfaction: 96% satisfaction shows a better client experience Outcome-based measurement creates accountability for the entire system architecture. If activation is slow, the problem might be manual review, fragmented data, or inflexible policies. Workflow metrics hide these root causes. Outcome metrics expose them. The strategic imperative Two forces make intelligence-led CLM essential: Open banking adoption: UK adoption is projected to reach 60.5% by 2026, with payment volumes growing 69% year-on-year. Consented data access enables instant risk evaluation, but only if the CLM architecture can exploit it. Policy-as-code encodes logic for evaluating transaction data. Automated intelligence processes patterns at scale. Unified architecture combines open banking feeds with traditional verification. Collapsing customer tolerance: When 63% abandon onboarding due to excessive effort, acquisition economics break down. The gap between consumer expectations set by Amazon, Netflix, and fintech and the reality of fintech is unsustainable. The window for differentiation Fintech competition is increasingly about infrastructure, not brand. Revolut's European growth stems from faster account activation across multiple jurisdictions than traditional banks. Stripe's dominance comes from API reliability, not cheaper fees. CLM is becoming the same category of infrastructure advantage. The components exist: AI for document understanding, API-based data fabrics, policy-as-code platforms. The real question is which institutions will act first. Day-zero activation should be the standard, not the aspiration. The transformation requires rethinking CLM from first principles: not as a workflow that routes documents, but as a decision system that evaluates risk. Not as a compliance gateway clients must pass through, but as a revenue infrastructure that enables business growth. The institutions that make this shift will set the pace for the next decade. The question for everyone else is whether they'll follow quickly enough to survive. Anandhan Kannan is Lead Engineering Analyst and Regional Tech Lead (UK & Europe) at Standard Chartered Bank "What separates fast fintechs from slow banks" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Light rain transitioning to a few showers by morning. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Light rain transitioning to a few showers by morning. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-15 01:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 368 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 14, 2026 / Elektros Inc. today marks Valentine's Day by sharing a refined message with its shareholders, prospective investors, and the global investment community-one centered on partnership, trust, and the enduring principles that define long-term value creation.Valentine's Day and Valentine's evening offer a moment of pause across cultures and markets alike. They serve as a reminder that the strongest institutions are built not only through strategy and execution, but through relationships grounded in respect, consistency, and mutual confidence. These values have guided enduring enterprises across generations and economic cycles.On this occasion, Elektros extends its warmest wishes to shareholders, future shareholders, and the broader public for a meaningful Valentine's Day, a memorable Valentine's night, and a wonderful holiday weekend. Thoughtful acknowledgment, expressed with professionalism and sincerity, reinforces trust and strengthens the bonds that sustain long-term partnerships.At Elektros, these principles are integral to governance, decision-making, and strategic vision. The company remains focused on responsible growth, transparent communication, and disciplined stewardship on behalf of its shareholders worldwide."As Chief Executive Officer of Elektros, I extend my sincere appreciation to our shareholders and to the global community we serve. Valentine's Day is an opportunity to reflect on partnership, trust, and shared purpose. We are grateful for the confidence placed in us and remain firmly committed to executing our long-term vision with discipline, integrity, and respect." - Shlomo Bleier, Chief Executive Officer, Elektros Inc.The continued support of Elektros' shareholders is deeply valued and serves as a constant source of responsibility and focus as the company advances its mission.Elektros wishes everyone around the world a very happy Valentine's Day, a beautiful Valentine's evening, and a positive, enjoyable holiday weekend.About Elektros Inc. Elektros Inc. is dedicated to building long-term shareholder value through innovation, integrity, and disciplined execution. The company is committed to transparent communication and responsible stewardship across all stakeholder relationships.Website: www.elektros.energyEmail: ElektrosInc@ gmail.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Elektros Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by law.SOURCE: Elektros, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-15 00:01:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 407 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 14, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. ("Kyndryl" or the "Company") (NYSE:KD). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Kyndryl and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until April 13, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Kyndryl securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 9, 2026, Kyndryl filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-5 announcing that it would be unable to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 within the necessary time. The late filing notice also revealed the existence of an investigation by the SEC into the Company's financial reporting. Separately, Kyndryl announced that "David Wyshner departed from his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and Edward Sebold departed from his position as General Counsel of the Company, effective immediately. In addition, on the same date, Vineet Khurana stepped down from his position as Senior Vice President and Global Controller of the Company and assumed a different role at the Company." On this news, Kyndryl's stock price fell $12.90 per share, or 55%, to close at $10.59 per share on February 9, 2026.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.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-15 00:01:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 14, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works" or the "Company") (NYSE:BBWI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton atnewaction@ pomlaw.comor 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Bath & Body Works and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until March 16, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On August 28, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported its second quarter 2025 financial results. Among other items, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.30, representing a decline of 55.8% year over year and missing the Company's prior guidance on the low end by $0.03. Bath & Body Works also reported net income of $64 million, a decline of 57.9% year over year. The Company also announced that it was cutting its full year guidance for earnings per diluted share by $0.03 at the midpoint, to a range of $3.28 to $3.53.On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $2.18 per share, or 6.9%, to close at $29.36 per share on August 28, 2025.Then, on November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported third quarter 2025 financial results. The Company reported a 1% year over year decline in revenue, missing its guidance of 1-3% growth for the quarter. Bath & Body Work's net income also declined, falling 26% to $77 million. Finally, the Company announced that it was slashing full year guidance for net sales from a previously positive 1.5%-2.7% to negative "high single digits." Bath & Body Works also cut expected earnings per diluted share from a range of $3.28 to $3.53 to "at least $2.83." In an investor presentation published the same day, the Company announced a new business strategy and admitted that its strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" had "not grown our total customer base." On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $5.22 per share, or 24.8%, to close at $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.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. Seewww.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-15 01:05:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 702 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 14, 2026 / WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds all former stockholders of Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE: SMAR) in connection with the January 2025 sale (the "Merger" or "Buyout") of Smartsheet to affiliates of investment funds managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc. (collectively "Blackstone"), investment funds managed by Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC ("Vista Equity Partners" or "Vista"), and Platinum Falcon B 2018 RSC Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which participated as an indirect minority investor in Smartsheet ("Platinum Falcon," and together with Blackstone and Vista, the "Consortium"), of the important February 24, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you are a former Smartsheet stockholder, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Smartsheet class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49166 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 24, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.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, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. 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 has 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.DETAILS OF THE CASE: The complaint alleges that in connection with Smartsheet's solicitation of stockholder approval of the Buyout, defendants issued and filed with the SEC a false and misleading Schedule 14A Proxy statement, as amended (the "Proxy"). Defendants used the Proxy to intentionally mischaracterize Smartsheet's financial success and performance during and in the context of Smartsheet's sales process. Specifically, defendants deliberately cast Smartsheet's quarterly earnings in a negative light in the Proxy, and emphasized a financial metric that it apparently made up just for the purposes of soliciting approval for the Buyout. Additionally, it was alleged that defendant Mark P. Mader failed to use reasonable care in the fulfillment of his disclosure duties.To join the Smartsheet class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49166or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.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 reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security by expanding the adoption of biofortified crops across the country. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this at a national biofortification workshop in Kano on Saturday. Mr Ogunbiyi said ensuring food availability alone was no longer sufficient. He stressed the need to guarantee that food consumed by Nigerians was nutritious, safe, affordable and accessible. Mr Ogunbiyi lamented that malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remained major public health and economic challenges in the country. He said, Biofortification provides a cost-effective and sustainable approach to improving nutrition, particularly among women, children and vulnerable groups. The workshop was organised to review the mandate and operational framework of the National Biofortification Steering Committee and align it with national food and nutrition policies. Nigeria currently has the largest portfolio of biofortified crops globally, with iron-rich pearl millet, zinc-enriched rice, Vitamin A cassava, Vitamin A maize and Vitamin A sweet potato developed and promoted through partnerships with research institutions. The initiative has been integrated into national agricultural and nutrition policies, with private sector participation strengthening the value chain through seed multiplication, processing and market development, he added. The participants emphasised the need for sustained investments in research, extension services and awareness creation to accelerate the adoption of biofortified crops nationwide. (NAN) Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has denied claims that she was appointed as a brand ambassador for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) after sharing a video praising improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The video, which went viral last week, showed the actress highlighting what she described as visible upgrades at the airport terminals. The post, however, sparked criticism online, with some users accusing her of suddenly aligning with government institutions she had previously criticised, particularly in the run-up to the 2023 general elections. Beyond the political backlash, Ms Ojo has also faced renewed scrutiny over past controversies, including allegations of tax evasion and the abuse of the naira, which resurfaced as critics questioned her motivations for praising a government agency. Clarification Responding to the claims on Sunday, the actress said she was neither paid nor formally engaged by FAAN, insisting that she shared the video voluntarily after receiving approval to film at the airport while shooting a movie scene. In a series of posts on her social media pages, Ojo said she was surprised by claims that she had been appointed a FAAN ambassador, stressing that no such arrangement existed. She said she decided to share the airport footage because she observed what she described as visible improvements in infrastructure and service delivery. FAAN is changing for the better in so many ways. Besides the renovation of the MMIA Lagos Terminal 1 and the beauty and comfort of Terminal 2, the service of their protocol team is exceptional. Im so proud of my country, she wrote. Clarifying further, the actress said she had obtained approval to film at the airport for a movie scene and was encouraged by FAAN officials to help amplify the ongoing upgrades. She insisted, however, that the video was not a paid engagement. When I see progress like upgraded airports, better systems, and new roads, I talk about it. Not because Im paid or political, but because I want whats good for my country, she said. They asked me to help spread the word after I got approval to film. I did it for free. There was no contract and no payment. Publicity for access Ojo also rejected claims that she traded publicity for access, saying her professional fees far exceed the cost of securing filming approval at the airport. She added that her praise was directed at improvements in service delivery rather than an endorsement of any political party, noting that she would continue to speak up when she observed progress. My loyalty is to my country, she wrote. If I see good, I will acknowledge it. Silence does not build anything. She also pledged to work with any political party as long as its about building a better tomorrow for Nigeria. No gigs awarded Meanwhile, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, also dismissed reports that the actress had been appointed as an ambassador or awarded any contract by the agency. Responding on her verified X account, Ms Kuku said the actress was only encouraged to raise awareness about ongoing reforms at the airport while filming a movie scene. FAAN did not award Iyabo Ojo any gig and is not an ambassador, Ms Kuku wrote. She was simply asked to help raise awareness of ongoing improvements under this administration. There was no financial incentive. The FAAN boss said the agency did not enter into any formal agreement with the actress, adding that her post was not part of any paid promotional arrangement. The iShares Silver Trust (NYSEMKT:SLV) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (NYSEMKT:SGDM) both offer access to precious metals, but SLV tracks the price of physical silver, while SGDM invests in a concentrated basket of gold mining stocks. This comparison highlights their cost, recent returns, volatility, and how each ETF may fit in a portfolio focused on metals or mining equities. Snapshot (cost & size) Metric SLV SGDM Issuer iShares Sprott Expense ratio 0.50% 0.50% 1-yr return (as of Feb. 14, 2026 137.63% 149.88% Beta 0.41 0.53 AUM $44.77 billion $823.11 million Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Both SLV and SGDM charge a 0.50% annual fee, and share similar Betas and one-year returns. SLV does have an exponentially higher valuation, partially because it has been on the market for more than 8 years, compared to SGDM. Performance & risk comparison Metric SLV SGDM Max drawdown (5 y) (37.65%) (45.05%) Growth of $1,000 over 5 years $2,764 $2,667 What's inside Launched 11 years ago, SGDM invests in 43 stocks within the global gold mining industry. The largest positions include Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM.TO), Newmont Corp. (NYSE:NEM), and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (TSX:WPM.TO). For nearly 20 years, SLV has been offering investors exposure to silver. Designed to track the price of silver, the funds holdings comprise 100% silver bullion held in London. For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link. What this means for investors Investors should be aware that precious metal ETFs can exhibit abnormal volatility due to the inherent volatility of the metals they hold. Silver can be 2-3 times more volatile than gold because of its smaller market size. Over the long term though, silver and many other lower-volume precious metals tend to move directionally with gold, similar to how many smaller cryptocurrencies follow Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC). So when looking only at the general trend direction, both ETFs have appeared nearly identical over recent years. Now is a strong period for precious metals, as gold and silver typically perform better during economic uncertainty. Tariffs and global tensions are affecting global markets, and gold and silver tremendously benefited from this trend in 2025 and into 2026. Both SLV and SGDM would make a great duo to diversify a portfolio with precious metal-related funds. However, if choosing between the two, it will essentially come down to whether investors prefer silver or gold, and/or whether theyd prefer market-related stocks vs. physical silver. Established in 1987, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) serves as a key foreign policy tool under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was designed to provide technical assistance to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries as a strategic alternative to direct monetary aid. Foreign affairs analysts say the scheme has credibly acquitted itself ever since, fostering relations and understanding between Nigeria and ACP countries. NTAC sends professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers to ACP countries. A critical part of NTACs mandate is the deployment of skilled volunteers to ACP countries to strengthen South-South cooperation. The Technical Aid Corps (TAC) is used to bridge the educational and professional gaps in these countries and among their people. The corps focuses on capacity building and human resources development, as well as filling critical manpower gaps in the health and education sectors, which directly support sustainable development through its partnership with these countries. Since its inception, NTAC has deployed more than 10,000 volunteers to ACP countries. In 2025, NTAC deployed TAC volunteers to 12 ACP countries: Jamaica, the Republic of Benin, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Zanzibar, Grenada, The Gambia, Liberia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Seychelles and St. Kitts and Nevis. The corps also established new relations with Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis last year. Also in 2025, NTAC recorded a significant milestone and met targets despite challenges. Observers say that NTAC, under the leadership of Director-General Yusuf Yakub, is experiencing a new dawn. On Strategic Alignment, NTAC has been repositioned to align with the 4D Foreign PolicyDemocracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora to bolster Nigerias soft power diplomacy and international influence. The corps has strengthened ties with countries such as Jamaica, the Republic of Benin, Rwanda, and others through capacity-building and human resource development. Foreign affairs analysts say the corps efforts align with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on democracy, development, and diaspora engagement. It is worth noting that NTAC has received accolades from countries affected by its interventions. The Gambian Government recently applauded Nigerias educational interventions in the country. Pierre Gomez, the minister of Higher Education, praised the impact of Nigerian professors on their educational sector. Mr Gomez said the Gambian President was pleased with the impact of Nigerian professors from NTAC at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET). Also, Mrr Yakubs courtesy visit to Eleonore Ladekan, the Beninese Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, elicited applause NTAC). The visit was to bridge the communication gap, strengthen diplomatic ties and facilitate trade between Nigeria and Benin. Mr Yakub said the visit was aimed at mitigating communication barriers to enhance trade development and other bilateral ties between the two countries. On her part, Ms Ladekan extended her countrys gratitude to President Tinubu for his continuous dedication and commitment to the development of ACP countries through NTAC. She expressed the countrys desire to partner with NTAC to explore additional opportunities and also affirmed Benins commitment to sustaining and expanding cooperation with Nigeria for mutual benefit. In addition, NTAC opened new relations with Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis, and is set to deploy more volunteers to address manpower gaps in the health and education sectors. In April 2025, the corps sent 35 medical professionals to Zanzibar, Tanzania, comprising nurses and doctors, to enhance Nigerias foreign policy and bridge gaps in countries in need of professionals. Providing further insights, Mr Yakub said the Jamaican government sought 400 workers from Nigeria and was ready to pay 100 per cent of their salaries to bridge the manpower gap in the North American country. He said that the Jamaican deployment was done to fulfil Nigerias big brother role to the ACP countries and to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties. According to him, it aligns with President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, which is anchored in the core pillars of democracy, development, demographic engagement, and diaspora engagement. Analysts say under the leadership of Mr Yakub, NTAC has strengthened ties with countries such as Jamaica, the Republic of Benin, Rwanda, and others through capacity-building and human resources development. Some notable achievements include: New Partnerships formed, which enabled NTAC to open new relations with Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Volunteer deployments, 35 medical professionals were sent to Zanzibar, Tanzania, and 16 TAC volunteers were deployed to Jamaica, a foreign affairs analyst said. More recently, NTAC received one of its deployed volunteers from the Republic of Uganda at the expiration of his two-year stay in the country. The returning volunteer, Joseph Apagu, a professor, was received at the NTAC Complex by the Director (Programmes), Zakari Usman, who subsequently presented him to the director-general. In his remarks, Mr Yakub expressed appreciation for Mr Apagus dedication and exemplary service while on assignment in Uganda. The director-general commended him for representing Nigeria positively and contributing meaningfully to development efforts in the host country, in line with the objectives of the TAC scheme. READ ALSO: Nigerian govt commits to adoption of biofortified crops He urged the returnee to sustain the values of professionalism, discipline, and patriotism which the corps upheld, and to continue serving as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in all future endeavours. In an increasingly polarised world, foreign affairs commentators say the ongoing repositioning of NTAC operations should be sustained. Despite challenges, stakeholders say they are upbeat about Mr Yakubs ability to continue leveraging ICT to enhance strategic partnerships and update the legal framework to boost Nigerias soft power and development leadership in the Global South. (NAN) On 19 December 2025, Nigeria and the United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for health cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigerias health system, improving disease control, and increasing domestic health financing. The agreement, which will run from April 2026 to December 2030, combines nearly $2.1 billion in United States grant funding with an estimated $3 billion in Nigerian government investment. Both governments describe it as a shift toward a more resilient, self-reliant and accountable health system for Nigeria. Nigerias Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the MoU represents a major step in safeguarding the health of Nigerians while strengthening national resilience. This partnership underscores our determination to build a health system that can prevent, detect, and respond to health threats, while expanding access to affordable, quality care for all Nigerians, Mr Pate said. It also reflects our firm commitment to domestic investment, accountability, and long-term sustainability. However, beyond its ambitious funding commitments, the MoU has also sparked debate, particularly over its religious framing, transparency, and what it ultimately means for Nigerias health sovereignty. A shift in US health assistance The new deal comes at a time when the US under President Donald Trump is reshaping its global health assistance programmes, following the dissolution of key aid vehicles such as USAID, the US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Presidents Malaria Initiative. In a statement announcing the Nigeria MoU, the US government said the five-year MoU is part of efforts to advance the America First Global Health Strategy, aimed at supporting resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems while promoting accountability and shared responsibility. It added that the agreement represents the largest co-investment made by any country under the new strategy, underscoring Nigerias commitment to greater national ownership of its health system. Under the MoU, the United States said it will continue to support disease surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities, frontline healthcare workers and health data systems. The focus areas include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, and maternal and child health. The country has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and accounts for about 30 per cent of the global malaria burden. US assistance under the MOU will expand access to affordable, preventive and curative services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health, strengthening health outcomes across Nigeria, it noted. What the agreement includes According to the statement from Nigerias Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the MoU will enhance collaboration on the early detection, prevention and control of emerging, re-emerging and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Under the agreement, both countries will work together to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response, improve laboratory systems and biosafety procedures, support frontline healthcare workers, strengthen health data systems, ensure access to essential health commodities, and provide strategic investment and technical assistance across the health sector. The MoU also aligns with Nigerias ongoing health reforms, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Health Sector Renewal Compact signed in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu and all 36 state governors. Why the support matters for Nigeria Nigerias health indicators remain among the worst globally, despite decades of donor-supported programmes. A 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) report titled Improving maternal and newborn health and survival and reducing stillbirths showed that Nigeria accounts for the second-highest number of maternal deaths worldwide. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimates that one in every seven maternal deaths globally occurs in Nigeria more than 50,000 women annually. Most of these deaths are caused by preventable and treatable conditions such as severe bleeding, infections, hypertensive disorders and delayed access to care. Malaria remains another major burden. In 2024, Mr Pate noted that Nigeria bears about 30 per cent of the global malaria burden, with an estimated 68 million cases and 190,000 deaths recorded in 2021 alone. Nigerias primary healthcare system is also constrained by chronic underfunding, infrastructure gaps and unequal access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Support under the MoU could help strengthen these weak points if effectively implemented and sustained. Religious framing and public concern Despite its potential benefits, the agreement has sparked controversy. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigerias main opposition parties, recently raised concerns about the religious framing of the US support, warning that it could deepen divisions in Nigerias fragile social landscape. The opposition party cited the US governments statement that the MoU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, with about $200 million in dedicated support for Christian clinics and hospitals. Nigerias 200 million-plus population is estimated to be almost evenly made up of Christians and Muslims. According to the US, Nigerias more than 900 Christian faith-based health facilities serve over 30 per cent of the population, often in areas where public healthcare facilities are limited. However, the ADC argued that this religious emphasis was absent from Nigerias official explanation of the agreement. It called on the Nigerian government to publish the full MoU to address concerns about transparency, sovereignty and constitutional compliance. The debate comes amid heightened international scrutiny of religious violence in Nigeria. In October 2025, President Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, citing religious freedom violations, especially against Christians. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly rejected claims that violence targets Christians alone, describing insecurity as a complex crisis driven by ethnicity, banditry and broader security failures affecting all communities. Caution on transparency and sovereignty In an analysis published by Nigeria Health Watch, its Managing Director, Vivianne Ihekweazu, urged caution in interpreting the MoUs promises and implications. Mrs Ihekweazu noted that an MoU is a formal statement of intent, not a legally binding agreement. In the United States, actual funding will still require appropriation by Congress, while Nigerias co-financing commitments must be approved through future budget cycles. This reality introduces significant uncertainty into any multi-year agreement, she wrote, pointing to Nigerias long-standing failure to meet the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15 per cent of national budgets to health. She also raised concerns about transparency, noting that the full signed MoU has not been made public. She argued that publishing the agreement would build public trust and allow Nigerians to better assess its implications. She highlighted particular concern about provisions related to health data sharing. A circulated summary of the MoU refers to negotiations on regulated data-sharing arrangements, raising questions about data ownership, privacy and national control. Similar clauses in other African countries have sparked debate, especially where agreements included references to long-term sharing of pathogen samples or access to national databases. Until the final signed MoU between Nigeria and the United States is made public, it is not possible to fully understand the commitments made or their implications for Nigerias sovereignty, she noted. Opportunity and risk The USNigeria health agreement presents a clear opportunity for Nigeria, but it also raises important questions about transparency, funding commitments, sovereignty and long-term independence. If fully implemented, the deal could help Nigeria strengthen disease surveillance, improve access to essential medicines, support frontline health workers and expand primary healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. The commitment to increased domestic health financing could also reduce long-term dependence on foreign aid. However, concerns remain about transparency and implementation. The full text of the MoU has not been made public, making it difficult to assess all the obligations and conditions attached to the agreement. Beyond funding promises, the success of the agreement will depend on how well it is implemented, how resources are shared, and whether commitments on both sides are honoured over the next five years. For Nigeria, the real test will be whether the partnership delivers stronger, more reliable healthcare for ordinary citizens and ultimately helps build a health system capable of standing on its own long after the agreement ends. The Nigerian government has warned its citizens to be careful of being recruited to fight in foreign wars, following confirmations that two Nigerians were recently killed in Ukraine while fighting for Russia. Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed grave concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts. PREMIUM TIMES reported that two Nigerians were recently killed in Ukraine while fighting for the Russian army. In a 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. It said that they were found dead, and their bodies were discovered in the Luhansk region in Eastern Ukraine, a front-line area in the Russia-Ukraine war. In his Sunday statement, Mr Ebienfa said recent media investigations and security reports indicated that Nigerian nationals were recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives. Several Nigerians who have fallen victim to such unfortunate situations were deployed to combat zones, after being misled and coerced into signing military service contracts, Mr Tuggar was quoted as saying. Reports suggest that recruitment tactics involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship. In several instances, victims are reportedly compelled to sign contracts in foreign languages without adequate legal guidance, and their travel documents are allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non-military visa categories. False Recruitments PREMIUM TIMES reports that 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. 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. Tuggars reaction to recruitment scandals Mr Tuggar said the Nigerian government warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts. He said such actions not only endanger lives, but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment. The Ministry wishes to emphasise that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk. To address the anomaly, government is engaging relevant domestic and international partners to investigate these developments and to enhance public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment. Nigerian Missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals, he said. READ ALSO: Ukraine provides alleged contract details of Nigerians who died fighting for Russia He urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens are strongly advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities. Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad. Nigerian nationals must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances, the minister stated. (NAN) The Senate has said its decision to make electronic transmission of election results optional rather than mandatory was based on advice from key stakeholders in Nigerias communications and power sectors. The upper chamber said it engaged principal actors in both sectors before passing the amended Electoral Act and discovered that many communities remain outside internet coverage, while millions of Nigerians still lack access to electricity. The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), made the explanation in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday. Mr Bamidele said Nigerias broadband internet penetration remains low compared to global standards and those of other developed countries. Based on the Speedtest Global Index, Nigerias mobile network reliability was 44.14 megabits per second. This is extremely low compared with the UAE at 691.76 Mbps; Qatar at 573.53 Mbps; Kuwait at 415.67mbps; Bahrain at 303.21 Mbps; and Bulgaria at 289.41 Mbps. The Index placed Nigeria far below the global average. Nigerias fixed internet broadband rating is quite low by the global standard. Out of 150 countries, Nigeria ranked 129th with only 33.32 Mbps. In this rating, Singapore came first with 410.06 Mbps, followed by the UAEs 382.35 Mbps; Frances 346.25 Mbps, Chiles 348.41 Mbps and Hong Kongs 345.25 Mbps, he said. The senate leader also referenced electricity challenges as a key consideration in the amendment, noting that at least 85 million Nigerians, representing about 43 per cent of the population, still lack access to grid electricity due to limited distribution and transmission capacity. At least 85 million Nigerians still lack access to grid electricity. This figure amounts to about 43 per cent of the population. This shortfall speaks to the state of our power infrastructure. Even though our generation capacity hovers roughly between 12,000 and 13,500 megawatts, our distribution and transmission capacity is acutely limited. As we all know, it can only deliver 4,500 megawatts to households nationwide. But with the Electricity Act, 2025, our power sector will record significant growth from this financial year, he added. The amendment Last Tuesday, the Senate rescinded its earlier decision on the Electoral Act amendment, in which it rejected the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the INECs Result Viewing Portal (IREV) after vote counting. The lawmakers consequently re-amended the Electoral Act to accommodate the electronic transmission of results. However, the provision comes with a caveat that, in the event of internet failure, Form EC8A will serve as the primary means of result collation. Despite the change, the amendment does not make electronic transmission mandatory. Instead, it allows results to be transmitted electronically while providing an alternative in cases of network failure. Form EC8A is the primary document on which the presiding officer records the results immediately after votes are counted at a polling unit. In election petitions, courts often rely heavily on EC8A forms because they represent the first official record of votes at the source. The Senate has constituted a nine-member harmonisation committee to reconcile differences between its version of the bill and the one earlier passed by the House of Representatives. The committee is scheduled to begin sitting on Monday to deliberate on the amendment and recommend a final version for passage and presidential assent before it becomes law. Meanwhile, some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) involved in election observation and civic advocacy have urged the harmonisation committee to adopt the House of Representatives version of the amendment, which mandates electronic transmission of results irrespective of internet challenges. The organisations are Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), ElectHER, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and TAF Africa. Senates argument on the global standard Mr Bamidele argued that given Nigerias low broadband capacity and limited electricity access, making electronic transmission mandatory at this stage could create unpredictability and potentially plunge the countrys electoral system into crisis. The real-time electronic transmission of election results may not be practicable at this stage of our development. To avoid a situation that compounds our countrys woes, it is better we make it discretionary since Section 62(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022 has already established the National Electronic Register of Election Results, he argued. He explained that these factors were major reasons the Senate initially retained Sections 60(3 & 5) of the Electoral Act 2022, which were later reviewed at an emergency plenary session. All these facts were before us for consideration before we initially decided to retain Section 60(3 & 5) of the Electoral Act, 2022, in the interest of the people and security. The data speak directly to the stark realities of our federation and not the emotion or sentiment, he said. The Senate leader stressed that lawmakers cannot enact laws based on emotion or sentiment but must respond to the realities and needs of the people. We recognise that lawmaking globally comes with huge responsibilities. As representatives of the people, we cannot enact laws based purely on public emotion or sentiment. These are huge obligations the Constitution places upon us all, and we cannot discharge them at the expense of the citizenry. In democracy, law-making sits at the heart of public governance. Indeed, it is its lifeblood that freely flows in the veins of all public institutions. It does not respond to mere emotion or sentiment, but to facts, proofs or realities that can define or distort the future of our political system. If our law does not capture the realities of the federation, then it is a script for anarchy or a ploy for instability he said. Mr Bamidele added that the Senates redrafting of Clause 60(3 & 5) including the deletion of the phrase real-time was intended to ensure that Nigerias electoral framework remains practical and responsive to present realities. This deduction guided the decision of the Senate to redraft Clause 60(3 & 5) with a caveat, while at the same time addressing the concerns of our people nationwide substantially. The caveat, in this case, is the outright deletion of real time from the clause so that we will not end up with an electoral governance framework that cannot respond to the stark realities of our fatherland. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Sunday denied procuring thallium sulphate, a highly toxic, colourless and odourless compound capable of killing humans in small doses. The denial was issued in response to a letter from Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dated 30 January 2026. In the letter, Mr El-Rufai said information available to the political opposition leadership suggested that the NSA had procured approximately 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. In a reply by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier general, signing on behalf of Mr Ribadu, the ONSA acknowledged receipt of Mr El-Rufais correspondence and denied the allegation. ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so, the statement signed by Mr Adesuyi, stated in the letter, first published by TheCable. The letter added that the matter had been referred to the State Security Service (SSS) for a comprehensive investigation, and that Mr El-Rufai and other parties in possession of relevant information would be invited by the service to provide evidence. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim, will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence, the letter read. El-Rufais Letter In his original letter to Mr Ribadu, Mr El-Rufai described the alleged procurement as a matter of grave public concern, noting that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances. I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland, he wrote. The former governor raised six specific questions, asking Mr Ribadu to clarify the intended purpose and end-use of the substance; the identity of the supplier and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit; the total quantity and specific form or concentration procured; the storage and security arrangements upon arrival; the regulatory oversight in place with NAFDAC, the NCDC and other public-health and environmental agencies; and whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed, given the compounds extreme toxicity. I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed, Mr El-Rufai wrote. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed. The former governor said he was also copying the letter to NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), both of which, he noted, play essential roles in chemical safety and public-health preparedness. The RibaduEl-Rufai feud The latest exchange marks an escalation in the frosty relationship between Messrs Ribadu and El-Rufai two men who were once close friends and political allies. Both rose to national prominence under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Mr Ribadu served as the pioneering head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). At the same time, Mr El-Rufai was initially director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises before becoming minister of the Federal Capital Territory. At the time, both were regarded as key reformist figures driving the governments anti-corruption and modernisation agenda. Their friendship began to unravel in 2011, when the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) nominated Mr Ribadu as its presidential candidate. Mr El-Rufai opposed the candidacy, instead backing Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in that election. In recent months, their public feud has intensified. Last week, Mr El-Rufai appeared on Arise Television, where he accused his former ally of weaponising anti-graft institutions, particularly the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to hound him following corruption allegations against his administration in Kaduna State. When Mr El Rufai made similar claims last year, Mr Ribadu dismissed the allegations, insisting that anti-corruption agencies operate independently and that he had no role in the former governors accountability troubles. The thallium sulphate allegation now represents the sharpest point of public confrontation between the two men. A total of 18 ships are discharging petroleum products and other commodities at Apapa Lekki and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Saturday. NPA explained that the ships were discharging buck fertiliser, general cargo, bulk sugar, gasoline, bulk urea and condensate, bulk gypsum and containers. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 46 other ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive in Lagos ports between Saturday and 22 February. NPA said that the expected ships would bring general cargoes, bulk urea, bulk wheat, empty containers, crude oil, bulk gypsum, trucks, bulk gas, bulk pallets, containers of different goods, bulk salt and petrol. It said seven ships had arrived at the ports and were waiting to berth with bulk urea, crude oil, diesel, aviation fuel, general cargo and petrol. (NAN) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, including the over N629 billion paid to unknown beneficiaries as part of the Anchor Borrowers Programme. The lawsuit followed the grave allegations contained in the latest annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was published on 9 September 2025. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2026 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel the CBN to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, including detailed reports of how exactly the funds were spent. In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, and anticorruption standards. SERAP is arguing that, These grave violations also reflect a failure of CBN accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institutions persistent failure to comply with its Act and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. According to SERAP, These violations have seriously undermined the ability of the CBN to effectively discharge its statutory functions and the public trust and confidence in the bank. The CBN ought to be committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. SERAP is also arguing that Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the missing or diverted public funds. Granting the reliefs sought would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition. SERAP said, Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 13 of the Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the CBN to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Valentina Adegoke, read in part: According to the Auditor-General, the CBN in 2022 failed to remit over N1 trillion [N1,445,593,400,000.00] of the Federal Governments portion of operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account. The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The CBN also failed to recover over N629 billion [N629,040,000,000.00] paid to unknown beneficiaries as part of the Anchor Borrowers Programme, a programme meant to support farmers to ensure sustainable food production in the country. But the numbers of beneficiaries who collected the money are unknown. The CBN has also failed to recover the money. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted, which could have contributed to the difficulty in sustaining food security in the Nation. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The CBN has also failed to recover over N784 billion [N784,410,108,864.47] being 32 unpaid, overdue loans and interventions disbursed by the Bank between 2018 and May 2022. The Auditor-General said there was no evidence that the Bank was doing enough to recover the loans/interventions, which ought to have been paid. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The CBN in 2022 also spent over N125 billion [N125,374,000,000.00] on questionable intervention activities. The CBN claimed it spent the money on intervention activities in connection with national security, the federal government, state securities, armed forces and to build the capacity of the financial sector. But the Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been spent without the approval of the National Assembly. There was also no document to support the expenditure. The expenditure also may not have been in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of the CBN in section 2 of the CBN Act. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The CBN in 2022 also unjustifiably spent over N1 billion [N1,792,769,160.00] to buy 43 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). According to the Auditor-General, the spending is unjustified because there is no connection with buying operational vehicles for the NIS and the objectives of the CBN as stated in section 2 of the CBN Act. The NIS also failed to provide any evidence to show that the vehicles were actually supplied and delivered. There were also no procurement and payment records or documents. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The CBN also awarded 43 contracts for over N189 billion [N189,50,066,756.73]. The Auditor-General said that the contractors deliberately delayed completion of these contracts by seeking extension of the completion period. The contractors then requested for variation of the contracts due to extension of completion period. Following the request, the CBN paid the contractors over N9 billion [N9,270,849,691.61] irregular variation of contract price. There were no relevant procurement documents such as contract files, procurement records, and payment vouchers for the payment. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted and the projects may have been abandoned. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The Katsina state branch of the CBN also failed to recover over N90 million [N90,163,610.00] being outstanding loans and interventions disbursed to 33 small and medium enterprises during Covid 19 in 2020. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted or mismanaged. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. Paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides: Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handed over to either the EFCC or the ICPC. Section 51 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act provides that, A person shall have legal capacity to enforce the provision of this Act by obtaining prerogative orders or other remedies at the Federal High Court, without having to show any special particular interest. The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the countrys anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public institutions activities. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. President Bola Tinubu will on Monday pay an official visit to Adamawa State, less than 48 hours after he made a similar visit to Kebbi. During the one-day visit, President Tinubu will inaugurate completed projects, meet with top government officials, and traditional rulers. Billed for inauguration in the capital, Yola, and Jimeta, is the eight-lane Galadima Aminu Road linking Gimba and the capital. The model school, comprising pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary classes, will also be inaugurated by the president. Others include the new multipurpose hall, the remodelled High Court, the newly built officers complex, and the renovated Government House. ALSO READ: US AFRICOM commander visits Tinubu The president will return to Abuja after the inauguration and the interaction with the states indigenes. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) February 15, 2026 Civil society organisations under the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Campaign Coalition have urged the National Assembly to urgently conclude work on the proposed legislation to create 182 additional seats for women, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The coalition made the call in a statement on Sunday and was signed by its Communications Lead, Hammed Adejare. It made the statement following the release of the 2027 election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday. INEC had announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on Saturday, 20 February 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 6 March 2027. The publication of the timetable, the coalition noted, has formally triggered the countdown to the next electoral cycle and narrowed the window for constitutional amendments that must precede it. According to the coalition, the release of the electoral calendar provides clarity for political parties, aspirants, institutions and voters. However, it also signals the urgency for lawmakers to conclude deliberations on House Bill 1349 and Senate Bill 550, twin constitutional amendment bills seeking to establish 182 reserved seats for women in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the State Houses of Assembly. Under the proposal, one additional seat would be created for women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, in both chambers of the National Assembly and in state assemblies. The seats are designed as special constituencies to be contested exclusively by female candidates, without displacing existing lawmakers or altering current federal and state constituency structures. The coalition described the measure as a time-bound corrective mechanism intended to operate for an initial 16-year period. After that period, the National Assembly would review its impact and determine whether further extension is necessary. Progress at the National Assembly The proposed amendment forms part of the ongoing constitutional review process being undertaken by the 10th National Assembly. In the House of Representatives, HB 1349 has scaled second reading and was referred to its Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action, including public hearings and harmonisation with related proposals. In the Senate, SB 550 has also undergone second reading and awaits further consideration at the committee level. As a constitutional alteration bill, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of both chambers and be approved by not less than 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted for presidential assent. With the 2027 elections now formally scheduled, any amendment intended to take effect before the polls must be finalised well before party primaries and candidate nominations. Low female representation Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the lowest levels of female parliamentary representation globally. Women currently occupy less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly, a figure that has declined in recent election cycles. The coalition said this persistent imbalance reflects entrenched structural barriers, including high campaign costs, political violence, party gatekeeping practices and socio-cultural norms that limit womens access to political power. This enduring imbalance is not merely statistics; it reflects structural barriers that weaken representative governance and erode public confidence in democratic institutions, the statement said. It added that women across Nigerias 36 states are prepared to contest, lead and serve, but require deliberate institutional reforms to ensure equitable participation. The coalition challenged the 469 lawmakers of the 10th National Assembly to act with urgency and responsibility. It urged the leadership of both chambers to prioritise and fast-track the passage of SB 550 and HB 1349 within the remaining legislative timeframe to avoid approaching the 2027 general elections with what it described as longstanding structural inequities. The moment for reform is now. The electoral clock is ticking, the statement concluded. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has declared the exclusion of Africa from permanent membership of the Security Council indefensible, urging urgent reform of global power structures. This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the Communication Section of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Addressing the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Mr Guterres said, 2026 cannot operate on a 1946 governance model. According to him, the absence of permanent African seats in the Security Council is indefensible. This is 2026 not 1946. Whenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table, he added. He praised the African Union as a flagship for multilateralism in a fractured world marked by division and mistrust. The Secretary-General thanked the African Group at the UN for unwavering, decisive support on justice, equality and reform initiatives. Your solidarity has not only strengthened our efforts, it has moved me deeply, he said. Highlighting cooperation, he cited joint peace and development frameworks and the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 on AU-led peace operations funding. He regretted the Security Councils failure to agree on predictable financing for the AU mission in Somalia. If the Mission of the AU in Somalia did not warrant global support, what would? he asked. Turning to Sudan, he demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to inclusive, Sudanese-led political talks. He called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for territorial integrity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He warned that developing nations face a staggering four trillion dollar annual financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals. Africa is losing more to debt service or illicit financial flows than it receives in aid each year, he said. He urged reform of the global financial architecture to give African nations a meaningful voice and real participation. On climate, he warned the planet will overshoot the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, making rapid emissions cuts essential. The G20, responsible for nearly 80 per cent of emissions, must deliver major reductions this decade, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of vast solar potential, Africa receives only two per cent of global clean energy investment. After contributing almost nothing to the crisis, Africa faces faster-than-average warming, Mr Guterres said. He demanded triple adaptation finance and faster capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. No more exploitation. No more plundering. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa, he said. Dismissing suggestions of a farewell, he pledged Africa would remain the UNs priority number one until the end of his mandate. Wherever I will be, whatever I will be doing, there will be Africa always, he said. (NAN) Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. A Spanish court has warned Ryanair Holdings that it could face criminal liability if it does not comply with prior court orders in its dispute with eDreams ODIGEO. The court has ordered Ryanair to stop denigrating eDreams, remove content judged unlawful, and issue a public rectification. Failure to comply could trigger a criminal investigation involving the company and potentially its executives. For investors watching ISE:RYA, this legal escalation comes with the share price at 26.79 and a 1 year return of 35.7%. Over longer periods, the stock shows returns of 87.2% over 3 years and 76.0% over 5 years, which many holders may consider as they evaluate legal and reputational developments. In the near term, the key questions are how Ryanair responds to the court orders and whether the dispute with eDreams remains contained or broadens into wider operational or governance concerns. You may want to monitor any formal rectification, any potential criminal proceedings, and management commentary for insight into possible business or leadership implications. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Ryanair Holdings by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Ryanair Holdings. ISE:RYA 1-Year Stock Price Chart Is Ryanair Holdings's balance sheet strong enough for future acquisitions? Dive into our detailed financial health analysis. This legal warning adds a governance and reputational layer to the Ryanair story that sits alongside more operational updates such as January 2026 traffic of 12.4 million guests and the recent multi year engine services MoU with CFM. The Spanish courts threat of criminal proceedings, monthly coercive fines and personal exposure for executives raises questions for some investors about compliance culture and how the group manages disputes with partners such as online travel agencies. At the same time, the order is tightly focused on alleged unfair competition and communication around eDreams, rather than on Ryanairs core flying operations, fleet plans or balance sheet. For now, investors may treat this as a company specific legal overhang to track, particularly in Spain, while weighing it against Ryanairs efforts to build in house capabilities like future engine maintenance shops in Europe and its role in short haul European aviation next to peers such as easyJet, Wizz Air and IAGs Vueling. How This Fits Into The Ryanair Holdings Narrative The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 11 persons involved in a fatal road accident on the Enugu to Port Harcourt Expressway. The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Franklin Agbakoba, gave the confirmation to journalists in Enugu on Saturday after the tragic accident that involved two vehicles.. Mr Agbakoba said, The accident happened at about 6:46 p.m. today, Saturday, at a location adjacent to the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command in the expressway. He said that the 11 people who died included 10 males and one female. A total of 36 persons, which included 27 males and nine females, got involved in the collision between a commercial Toyota Coaster Bus and an articulated Mercedes-Benz trailer this evening in Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Apart from those that unfortunately lost their lives due to the accident, seven persons, which included three males and four female, were injured in the accident. The injured victims have been taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, for medical attention. The dead victims were taken to the UNTH Morgue, he said. The sector commander said that FRSC personnel had cleared off all obstructions on the expressway caused by the accident, adding: We have restored free flow of vehicular traffic on the accident axis of the expressway. Mr Agbakoba added that preliminary investigations suggested Route Traffic Violation (RTV) and Loss of Control (LOC) as possible causes of the carnage. He appreciated the officers and Marshals of FRSC Ozalla Unit Command for their swift response to the accident scene, rescue, and taking the injured victims to UNTH for medical attention and clearing of the obstruction. Further information on the accident will be made known to the public soon, he said. (NAN) The Nigerian government has endorsed the proposed institutional reforms in the African Union, with a focus on peace and security governance. Nigerias position was presented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mr Shettima also declared the support of Nigeria for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring stronger cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector. Similarly, he said, the country also aligned with proposed restructurings aimed at boosting domestic and regional resource mobilisation for affordable development financing. Mr Shettima said, And the adoption of a continental framework on reducing inequality built on credible data, social protection, productive jobs and inclusive industrial policies, among others. Mr Shettima commended the Peace and Security Council for endorsing the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby force to provide coordinated maritime security responses across the region. He pledged Nigerias commitment to the implementation of its part of the agreement in the establishment of the force as well as the strengthening of the African Union Standby Force. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remain the greatest causes of armed conflict and violent extremism in our region. This is why our union must refocus its attention on curbing these trends. As the host of the headquarters of this taskforce, Nigeria will provide the necessary infrastructure, including office facilities, ships, helicopters as well as temporary staff to ensure that the force remains effective. We remain committed to the full implementation of our own part of the agreement, he added. The vice president said the nation associates with the innovative proposal for the inclusion of a clause in relation to criteria for membership of the Peace and Security Council. Mr Shettima added, As envisaged in Article 5 of the protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council, we also support the inclusion of modalities for cooperation between the African Union and its regional economic commissions and regional mechanisms. It is our view that this is necessary to ensure predictability and effectiveness in our peace and security governance. We also agree on the imperative to strengthen coordination between the peace and the security council and the C-10 committee (Committee of 10 Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council), particularly at the ambassadorial level. He also announced President Bola Tinubus and Nigerias endorsement of the AUs decision to lift the suspension of the participation of Gabon and Guinea in the unions activities. Mr Shettima added, Nigeria welcomes Gabon and Guinea back to our union after the completion of their political transitions. We call on other countries with protracted political transitions to follow the approach to return to the fold. Mr Shettima reiterated Nigerias position that Africas mineral resources are strategic assets that should drive industrialisation and structural transformation. He emphasised the need for coordinated continental approaches to ensure that mineral extraction supports local processing, manufacturing and technology development. He further stressed that regular briefings by African mining ministers should be encouraged to promote accountability and transparency. He stated, Nigeria welcomes the G20 Ubuntu approaches on food security and supports responsible private sector participation across agricultural value chains. Nigeria calls for greater investment in storage, logistics, research, climate resilience agriculture, and support for smallholder farmers, particularly women and the youth, as well as reaffirms its commitment towards advancing Africas food systems transformation. NAN reports that other heads of delegation from the African Union member states made interventions on the report presented in the thematic areas of the reforms in the AU. (NAN) The African Union (AU) has elected a new Bureau of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU and promises to prioritise Water Security in its 2026 era. This is contained in a statement issued via the AU website on Sunday on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Summit, which started on 14 February, under the theme: Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063, centred on calls for African solidarity, financial independence, and a collective push to shape the global agenda. The ongoing summit elected a new Bureau of the Assembly that comprises the Chair of the AU Republic of Burundi, (Central), First Vice-Ghana, (West), Second Vice-Tanzania, (East), Third Vice, yet to be confirmed, (North Africa Region) and Rapporteur-Angola, (South). The election brought about the election of President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi as Chairperson of the AU for 2026, who takes over the rotating leadership from Angolan President Joao Lourenco. Speaking, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, commended the meeting to have come at a time of mounting geopolitical turbulence, with persistent conflicts, institutional fragility and resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government across parts of the continent. He decried weakening multilateralism and rising global polarisation, while urging Member States to accelerate political and economic integration under the guiding vision of Agenda 2063, saying institutional reform and financial self-reliance are imperative as external funding declined. He called for stronger domestic resource mobilisation and faster implementation of continental flagship programmes, particularly industrialisation, agricultural transformation, energy development and infrastructure expansion, which he described as essential conditions for sustainable growth. The AUC Chairperson expressed solidarity with populations affected by conflict, citing crises in Sudan, the Sahel, eastern DR Congo, Somalia, and the suffering of the Palestinian people, saying institutional reform and financial self-reliance are now imperative as external funding declines. We reaffirm respect for international law and humanitarian law remains fundamental to global peace and call for determined, collective action to secure a stronger, more autonomous and prosperous Africa, he said. For his part, the outgoing Chairperson of the AU, Angolas President Joao Lourenco, while declaring the summit open, called for accelerated action to ensure sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. He described access to water as a political, moral and strategic priority essential for Africas development, public health, food security and stability, while reflecting on Angolas year as AU Chair. Mr Lourenco highlighted the success recorded in advancing Agenda 2063, to include mobilising investment for infrastructure, strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting reforms to improve AU efficiency and reduce bureaucracy. On peace and security, he stressed that Africas development depends on silencing the guns and tackling ongoing conflicts, particularly in Sudan and the DR Congo, as well as combating terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. He reaffirmed the AUs rejection of unconstitutional changes of government, warning against legitimising coups through subsequent elections and urging African leaders to adopt measures that deliver tangible results for citizens, reinforce resilient, integrated and prosperous Africa aligned with Agenda 2063. For his part, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed emphasised that Africa should shift from reacting to global events, to actively shaping the global agenda, especially as the AU nears its 25th anniversary. He underscored the need to foster unity, confidence, and greater continental influence in world affairs, saying true sovereignty includes owning Africas narrative and technological future, adding Ethiopias established Artificial Intelligence (AI) institute and plans for an AI university. READ ALSO: African Union fumes over Israels recognition of Somaliland Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stressed the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the UN and the AU, while stressing the need for multilateral cooperation as essential for peace, security, and sustainable development. He highlighted Africas growing influence in global affairs, to reaffirm the need for UN Security Council reform, including stronger African representation and emphasised support for Africas development goals, industrialization, and equitable access to financing. The summit continues with deliberations focused on the critical theme of water security, as well as pressing peace and security issues across the continent. (NAN) Three United States aircraft carrying troops and weapons have reportedly arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The New York Times reports that the first plane arrived in the capital city on Thursday night, noting officials from both countries said the first batch of roughly 100 US troops will arrive in Nigeria over the weekend. By Friday evening, three planes were reported to have landed in Maiduguri, with equipment being offloaded from one of them. These first arrivals mark the start of C-17 cargo planes heading to three different sites across Nigeria, a US Defence Department official told the newspaper, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of operational details. More aircraft transporting personnel and equipment are scheduled to arrive this weekend, with additional flights planned over the coming weeks, the official added. The spokesperson for Nigerias Defence Headquarters, Samaila Uba, a major general, said the US troops would not engage in combat operations. He mentioned this to the Wall Street Journal a few days ago when the US-based paper reported that the United States will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria. These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role, Mr Uba also told The New York Times. Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory. Mr Uba said the deployment stemmed from recommendations made by a US-Nigeria joint working group and that the forces would serve in an advisory capacity at multiple sites. A US Defence Department official corroborated this, emphasising that the American personnel would focus on non-combat roles and operate mainly from command centres. The joint mission will extend across several unstable areas. A Nigerian official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, told the newspaper that troops would be dispatched to northern states where jihadist groups such as Boko Haram have long operated, as well as to parts of the Middle Belt or North-central, where resource-based conflicts between mostly Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers have been framed as religious war. The deployment comes after months of mounting pressure from President Trump, who has strongly criticised Nigerias government for what he describes as its failure to adequately protect Christians from deadly attacks carried out by Islamist militants and armed groups. Although Christians have endured brutal assaults, Muslims and people of all beliefs have also been killed in significant numbers. Late last year, Mr Trump ordered airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying it targeted Islamic State terrorists in the North-west who are responsible for killing Christians. The Nigerian government also said it cooperated with the US and provided the intelligence used for the strikes. With American troops arriving at isolated sites lacking basic infrastructure, a Defence Department official told the Times that the troops will focus on establishing secure communications, building base facilities, and tightening operational security in coordination with Nigerian forces. The personnel will reinforce a small contingent of US troops already in Nigeria. According to a Nigerian official who spoke anonymously, those advisers have been training Nigerian special operations units in combat skills such as map reading and interpretation, as well as in strike missions and rescue support. READ ALSO: Defence Headquarters clarifies relationship with US troops deployed to Nigeria The first group of newly trained Nigerian commandos was deployed this week to Plateau State, the official said. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, recently deployed special forces to Plateau, Taraba and other conflict-ravaged areas. Looking ahead, US and Nigerian forces plan to expand their joint mission-planning capacity, drawing on intelligence from both governments. That includes information collected by US surveillance flights operating from a base in neighbouring Ghana, the Defence Department official said. While Mr Uba would not specify how long American forces will remain in Nigeria, the US has indicated the deployment is intended to be temporary. The Benue State Police Command says it has secured the release of nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St Johns Catholic Church in Ojije, Ado Local Government Area, and arrested four suspects in connection with the crime. In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said the victims were freed after coordinated operations involving the command and other security agencies. Operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, in connection with the night-vigil kidnapping incident, she said. Ms Edet stated that the two suspects were arrested on 11 February and were found with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. She said they were subsequently handed over to the Inspector General of Polices Intelligence Response Team for further investigation. According to her, a follow-up operation on 14 February led to a raid on the hideout of one of the suspects. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate, she said. The police spokesperson added that investigations had established a link between the suspects and the abduction at the church. She said sustained search operations across the Ado axis and neighbouring communities mounted pressure on the group, resulting in the release of the victims unharmed. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the network, she added. The Inspector General of Police has also approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing and additional tactical teams to Benue State to strengthen surveillance and intelligence-led operations, the statement said. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that gunmen abducted nine worshippers around 2 a.m. during a 30-day vigil at St Johns Catholic Church. Days later, family members disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded N100 million ransom, later reduced to N30 million after negotiations. The church abduction was one of several recent attacks in the state. In the past weeks, gunmen have targeted markets and highways in parts of Kwande, Oju and Okpokwu local government areas, killing residents and abducting travellers. At least two passengers were killed, and others were taken away in a separate attack along the Okpokwu axis shortly after the church incident. The police say investigations into the church abduction are continuing. Residents of Lagunasara community in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State say they spent nights sleeping in the bush after soldiers allegedly advised villagers to leave their homes following intelligence of a possible insurgent threat. Villagers told PREMIUM TIMES that the advice followed gunshots heard around 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, 10 February, when unidentified armed men reportedly moved through parts of the community, triggering panic among residents. Many residents said women and children were advised to relocate to the nearby Kidlindila community, while the men kept vigil in the surrounding bushes overnight, fearing possible attacks. Community members estimate that about 500 households were affected by the precautionary evacuation, with many families lacking access to shelter, food and basic services during the nights spent outdoors. Residents also reported limited access to water, healthcare and electricity in the area, heightening concerns about the welfare of vulnerable groups, including nursing mothers and young children. What happened Residents said the tension began late Tuesday night when gunshots were heard in parts of Lagunasara, prompting many villagers to flee into the bush. Although some residents said women and children were advised to relocate to nearby Kidlindila, several villagers told PREMIUM TIMES they were reluctant to move there, citing fears of insecurity in the neighbouring community. As a result, many families including women and young children spent the night in small groups in surrounding bushes, residents said. However, one resident said that when soldiers returned to the village on Saturday, they did not repeat the earlier directive, and some families began sleeping indoors again, although fear remains high in the community. Residents claimed fear of attacks had also been reported in Kidlindila, although PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify this. Humanitarian concerns Residents who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES described harsh conditions in the bushes where many families had taken refuge, saying they slept on bare ground with limited access to food and protection from the cold night. One resident said many villagers remained outdoors in scattered groups out of fear of further attacks, while others moved cautiously between the village and the surrounding areas during the day. Community members also expressed concern for vulnerable persons, including nursing mothers and young children, who were among those forced to spend nights outside. Despite the partial return of some families to their homes, several residents said anxiety remains high, and many men continue to keep a night vigil in the surrounding bushes. No aid reported Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that as of the time of reporting, they had not received any humanitarian assistance from government emergency agencies despite the disruption to their living conditions. Several villagers said no officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) or other relief bodies had visited the community, although PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify whether any intervention was being planned. Army yet to respond Efforts to obtain clarification from the Nigerian Army were ongoing as of press time. Calls and text messages sent to Uba Sani, the Commanding Officer of the 115 Task Force Battalion in the Askira axis, went unanswered. When contacted by phone earlier, the lieutenant colonel said he was occupied and asked to be reached later, but he had not provided further clarification at the time of filing. Residents had attributed the evacuation advice to soldiers who visited the community on Wednesday, although the militarys official position on the development remains unclear. Remote and vulnerable Lagunasara is a rural farming community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, a region that has experienced years of insecurity linked to insurgent activities. Residents said the community has limited access to basic services, including healthcare, potable water and electricity conditions that heighten vulnerability during security disruptions The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Sunday denied involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or cattle rustling, insisting it has never condoned violent activity in Nigeria. National President, Baba Ngelzarma, stated this in Abuja while addressing a news conference on H.R. 7457 Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, before the United States Congress. Ngelzarma said no court in Nigeria or abroad had ever convicted or indicted the association for criminal or terrorist activity. While we acknowledge the sovereign right of the United States to deliberate on religious freedom and human rights, we are concerned by narratives linking MACBAN with terrorism. We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association, he said. He explained that MACBAN was established in 1986 and is a legally registered corporate entity under Nigerian law. For over four decades, we have operated openly with national, state and local structures, and executives democratically elected every four years. We are recognised by federal and state governments as stakeholders in livestock development, pastoral welfare and conflict mediation. Our members contribute significantly to Nigerias protein supply and rural economy, he said. He warned that international blacklisting of legitimate actors risked economic losses, trade disruption and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities. Mr Ngelzarma said pastoralists had been victims of criminality, noting that armed groups had attacked communities, rustled cattle, displaced families and assassinated leaders. In 2025 alone, at least eight of our state leaders were killed by criminal elements. These tragedies show we are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators, he said. He appealed to the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and on National Security and Intelligence to pass a resolution correcting what he described as erroneous characterisation. He also urged activation of parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress constructively. MACBAN calls on the President of the Senate and the National Assembly to intervene legislatively to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian institutions, he said. He cautioned that failure to address the issue could damage Nigerias image, embolden sanctions-based targeting and undermine public confidence in lawful institutions. Mr Ngelzarma urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to begin urgent diplomatic engagement with relevant US authorities. READ ALSO: US lawmakers link Chinese illegal mining to terrorism funding in Nigeria We request that this matter be elevated within bilateral security dialogues to ensure counterterrorism cooperation is not premised on false equivalences. Nigerias security architecture must not be undermined by external narratives that disregard domestic judicial processes and lawful institutional status, he said. He called on Nigerian and international media to avoid sensational or stereotype-driven reporting. Complex security challenges require nuanced coverage, not generalised profiling of entire communities. MACBAN remains committed to national unity, constitutional order, peaceful coexistence, livestock modernisation and cooperation with security agencies, he said. (NAN) Three people were killed on Saturday when a mining pit collapsed in Enyim Agalegu, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigerias South-east. Apart from the deceased victims, four other people were injured during the incident. The pit was said to be under the mining lease of First Patriots Limited, formerly known as Royal Salt, and that illegal mining activities were allegedly ongoing in the area. The National Chairperson of Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke Federated Union, Collins Oboke, confirmed the incident to reporters at the scene of the incident on Sunday. Mr Oboke said he visited the place after receiving a distress call around 4 p.m. on Saturday, in which the caller informed him that the pit had collapsed in on miners. The national chairperson explained that upon arrival, he mobilised community members to the scene. We evacuated some overburden on top of some lifeless people, like three of them, and we rescued about four that were injured, he said. Mr Oboke recalled that the community had previously written to the company and the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, requesting that the pit be released to the community for controlled mining after the company completed work at the main pit. He argued that mining activities at the pit had been illegal and that the company rebuffed the communitys request to take over the pit for controlled mining. We engaged them (the company) in writing, even to the state commissioner for solid minerals, but they said no. So we, the leadership of the community, backed off from the agitation, he said. The national chairperson lamented the loss of lives at the site, pointing out that the recent deaths brought the total number of people who have lost their lives at the site to five. Its unfortunate Also speaking to reporters at the scene on Sunday, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Ebonyi State, Chidi Onyi, described the incident as unfortunate. It is never our interest or intention to lose some of our people who are under our care, he said, expressing sympathy for the families of the deceased. Mr Onyi attributed the recurring accidents in mining communities to illegal mining driven by greed. This site belongs to First Patriots. Neither the state nor the federal government is aware that this site has been abandoned. The site is still very active, he stated. The commissioner added that the ministry had received letters from community leaders last year requesting that the company release part of the site for local mining. He, however, noted that the ministry informed them that it lacked the authority to grant such approval since the land was under a private mining lease. Mr Onyi said officials, including himself and the member representing Ikwo North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Nwakpu, had visited the site several times to address the matter. The company vehemently said no and gave their reasons. They said that the pit is already dangerous and not the kind of place you allow artisans to work, he narrated. He added that some youths often sneaked into the site to mine against the companys wishes, describing the situation as carelessness. The commissioner noted that those sponsoring illegal mining operations often avoid the risks while young, unemployed miners bear the consequences. It is high time we prioritise lives above monetary value, he said. Bodies of deceased people recovered Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ikwo North Constituency, Mr Nwakpu, said he was informed of the pit collapse on Saturday night by the community leader, which prompted him to contact the relevant authorities immediately. He confirmed that the bodies of three deceased persons had been recovered and deposited in a mortuary, while the four injured victims were receiving treatment at a hospital. As of now, what I am aware of is three dead persons and four other persons injured, he said. He added that it was not yet clear whether the victims were company staff or artisanal miners. Mr Nwakpu recalled that he had previously advised the company to either close the pit if it was no longer in use or properly secure it to prevent further casualties. The lawmaker also said he endorsed a letter from the community requesting the release of the site to allow locals to remove the overburden and begin controlled mining operations at the site. He said efforts were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and if additional people were still trapped. Why couldnt they stop illegal miners at the site On his part, the Chief Security Officer of First Patriots Limited, Stephen Eze, said security agents had repeatedly tried to stop people from engaging in illegal mining at the site, but villagers had resisted them. There was a time the company wanted to cover it, but the youth remobilised and came here and stopped it. They threatened to cause trouble if the company tried to cover it. They come both at night and in the day. And when they are there, you cant fire at them because it is dangerous and you dont want to make them fall into the water while running and die, he said. The United Nigeria Airline has recorded yet another bird strike, the second within 24 hours, further compounding operational challenges for the carrier and leading to additional flight disruptions across its network. The incident occurred on Sunday, during the take-off of flight UN0519 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The flight had been scheduled to depart at 12:00 p.m. According to the airlines management, the bird strike affected one of the aircrafts engines and was subsequently withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections in line with safety regulations. The development brings the total number of bird strikes involving the companys aircraft since January to four. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported similar incidents involving the carrier. On Thursday, one of its Airbus A320 aircraft operating flight UN0514/614 from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, experienced a bird strike while landing at Port Harcourt International Airport at about 3:00 p.m. On Saturday, another Airbus A320 operating flight UN0523 from Asaba to Lagos was struck during take-off, leading to operational disruptions. Bird strikes remain a persistent safety and operational concern in Nigerias aviation sector, particularly during take-off and landing phases. Aviation experts note that seasonal weather patterns, waste-disposal practices in airport areas, and migratory bird movements can increase the likelihood of such incidents if wildlife control measures are not effectively implemented. With two Airbus aircraft withdrawn from service within 24 hours, flight operations across the airlines network have experienced disruptions, including delays and possible rescheduling. However, the carrier said the precautionary action was necessary to ensure passenger safety, adding that the aircraft would return to service only after undergoing a full inspection and certification. The airlines management apologised to passengers for the inconvenience and said efforts were underway to minimise operational disruptions and support affected travellers. The Sokoto state government has unveiled plans to scale up vaccination against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases in six local government areas bordering the Niger Republic, as part of efforts to curb cross-border transmission of the virus. The State Immunisation Officer (SIO), Bashar Garba, disclosed this in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, noting that the initiative will focus on strengthening routine immunisation and reaching children who cross international borders. Mr Garba said one of the programmes, supported by the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), would deploy intensification teams across the LGAs to prevent children from leaving or coming into Nigeria with the polio virus. We will be carrying routine immunisation vaccines, including polio, so that each and every child living in those borders is being protected, he said. Any child that is crossing is going to be vaccinated so that they cannot go out with the virus in Niger or come in with the virus to Nigeria. Mr Garba said the state had begun intensifying routine immunisation (RI) since late 2025, but plans to scale it up better this year. He said the state is also prepared to implement a higher-quality polio campaign that reaches every eligible child and is accepted by everyone. Our priority for 2026, for the Ministry of Health, as well as the primary health care, is to see how we can scale up our routine immunisation coverage and even interrupt the transmission of this polio, the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), he said. Other plans Mr Garba, who leads immunisation exercises in the state, explained that the states strategy this year is to identify eligible children, enumerate and vaccinate them. He said the plan is to ensure that the vaccination records of all children are recorded and assigned tracking numbers to monitor the completion of their doses. He added that the enumeration will begin on Saturday, 14 February, and would run for six days. After the conclusion of the enumeration, he said vaccination will begin in March. On 7 March, during Ramadan, when a lot of children will be at home, well go there and vaccinate those children, he added. He also said the state plans to boost routine immunisation with injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccines (IPV), every quarter or biannually. (The IPV) is a very strong vaccine that can prevent you from all types of polio virus, because polio has a lot of types. Theres type one, two, three, and four. That one can prevent a child from all types of polio virus. So we want to use it at least, even if it is once a year, because its a very expensive campaign. It requires a lot of resources, he said. Sokotos resurged Polio cases Sokoto is currently battling the resurgence of a circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2). The cVDPV2 is a strain of poliovirus that has mutated from the live-attenuated virus used in the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV), causing paralysis in under-immunised populations. It has caused more polio cases annually than wild poliovirus since 2017, according to the WHO. Although Nigeria was declared wild polio-free in 2020, outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus have persisted in some states, including Sokoto, due to low routine immunisation coverage, population movement and vaccine hesitancy. Last year, Sokoto recorded 20 cases of cVDPV2, Mr Garba said. Insiders have shared their puzzlement about why Lyft hasnt been more aggressive on this front. They noted that Lyft is sitting on about $1.8 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, and recently announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program that represents about 15% of its market cap, per CNBC . That has some wondering why Lyft did not invest in parts of the AV value chain like Uber is doing versus buying shares back. Over the past 18 months, Ive noticed a divergence in how Uber and Lyft are approaching AVs. Uber is locking up AV partnerships with every player it can. Lyft is trailing behind. Turns out, I am not alone in this observation. The market loved that guidance, btw. Rivian stock shot up 27% in the day after it reported earnings. The R2 is expected to go into production in the first half of the year (were hearing June), and based on its guidance for 2026, Rivian is confident it has the demand and the ability to ramp production. The company expects to deliver between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles in 2026 which could provide up to a 59% bump from last year. Rivian delivered 42,247 vehicles in 2025, which includes its two R1 consumer vehicles and the electric delivery van (EDV). The upcoming R2, which is supposed to be considerably cheaper (both in production cost and price tag) than its flagship R1T truck and R1S SUV, will be the next big test. Well get some insight into the results of that later this year. The companys earnings also provided a progress report on its bid to lower the cost of goods sold per unit. The TL;DR is that the cogs per unit for its current portfolio is still high but dropping, meaning its losing less on each vehicle it sells. According to Rivian, the companys automotive cogs per unit delivered was $100,900 in 2025, down from $110,400 in 2024. Rivian s fourth-quarter and full-year earnings did precisely that. My takeaway : Software, and specifically its technology joint venture with Volkswagen Group, was the companys savior in 2025. It will also buoy the company into 2026 (another $2 billion is expected from VW Group) as Rivian launches its most important product to date: the lower-cost R2 SUV. We are in the midst of one of my four favorite times of year earnings season. And its not just that I like numbers. These required filings cut through a lot of the marketing noise presented by companies the rest of the year. They also help me assess the short- and long-term stakes the companies face. Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. To get this in your inbox, sign up here for free just click TechCrunch Mobility ! Story Continues Meanwhile, these little birds also pointed to a few top executives who have departed over the past year. Aurelien Nolf left his position as VP of financial planning and analysis and investor relations to become CFO of Navan. Audrey Liu, who was an executive VP and head of rider and community safety, is now at Adobe. Ameena Gill, who was VP of safety and customer care just took a job at rival Uber. Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or my Signal at kkorosec.07, or email Sean OKane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com. Deals! Image Credits:Bryce Durbin Close followers of the mobility-crazed years, between 2015 and 2019, might recall how many lidar companies popped up during that time. Many of the dominant and buzziest ones have since shuttered, while some of the smallest players have hung on and expanded. Take Ouster, for instance. I remember way back when Ouster had this tiny little booth in the jam-packed startups area (Eureka Park) at CES. Today, the company is much bigger thanks to scale, its 2022 merger with rival Velodyne, and its acquisition of Sense Photonics in 2021. And it doesnt appear to be finished. The company most recently acquired Stereolabs, a company that makes vision-based perception systems for robotics and industrial applications, for a combination of $35 million and 1.8 million shares. As TechCrunch senior reporter Sean OKane notes in his article, the deal is the latest in a march toward consolidation among perception sensor suppliers. (Just last month, MicroVision bought the lidar assets of the buzzy-but-now-bankrupt Luminar for $33 million.) So why all the activity? Its complicated, as they say. From my POV, the frenzy around physical AI has reignited interest and investment in sensor technologies, particularly cameras. Other deals that got my attention Ever, the EV-only marketplace, raised $31 million in a Series A funding round led by Eclipse. Other backers include Ibex Investors, Lifeline Ventures, and JIMCO the investment arm of the Saudi Arabian Jameel family (an early investor in Rivian). Natilus, the San Diego-based startup developing blended-wing aircraft, raised $28 million in a Series A funding round led by Draper Associates. Other investors include Type One Ventures, The Veteran Fund, and Flexport, as well as new backers New Vista Capital, Soma Capital, Liquid 2 VC, VU Venture Partners, and Wave FX. Notable reads and other tidbits Image Credits:Bryce Durbin Aurora shared in its Q4 and full-year earnings report that its self-driving trucks can now travel nonstop on a 1,000-mile route between Fort Worth and Phoenix exceeding what a human driver can legally accomplish. The company shared a number of other tidbits, and financials, which you can read about here. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation into Fisker last year, TechCrunch was able to learn, thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request. Lyft has launched teen accounts, a product that allows minors as young as 13 to hail a ride without an adult in 200 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and New York. A fresh batch of videos gives us the best look at how Rivian has changed the rear door manual release on its upcoming R2 SUV. This seemingly minor design detail has life-or-death stakes and comes as the EV industry, and particularly Tesla, is getting pressure to change concealed, electronic door handles. The Trump administration officially repealed the EPAs 2009 endangerment finding, which found that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane were a threat to human health and welfare. This change would only affect tailpipe emissions for cars and trucks if the EPA makes it through the lengthy process of repealing the law, which will certainly include numerous lawsuits aimed at stopping it. Uber has locked in a couple dozen AV partnerships, and were starting to see the results of those deals. Chinas Baidu and Uber plan to launch robotaxis in Dubai in the next month, starting with select locations within the Jumeirah area. Meanwhile, Chinese robotaxi company WeRide and Uber announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East through 2027, according to the companies. As part of this, WeRide and Uber have launched a robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi. Waymo pulled the human safety driver from its autonomous test vehicles in Nashville as the Alphabet-owned company moves closer to launching a robotaxi service in the city. Meanwhile, this tech-forward company is wrestling with the analog problem of ensuring the doors of its robotaxis are properly shut. Its solution? Pay DoorDash gig workers to shut Waymo robotaxi doors. Waymo tells us this is a pilot program in Atlanta to enhance its AV fleet efficiency. One final Waymo item: The company is starting to roll out its sixth-generation Waymo Driver, which is integrated into the Zeekr RT (rebranded Ojai) and will eventually be in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Waymo has started fully autonomous operations in the Ojai vehicle in San Francisco and Los Angeles and is giving access to employees. The public will have to wait for a bit. One more thing Rivian has pitched its upcoming R2 SUV as a more affordable model. What does more affordable mean? The company has thrown around $45,000 and $50,000 as a base price. The companys launch version of the R2, which will be a dual-mode and all-wheel-drive premium trim, will undoubtedly be more expensive. In our newsletter this week, we asked readers, Whats your guess on the cost of the launch edition? Sign up for our newsletter to participate in our polls! .the question is not whether Fourah Bay College deserves admiration. It is whether its intellectual history must be narrated through a metaphor that reinscribes colonial hierarchies of value. Why must African higher education be intelligible through Athens at all? Why is classical antiquity the benchmark, rather than the Atlantic and Sudanic worlds that actually shaped the institutions intellectual ecology? The continued invocation of Athens of West Africa in reference to Fourah Bay College is usually framed as a celebration of intellectual primacy: an institution of higher learning emerging at a moment when, it is claimed, there were no comparable centres in socalled black Africa. Within celebratory institutional histories, the epithet functions as a shorthand for academic excellence, civilisational achievement, and African participation in a global republic of letters. Yet, this sobriquet is not innocent. It is a metaphor saturated with history, and that history is inseparable from chattel slavery. Fourah Bay College did not emerge outside the Atlantic world; it emerged from it. Its founding conditions were shaped by the afterlives of slavery and the slave trade: liberated Africans, missionary capital, imperial governance, and racialised hierarchies of knowledge. The institution was embedded in an epistemic order that sought simultaneously to redeem, discipline, and remake formerly enslaved populations. To call it Athens is therefore not merely to invoke learning or philosophy; it is to import an entire civilisational symbol whose material foundations rested on unfree labour. An Africanist text published in 2003 The Athens of West Africa: A History of International Education at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone completely skirts the issue. Classical Athens was a quintessential slave society. Its democracy, leisure, philosophy, and intellectual surplus were made possible by enslaved labour by people excluded from citizenship, voice, and recognition. The surplus that sustained Platos Academy and Aristotles Lyceum did not arise from abstraction; it was produced. Slaves made Athens thinkable. To abstract Athens from slavery is itself a form of historical violence, one that detaches ideas from the material conditions that enabled them. This historical elision becomes especially troubling in the context of contemporary calls for decolonisation. Decolonisation is frequently invoked as a project of curricular reform, symbolic redress, or epistemic inclusion. Yet, if decolonisation is to be taken seriously as an epistemological practice, it must also interrogate the metaphors through which knowledge is authorised and legitimised. Symbols matter because they structure what can be imagined, valued, and defended as knowledge. Within this frame, the epithet Athens of West Africa performs a subtle but powerful epistemic function. It establishes classical Europe as the horizon against which African intellectual achievement becomes legible. African excellence is recognised not on its own terms, but through analogy to a European slave society elevated as universal civilisation. In this sense, the metaphor reproduces a colonial grammar of value, even as it purports to celebrate African achievement. A decolonial epistemology would insist on a different reading/starting point. Rather than seeking validation through classical analogy, it would ask how knowledge was actually produced in places like Freetown and, before that, Timbuktu, Gao, Jenne, Kano, and Kanem-Borno. It would foreground Islamic scholarship, Christian vernacular literacies, sermon traditions, petitions, memorial tablets, schools, mosques, and everyday intellectual labour undertaken by formerly enslaved people. These practices constituted intellectual life, long before they were rendered legible through European comparison. The problem, then, is not simply Eurocentrism. It is the unconscious valorisation of slavery as the precondition of intellectual greatness. Athens is admired precisely because it is imagined as the cradle of philosophy, democracy, and reason while the enslaved labour that made such achievements possible is rendered secondary or invisible. When this symbol is appropriated to describe West Africas premier institution of higher learning, the violence of that erasure is quietly reproduced. This is a form of epistemic violence. It operates not through coercion but normalisation. By naming Fourah Bay College Athens, one endorses a civilisational template in which knowledge flourishes only when others are rendered disposable. The descendants of the enslaved are invited to celebrate themselves through the symbolic capital of a slave society, even as the labour of enslaved people both in classical antiquity and in the Atlantic world is displaced from the story. A decolonial epistemology would insist on a different reading/starting point. Rather than seeking validation through classical analogy, it would ask how knowledge was actually produced in places like Freetown and, before that, Timbuktu, Gao, Jenne, Kano, and Kanem-Borno. It would foreground Islamic scholarship, Christian vernacular literacies, sermon traditions, petitions, memorial tablets, schools, mosques, and everyday intellectual labour undertaken by formerly enslaved people. These practices constituted intellectual life, long before they were rendered legible through European comparison. Such a reframing also requires attention to power. Epistemology is never neutral; it is bound up with authority, hierarchy, and exclusion. Colonial education systems did not simply transmit knowledge; they ranked it, classifying some forms as universal and others as particular or derivative. The metaphor of Athens participates in this classificatory violence by placing African knowledge in a position of belatedness, forever aspiring to an already canonised European past. Decolonisation, understood as practice rather than slogan, therefore demands epistemic reflexivity. It requires institutions to examine not only their curricula but also their self-descriptions, commemorations, and metaphors. What kinds of histories are being authorised? Whose labour is being remembered, and whose is being forgotten? Without this reflexive labour, decolonisation risks becoming a performative gesture that leaves deeper structures of valuation intact. To continue invoking Athens of West Africa is therefore not merely to honour history; it is to misrecognise it. It sanitises the violence that underwrote classical civilisation, displaces the labour of the enslaved, and forecloses more grounded accounts of African intellectual production. In doing so, it limits the horizons of decolonisation by retaining colonial symbols at the level of metaphor. There is also an ethical dimension to this reckoning. If knowledge production is inseparable from social relations, then celebrating intellectual traditions without confronting the violence that sustained them risks moral evasion. A decolonial ethic would insist on holding together achievement and exploitation, refusing narratives of greatness that depend on forgetting those rendered unfree. This ethical insistence is central to any serious rethinking of epistemic justice. From this perspective, the question is not whether Fourah Bay College deserves admiration. It is whether its intellectual history must be narrated through a metaphor that reinscribes colonial hierarchies of value. Why must African higher education be intelligible through Athens at all? Why is classical antiquity the benchmark, rather than the Atlantic and Sudanic worlds that actually shaped the institutions intellectual ecology? To continue invoking Athens of West Africa is therefore not merely to honour history; it is to misrecognise it. It sanitises the violence that underwrote classical civilisation, displaces the labour of the enslaved, and forecloses more grounded accounts of African intellectual production. In doing so, it limits the horizons of decolonisation by retaining colonial symbols at the level of metaphor. If decolonisation is to be more than a slogan, it must extend beyond curriculum and representation to the deeper structures of epistemic validation. It must ask not only what is taught, but how institutions imagine themselves and the histories they claim. This requires an uncomfortable reckoning with cherished symbols, especially those that quietly normalise slavery as the condition of possibility for knowledge. In that sense, the question is unavoidable: Can an institution born from the aftermath of Atlantic slavery afford to celebrate itself through the emblem of a slave society without reproducing the very epistemic violence it claims to overcome? To ask this question is not to diminish Fourah Bay College, but to take seriously the intellectual and ethical demands of decolonisation itself. Here the irony runs deep: the descendants of the enslaved are invited to celebrate themselves through the symbolic capital of a quintessential slave society. La, cest de la violence, tout court! Ibrahim Abdullah writes from Leicester Peak, Freetown, Sierra Leone. An international conference Bi-Centenary of Fourah Bay College: Reclaiming the Past and Reimagining the Future of Higher Education in Sierra Leone, Africa, and Beyond is scheduled for early next year in Freetown. One can only hope that the present government of Abia State will show zero-tolerance for this network criminality and make public all the records in this piece of squalid spoliation so that all involved can be brought to account and the people of Abia can get the respite they deserve from two generations of fraudsters-in-law. In June 2005, the Paris Club of creditors announced a deal granting Nigeria 60% cancellation of its Paris Club total debt stock based on December 2004 figures. It was a culmination of a campaign personally led by President Olusegun Obasanjo. For Nigerians, this was supposed to signal real savings that could be ploughed back into delivering public goods or what many around the country call dividends of democracy. Instead, the Paris Club debt cancellation became a license for network criminality involving politicians, senior lawyers, and it appears some judges. The extent of the criminality is laid bare in court filings, records, rulings, judgments, and orders from across the country. The experience of Abia State dramatises the extent of this criminality and why it is necessary for citizens to take an active role in visiting accountability upon those who perpetrated it. The debt stock at issue in the Paris Club obligations included liabilities accrued by both the Federal Government and by states. To service the debt, the Federal Government originally debited periodic deductions as appropriate to each state. It turned out that over a seven year period, from 1995 to 2002, the obligations of the states were mis-computed and they were debited with sums in excess of what they were supposed to pay. It would take another decade before the sums were fully reconciled. In the end, the refunds due to the states from the excess deductions turned out to have been a lot of money. In June 2017, the Federal Government announced the payouts due to each state. Under a deal approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2016, the states were to share in a pot of 516.38 billion, approximating to about $13 billion at the rate of exchange then. Specifically, the federating units agreed that these refunds were part of the wider efforts to stimulate the economy and were specifically designed to support states in meeting salary and other obligations, thereby alleviating the challenges faced by workers. Abia State was to receive an initial sum of 11.43 billion as its share of the refund. Ultimately, it appears, the state got 16.347 billion. But long before this was announced, the machinery was already in motion by the manager of the state government to ensure it got nothing. Shortly after President Buharis approval of the refunds, in early 2017, three different sets of vultures swooped to gobble up the funds due to Abia State. A fourth had been on the prowl since 2011. In different proceedings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, they claimed that they had been designated consultants to the Abia State government for the purpose of recovering the funds and were entitled each to between 24 per cent or 30 per cent of the refund. Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/0175/2017, Ziplon Concept Ltd Vs Government of Abia State, was before Sunday Aladetoyinbo; Suit No. FCT/HC/2470/2017, Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd Vs Government of Abia State, was before Keziah Ogbonnaya; Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1044/2017, Techno Consult (Nig) Ltd Vs Government of Abia State was before Charles Agbaza; Suit No. FCT/HC/3877/11, Ned Munir Nwoko Vs Abia State Government was before Jude Okeke. The court explicitly found that some of the claims against the state were illegal and an attempt to defraud the people of Abia State. It, therefore, declined the application for joinder and instead requested the Attorney-General of Abia State to consolidate all the four cases in order to facilitate a credible resolution and also to report the matter to law enforcement. In October 2018, Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd, who were already claiming 24 per cent of the recovery in a separate suit before Keziah Ogbonnaya, a judge of the FCT High Court, applied to be joined in the case by Ziplon Concept Ltd before another judge, Sunday Aladetoyinbo. In its case, Ziplon Concept Ltd had claimed that it had a memorandum of understanding (MoU) since May 2012 with Abia State to receive 24 per cent of the payout. In reality, the MoU relied on by Ziplon Concept was an undated document. Mauritz Walton Ltd equally claimed to be the sole holders of such an agreement with Abia State, as did Techno Consult (Nigeria) Ltd. Ned Nwoko, a lawyer who would later be elected Senator in Delta State, claimed an appointment in similar terms with even greater antiquity. When he ruled in December 2018, Justice Aladetoyinbo was withering: where four parties are claiming to have executed same consultancy services. and each of them claiming 24% and 30% of the Paris Club respectively, there is element of fraud and a court of law should not be a party to fraud. According to the judge, the people that perpetrated this fraud are officials of the [Government of Abia State] in collusion with some of the claimants. The Court remained shocked that the Attorney-General of Abia State refused to report this matter to the security agencies. The court explicitly found that some of the claims against the state were illegal and an attempt to defraud the people of Abia State. It, therefore, declined the application for joinder and instead requested the Attorney-General of Abia State to consolidate all the four cases in order to facilitate a credible resolution and also to report the matter to law enforcement. The Attorney-General of Abia State did nothing of the sort. Instead, he took steps to ensure the requests of the judge would be frustrated. The following year, after Sunday Aladetoyinbo retired as a judge of the FCT High Court, the same case, with the same case number, migrated to the court of Charles Agbaza, also a judge of the FCT High Court. Four months before the 2023 general election, on 12 October 2022, the then Attorney-General of Abia State, Uche Ihediwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), purported to reach a settlement with Ziplon Concepts Limited, in which he claimed to yield up to the company 3.923 billion, supposedly 24 per cent of the Paris Club refunds received by Abia State. The agreement also obliged the state government to set aside an additional 830 million into an escrow account, as well as another $11.325 million to meet contingent liabilities which could arise if any of the other claims for 24 per cent commission succeeded. To profit from this fraudulent transaction fronted by a former Attorney-General of the State, Ziplon Concept Ltd subsequently sought to seize funds due to Abia State from the Federation Account. In February 2025, Chinedu Oriji, a judge of the FCT High Court, discharged an order previously procured by the company against funds held for the benefit of Abia State by the Accountant-General of the Federation. The Court of Appeal has subsequently ordered them to go back to the High Court and prove their case. Not done, the settlement so-called obliged the Abia State Government to deduct at source and pay to one Chibuzo Aguocha, a known friend and front of the Attorney-General, a sum equivalent to five per-cent of the commission or just under 200 million, as a professional fees (sic) for mediating the resolution of this suit. Charles Agbaza surely knew better because he was at the time presiding over a different case in which Techno Consult (Nigeria) Limited made exactly the same claim against the same defendant(s). Yet, on 7 November 2022, he quickly signed off on this as consent judgment with no questions asked. It should be no surprise that Ziplon Concepts Ltd appeared to have had Mr Ihediwa in its pockets. In a petition to the Abia State Government in 2023, Mauritz Walton (Nigeria) Ltd provided evidence to back up its claim that Ziplon Concept was a front for the family of a former governor of Abia State. To profit from this fraudulent transaction fronted by a former Attorney-General of the State, Ziplon Concept Ltd subsequently sought to seize funds due to Abia State from the Federation Account. In February 2025, Chinedu Oriji, a judge of the FCT High Court, discharged an order previously procured by the company against funds held for the benefit of Abia State by the Accountant-General of the Federation. The Court of Appeal has subsequently ordered them to go back to the High Court and prove their case. The reason this story is important is how much it reveals of the complicity of legal institutions in laundering money, robbing the people, and making it all look kosher under the ruse of law. It seems quite clear on the evidence from the records that the former Attorney-General of Abia State could have a serious case of professional misconduct to answer before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The consent judgment of Charles Agbaza from November 2022 is also suspect. One can only hope that the present government of Abia State will show zero-tolerance for this network criminality and make public all the records in this piece of squalid spoliation so that all involved can be brought to account and the people of Abia can get the respite they deserve from two generations of fraudsters-in-law. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through [email protected]. The Adamawa State Government has concluded arrangements to receive President Bola Tinubu for a one-day official visit to the state on Monday, according to James Iliya, commissioner for the Ministry of Information and Strategy. The commissioner, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Yola, said that the visit was a clear validation of the developmental strides recorded under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. He said that Mr Tinubus visit would mark the inauguration of several infrastructural projects executed by the Fintiri-led administration. Mr Iliya said the visit reflected the national recognition of the state governments commitment to improving the living standards of the citizens through strategic investments across critical sectors. He listed some of the projects to be inaugurated to include: The newly constructed underpass at the former Bekaji Roundabout, the expanded Bank Road in Yola, and a model school in Yola North Local Government Area. The commissioner explained that the model school represented 21 newly built model schools across the state. The president is also expected to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for a new NYSC permanent orientation camp in Malkohi, commission the ultra-modern High Court Complex. He will also unveil the automated gate at Government House and inaugurate the newly constructed Governors Office complex. These projects span key sectors including education, infrastructure, justice administration, governance, security, healthcare and human capital development, he said. Mr Iliya called on the residents of Adamawa to remain law-abiding and conduct themselves peacefully during the presidents visit. He urged the citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, to turn out en masse to warmly welcome Mr Tinubu and demonstrate the states hospitality and unity. Similarly, a statement issued to journalists by the Adamawa Police Command ahead of the presidents visit said it had deployed its manpower and operational assets to all the nooks and crannies of the state after a strategic meeting with security commanders. The Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankombo, ordered the deployment of the operational assets, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Surveillance Squad, and the Crowd/Traffic Control Unit. The teams are expected to carry out covert surveillance operations in the state. (NAN) Suspected bandits have attacked Kakafu, a mining village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting a woman, her daughter and granddaughter. Residents told PREMIUM TIMES the armed men, dressed in military camouflage, stormed the village around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Kakafu has suffered repeated attacks, the most recent about four months ago. Locals said the victims had fled to neighbouring Lade after the last raid but returned on Saturday for a Maulud celebration. The attackers appeared to have specifically targeted them. They fled to Lade about four months ago, said Ndaba Isah, a relative who has also left the village. My uncle saw the terrorists when they came to our family house and went into hiding. He later heard them beating the women before taking them away. Mr Isah identified the victims as 65-year-old Dufya, Maimuna (20) and Zainab (15). Those initially abducted were four, according to Mr Isah and other residents. There was a three-year-old girl abducted with them, Mr Isah said, adding the minor, also a granddaughter of Ms Dufya, was later released by the terrorists. Mr Isah believes they were targeted because Ms Dufyas son, Adam, was a rich miner and member of a local vigilante group. Farming and mining were the main livelihoods in Kakafu before residents were displaced, though some began returning two months ago. The Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue a statement. Its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment. The attack comes two weeks after Boko Haram insurgents raided the Woro community in Kaiama LGA, killing scores and abducting many. Following that assault, President Bola Tinubu deployed an army battalion to the area to track down the attackers and rescue the victims. Displaced villagers say no one has been freed. On Saturday, the terrorists released a video of the abducteesmostly women and childrenclaiming they were holding 176 people. Terrorists are wreaking havoc in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where they carried out attacks over three consecutive days, residents have told PREMIUM TIMES. According to the residents, the terrorists set houses on fire and killed about 26 people in the attacks that began early Thursday morning. It was gathered that the terrorists began the invasion in Feyi in Borgu kingdom in the late hours of Thursday, 12 February, before moving to Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages. The source further explained that the criminals came into the communities riding on motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons and shooting sporadically. According to another source who pleaded anonymity, The terrorists started the attacks last Thursday night, and early hours of Friday in Feyi village. During the attack, six people were killed. The source added that the criminals roamed unchallenged, moving across communities and killing people in the invaded communities. The terrorists later moved to Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages, both in Konkoso Ward of Borgu local council, in the early hours of Saturday, killing another 20 people, the source explained. The terrorists also set the police station in Pissa ablaze before escaping into the forest upon hearing the sound of a helicopter moving towards their direction. All the communities attacked are said to have been abandoned. However, the people appealed to governments at all levels to protect them against further attacks. The Niger State Police are yet to respond to the incident, as the commands spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report. Traders at the popular Singa Market in Kano State are reeling from financial losses following a devastating fire that raged for nearly 24 hours. The fire, which originated in a provision store at Gidan Gashash on Saturday afternoon, spread rapidly across the market, obliterating goods and property valued at billions of naira. The spokesperson for the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed that firefighters were deployed immediately. The official, however, noted that poor access roads and traffic gridlock severely hindered the firefighters operations. The fire broke out in the Gidan Gashash area. While our personnel and vehicles were mobilised promptly, the lack of accessible routes and heavy human traffic made it difficult to reach the heart of the blaze in time, Mr Abdullahi explained. During a visit to the site, Governor Abba Yusuf described the incident as a monumental tragedy. The governor expressed deep sympathy for the victims and assured them of state support while calling on the federal government to provide swift intervention. The governor also called for improved safety protocols, noting that this is the second fire to hit the market this month. A previous blaze on 2 February destroyed large warehouses at the same market. The atmosphere at the market on late Saturday was one of profound grief as traders sifted through heaps of charred metal and ash. For many, the fire did not just destroy inventory; it erased decades of hard-earned capital, one of them only identified as Alhaji Musa a wholesale grocer, stood frozen before the ruins of his shop. READ ALSO: Why police invited PREMIUM TIMES reporter in Kano I watched my lifes work turn to smoke in hours, he lamented. We tried to salvage what we could, but the heat was unbearable, and the smoke was suffocating. Another trader, Ibrahim Wada, said: Before the time the path was cleared for the fire trucks, there was nothing left but charcoal. Beyond the physical loss of goods, a sense of insecurity pervaded the ruins. While many sympathisers rushed to help, others took advantage of the chaos to loot the few items that escaped the flames. It is a double tragedy, said Baba Habu, a trader who specialises in bulk detergent. You are fighting the fire while watchful of some miscreants whose intentions were to loot. The Katsina State Government says it is sponsoring 34 female nurses and midwives for an eight-month special training in the German language as part of the requirement to undergo a specialised training on various aspects of nursing care in Germany. The Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu, stated this on Saturday, while addressing the participants before leaving the state. He told the participants that they were chosen on merit to represent their respective local government areas. Mr Adamu revealed that they would first participate in an eight-month special training in the German language at Koode Academy, Abuja. After the eight-month training in Abuja, the candidates will be going to a German institute in Lagos where they will take an examination. It is a condition that every candidate must have a minimum of B2 during the exam, he said. According to him, only those who passed the examination would be given a visa to enter Germany for the specialised training. Mr Adamu described language as a vehicle for development, hence the need for them to work hard and master the language that would qualify them for visas to that European country for the proper training. The commissioner further urged the candidates to be good ambassadors of the state and their respective families during their stay in Abuja and Germany. The Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Muhammad Nuraddeen-Umar, said that the state government had expended about N100 million on their registration, accommodation and upkeep. Mr Nuraddeen-Umar added that they would also be receiving N50,000 as a monthly allowance for the whole eight months from the state government. He further said that after the training, they would write an examination, and a candidate must obtain at least B2 before they could get a visa to travel to Germany. Under the arrangement, he said, their salaries would continue to be paid while the German government would also pay them while studying. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Lawal Rabe, added that the candidates would be trained in various health aspects, including ICU and life-saving skills. He also urged them to pay attention to their instructors, be good ambassadors and work hard to succeed. (NAN) A former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, has warned that the recent Senates decision to back off on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results was dangerous. Mr Igini, a lawyer, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in response to the debate about the Senates re-amendment of the Electoral Act 2022. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that on Tuesday, the Senate rescinded its earlier decision on the Electoral Act amendment in which it had rejected the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the INECs Result Viewing Portal (IREV) after vote counting. The senators consequently re-amended the Electoral Act to accommodate the electronic transmission of results. Some Nigerians have faulted the amendment because it does not make electronic transmission mandatory, but comes with a caveat that, in the event of internet failure, Form EC8A will serve as the primary means of result collation. Heed the salutary lessons from the misfortunes, In the Sunday statement, Mr Igini warned that the caveat introduced in the Act to allow manual transmission of election results would open the door for election riggers to manipulate poll outcomes in the country. Such lacunae were exploited to subvert polling-unit outcomes during their tenure by those who denied them re-election party tickets, rendering them victims of the very defects they declined to remedy or introduce to the Act, he said. Below is the text of the statement. PRESS STATEMENT PROVISO TO REAL-TIME E- TRANSMISSION OF POLLING UNIT RESULTS: WHY A MAJORITY OF LEGISLATORS MAY NOT RETURN IN 2027 1. As the National Assembly convenes to reconcile the divergent versions of the Electoral Act Amendment Billparticularly about the unequivocal demand by the Nigerian populace for mandatory electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), I urge Honourable and Distinguished Senators to heed the salutary lessons from the misfortunes that befell their predecessors. 2. Those earlier Assemblies, for reasons of convenience and party loyalty, refused to address well-documented election rigging vulnerabilities in our electoral laws, like the very proviso now introduced by the Senate, to qualify direct electronic transmission. Such lacunae were exploited to subvert polling-unit outcomes during their tenure by those who denied them re-election party tickets, rendering them victims of the very defects they declined to remedy or introduce to the Act. 3. I present here to members of National Assembly as they prepare for sitting and members of the public, empirical evidence from preceding electoral cycles (20072023) which demonstrates that, a majority of incumbent legislators who were denied re- nomination tickets by party governors and principal officers of their parties, even when they secured alternative platforms thereafter, were ultimately defeated through manipulation of polling units results during collation processes, despite robust grassroots support they legitimately obtained in their constituencies and won at polling units. 4. The 10th Assembly now stands perilously close to replicating this lamentable pattern. Those Members not favoured or not in the good books of their respective State Governors or party leaders will foreseeably be denied tickets and, given the prospects of an unprotected or unsecured E-transmission of polling unit results, will find it exceedingly difficult to translate constituency endorsement, however strong they may be, into electoral victory. 5. Nigerians have insistently demanded real-time electronic transmission from polling units to IReV, precisely to forestall post-polling alterations at ward or local government collation centres. Publicly viewable results serve as a deterrence and would render such tampering manifest and actionable. 6. Nigerians and indeed incumbent legislators, particularly those who have demonstrated competence, independence and legislative proficiency, deserving of re-election, require this safeguard more acutely than any other cohort for legislative institutional capacity building. The statistical table of analyses attached to this press statement on legislative turnover reveals a persistently alarming attrition rate across both chambers of the National Assembly, underscoring the systemic vulnerability of legislators to a manipulable electoral process because deliberate loopholes are created in the laws, as evidenced by past failures to do the right thing. This is an institutional self-harm that will undermine national democratic consolidation. 7. In the Senate, the Sixth Senate (2007-2011) returned only 23 of 109 members, with 86 newly elected Senators, representing a turnover rate of 79%. 8. The Seventh Senate (2011-2015) recorded 36 re-elections and 73 new entrants (67% turnover). 9. The Eighth Senate (20152019) saw 39 returning Senators and 70 newcomers (64% turnover). 10. The Ninth Senate (20192023) marginally improved with 45 re-elected and 64 newly elected members, yielding a 59% turnover rate. 11. Alarmingly, the current Tenth Senate (20232027) has regressed sharply, with only 25 returning Senators and 84 new entrantstranslating to a staggering 77% turnover. 12. A similarly destabilising pattern persists in the House of Representatives. In the Sixth House (20072011), merely 80 of 360 members were re-elected, while 280 were newcomers (78% turnover). The Seventh House (20112015) recorded 100 re-elected members against 260 newly elected (72% turnover). The Eighth House (20152019) saw 110 returnees and 250 new legislators (69.4% turnover). The Ninth House (20192023) marked the lowest attrition in this period, with 151 re-elected and 209 newly elected members (57% turnover). However, the present Tenth House (20232027) has again deteriorated, returning only 109 members while ushering in 251 new legislators, producing a 70% turnover rate. 13. Across these electoral cycles, Nigerians and legislators have been the major victims and casualties of the type of proviso on E-transmission that has just been introduced, which has led to the huge turnover in both chambers. Their attrition rate has averaged well above 60 -70%, with fewer than four in ten Senators and barely one-third of Representatives typically securing re-election. 14. This chronic instability breeds institutional amnesia, dissipates scarce public resources on perpetual induction and retraining, weakens legislative oversight, and erodes continuity in law-making and executive accountability. The vulnerability stems fundamentally from manipulable polling unit results during collation processes, where credible polling unit results evidence cannot be adduced to substantiate constituency support. Legislators, despite strong local backing, are reduced to supplicants rather than autonomous stakeholders, beholden to executive whims at the federal and state levels. 15. Real-time electronic transmission is , therefore, not merely desirable; it is essential for the sustenance of our democracy and for the re-election of deserving legislators political survival. 16. Where party nomination ticket is denied because Governors determine who gets tickets, though there is no such law, aspirants could move to alternative platforms, and success will depend upon unassailable polling-unit results transmitted to IReV in real-time to vindicate their mandates. The BVAS device is engineered for both online and offline functionality: results entered at polling units are queued and automatically uploaded upon network restoration. The Senates proviso invites mischief, affording opportunities for collusion among influential actors, collation officials, and telecommunications providers to engineer deliberate network failures on election day. 17. For the record, way back in 2012 in Cross River State, as the Commissioner in charge of the state, the Commission under Professor Jega, carried out a successful real-time E-transmission pilot in the conduct of the second term election of Governor Liyel lmoke viewed on a dashboard in my office as collated result from the 18 LGAs were transmitted and updated across the state successfully. The problem has always been that of statute capture and statute sabotage coupled with strange and questionable refusal of the Courts to give effect to the laws, this lapse by custodians of the Law, has encouraged election manipulation. 18. Before we left office in 2022, INEC and NCC had surveyed network coverage of both 2G and 3 G and came up with a report of over 97% coverage across Nigeria. That was what the commission used to carry out E-transmission of polling units results to IREV successfully in real-time in over 105 off-cycle elections, including five Governorship elections before the 2023 elections. Network concerns are, therefore, largely excuses and completely specious. 19. Above all, under the 1999 Constitution, INECs regulatory authority in section 160 to make its own rules and regulate its precedure in discharging its duties is unimpeachable, in addition to its power under section 148 of the Act to issue binding Regulations and Guidelines. The refusal of the Court to give effect to it, is simply unbelievable. The first alteration was introduced by President Goodluck Jonathans administration to enhance the lndependence as an umpire executive body unlike others created under section 153 of the constitution. 20. I, therefore, implore the National Assembly to remove/excise the proviso and restore the original, unequivocal provision for direct, real-time electronic transmission as previously passed. I equally call upon the judiciary, my constituency not to make itself the weakest link in the line of defence of our democracy and the rule of law. The facts of alarming rate of Legislators turnover are incontrovertible. The imperatives are clear. Let wisdom prevail over expediency, convenience and party loyalty lest history repeat its tragic verdict upon yet another Assembly. May God give us the courage to do what is right for the good of our country. Signed Barr. Mike Igini Former INEC Electoral Commissioner Five members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defectors are Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Omirin Olusanya (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), Wole Oke (Ijesa North Federal Constituency), and Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central Federal Constituency). They were received by party officials, members and supporters in Osogbo. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said that in the APC, there are no strangers, adding that the arrival of the defectors would strengthen the partys resolve to reclaim the state and restore dignity to governance. We are gathered not just to receive our new members, but to affirm a shared conviction that the sure path to prosperity, stability, and visionary leadership lies in the All Progressives Congress. In the APC, there are no strangers we are one united family. Your arrival strengthens our resolve to reclaim Osun and restore dignity to governance, he said. Mr Oyetola also said that the achievements of President Bola Tinubu since assuming office had laid a solid foundation for Nigerias rebirth. That is why we proudly and confidently endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 to consolidate these gains and secure lasting prosperity, he said. Mr Oyetola urged members of the party to work towards the APCs victory in the 8 August governorship election in the state. At home, the 2026 governorship election is fast approaching. Our mission is clear: reclaim Osun and return it to serious, people-focused governance. We will build a state where schools and hospitals function effectively, infrastructure is durable, youth and small businesses are empowered, and governance is transparent and accountable. But victory will come only through unity, hard work, and grassroots mobilisation. So I charge you: return to your communities, wards and polling units. Tell our people that the light of progress has returned to Osun. Tell them the APC is stronger, united, and determined. Together, we will reclaim Osun on August 8. Together, we will re-elect President Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will secure a brighter future for our children, he said. The APC Chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said that the defection of the PDP members would no doubt translate into the strengthening of the party and the realisation of APCs success in the 8 August governorship election in the state, as well as the victory of President Tinubu in 2027. Mr Lawal also said there would be no discrimination in access to political opportunities, irrespective of the time of joining the party, in line with the tradition of the APC. Similarly, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Bola Oyebamiji, urged party members to unite ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections. Dear party leaders, party members and supporters, as we look toward the 2026 and 2027 elections, unity within our ranks is non-negotiable. The progressive family in Osun must stand as one. Our leaders, youths, men and women, and all grassroots mobilisers must continue to work together with a singular objective to return our state to a path of growth, accountability, and inclusive development. Your decision to formally join us today reinforces the momentum we are building and sends a strong signal that the future belongs to those who are prepared to act decisively and responsibly, he said. (NAN) Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Novartis is undervalued by 50.2%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio , or discover 229 more high quality undervalued stocks . On this basis, the DCF model suggests an estimated intrinsic value of US$251.33 per share. Compared with the recent share price of CHF 125.14, this implies an intrinsic discount of 50.2%, which points to the shares screening as undervalued under this specific method. For Novartis, the model used is a 2 stage Free Cash Flow to Equity approach, based on cash flow projections rather than earnings multiples. The latest twelve month free cash flow is about US$16.12b, and analysts have supplied forecasts out to 2030, with Simply Wall St extrapolating beyond the initial analyst window. By 2030, projected free cash flow is US$21.24b, with a series of annual projections between 2026 and 2035 feeding into the valuation. A Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model estimates what a company could be worth by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them back to today, using a required rate of return. It is essentially asking what all those future dollars are worth in present terms. On our checks, Novartis scores a 5 out of 6 valuation score. We will unpack this using several common valuation approaches and then finish by looking at a more complete way to think about what the market is really pricing in. Recent news around Novartis has concentrated on its position as a major global pharmaceuticals group and the markets interest in its pipeline and portfolio decisions. That context helps explain why the stock has seen ongoing attention from investors looking at both long term prospects and current pricing. Novartis shares last closed at CHF 125.14, with returns of 4.3% over 7 days, 8.3% over 30 days, 15.3% year to date, 35.9% over 1 year, 84.2% over 3 years and 102.0% over 5 years. These figures help frame the question of how much value is already reflected in the price. If you are wondering whether Novartis shares are still attractively priced or already baking in a lot of optimism, this breakdown is designed to give you a clear, valuation focused view. Story Continues Approach 2: Novartis Price vs Earnings For profitable companies like Novartis, the P/E ratio is a useful yardstick because it connects what you pay for each share to the earnings the business is currently generating. Investors generally accept paying a higher P/E for companies where they see stronger growth potential or lower perceived risk, and a lower P/E where growth is more muted or risks feel higher. Novartis currently trades on a P/E of 22.24x. That is very close to the Pharmaceuticals industry average P/E of 22.24x and sits well below the peer average of 86.80x, which is influenced by companies that trade on considerably higher earnings multiples. Simply Wall Sts Fair Ratio for Novartis is 38.54x. This is the P/E level it estimates could be reasonable for the company once factors such as earnings growth, profitability, industry, market cap and risk profile are considered together. Because this Fair Ratio blends these inputs into a single number, it can offer a more tailored reference point than a simple comparison with peers or the broad industry average. Compared with the Fair Ratio, Novartiss current P/E suggests the shares screen as undervalued on this metric. Result: UNDERVALUED SWX:NOVN P/E Ratio as at Feb 2026 P/E ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Start investing in legacies, not executives. Discover our 102 top founder-led companies. Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Novartis Narrative Earlier we mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. Let us introduce you to Narratives, which are simply your own story about a company, linked to a set of numbers like future revenue, earnings, margins and a Fair Value estimate. You can compare this with the current price on Simply Wall Sts Community page, where millions of investors publish their views. These then update automatically when new information such as earnings or news arrives. For Novartis, for example, one investor might build a more optimistic Narrative around a Fair Value close to CHF 120.06 based on expectations for stronger earnings and margins. Another might prefer a more cautious Narrative nearer CHF 79.67 that leans on flatter revenue and a lower P/E. Seeing those side by side helps you decide what you believe and whether todays price looks high, low or roughly in line with your own view. Do you think there's more to the story for Novartis? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying! SWX:NOVN 1-Year Stock Price Chart This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NOVN.SW. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com BEIJING, Feb. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark the start of the Year of the Horse, China Media Group will broadcast a special gala celebrating the growing global influence of Chinese New Year and the country's culture. Produced by CMG's Chinese Language Global Programming Center, "Festival of Spring 2026: A Worldwide Celebration" will be aired on the first day of the Lunar New Year, on CCTV-4. A Global Celebration for the Worlds Chinese Community The CCTV-4 Festival of Spring 2026 Gala A mixture of sentimental and upbeat songs, including "Flowers of Fortune", "The Bronze Galloping Horse" and "Qilin", and innovative and traditional acts including "Taiji for All", a Peking Opera excerpt "Mount Dingjun" and the crosstalk "Paintings Within Words", the gala will offer a vibrant and colorful feast of Chinese culture. It will also feature Chinese people living overseas in the US, Europe, Australia and elsewhere, who will share their stories, and perform. The evening's finale, comprising the songs "Always Thinking of Me" and "Please Come Home", will provide a heartfelt reminder of the close ties shared by Chinese people, wherever they may be in the world. A gala run through with national sentiment, "Festival of Spring 2026: A Worldwide Celebration" will, by reaching across oceans, draw together the global Chinese community. "Festival of Spring 2026: A Worldwide Celebration" will broadcast on February 17 at 7:30 pm (Beijing Time), on CCTV-4. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2904351/A_Global_Celebration_for_the_World_s_Chinese_Community_The_CCTV_4__Festival_of_Spring_2026__Gala.jpg ANCHORAGE, Ala., Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a holiday dominated by roses and romance, CYBER Express Wash chose breakup letters. The Anchorage-based car wash launched "Breakups Are Hard. We'll Handle the Paperwork." a Valentine's Day campaign that sends real USPS certified cancellation letters to customers' previous car washes on their behalf. This Valentines Day, an Alaska Car Wash Is Sending Out Certified Breakup Letters and Customers Love It Speed Speed CYBER Breakup Season CYBER Breakup Season Not a metaphor. Not an email template. Real Certified Mail. The insight is simple and sharp: consumers hate canceling subscriptions more than they hate bad relationships. The friction is real. The avoidance is common. So CYBER removed it. In an effort to "ease the heartache" customers who make the switch to CYBER receive their first month for $1 (the company's POS system requires a minimal transaction). After completing signup, new customers unlock access to CYBER's "Breakup Portal," where the company generates and mails a formal cancellation letter to their previous provider. The tone is calm. Professional. Final. No awkward phone calls. No "are you sure?" Just closurefollowed by an empowering Spotify breakup playlist. The campaign kicks off on Valentine's but is designed to roll into spring, tapping into a uniquely Alaskan cultural moment as winter loosens its grip, Anchorage enters what locals call "breakup season" when melting snow reveals dirty roads and even dirtier cars. CYBER reframes that regional truth into a brand platform about clarity and clean starts. In the words of the company, "we didn't invent breakup season, but we're here for it." On TV and streaming platforms, CYBER plays into their campaign message with the CYBER Breakup Hotline, a spot where employees admit they can't help you break up with your ex, but they can help you break up with your carwash. In-store, a heart-shaped wall of certified breakup letters doubles as both art and window display. Rather than competing in Valentine's cliches, the brand subverts them. The jokes land, but the power of the campaign isn't the satire, it's the operational follow-through. Every letter is real. Every cancellation is formal. Every barrier to switching is removed. By turning a universally avoided task into a cultural moment, CYBER transforms a routine membership acquisition into a study in behavioral marketing: eliminate friction, dramatize the pain point, and make the solution feel inevitable. The campaign underscores CYBER's brand ethos: performance over gimmicks, confidence without shouting, and cultural fluency without pandering. No self-praise. No direct competitor callouts. No desperate discounting. Just a line that doubles as a strategy: "Breakups are Hard. We'll handle the paperwork." In a retail calendar crowded with sentiment, CYBER opted for clarity, "because real love isn't complicated." ABOUT CYBER EXPRESS WASH CYBER Express is a new category of car care blending speed, sophistication, and hospitality into one elevated experience. Focused on elevated service, express interior detail, and state-of-the-art design, CYBER is Alaska's first hospitality-first express wash and the only express detail center in the state, a full-stack brand system designed to scale nationwide. Rooted in a deep respect for automotive culture and driven by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and sustainability, CYBER exists for those who expect more. Learn more at www.cyberexpressalaska.com Follow along for opening day teasers & behind-the-scenes updates at @cyberexpresswash Photo + Video Assets Available Upon Request SOURCE CYBER Express Wash 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 Addis Ababa, Feb 15 : United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Africa is navigating some of the world's "hardest challenges" with determination, creativity and resilience. Addressing the media on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit on Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the UN chief acknowledged sustained efforts by African countries to address development challenges, Xinhua news agency reported. "Not miracles, but steady practical work to solve real problems in an international environment that is more polarised, more unpredictable and more volatile than at any time since the end of the Cold War," Guterres told reporters. He said that from regional integration efforts to investments in clean energy and infrastructure, the African continent is witnessing progress, "sometimes unevenly, sometimes slowly, but it is happening." Highlighting the "enduring power and promise of Africa," he stressed the "stronger than ever" UN-AU partnership, with particular emphasis on three priorities, namely peace and security, financial justice, and climate action. "Many parts of the continent face deep and complex crises, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa. These conflicts have multiple actors, multiple interests, and multiple layers," Guterres said. Noting that African institutions and leadership are engaged in silencing the guns across the continent, he called for greater global support for Africa's efforts to ensure continental peace and security, noting that "some of these efforts are overstretched, some are under-resourced, but none can operate on political goodwill alone." According to Guterres, Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and some of the most fiscally constrained. He said debt burdens, high borrowing costs, and limited access to long-term finance are blocking progress in education, health systems, and job creation. "It is simply unconscionable that having endured the deep scars and lasting consequences of colonialism, Africa must still contend with an economic and financial system that remains totally unjust," Guterres said. He underscored the urgent need to ensure that "developing countries finally have a real voice and meaningful participation in the international financial institutions that shape their future." Concerning climate action, Guterres said that despite its minimal contribution to climate change, Africa is paying the highest price through droughts, floods, hunger, and deadly heat. The UN chief said that the African continent is left "with far too little support" to adapt and make the transition to clean energy. "This is climate injustice, plain and simple," he said, adding that with the right support, Africa will become a global renewable powerhouse. New Delhi, Feb 15 : Over a month-long 'Vikramotsav,' dedicated to Samrat Vikramaditya, will start in Madhya Pradesh's religious city Ujjain from Sunday (February 15) and will conclude on March 19. Earlier the Madhya Pradesh government, following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, released the full schedule of the events comprising religious, cultural and trade activities during the mega event. The event will commence on Sunday with the inauguration of all Shivratri fairs, Kalash Yatraand 'Shivoham' musical presentation by a group of renowned artists. The national and international theatrical artists performing under the Vikram Theatre Festival will perform between February 16 and 25. There will be an international history conclave, puppet festival, and research symposium between February 26 and 28, while an intellectual conclave on justice during the era of Samrat Vikramaditya will be organised between Feb 28 and March 1, which will be followed by an all-India poets' conference on March 7. According to the schedule, the mega event also includes various other programmes, such as an international festival of mythological films featuring entries from more than 20 countries, Veda Antakshari and Sunrise worship at Ramghat, Dutt Akhara, on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. On the last day (March 19), marking Varsh Pratipada and Srishti Aarambh Diwas will be celebrated as Ujjayini Gaurav Diwas. "The main event will be held on the banks of the Shipra River and will include the presentation of the Samrat Vikramaditya Award, release of the Vikram Panchang 2082-83 and the second edition of Arsha Bharat, along with the dance-drama Mahadev Ki Nadi Katha," according to the government. Reviewing the preparations for the event, Chief Minister Yadav emphasised that Vikramotsav, dedicated to Samrat Vikramaditya, must ensure an effective and comprehensive presentation of all dimensions of his personality. He stated that introducing the new generation to the contributions of Samrat Vikramaditya is essential for maintaining the continuity of Indian knowledge systems and cultural traditions. Chief Minister Yadav also directed that science colleges, engineering colleges and polytechnic institutes be associated with events highlighting the scientific aspects of Samrat Vikramaditya. Kyiv, Feb 15 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich, Germany that Ukraine is ready for an agreement that will bring real peace, the Ukrinform news agency reported. "Ukraine is ready for an agreement that will bring real peace to us, to Ukraine, to Europe," he said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, adding that the crisis can be ended, first of all, with dignity. "This is the most important thing for us," Zelensky said. According to him, Europe is practically not present at the negotiating table, which is a "big mistake." Ukrainians are trying to fully engage Europe in the negotiating process so that "the interests of Europe and the voice of Europe are taken into account," Xinhua news agebcy reported. He added that Ukraine will do everything to make these negotiations successful and is in constant communication with US representatives. Meanwhile, Russia is ready to seek a negotiated solution to the Ukraine crisis based on understandings reached by the leaders of Russia and the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this month. He said Russia remains fully committed to the outcomes of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held in the US city of Anchorage, Alaska in August last year, and noted that Moscow expects its interests to be fully taken into account in the process of reaching mutually acceptable agreements with partners open to honest and direct dialogue. Lavrov said Russia would continue to uphold truth and justice in international affairs and promote a multipolar world grounded in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adding that Moscow would oppose double standards, hidden agendas, imposed settlement formulas, as well as practices of neocolonialism and hegemonism. The foreign minister also said Russia would prioritize strengthening strategic partnerships with emerging centers of a multipolar world, adding that Russia and like-minded partners would work to accelerate the development of sanctions-resistant mechanisms for trade, investment, financial and logistical cooperation. Munich, Feb 15 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he hopes for serious and substantive discussions in the upcoming peace talks with Russia and the United States in Geneva. "We truly hope that the trilateral meetings next week will be serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us," Zelensky said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday (local time), according to a report on the Ukrainian president's official website. Zelensky said that the United States, in trilateral negotiations, has too often discussed the topic of concessions with Ukraine, not Russia. "The Americans often return to the topic of concessions -- and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine -- not Russia," he said. In late January and early February, two rounds of security working group talks involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, reports Xinhua news agency. Ukraine and Russia agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire. The next round of talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's state news agency TASS reported, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, wrote on Facebook that the Ukrainian negotiating team has been formed, incorporating the military, political, and security components of the process. Umerov stressed that achieving a sustainable and lasting peace remains the goal of the Ukrainian delegation at the talks. The first round of trilateral security consultations among the three countries was held on January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, where the Russian delegation was led by the country's military intelligence chief, Igor Kostyukov. The second round was held in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5. Following the meeting, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russia and Ukraine had agreed on an exchange of 314 prisoners of war. Tokyo, Feb 15 : A 17-year-old boy was killed, and two other boys were injured after they were stabbed in central Osaka, western Japan, late Saturday, local media reported on Sunday. The police received an emergency call around 11:55 p.m. local time reporting that people had been stabbed on the first floor of a building located in Osaka's busy Dotombori shopping area, Kyodo News reported, citing the Osaka police. A young man suspected of carrying out the stabbings in the downtown area with many eateries has fled on foot and remains at large, reports Xinhua, quoting Kyodo news agency. The deceased victim from Nara Prefecture sustained stab wounds to the chest and other areas and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the two other 17-year-old boys were taken to the hospital with injuries, according to police. The attacker, believed to be in his twenties, knew the three victims, and they had a dispute shortly before the attack, police said. This comes just a month after a man was arrested on January 15 for stabbing two men coming to his apartment in Tokyo for forced eviction proceedings, according to the police's statement. The man, believed to be in his 40s, was arrested a few hundred meters away from the spot on suspicion of attempted murder. One of the victims, a company employee, was in critical condition while the other, a court enforcement officer, suffered minor injuries. Both victims were aged in their 60s. On December 26, 2025, 15 people were injured after a stabbing spree at a factory in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, local media reported, quoting authorities. According to them, an emergency call was received, reporting that five or six people had been stabbed at a Yokohama Rubber factory in Mishima, Kyodo News Agency reported. Police had arrested Masaki Oyama (38) on suspicion of attempted murder. Seoul, Feb 15 : Outbound traffic congestion was expected to peak on Sunday as more people head to their hometowns on the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday. The nation will mark the major holiday, known as Seol, on Tuesday, with the holiday period beginning over the weekend and running through Wednesday, reports Yonhap news agency. Traffic caused by cars on outbound routes was expected to be the heaviest between noon and 1 p.m. and ease from around 8 to 9 p.m., according to the state-run Korea Expressway Corp. As of 8 a.m., a drive from Seoul to the southeastern port city of Busan, about 330 kilometres away, was expected to take about six hours and 10 minutes, while a trip to Daegu, some 240 km southeast of Seoul, was expected to take 5 hours and 10 minutes. Travel times heading toward Seoul were relatively shorter, taking 5 hours and 10 minutes from Busan to Seoul and 4 hours and 10 minutes from Daegu to Seoul. The agency estimated that some 5 million vehicles would travel nationwide on Sunday, including 450,000 cars leaving the greater Seoul area and 380,000 heading toward it. Meanwhile, North Korea will observe a longer Lunar New Year holiday this year, as it immediately follows the national holiday marking the birthday of the late former leader Kim Jong-il. North Korea observes a one-day Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on Tuesday this year, shorter than South Korea's three-day holiday. This year's Lunar New Year falls on a day after the late leader's birthday on Monday, following Sunday, giving North Koreans a three-day holiday. Generally, North Koreans observe the new year according to the Western calendar, while South Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year more extravagantly. The socialist North Korea initially renounced the traditional Korean holiday as a feudal vestige before reinstating it in 1989, along with the other traditional holiday of Chuseok, under the Kim Jong-il regime. North Korea now uses the traditional holiday as an occasion not only to honour families' ancestors but also to celebrate the achievements of its two late leaders, including state founder Kim Il-sung, and to bolster allegiance to the current leader, Kim Jong-un. On Lunar New Year, North Koreans typically visit the Kumsusan mausoleum in Pyongyang, where the bodies of the two late leaders are enshrined, or their statues across the country to lay flowers. Restaurants remain open and busy with diners during the holiday season, as travel to other regions or hometowns is restricted and allowed only with permission. Photo Courtesy: Toyota. Toyotas RAV4 has become one of the defining vehicles of the modern U.S. market, to the point that the company has found itself in an unusual position. Demand is so strong that Toyota is encouraging dealers to steer shoppers toward less popular models, not because interest is fading, but because supply cannot keep up. The pressure has intensified as Toyota transitions production of the next generation RAV4 across multiple plants. The redesigned RAV4 was revealed in 2025, and the staggered changeovers needed to build the next generation across multiple plants in Kentucky, Ontario, and Japan are expected to constrain early availability. Even before that changeover, the RAV4 was already operating near the ceiling of Toyotas production capacity. In simple terms, Toyota is facing a textbook problem of demand outpacing supply. The response is not to cool the market but to rebalance the showroom. Dealers Told To Make up the Difference With Other Models Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. At a meeting held during the National Automobile Dealers Association event in Las Vegas, Toyota Motor North America executive David Christ delivered a clear message. If RAV4 inventory remains tight, dealers will need to make up part of that shortfall by selling other vehicles in Toyotas lineup. Toyota and Lexus have been operating with relatively lean inventories, and there is little indication that conditions will normalize quickly. Christ noted that a large share of Toyotas available stock is concentrated in pickup trucks, which gives the brand more breathing room in that part of the portfolio. Passenger cars and crossovers, however, remain a more uncertain picture that will depend on how the year develops. This kind of constraint has a real-world effect at the dealership level. When a high-demand model becomes scarce, pricing pressure often shifts from manufacturer strategy to retailer behavior. Tight Supply Can Lead To Unwanted Price Markups Limited availability has already produced some uncomfortable side effects. Some dealers have reportedly added markups to the new RAV4, in some cases several thousand dollars above the manufacturers suggested price. That approach risks undermining the reputation the RAV4 has built over years. Part of the models appeal has always been its rational value proposition: strong resale, proven reliability, and a practical package that makes sense for a wide range of households. When shoppers see a mainstream compact SUV priced like a premium product, it can damage trust and push buyers to competitors. Toyota does not directly control every dealer pricing decision, but the brands long-term strength depends on keeping core models aligned with their image in the market. Seoul, Feb 15 : South Korea's major brokerage houses racked up record earnings last year on the back of a bull run on the local stock market, industry data showed on Sunday. The combined net profit of the country's 27 securities firms is estimated at 10.23 trillion won (US$7.03 billion) for 2025, sharply up from the previous year's 6.97 trillion won, reports Yonhap news agency. Korea Investment & Securities Co. posted the biggest net income of 2.01 trillion won last year, up 79 per cent from a year earlier, followed by Mirae Asset Securities Co. with 1.59 trillion won in net profit. Kiwoom Investment & Securities Co. reported a net profit of 1.12 trillion won, while NH Investment & Securities Co. and Samsung Securities Co. posted a net profit of 1.03 trillion won and 1.01 trillion won, respectively. Their stellar performances were partly driven by commission fees from increased trading of local stocks by retail investors. The average daily turnover of the local stock market stood at 16.9 trillion won in 2025, marking a whopping 57 percent spike from a year before, according to the data. The brokerage firms are tipped to log a further rise in their bottom lines as the daily turnover is widely expected to further increase. Analysts believe the daily turnover may reach as high as 45 trillion won this year as the country's stock market is on an upward trajectory. The country's key stock index, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), surged over 75 per cent last year and advanced around 30 percent so far this year. In January alone, the average daily turnover reached 62 trillion won, the data showed. Meanwhile, South Korea's main bourse operator said its value-up index rose to an all-time high at the end of last month. The Korea Exchange's (KRX) value-up index came to 2,330.7 as of end-January, up 134.9 per cent from the index's introduction on Sept. 30, 2024. It outperformed the broader benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), which rose 101.5 per cent during the cited period, the bourse operator said in a release. The value-up index comprises 100 companies that demonstrate strong performance in a range of qualitative metrics, such as profitability and shareholder returns. a"IANS na/ New Delhi, Feb 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended birthday wishes to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and praised his efforts towards ensuring self-reliance in petroleum and natural gas in the country. Puri, born on February 15, 1952, is a retired diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service and has been serving as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas since 2021. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji on his birthday. His efforts towards ensuring India is self-reliant in the petroleum and natural gas sectors are commendable. Praying for his long life and good health." Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also extended birthday greetings to Puri, stating, "My colleague in the Central Cabinet, Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, heartfelt birthday wishes to you. I pray to the Almighty for your excellent health, long life, and a life full of auspiciousness." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extending wishes on social media, said, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Honourable Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji." "By the grace of Lord Shri Ram, may you be blessed with excellent health, long life, and a glorious existence. My prayer is that your dedicated service for the welfare of the people continues to set new records of success," he said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wished Puri on his birthday and prayed for his well-being. "Honourable Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, heartfelt birthday wishes and best regards. I pray to God for your excellent health, long life and a glorious life," CM Gupta said in a post on X. Hardeep Puri entered the Indian Foreign Service in 1974 and worked as Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of External Affairs from 1994 to 1997 and again from 1999 to 2002. He held the position of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence from 1997 to 1999. He served as India's ambassador to Brazil. Subsequently, he was Secretary to the Government of India for Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2009 to 2013. Puri has been assigned to key diplomatic roles in Brazil, where he was an ambassador, as well as in Japan, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, where he served as Deputy High Commissioner. From 1988 to 1991, he coordinated the UNDP/UNCTAD Multilateral Trade Negotiations Project, which supported developing nations during the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. In January 2014, Puri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. New Delhi, Feb 15 : The Delhi Police has released a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the upcoming AI Impact Summit scheduled to take place in the national capital from Monday. The five-day international event, to be held from February 16 to February 20 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, is expected to draw significant global attention, with participation from various heads of state and government, ministers, senior delegates from invited nations, and leaders of major international organisations. Given the scale and profile of the event, authorities anticipate regulated traffic movement in and around the venue as well as adjoining areas. In its advisory, the Delhi Police stated that comprehensive traffic arrangements will be put in place in the interest of public safety and convenience. These arrangements will primarily affect the New Delhi district and nearby areas to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and minimal inconvenience to commuters. The statement noted that the measures are aimed at facilitating "smooth and hassle-free movement of all modes of transport" while maintaining ease of travel for the general public during the summit period. "Essential services, including medical emergency vehicles, will be provided with uninterrupted access with priority passage. The general public will be facilitated through designated alternate routes and transport modes," the advisory said. Certain stretches have been identified as restricted zones during VVIP route movements. These include Bhairon Marg, excluding the Ring Road T-Point, and Mathura Road from Subramania Bharti Marg T-Point to Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk. "The general vehicles' entry will not be allowed during the route movements," the police stated. Vehicles that are not destined for Delhi will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways and other designated alternate routes. Such vehicles will not be permitted to enter the national capital during the summit period. Movement of passengers heading to airports and railway stations will be facilitated, though commuters have been advised to factor in additional travel time and consider alternate routes to avoid delays. In view of the anticipated traffic regulations, motorists have also been encouraged to use Metro services for travel to airport terminals. Additionally, buses may be diverted as required during VVIP movements to ensure security and smooth traffic management. The Delhi Police has urged residents and visitors to cooperate with authorities and plan their journeys in advance to minimise inconvenience during the high-profile summit. Dhaka, Feb 15 : The members elected in Bangladesh's 13th National Parliamentary Election are set to take their oath of office on Tuesday, February 17, according to local media reports. The swearing-in ceremony will be administered in the morning by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin. Multiple sources from the interim government's chief advisor's office, the law ministry, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is poised to form the next government, confirmed the development to the leading Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo. The 13th parliamentary election was conducted on Thursday, and the Election Commission published the official gazette notification of the victorious candidates on Friday night. Preparations for the oath-taking ceremony are already underway at the Jatiya Sangsad secretariat. Traditionally, the ceremony is held in the designated oath room at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Jatiya Sangsad secretariat secretary Kaniz Moula said that arrangements are being made for the oath-taking ceremony on Tuesday evening, February 17. Polling was held for 299 of the 300 seats in the 13th parliamentary election on February 12. The Election Commission declared unofficial results for 297 constituencies. However, the gazette notifications for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 have not yet been issued following a directive from the High Court. According to the results announced so far, the BNP won 209 out of 297 seats in the February 12 election, with its candidates leading in the two constituencies, including Chattogram-2 and 4, where results have been withheld. Their allies have claimed three seats. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, while the partners in the Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance secured nine seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) claimed one seat, and independent candidates won in seven constituencies, Prothom Alo reported. With Tarique Rahman 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 15 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will participate in the 33rd Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. In a post on X, Singh informed, "On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Today, I shall be at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore to attend the 'Maha Shivratri' celebrations. Looking forward to it." According to the official schedule, Singh will arrive in Coimbatore by flight at 4:15 p.m. From the airport, he will travel by a private helicopter at 4:25 p.m. to the Isha Yoga Center to attend the main function. He is expected to take part in the evening ceremonies, including the special poojas and music performances that traditionally mark the beginning of the all-night vigil associated with Mahashivaratri. In view of the massive turnout anticipated for the event, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Coimbatore district. Nearly 7,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage crowd control, regulate traffic and ensure the safety of devotees and dignitaries. Security checks have been intensified, and additional surveillance measures have been introduced at key entry and exit points around the venue. Authorities have also made special arrangements to handle the expected influx of pilgrims, including streamlined access routes, barricading systems and emergency response teams stationed at strategic locations. After participating in the celebrations, the Defence Minister will depart from Coimbatore on Monday (February 16). He is scheduled to reach Coimbatore Airport at 10:35 am and board a flight to New Delhi at 10:45 am. The annual event, organised by spiritual leader Sadhguru, is among the most widely watched spiritual gatherings globally. Alongside the Defence Minister , Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan, and other prominent dignitaries are expected to attend, according to an official statement. The night-long celebrations will commence with the 'Pancha Bhuta Kriya' at the Dhyanalinga, a ritual that honours 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. Devotion, music, and meditation sessions led by Sadhguru will form the core of the spiritual programme. Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister L. Murugan and other prominent dignitaries are also expected to be present. Situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, the towering Adiyogi statue serves as the focal point of the celebrations and attracts global attention each year. The Mahashivratri event at the Isha Yoga Centre will be live on over 100 television networks and digital platforms in 24 Indian and international languages, with the 2026 edition expected to reach more than 140 million viewers worldwide. The presence of the Defence Minister and other dignitaries underscores the growing recognition of Mahashivratri as both a spiritual and cultural event of national significance. Participants from across India and abroad are expected to gather for the auspicious night, celebrating Lord Shiva with devotion, meditation, and cultural performances. --IANS rs-aal/svn Chennai, Feb 15 : The fireworks industry of Tamil Nadu, grappling with prolonged regulatory and market challenges, has stepped up efforts to secure policy support from the Centre to help revive the sector. A senior representative of the industry said the sector has been passing through a difficult phase in recent years, impacted by tighter regulations, seasonal restrictions and reduced access to institutional benefits. In response, the association representing fireworks manufacturers has initiated discussions with senior government officials, including Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia to press for corrective measures. According to the association, one of the core concerns is the absence of formal recognition within existing economic classifications. Firecracker manufacturing units are currently not clearly included under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) framework nor categorised within the corporate sector, limiting their access to government-backed subsidies, financial assistance schemes, and institutional credit. "Crackers are frequently labelled as dangerous and hazardous products, and this perception has affected policy support for the industry," the representative said. "However, the sector provides direct and indirect employment to thousands of workers. Formal recognition is essential to enable access to subsidies and other benefits available to recognised industries." The association has recently submitted detailed representations to the Union government seeking safeguards and policy interventions to stabilise the sector. These include financial support mechanisms, easier credit access, and inclusion in government incentive programmes aimed at supporting traditional and labour-intensive industries. Another issue flagged by the industry relates to operational restrictions under the Explosives Act, 2008. Current provisions prohibit firecracker manufacturing during night hours. Industry representatives argue that revisiting and amending certain clauses in the Act, while maintaining safety standards, could improve productivity and help manufacturers meet seasonal demand. The association has urged the government to adopt a balanced approach that safeguards safety and environmental concerns while ensuring the survival of a traditional industry that supports livelihoods across multiple regions. Industry leaders expressed hope that ongoing consultations with the DPIIT and other stakeholders would lead to policy clarity and structured support, enabling the fireworks sector to regain stability and sustain employment in the years ahead. --IANS aal/vd Kolkata, Feb 15 : Six accused in two different cases were arrested in Kolkata on the same day as Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar made surprise visits across the city to monitor the law and order situation, police sources said on Sunday. Four of the arrested are residents of Gujarat. They have been arrested on charges of theft. According to the police, the four accused were arrested from the Hastings area by the 'Watch' branch of the Intelligence Department in Lalbazar (Kolkata Police headquarters). The arrested accused have been identified as Anil Ramju Salat, Dhiru Kalobhai Salat, Sameerbhai Salat, and Raju Kumar, all of whom hail from Anand in Gujarat. According to sources, a theft case was filed at Jorasanko police station on January 14, and the four were named as accused in the theft. Investigators had been searching for the accused for the past month. Finally, the four were arrested from Hastings area on Saturday. Meanwhile, two accused in a complaint of theft filed at Girish Park police station on January 20 were arrested from the Park Circus area on Saturday. The arrested persons have been identified as Mohammad Shahnawaz, alias Sunny, and Mohammad Sameer. Both are residents of the Entally area in central Kolkata. It is learnt that they are accused of stealing several items, including mobile phones and money from the car of a cab driver while he was sleeping. According to police sources, all six people arrested in the two cases were to be produced in court on Sunday. A few days ago, at the Kolkata Police's monthly crime prevention meeting, Commissioner of Police, Supratim Sarkar, instructed that police patrols should be made visible across the city during busy hours of the day. The CP himself took to the streets on Saturday to check on the effectiveness and implementation of his instruction. On the same day, these six people were arrested in connection with two thefts committed about a month ago. IANS sch/vd Shivpuri, Feb 15 : Police have arrested three suspects within 24 hours following murder of advocate Sanjay Kumar Saxena, a well-known lawyer practising in the Karera tehsil civil court of Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. Saxena was shot dead on Saturday afternoon while heading to work on his vehicle. The accused, according to police, have been identified as Golu, 25, son of Arvind Rawat; Papendra, 23, son of Hardas Rawat; and Zaheer, 24, son of Rafiq. Golu and Zaheer hail from the Ghugsi area under Barauni police station area, while Papendra is from Dabra. During a brief encounter, Papendra was shot in the leg and is now receiving treatment in a hospital. Investigations point to this being a contract killing, with the three men hired as shooters. In the shocking incident in Karera of Shivpuri district, the 57-year-old was attacked from behind near Anand Sagar temple on Siddhan Road as he left home on his motorcycle, dressed in his court uniform. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot, leaving the local legal community in mourning and outrage. According to Superintendent of Police Aman Singh Rathore, the police are now hunting for a fourth key accused, believed to be the mastermind who conspired the murder, provided the funds, and supplied detailed information about the victim's routine. The case stems from a bitter land dispute, as Saxena's brother had claimed. Saxena had successfully represented a client in a property matter, helping secure a favourable verdict, which apparently fuelled rivalry and led to threats against him. Police suspect the contract was issued in retaliation for his role in that case, though they are probing whether more individuals may be involved. The superintendent assured that interrogations are continuing and the main conspirator will soon be apprehended, promising to uncover the full details of this premeditated crime. Mumbai, Feb 15 : Actor Ranbir Kapoor spilled some major updates about his upcoming films during a 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram. During the Insta Live, one of the users pointed out that Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana Part 1" will be reaching the audience on Ranbir's daughter, Raha's, birthday in November. Reacting to this, the 'Barfi' actor called it a "beautiful coincidence". "Ramayana" is expected to reach the cinema lovers during Diwali 2026. While Ranbir is not on social media, he interacted with the Insta users through the official handle of his lifestyle brand, ARKS. The Instagram live session was conducted to celebrate the anniversary of ARKS. During the session, Ranbir also shared updates regarding some of his other forthcoming dramas, one of which is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Love & War", alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Ranbir shared that the cinephiles might have to wait a little longer to witness Sanjay Leela Bhansalias directorial. The film, initially expected to reach the theatres in August 2026, is likely to now be out either later this year or even in 2027. Explaining the delay, Ranbir shared that projects such as "Ramayana" and "Love & War" take a little longer to finish due to their ambitious scale and vision. Nevertheless, he is confident that the wait will be worthwhile. Speaking about his other releases, Ranbir shared that the makers of Ayan Mukerji's "Brahmastra 2" are planning to begin the shoot of the movie sooner than expected. He added that another one of his highly discussed sequels, "Animal Park", which will be made under the direction of Sandeep Reddy Vanga, will go on floors mid-next year. Not just that, Ranbir also showered praises on Ranveer Singh's recent blockbuster "Dhurandhar." "Absolutely loved that film. The entire cast and crew smashed it. Really good times at the movies," shared Ranbir. Munich, Feb 15 : An awkward moment played out for Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Germany when a security officer at the Munich Security Conference briefly stopped him over the positioning of his identity card. Field Marshal Munir was in the German city along with his delegation to attend the conference. A video clip circulating widely on social media shows the security official asking the Pakistani Army Chief to ensure that his identification card was clearly visible from the front. The incident reportedly occurred just a few steps before the entry point to the conference venue. In the footage, the security officer is seen tapping his own name badge and gesturing towards the ID card hanging from Munir's neck, saying, "Can you turn that around?" The brief exchange between Munir and the security personnel at the Munich Security Conference has since attracted significant attention online. The visuals of the interaction have triggered a wave of reactions on social media platforms, with several critics mocking the episode and claiming that it reflects on his public standing. Meanwhile, the Munich conference's invitation to Munir has drawn severe criticism from several community leaders. Shafi Burfat, Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), condemned Munir's presence at global security forums across Europe, calling it an insult to the communities facing "repression and occupation" within the South Asian nation. The Sindhi leader highlighted that Munir has effectively placed Pakistani politics, the judiciary, business, and media under the "shadow of military boots", and therefore cannot credibly represent peace. "His presence at global security forums in civilised societies such as Germany and across Europe is an insult to the historical nations that endure repression and occupation within Pakistan. It is tantamount to rubbing salt into the wounds of oppressed peoples," Burfat said. "The so-called self-styled Field Marshal and corrupt Army Chief of the unnatural state of Pakistan, Asim Munir, is deeply implicated in the systematic persecution, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of forcibly subjugated nations within Pakistan, including the Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns," Burfat had posted on X. Trump Media is stepping deeper into crypto, and this time it is not subtle. The company just filed with the SEC to launch two new crypto linked ETFs tied to Bitcoin, Ether, and even Cronos. This is not just about tracking price either. The plan targets active traders who want exposure plus potential yield through staking rewards. It is an expansion of the so called America First strategy straight into digital assets. TMTG filed for a blended Bitcoin/Ether fund and a specialized Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF. Both funds propose a 0.95% management fee, with Crypto.com providing custody and liquidity services. The move defies current trends, as Bitcoin ETFs recently saw heavy outflows totaling over $360 million. Truth Social Expands Crypto ETFs Footprint Amid Desperate Market The new ETFs would be managed by Yorkville America Equities and offered through Foris Capital. More interesting though is the deeper link with Crypto.com. Back in September, they teamed up to build a treasury vehicle focused on accumulating CRO. So this is not random. The timing is intersting. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen four straight weeks of outflows. That tells you institutions are cautious right now. Big asset managers are not leaving the space. Some are still quietly increasing exposure, treating this dip as a longer term opportunity. Trump Media seems to be doing exactly that. Staking Rewards and The Cronos Surprise These are not basic spot ETFs. The structure is built for yield. The Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF would hold roughly 60% BTC and 40% ETH, with a clear plan to stake the ETH portion and generate rewards. Then there is the Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF. Pretty sound name if you ask me. It is designed to track CRO while also earning income through staking on the Cronos network. That puts a direct spotlight on Crypto.com ecosystem exposure, not just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Source: United States Securities and Exchange Commission With a projected 0.95% management fee, these funds are positioning themselves as more active, premium vehicles rather than low cost, passive spot trackers. Read original story Is Trump Media Good for Crypto After All? Files for Bitcoin, Ether, and Cronos ETFs by Ahmed Balaha at Cryptonews.com Hyderabad, Feb 15 : By winning two seats in municipal elections in Telangana, the Jana Sena has taken the first step in the land where it took birth, party President and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said on Sunday. He congratulated Aruri Vijayalakshmi and Aggu Sagar, who were elected as a councillor and a corporator, respectively. The Jana Sena, which contested 332 seats in the recently held elections, won a seat each in a municipality and a corporation. Vijayalakshmi has been elected from one of the wards in Nereducharla Municipality in Nalgonda district. Aggu Sagar has been elected as a corporator in Mancherial Municipal Corporation. Pawan Kalyan said they laid a foundation for a strong future of the party in Telangana, noting that even a big tree grows from a tiny seed. According to Jana Senaas Telangana unit leaders, the party candidates came second in five places and third in 47 wards. They said the Jana Sena outperformed all or one of the top three parties in 16 per cent (54) of contested wards. Ruling Congress, and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the top three parties in Telangana. Jana Sena is a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party led by the actor-politician is sharing power with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the BJP in Andhra Pradesh. The Jana Sena fielded the candidates in Telangana municipal elections on its own after the BJP made it clear that it would not have an alliance with any party. Contesting wards in 11 districts, the maximum number of candidates fielded by the party was 48 in Nizamabad district, followed by 46 in Nalgonda, 44 in Mahabubnagar, and 39 in Adilabad. Elections for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in Telangana were held on February 11. Jana Sena had announced that Pawan Kalyan will campaign for Jana Sena and BJP candidates on February 7 and 8. However, the visit was cancelled. While the sources in Jana Sena said that it was cancelled because of a minor health issue, it triggered speculation that it could be because of some remarks made by Pawan Kalyan about Telangana in December last year. Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy had warned that Pawan Kalyan's movies would not be allowed to be released in theatres in Telangana if he failedto apologise over his "insulting" remarks about Telangana. The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister had blamed the "evil eye" for "dying" coconut trees in the development of the Konaseema region, known for lush green fields. He was apparently referring to the bifurcation of the state. Leaders of different parties in Telangana had demanded an apology from Pawan Kalyan. The Jana Sena had said that the statement of its leader was distorted. New Delhi, Feb 15 : On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called upon devotees to set aside worldly concerns and immerse themselves in spiritual awakening through devotion to Lord Shiva. Speaking to IANS, he said: "There are 12 Shivratris in a year, every month there is one. Today, it is called Mahashivratri as it falls in Magh. At least on this day, keep worldly matters aside. Surrender your mind completely to the Shiv Tattva. Worship Shiva." Emphasising the spiritual significance of the festival, he said: "Then the human life will be blessed. By the way, Shiva is Bholenath. He will give you whatever you ask for. It is very important that people worship Shiva with all their heart and soul. Shiva is everything. There is nothing other than Shiva. Everything other than Shiva is a corpse." Highlighting the relevance of Mahashivratri in today's world, he said: "In today's world, when there is so much tension, there is so much terror, there is so much doubt as to what will happen in the future. There is uncertainty, there is anxiety. People are struggling with so many problems. On the day of Shivratri, surrender all your problems to Shiva. And celebrate the Shiv Tattva." Calling meditation the core of spiritual practice, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said: "Worship Shiva, offer water to Him, worship Him, meditate on Him. That is very important. Meditation is the most important thing. Only by meditating internally can we experience the Shiv Tattva. Even by listening to Kirtan, Dhyan, Bhajan, and Mantras, a new energy is awakened in life. Today is the day when we wake up from the materialistic world and awaken the spiritual world within us. This is awakening. On the day of Shivratri, do whatever you want to do. But today is the time to connect with the invisible world." He also spoke about the presence of Jyotirlingams during the celebrations, saying: "Today, the main Jyotirlingam of Somnathji is available here. Last year, there were only two Jyotirlingams available. Today, there are 11 Jyotirlingams available. Rudra is one Jyotirlingam. His abhishek will be done in the evening. Kirtan will be done at night." Concluding his message, he said: "Shankar is the one who will bring welfare to the world. May he bring welfare. May everyone celebrate Shivratri with this auspicious wish. Congratulations to everyone." His message resonated with devotees observing Mahashivratri across the country, as temples witnessed night-long prayers, meditation sessions, and devotional singing marking the sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rajkot, Feb 15 : Three people were killed and another seriously injured after a car crashed into a railway bridge and split into two in Jetpur city of Rajkot district in the early hours of Sunday, police said. The accident occurred on the Jetalsar Junction railway bridge when four friends were returning from the Maha Shivratri fair at Bhavnath in Junagadh. According to the police, the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle while crossing the bridge. The car collided with the bridge structure with significant force, causing it to break into two parts that were flung to opposite sides of the road. Muskan Bagda, 21, a resident of Raydi village, and Arun Vala, 20, from Navagadh, died at the scene. Jaydeep Chauhan, who sustained critical injuries, was rushed for medical treatment but later succumbed to injuries. The fourth occupant, Amit Parmar, suffered serious injuries and is also undergoing treatment at a hospital in Junagadh. A Jetpur taluka police officer said a case has been registered and an investigation is under way. "Preliminary findings indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle while crossing the bridge. The car struck the structure and split into two due to the impact. Further inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the accident," the officer said. Police personnel reached the spot after being alerted by local residents and passing motorists. A crane was deployed to clear the damaged vehicle parts from the roadway. Traffic on the bridge was temporarily disrupted following the crash, leading to congestion in the area, but movement was later restored. All four occupants were initially taken to Jetpur Government Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, and legal formalities are being completed. The accident took place amid heavy vehicular movement associated with the annual Maha Shivratri festival in Junagadh, which draws a large number of devotees. Police said all aspects of the case are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Uttarakhand, Feb 15 : In a major step towards strengthening student well-being in higher education, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) on Sunday announced it has started drafting a comprehensive mental health policy for its campus community. The initiative is being seen as a landmark move that could set a model for other IITs across the country. The first draft of the policy has been prepared by the institute's Wellness Centre, which serves as a mental health care facility for students, faculty and staff. The draft was developed with inputs from the Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Dean of Student Wellness, clinical psychologists at IIT Roorkee, external advisors and faculty members, ensuring that the framework reflects both professional expertise and institutional experience. The initiative was further strengthened through "SAHYOG 2.0", a focused inter-IIT discussion aimed at sharing ideas and learning from the experiences of other IITs. The goal of the dialogue was to understand the policies, protocols and governance systems already in place at different IITs and to incorporate best practices into a comprehensive and inclusive mental health policy for the entire IIT community. SAHYOG 2.0 builds on the success of SAHYOG 1.0, which was held in 2024. The latest edition also aligns with recent directives of the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC), both of which have stressed the importance of mental health governance in higher education institutions. The discussions during SAHYOG 2.0 covered a wide range of issues, including how institutions can frame and implement mental health policies, the need for preventive and responsive support systems, and the role of Wellness Centres, counselling cells and student welfare bodies. Participants also discussed how to standardise mental health policies across IITs and create clear standard operating procedures for handling crisis situations. The event brought together delegates from all IITs, including Deans, faculty members and mental health professionals. Renowned external advisors from institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Government Medical College and Hospital Chandigarh, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, King George's Medical University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Kolkata, O P Jindal Global University, Mariwala Health Initiative, University of Delhi and Uttarakhand Police Special Investigation Force also took part. A Supreme Court advocate and an anthropologist were among the distinguished officials present. Speaking about the effort, IIT Roorkee Director Prof K.K. Pant said that mental health and well-being have become critical pillars of excellence in higher education. He said initiatives like SAHYOG 2.0 show a shared recognition of this responsibility among institutions. Hyderabad, Feb 15 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Sunday that his remark 'Nene Raju, Nene Mantri' (I am the king, I am the minister) were misinterpreted. He clarified that he only stated that as the Chief Minister and the Municipal Administration Minister, he was responsible for the results of the municipal elections. The Chief Minister had made the remark on Friday during an interaction with media in New Delhi. He had stated that there was no competition for the Chief Minister's post either in state politics or within the Congress. Addressing Sant Sevalal Jayanti celebrations at Banjara Bhavan in Hyderabad on Sunday, the Chief Minister clarified that his remark was in the context of municipal elections. Stating that he does not see himself as a ruler, Revanth Reddy claimed that his intention is to serve people. He said the Congress party achieved 85 to 90 per cent results in municipal elections. He remarked that he is not the one to become arrogant in victory or lose heart in defeat. He said he would continue to work for the poor. "Some people think that they are born to rule," he said while targeting the leaders of opposition parties. Paying rich tributes to Sant Sevalal, the Chief Minister said he stood as a guide for 15 crore Lambada community in the country.. Stating that Lambada community played a key role in the Telangana movement, he said the Congress government has taken the responsibility to celebrate Sevalal Jayanti officially. He said tribals along with Dalits should get priority and due respect. Revanth Reddy claimed that in his 20-year political career, the Lambada community always supported him. He announced that he was issuing orders to lay bitumen tar roads for all the Thandas (tribal hamlets) in the state. He said proper road facilities should be provided to those living in the Thandas. He called for building a government school and Gram Panchayat building in every Thanda. He said the government was planning to provide electricity to tribal hamlets through solar plants. He said it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who gave reservation to tribals and allotted them lands. Stating that the government now does not have any lands to give, he said it was working for the welfare of tribals. "The government is ready to provide quality education. Tribal students should study hard," he said. He listed out the steps taken by the government for the welfare of weaker sections of people. He claimed that he wants to make people of the backward sections of the society partners in the governance. He pointed out that though the population of Scheduled Castes is 15 per cent, the government has given them given 30 per cent posts. He said SC community has been given posts of four ministers and Assembly Speaker. New Delhi, Feb 15 : It no longer feels like politics; it feels personal -- at times even eccentric -- sliding into rhetoric that alienates more than it persuades. The tone carries grievance rather than governance, emotion rather than institution-building. What emerges is the impression of someone seeking power without the patience of political labour, who seems to believe leadership is inherited rather than earned -- a mindset perhaps shaped by the comforts of dynasty and its insulated coterie. Rahul Gandhi is not merely leading the Opposition -- he is redefining it into a spectacle. In a democracy that demands rigour, responsibility and resilience, his politics increasingly resembles performance over purpose. When the Leader of Opposition treats Parliament as a platform for provocation rather than persuasion, it undermines institutional credibility. Democracy survives not only on the strength of those in power but also on the maturity of those who challenge it. Remaining in office consecutively in a country as vast and politically complex as India is never easy. It requires organisation, discipline, delivery and relentless political working. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's work ethic and political discipline are often cited as reasons for the BJP's continued dominance. But there is another factor that cannot be ignored -- the nature of the Opposition he faces, and Rahul Gandhi, its leader. What Parliament witnessed between January 28, when the Budget Session commenced, and February 13, when the first phase concluded, raises serious concerns. Instead of sustained legislative engagement, the House saw repeated disruptions and headline-driven confrontations. The Opposition benches appeared more committed to amplifying a singular political narrative than to structured policy debate. The pattern has become familiar. The Congress party made grand allegations with dramatic branding -- such as the "vote chori" campaign and the so-called "H-Files", alleging manipulation of nearly 25 lakh votes in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. Earlier, serious accusations were levelled against the Election Commission of India, alleging "criminal fraud" and collusion with the BJP to steal elections, including claims that 1,00,250 "fake votes" were created in the Mahadevapura Assembly seat under the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka to secure a BJP victory. These charges, presented with theatrical urgency, failed to produce substantive political impact. Similarly, when the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 -- popularly known as the G RAM G Law -- was passed by Parliament in December 2025, the Congress party announced nationwide protests. Dates were declared for a massive mobilisation. Yet the promised agitation failed to materialise. The protest was postponed, rescheduled and eventually fizzled out. Apart from scattered demonstrations in Congress-ruled states such as Karnataka, there was no national momentum. Electoral verdicts have repeatedly signalled voter expectations. In Bihar, the narrative failed to resonate. In Maharashtra's local body elections, including the prestigious BMC polls, the Congress party struggled to convert rhetoric into results. In most political formations, repeated setbacks prompt introspection -- new strategies are crafted, leadership roles recalibrated, and messaging refined. Congress, however, appears to have chosen spectacle over self-correction. Rahul Gandhi's conduct during the Budget Session reinforced this perception. Episodes surrounding former Army Chief M.M. Naravane's book, the public attack on Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, and the "grip-and-choke" remark during the Motion of Thanks debate seemed designed more for viral visibility than parliamentary persuasion. Politics today undoubtedly operates within a digital ecosystem, but legislative seriousness cannot be replaced by social media traction. The events of February 4 marked a particularly troubling moment. When the Speaker of the Lok Sabha advises a sitting Prime Minister to avoid entering the House due to security concerns arising from protesting Members of Parliament, something has gone profoundly wrong. Disruption has long been part of parliamentary culture in India. But there is a line between protest and institutional breakdown. Crossing that line repeatedly erodes democratic norms. The deeper concern lies in what appears to be a recurring strategy: escalate confrontation, invite reaction and then frame oneself as a victim of institutional suppression. This approach may energise a committed support base, but it does little to build broad national confidence. India's electorate has historically demonstrated political sophistication. It rewards sustained effort, organisational discipline and credible alternatives. It does not, for long, reward perpetual grievance. When the Congress-led Opposition prioritises spectacle over substance, it inadvertently reinforces the ruling narrative of stability versus chaos. None of this suggests that dissent should be muted. On the contrary, a strong democracy demands a vigilant and assertive opposition. But the dissent must be anchored in facts, preparation and institutional respect. There may be some who find the drama compelling. But India, by and large, remains unimpressed by spectacle unaccompanied by seriousness. In a democracy of 1.4 billion people, performance may create noise. Only responsibility creates trust. Rahul Gandhi, who carries a miniature Constitution in his pocket, must also demonstrate the will to practice. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Imphal, Feb 15 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday lauded the Imphal-based Sainik School for its outstanding performance at the national level. Accompanied by MLA L. Susindro Meitei, the Chief Minister visited the school campus in Imphal and held discussions with the Principal, Col A. Rajiv, and senior officials of the institution. During the meeting, the Principal presented a detailed briefing on the school's functioning and highlighted key grievances and challenges currently being faced. These included deteriorating infrastructure, water supply issues, the need for strengthening the perimeter wall, pending construction of the girls' hostel, and problems related to sound clarity in the Vikram Batra Auditorium. The Principal also outlined the school's recent achievements and academic activities, including excellent performances in competitive examinations and the participation of cadets in various national-level events. After the presentation, the Chief Minister assured that the concerns raised would be taken up with the concerned authorities for appropriate action. He emphasised that the issues would be addressed on priority, stating that students are the pillars of society and must be given due importance. CM Singh appreciated the efforts of the school administration for maintaining high standards despite constraints and acknowledged the institution's significant contribution in shaping disciplined and capable youth. During the visit, the Chief Minister carried out a detailed inspection of various parts of the campus to assess infrastructure requirements and identify areas needing construction, renovation, and repair. He also interacted with representatives of the Alumni Association, staff members, and students, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. The Chief Minister further interacted with student Memota Keisham, who had earlier participated in an interaction with Narendra Modi during the ninth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', and commended her confidence and achievements. She was among only 15 students selected from nearly four crore participants nationwide. Commissioner (Education) Ningthoujam Geoffrey; Squadron Leader (Administrative Officer) Sachin Kumar; Senior Master SSI A. Rommel Singh; along with other senior officials, were present during the visit. Kolkata, Feb 15 : After the rape of a second-year medical student, Durgapur's IQ City Medical College Hospital is in the news again. A second-year student's hanging body was recovered from the bathroom of the hostel of this private medical college hospital, said the police on Sunday. According to police sources, the student decided to end his life after failing the exam. The incident took place on Saturday night. On receiving the information, Durgapur police reached the spot and recovered the body. Regarding the incident, ACP Durgapur Subir Roy said, "A complaint of unnatural death has been filed. The body of the youth will be sent to Durgapur Subdistrict Hospital for autopsy. Durgapur police station has started investigating the incident." The deceased has been identified as Lavanya Pratap (22), a second-year medical student at the private hospital. According to family sources, the deceased student is a resident of Patna, Bihar. It is learnt that this medical student could not pass a semester exam. The police have questioned the friends and classmates of the deceased medical student. The private medical college hospital authorities have not issued any formal statement so far regarding the incident. According to police sources, the body is presently in the hospital morgue. The hospital authorities informed the student's family about the incident. However, the incident has been creating a stir in the private medical college hospital premises since Sunday morning. The student's father, Anil Kumar, told local media persons, "The exam was not very good. As soon as the results came out, it was given for review. That may be why my son took such an extreme decision." However, the police said that if there is any foul play regarding the death, then it will only be ascertained after receiving the autopsy report. It is worth mentioning that in 2025, a first-year medical student of this private medical college hospital in Durgapur of West Burdwan district was allegedly gang raped in a forested area outside the campus. Incidentally, the police arrested six people, including the classmate of the female student with whom she had gone out in the evening. A case was started against all of them, charging them with 'gang rape'. Kolkata, Feb 15 : A fire broke out in a luxury residence in the Tollygunge area of south Kolkata on Sunday afternoon, causing several Bengal film industry luminaries, who stay there, to come out onto the street below. However, no injuries were reported in the incident, which covered the multi-storey building in black smoke. The fire broke out in Tower 2 of Diamond City Residence, where several stars, including film couple Yash and Nusrat, actress and Trinamool Congress MLA Sayantika Banerjee, have flats. It was learnt that Yash and Nusrat came down with their children in panic. The residents have been evacuated to a safe place. Four fire engines were pressed into service after receiving the news. Reports said that the fire broke out on the fifth floor. However, no one was in the room where the fire started. Initial estimates suggest that the fire started from a short circuit. The police and fire brigade were informed immediately and brought the situation under control. While no one was injured in the incident, there are fears of a huge loss or damage to property. There are fears that if the fire had not been brought under control in time, it could have spread and caused a bigger accident. The incident has spread panic among local residents. When contacted, Banerjee said: "I heard about the fire breaking out in the residential building. However, I was not there at that time. I have come to the camp in Baranagar. I am fine." Director Shubhrajit Mitra, who also lives in that building, gave a detailed account of the incident. "I heard that a Shivaratri puja was being held in the temple of a resident of the fifth-floor house. They lit a lamp and performed aarti. Without extinguishing the lamp, they came down, saying that they would perform the Shiva puja in the temple of the residence. In their absence, the fire probably caught fire from the lamp in the house." "I live on the 18th floor. My mother is sick at home. It took me a while to get down with her. Because the lift was closed. At that moment, I saw the rest of the residents of the building running down the stairs," Mitra added. Actor couple Yash and Nusrat's flat is on the floor above the one where the fire broke out. Fearing for their lives, they immediately came down with their two children. Two days ago, a fire broke out in the Globcine Crystal Building in Salt Lake Sector Five. A female employee of a multinational organisation fell ill due to the smoke. She was rescued and sent to the hospital. Hyderabad, Feb 15 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao, on Sunday, accused the ruling Congress in Telangana of committing anarchy to come to power in 34 municipalities that return hung verdicts in the last week's civic elections. He alleged that the ruling Congress is resorting to actions like kidnapping and luring Corporators and Councillors, sending police door-to-door, and using goons. Rama Rao was talking to media persons after participating in Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti celebrations at the party headquarters Telangana Bhavan. Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of municipalities, and Mayor and Deputy Mayors of municipal corporations that went to polls last week are set to be elected by newly-elected Councillors and Corporators on Monday. On BRS extending support to the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kothagudem municipality, Rama Rao said the decision was taken keeping in view the interests of workers of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). KTR said that their goal is to stop the exploitation taking place in Singareni. He accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress of being partners in the exploitation of Singareni and acting in a way that damages the organisation. He said that CPI and Congress are already in an alliance and it is not surprising that they are sharing the post of Mayor in Kothagudem. However, KTR added that he does not know why an organisation affiliated to CPI like the All India Trade Union Congress also accepted this alliance. He said that he cannot say what pressures were at work behind it. KTR added that regardless of who comes together or not, BRS will fight for the interests of Singareni organisation and the rights of workers in the future as it fought in the past. The BRS leader said former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) brought the slogan "Our kingdom should be in our herds" into practice and did justice to the self-respect of the tribals. He recalled that 3,146 new gram panchayats have been formed, giving priority to tribal Gudas, Koya Gudas and Lambada Thandas, and thousands of tribal youth have been provided opportunities as sarpanches and ward members. He said that nearly 30,000 ward members have emerged from tribal communities. He also added that the BRS government protected the land rights of tribals by granting pattas on about four-and-a-half lakh acres of uncultivated lands in a single day. By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - U.S. bank regulators appear to be moving closer to proposing a new version of the so-called "Basel endgame" rules dictating how large banks must measure their risk, according to regulatory filings posted this week. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency submitted proposals on Thursday to the Office of Management and Budget for review, according to the website of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is the part of OMB charged with reviewing rule proposals. More from Yahoo Scout When will the new Basel rules be proposed? Which agencies are involved in writing Basel rules? Why did banks oppose Biden's Basel proposal? What are the Basel endgame rules for banks? The rule-writing effort has been closely watched by the banking industry, which intensely opposed an effort under the Biden administration to adopt rules that would have significantly raised big bank capital requirements. The new rules would implement global standards on how banks should measure their risk and assign capital accordingly. The submissions, which refer to rules on "Regulatory Capital and Standardized Approach for Risk-weighted Assets," do not include any details on the plans, nor timing. There was no submission posted by the Federal Reserve, which also shares responsibility for writing Basel rules. Spokespeople for those three agencies did not respond to requests for comment or declined to comment. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, who leads the central bank's regulatory work, has said previously the agencies are working to propose a new set of rules by early 2026. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) New Delhi, Feb 15 : Senior journalist and noted author Harish Chandra Burnwal was on Sunday awarded a doctorate (PhD) for his outstanding research work on 'Mann Ki Baat' - the monthly radio broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The honorary degree was conferred on him by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda at the convocation ceremony of Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad (Haryana). Dr Burnwal completed his dissertation on "An Analysis of the Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" under the guidance of Professor Dr Kumar Rajesh. The research work by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal is the first-of-its-kind in the academic world, linking the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030, with the country's most popular radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. The research establishes how Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the complex global goals (such as poverty alleviation, health, education, and women's empowerment), languishing in government files for decades, into a "people's movement" and also facilitated engagement of common people. The thesis is based entirely on statistical data and solid evidence. Dr Burnwal conducted a detailed statistical analysis of all 53 episodes of 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast from 2014 to 2019 and found that sanitation was discussed the most, in 34 episodes of the Prime Minister's monthly radio programme. His research work also identified several episodes focusing on issues of public concern, with discussions being held in 28 episodes on education, 27 on women's empowerment, 25 on health, 21 on the environment, and 16 on poverty alleviation. The research highlights how PM Modi's storytelling skills have transformed public behaviour. "The use of the word 'Divyang' instead of 'Viklang', and campaigns like 'Selfie with Daughter', and 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', have scientifically validated the shift in social thinking," it points out. According to the Manav Rachna Institute, this dissertation will prove to be an authentic reference book not only for students of journalism but also for students of political science and sociology. The dissertation by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal will also be available in book form in the near future. On this occasion, the faculty of the institute, dignitaries and experts from the academic world congratulated Dr Burnwal for the research work. Chennai, Feb 15 : The final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu will now be published on February 23, 2026, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik has announced. The release, originally scheduled for February 17, has been postponed in line with directions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) following orders of the Supreme Court. The decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's directives in WP(C) Nos. 1072/2025 and 1145/2025 dated January 29, 2026. Acting on the court's instructions, the Election Commission issued a communication dated January 30 mandating the publication of lists of individuals falling under the category of "logical discrepancies" identified during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. As per the Commission's directions, the names of such individuals have been displayed at Gram Panchayat offices, public places, Taluk and Sub-Divisional offices, and ward offices in urban areas across the State. The aim is to ensure transparency and provide affected voters an opportunity to clarify or rectify discrepancies in their electoral records. The Election Commission has further directed that individuals whose names appear on the discrepancy list be given 10 days from the date of publication to submit relevant documents or explanations. They may do so either in person or through authorised representatives, including polling agents. This provision ensures that genuine voters are not excluded from the rolls without being granted a fair opportunity to respond. In compliance with the Supreme Court's order, the discrepancy lists have been published and affected individuals are currently being allowed to file their representations within the stipulated time frame. The final electoral roll, being prepared as part of the Special Intensive Revision with January 1, 2026 as the qualifying date, will reflect corrections made after examining the responses received. The revised publication date of February 23 is intended to accommodate the completion of this due process. The Chief Electoral Officer emphasised that the revision exercise is being carried out in a transparent and legally compliant manner to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Tamil Nadu. Quetta, Feb 15 : The long-running dispute between Pakistan and Balochistan over the province's legitimacy has never truly been settled but instead suppressed through decades of military campaigns, political manoeuvring, and what many Baloch describe as colonial-style resource extraction, according to a recent report published in Modern Diplomacy. Covering Pakistan's southwestern frontier, Balochistan accounts for nearly 44 per cent of the country's total land area while housing only about 6 per cent of its population. It is both Pakistan's most impoverished province and one of its most resource-rich, endowed with vast reserves of natural gas, copper, gold, and strategically significant ports. This stark contrast lies at the centre of the enduring conflict. Critics have long alleged that Islamabad benefits from Balochistan's natural wealth while local communities remain underdeveloped. Natural gas extracted from the province supplies other parts of Pakistan, yet many Baloch settlements reportedly continue to lack reliable electricity, the report noted. Tensions between Balochistan and the Pakistani state date back to independence. In 1947, as British India was partitioned, Balochistan existed as a princely state under the Khan of Kalat. He declared independence on August 15, 1947, the same day India and Pakistan emerged as sovereign nations. Pakistan did not recognise this claim and formally annexed Balochistan in 1948. Violence has resurfaced periodically since then. On January 31 this year, coordinated attacks across nearly a dozen cities in Balochistan left more than 30 civilians and 18 law enforcement personnel dead. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) demonstrated what observers described as sophisticated coordination across Pakistan's largest province. Security forces subsequently reported killing more than 150 fighters. A day after the attacks, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated: "The answer lies with the military rather than political dialogue." Balochistan has witnessed intermittent insurgencies since 1948, making the current unrest the fifth major rebellion in seventy-seven years. Each uprising has been countered with force, declared "suppressed," and eventually followed by another, often larger, wave of resistance. Earlier insurgencies took place in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. According to the report, each cycle has followed a similar trajectory: grievances accumulate, protests intensify, the state responds with force, violence escalates, military operations restore a degree of order, and the core issues remain unresolved. "The pattern is clear. The lesson, apparently, is not," it observed. The present insurgency differs in composition, described as younger, more middle-class and increasingly including women in leadership roles. Armed groups now frame their campaign as a "national liberation" struggle against colonial-style exploitation. The report says Pakistan is intensifying security deployments rather than addressing issues of revenue-sharing or local participation. The province is now heavily militarised, yet major attacks continue. Abdul Basit of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies highlighted the geographic challenge, noting that Balochistan's rugged terrain spans an area larger than Germany, with sparse populations and mountainous areas that provide refuge for armed groups. "Can you deploy security in a province this large, with such terrain, to ensure complete eradication of violence?" he asked. "Especially when the state refuses to look at local faultlines?" He suggested that while geography complicates suppression, failure to address root causes makes resolution even more elusive. Saher Baloch, a Berlin-based scholar, argued that local familiarity with terrain provides insurgents with an advantage. "Fighters know terrain better than security forces. They need only strike occasionally to expose vulnerabilities. Where the state rules through fear rather than trust, intelligence dries up. People don't cooperate, and that's why even high security zones get breached," she said. The issue of enforced disappearances remains particularly contentious. Activists allege that thousands have been abducted, with some later found dead bearing signs of torture. The government denies involvement. Regardless of responsibility, the report suggests the impact is radicalising communities. Families of the disappeared, along with wider social networks, increasingly view the state with hostility. Rafiullah Kakar, a Cambridge doctoral candidate specialising in Balochistan, argued that Pakistan must "fundamentally shift" away from "coercive and militarised" approaches. "The starting point must be meaningful confidence-building measures for political reconciliation and dialogue," he said. Kakar proposed steps including addressing enforced disappearances, ensuring credible political representation, establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and creating mechanisms to tackle "longstanding political, economic, and governance-related grievances." Acknowledging abuses, creating accountability structures, enabling affected communities to participate in governance and implementing benefit-sharing frameworks for resource extraction are commonly cited elements of successful conflict resolution, the report notes. It draws parallels with conflicts in Northern Ireland, Indonesia's Aceh province, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, arguing that military action may curb violence temporarily, but sustainable peace requires political settlements addressing underlying grievances. "The pattern across these cases is clear: military operations can suppress violence temporarily, but sustainable stability requires political settlements addressing root grievances. Where resource-rich regions feel exploited by central governments, benefit-sharing mechanisms matter. Where communities face state violence, accountability and truth-telling matter. Where populations feel excluded from governance, genuine representation matters," the report states. The key question, it suggests, is whether Pakistan will adopt approaches that have proven effective elsewhere or persist with strategies that have not delivered lasting peace. Reflecting on seventy-seven years of recurring unrest, the report argues that repeated reliance on force indicates a deeper issue in how the conflict is framed. "The Chief Minister's statement that 'the solution lies with the military' reflects a particular framing of the problem. If Balochistan is primarily a security threat, then security responses make sense. But if it's fundamentally a political conflict about resource distribution, governance, representation, and historical grievances, then security responses, however well-executed, can only manage symptoms, not resolve causes," it said. Following the January 31 attacks, the BLA described its actions as resistance to colonial exploitation and a pursuit of national liberation. The report notes that irrespective of whether that characterisation is accepted, the fact that segments of the population find it persuasive enough to support or refrain from opposing armed movements underscores a legitimacy challenge for the state. "Legitimacy can't be imposed through force alone. It has to be earned through governance that people find responsive to their needs and respectful of their voice," the report stated, adding that nearly eight decades of conflict suggest current methods have not secured that legitimacy. While acknowledging that abandoning security operations entirely is neither practical nor advisable amid active violence, the report concludes that Pakistan faces a strategic choice: continue treating Balochistan primarily as a security issue with occasional political engagement, or reframe it as fundamentally a political issue requiring consistent political solutions alongside calibrated security measures. Though the distinction may appear subtle, the report argues the implications are profound. Based on the response to the latest wave of attacks, it suggests Pakistan appears inclined to follow the path it has taken for decades. Whether a potential sixth rebellion prompts a shift in thinking remains uncertain. Shimla, Feb 15 : Himachal Pradesh Opposition leader Jairam Thakur, on Sunday, criticised the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government-led state government, saying it has ruined mega projects like a medical device park of the Centre that would help improving state's economy, owing to stubbornness, corruption and gross mismanagement. "If this government had completed a project like the Nalagarh Medical Device Park on time, it would have proved to be a 'game changer' for Himachal Pradesh. But due to its political animosity, the Sukhu government has sacrificed the interests of the state," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Chief Minister Thakur said in a statement. Quoting instances, Opposition leader Thakur said that apart from Nalagarh, such parks are in progress in three other states. "Plots have been allotted to companies on the Yamuna Expressway (Uttar Pradesh) and advanced technology companies are investing in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) and they are moving forward towards making the country self-reliant in medical equipment by creating investment opportunities for companies manufacturing devices like ventilators and pacemakers." "However, in Himachal Pradesh, the project (medical device) procured by our previous BJP government after fierce competition is now hanging in balance owing to the government's intransigence. The Narendra Modi-led Union government has even released the first installment of Rs 30 crore for the project, which the state government returned." "Now, despite a target of its completion in March 2025, the situation on the ground remains a sham, leaving an investment of Rs 10,000 crore and 15,000 direct employment opportunities hanging in limbo," Opposition leader Thakur added. The Leader of the Opposition expressed concern over the state's deteriorating health services, saying that the public's wellbeing has been "completely robbed" with the state-run health scheme Himcare has been stooped due to pending liabilities of Rs 400 crore, Rs 250 crore for Ayushman Bharat and Rs 120 crore for the Sahara scheme. "Vendors have stopped supplying surgical supplies and medicines due to unpaid payments, delaying operations for poor patients. Patients suffering from serious illnesses like cancer are forced to purchase injections and medicines costing thousands of rupees from outside," he said. BJP leader Thakur said it was ironic that while the state government was unable to pay, major hospitals like Indira Gandhi Medical College were robbing the people by increasing the prices of special wards, Magnetic Resonance Imagings, and abdominal scans. Kohima, Feb 15 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday strongly advocated pan-Naga unity and urged the Centre to expedite an honourable and inclusive settlement of the long-pending Naga political issue. Addressing the two-day Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration at Ukhrul district headquarters ground, Rio said unity and faith are essential prerequisites for progress and lasting peace. The festival was organised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long, both influential Naga bodies. Extending greetings on the occasion, the Chief Minister described the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival as more than a cultural festival, calling it a reaffirmation of Naga identity, heritage and shared destiny. He said Naga traditions, dances, folk songs, rituals and indigenous games are living expressions of the community's worldview and values. Stressing that true unity does not mean uniformity, Rio said the Naga people, though divided by administrative boundaries, remain emotionally and culturally integrated as one family. He underlined the need for a pan-Naga platform to provide a collective voice for common aspirations. Referring to the merger of the NDPP (Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party) and NPF (Naga People's Front) in October last year, under a common symbol, Rio termed it a historic step that strengthened unity and morale in the larger interest of the Naga people. He also congratulated Losu Dikho on his induction as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur. On the political issue, Rio reiterated the long-standing demand for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative framework. He recalled that the Nagaland Assembly had passed multiple resolutions in support of this aspiration and said recent consultations with civil society groups reflected overwhelming public sentiment for an early settlement. Rio noted that a Political Affairs Committee sub-committee met Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this month to press for advancing the peace talks at the political level, and expressed hope for a timely, honourable and inclusive resolution. "To our elders, you are the living libraries of our people. To our women, you are the pillars of our homes and culture. To our youth, you hold the plough for the next sowing. Embrace your heritage as the foundation of your strength and creativity," the Chief Minister said in a post on his X account. The event was attended by legislators from Nagaland and Manipur, senior officials, party leaders and representatives of various Naga tribes and civil society organisations. The Lui-Ngai-Ni festival is celebrated by the Naga tribes almost simultaneously during the onset of spring to signify the propitious time for sowing of seeds. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Feb 15 : The Pentagon said on Sunday that US forces intercepted and boarded another Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean overnight. The vessel, named Veronica III, was tracked by US authorities from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean before being stopped and inspected, the Pentagon said in a statement on social media platform X. "Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the statement said. "The vessel tried to defy President Trump's quarantine -- Hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance and shut it down," the statement said. "International waters are not sanctuary." Ship-tracking and maritime data websites identify the Veronica III as a Panama-flagged oil tanker, Xinhua news agency reported. Just a week ago, the US military pursued a Venezuela-linked oil tanker named the Aquila II from the Caribbean and boarded it in the Indian Ocean. US President Donald Trump ordered what he described as a "total and complete blockade" of all US-sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela in December. The blockade has continued following the US raid and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. "International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain," the US Defence Department said in a post on Sunday. The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel under US sanctions related to Iran, according to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control website. Maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com reported that Veronica III left Venezuela on January 3, 2026, the same day Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured, carrying nearly 1.9 million barrels of crude and fuel oil. The tanker has been linked to shipments of Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan oil since 2023. A similar incident was reported last week, when US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said US troops had boarded a crude oil tanker that was breaching Washington's blockade on sanctioned vessels travelling to or from Venezuela. Similarly, the vessel was boarded in the Indian Ocean after being followed from the Caribbean. Gaza, Feb 15 : Gaza health authorities said on Sunday that the Rafah Crossing with Egypt is operating under strict limits that endanger thousands of patients needing medical treatment abroad. In a statement, officials said the partial reopening of the crossing on February 2 allows only a small number of travellers, "far short of the minimum humanitarian obligations owed to the sick and wounded." The authorities said more than 20,000 patients, including critical cases of cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and severe injuries, are awaiting treatment abroad, Xinhua news agency reported. They cited "harsh and painful testimonies" from patients who have faced delays and restrictions, worsening both their physical and psychological suffering. Health officials called for the permanent, unrestricted opening of the crossing, immediate evacuation of critically-ill patients, and an increase in traveller quotas to meet urgent medical needs. They urged international and humanitarian organisations to intervene, describing access to treatment as a fundamental human right protected by international law. "Patients' lives are not mere statistics," the statement said, warning that continued restrictions could lead to further loss of life. The limited crossing began February 2 under a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In the past two weeks, about 320 patients and escorts exited Gaza and around 320 entered, according to Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). COGAT said travel through Rafah depends on approved passenger lists from Egyptian authorities and the World Health Organisation, as well as the crossing's capacity. "Israel will continue working closely with its partners to facilitate the entry and exit of Gazans," it added. The crossing has been nearly closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control, isolating Gaza further and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Rafah remains the main land route for Gazans travelling abroad for medical treatment, study, and work. Palestinian authorities estimate that nearly 22,000 wounded and sick individuals urgently need to leave the Gaza Strip for treatment amid the near-total collapse of the healthcare system. Around 80,000 Palestinians have registered to return to Gaza, awaiting full access to the crossing. Rafah remains the only land exit to Gaza that does not pass through Israeli-controlled territory. It has remained closed since Israeli occupation took control in May 2024, before partially reopening on February 1, 2026, as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The international community continues to call for its full opening to save more than two million Palestinians living under unprecedented humanitarian conditions. Hyderabad, Feb 15 : In a dramatic twist ahead of the election of Mayor of Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, five corporators joined the ruling Congress party on Sunday. Five independent corporators including two belonging to All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) formally joined the Congress party in the presence of state ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and D. Sridhar Babu. Sai Jyothi, one of the AIFB corporators who had joined the BJP on Friday, shifted her loyalty to the Congress on Sunday. The development came as a setback to the BJP to capture power in Karimnagar Corporation. The election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Corporation is scheduled on Monday. In the 66-member Karimnagar Corporation, BJP has emerged as the single largest party with 30 seats. The Congress party secured 14 seats and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) secured 9 seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) bagged three seats. Ten independents have also been elected. A party needs 34 votes including the ex-officio members to win the post of Mayor. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who is MP from Karimnagar, had brought four independents to the BJP fold. This had increased BJPas strength to 34. Bandi Sanjay is also eligible to cast his vote as ex-officio member. The Congress stepped up its efforts to win Mayoras seat on Sunday by luring one of the independents who had joined BJP to its camp. The Congress has the support of AIMIM and it has also sought support of main opposition BRS. The combined strength of the three parties stands at 26. With the addition of five independents, the strength rises to 31 and further increases to 33 with the ex-officio votes of Karimnagar and Manakondur MLAs. The Congress needs one more corporator to cross the majority mark and it is making all efforts to secure support from independents. The ruling party shifted its corporators and independents to a hotel in Hyderabad. Though BJP has also emerged as single largest party in Nizamabad Municipal Corporation by winning 28 of the total 60 divisions, the party is struggling to reach the magic figure of 31. The Congress party, which won 17 divisions, has the support of AIMIM, which secured 14 divisions. The lone corporator of BRS has also decided to join the Congress. Meanwhile, hectic activity is on by both Congress and BRS to capture power in 34 hung municipalities. Election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in these municipalities is scheduled on Monday. Both the major parties are trying to garner support of independents to capture the urban bodies. Elections to 116 municipalities and seven corporations were held on February 11 and the results were announced on February 13. The Congress party secured majority in 66 municipalities and four corporations. In Kothagudem corporation, Congress and CPI are likely to share the power. The ruling party also emerged as single largest party in 18 other municipalities. The BRS won 13 municipalities and emerged as single largest party in 19 municipalities. New Delhi, Feb 15 : Congress leader Pawan Khera has clarified that veteran party member Mani Shankar Aiyar has "no official connection" with the Indian National Congress for several years and now speaks or writes entirely in his personal capacity. New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) Congress leader Pawan Khera has clarified that veteran party member Mani Shankar Aiyar has "no official connection" with the Indian National Congress for several years and now speaks or writes entirely in his personal capacity. The statement came in response to a recent report published by The Indian Express, which quoted Aiyar predicting that Pinarayi Vijayan would once again assume the office of Chief Minister of Kerala following the upcoming assembly elections. Aiyar's comment suggested confidence in the Left Democratic Front's prospects and Vijayan's continued leadership, drawing attention amid ongoing political discussions in the state. Addressing the matter directly, Khera emphasised that Aiyar's views do not reflect the official position or strategy of the Congress party. He stated, "Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity." The clarification aimed to distance the party from any speculation or interpretation that Aiyar's remarks could be seen as an endorsement or analysis aligned with Congress thinking. Mani Shankar Aiyar, a former Union Minister and senior Congress figure known for his outspoken commentary on political and international affairs, has increasingly operated independently in recent times. His periodic columns, interviews, and public statements have often sparked debate, but party sources indicate that he no longer holds any formal role or active involvement in organisational matters. The Indian Express article highlighted Aiyar's observation on Kerala's political landscape, where the ruling LDF led by Pinarayi Vijayan of the CPI(M) faces a strong challenge from the Congress-led United Democratic Front in the assembly polls. Aiyar's prediction of Vijayan's return was framed as his personal assessment, but it prompted questions about whether such comments could influence perceptions or be misconstrued as party signals. Khera's swift response underscores the Congress leadership's effort to maintain clear boundaries between individual opinions and official party lines, especially on sensitive state-level electoral issues. Kerala remains a key battleground state, with both major fronts intensifying campaigns and alliances. The Congress has been focusing on highlighting governance concerns, economic issues, and alleged mismanagement under the present administration while projecting its own vision for development and welfare. Aiyar's long association with the Congress, including his roles in diplomacy and government, continues to lend weight to his opinions in public discourse, even as the party seeks to assert its independent stance. Shivpuri : , Feb 16 (IANS) The police made a major revelation in connection with the murder case of lawyer Sanjay Saxena in Karaira in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, officials said. According to the police, Kamlesh Sharma and Sunil Sharma were the masterminds, who designed and conspired the murder by hiring three sharpshooters for a sum of nearly 10 lakh rupees, police said late Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Bar Council has condemned the incident and announced a symbolic strike on Monday. The Madhya Pradesh Bar Council has demanded strict punishment for the accused and has also said that the lawyers will not represent the accused in connection with the murder case. This decision has also caused a stir across judicial circles. The state lawyers have decided to stay away from court-related work on Monday in protest and have demanded a Advocate Protection Act. The Madhya Pradesh Bar Association have urged the Chief Justice of the High Court to ask registry to tag the cases listed on Monday as "not reached". They also have demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the victim lawyer's family. Lawyer Sanjay Saxena, a resident of nearby Sigdaua village, who was leaving home (in Karaira) in his uniform for court on Saturday afternoon, was stopped midway and shot. This incident, which took place in broad daylight, spread panic throughout the area. "We have arrested five accused in the case and one is still absconding but he will soon be taken under custody," Shivpuri Superintendent of Police (SP), Aman Singh Rathore, told media persons on Sunday. Police have registered a murder case against teacher Kamlesh Sharma, his uncle, former Sarpanch Sunil Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, and Ashish Parihar in connection with the murder of lawyer Sanjay Saxena. The pistol and bike used in the incident have been seized. Police are questioning the accused to determine who else was involved in the conspiracy. Initial investigations indicate that more than one person may have been involved in the murder. Sharpshooters failed to escape due to a tight police cordon, the SP said, adding, "We have arrested them within 18 hours of the crime." Police have arrested key shooters Papendra Rawat, Golu Rawat, and their associates -- Sunil, Zahir and Kamlesh after a short encounter. Police are now investigating who provided shelter to the accused locally and whether anyone else provided logistical support. The investigation revealed that the murder stemmed from a land dispute case, which lawyer Sanjay Saxena had won. The deceased lawyer had contested the 2015 Panchayat elections directly challenging Sunil Sharma. Police say this old rivalry fueled the murder plot, the SP said, and added that further probe is underway. In their initial statements, family members accused Sunil Sharma and his relatives as well as residents of the village, of harbouring a grudge and orchestrating the murder. Something strange happened last week. Two emails surfaced in the massive Epstein files dump that should have set every newsroom in Britain and America ablaze. Instead, they've been met with what can only be described as calculated silence. Mario Nawfal broke the story on X, pointing out what legacy media seemed determined to ignore. The files contain an email inviting Ghislaine Maxwell to a secret 'Shadow Commission on 9/11' and another, dated just one week after the attacks, asking her a chilling question: 'Where is the real pilot?' File numbers EFTA00578730 and EFTA00580430, if you want to check for yourself. The same outlets that wrote dozens of articles about celebrity divorces suddenly developed a curious case of amnesia when it came to these particular documents. What's Actually in These Emails The Shadow Commission email came from Edward Jay Epstein, an investigative journalist who'd spent decades questioning official narratives about everything from the Kennedy assassination to the diamond trade. In 2003, he casually invited Maxwell to join a private group examining alternative theories about 9/11. Not exactly your typical book club invitation. The second email is even more intriguing. On 18 September 2001whilst the towers' rubble was still smoulderingsomeone asked Maxwell about 'the real pilot'. Recent releases suggest this came from an account called 'The Invisible Man', now widely believed to belong to Prince Andrew, based on references to his valet's death and his time at Balmoral. These weren't random messages. They were sent within elite circles, to someone whose father had deep intelligence connections, at a moment when most people were still trying to process what had happened. The Epstein files just casually dropped 2 emails that shouldve detonated every newsroom in the country, but legacy media took one look and said, Nope, not touching that, I like my paycheck. Youve got an email inviting Ghislaine Maxwell to a secret Shadow Commission on https://t.co/fHxwjiHrbn pic.twitter.com/dW4Wm5pFEB Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 14, 2026 The Media Blackout CBS News partnered with NBC, Versant, and The Associated Press to review over 3 million pages of documents. They've written extensively about Trump's flights on Epstein's jet and Prince Andrew's request for 'inappropriate friends'. Those stories received front-page treatment. The 9/11 emails? Buried. Radio silence from the major players. If mentioned at all, they're dismissed as 'noise' or 'conspiracy theory fodder' without any actual investigation into what they might mean. Why The Silence Matters There's a pattern here that's hard to ignore. The Epstein files revealed something else that might explain the hesitancy: Epstein had successfully manipulated media coverage before. Documents show he leveraged his relationship with New York Daily News owner Mortimer Zuckerman to kill stories and remove Maxwell's name from articles about abuse allegations. When Epstein told Zuckerman to 'take Ghislaine out' of a piece, it happened. The Daily News did 'major editing over huge objections', according to the emails. The final article mentioned neither Maxwell nor the dozens of women making accusations. That was 2009. There's also the simple fact that questioning anything about 9/11 has become professionally radioactive in mainstream media. It doesn't matter if you're asking legitimate questions based on documentary evidence. Touch that topic, and you risk being labelled a conspiracy theorist and losing access to sources, advertisers, and credibility. The Cost of Silence Meanwhile, independent outlets like DropSite News and Democracy Now have continued digging through the files without the same constraints. They don't answer to Disney or fear advertiser backlash. The result is a massive trust gap. A January 2026 CNN poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the government is deliberately withholding information about Epstein. When major news outlets won't even investigate obvious questions raised by released documents, that suspicion only deepens. Nawfal's tweet got millions of views because people are hungry for someone to ask these questions. They want to know what the Shadow Commission was. They want to know what 'Where is the real pilot?' meant. They want someone with resources and reach to investigate rather than dismiss. Those two emails sit in the public record now, file numbers EFTA00578730 and EFTA00580430. They raise questions about what powerful people knew or suspected about 9/11 in real time. Questions that deserve answers. Whether we'll get them from legacy media is another matter entirely. Originally published on IBTimes UK Feb 15 (Reuters) - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is considering reopening sale talks with rival Hollywood studio Paramount Skydance (PSKY) after receiving its hostile suitor's most recent amended offer, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Members of Warner Bros' board are discussing whether Paramount could offer the path to a superior deal, the Bloomberg report said, adding that the board has not decided how to respond and may stick to the current deal with Netflix (NFLX) . Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Paramount, Warner Bros and Netflix did not respond to requests for comment. Paramount had enhanced its Warner Bros bid last week by offering shareholders extra cash for each quarter the deal fails to close after this year. It also agreed to cover the breakup fee the HBO parent would owe Netflix if it walked away, even though the CBS owner did not raise its per-share offer. Paramount said it has offered shareholders a 25-cent-per-share quarterly "ticking fee" (about $650 million) in cash starting in 2027 until closing and agreed to cover Warner Bros $2.8 billion breakup fee to Netflix. However, it did not raise its $30-per-share offer, valuing the deal at $108.4 billion including debt. Both Netflix and Paramount covet Warner Bros for its leading film and television studios, extensive content library and major franchises such as "Game of Thrones," "Harry Potter" and DC Comics superheroes Batman and Superman. Activist investor Ancora Holdings, which has built a nearly $200 million stake, last week said it plans to oppose the Netflix deal, arguing the board did not sufficiently engage with Paramount over its rival bid, which includes cable assets like CNN and TNT. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Chris Reese and Matthew Lewis) Finance ACT Law Associates Strengthens Legal Support as Demand for Workers Compensation Solicitors Rises in Canberra Canberra is witnessing a growing demand for reliable and experienced workers compensation solicitors, as workplace injury claims continue to rise across multiple industries. In response to this increasing need, ACT Law Associates has strengthened its legal support services, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and entitlements of injured workers throughout the Australian Capital Territory. With more employees seeking guidance on compensation claims, medical entitlements, and income support, access to trusted legal representation has become more critical than ever. ACT Law Associates has positioned itself as a dependable legal partner for Canberra workers navigating the often complex workers compensation system. Rising Workplace Injury Claims Drive Legal Demand Across Canberra and the ACT region, industries such as construction, healthcare, education, transport, and public services have reported a steady rise in workplace injuries. From physical injuries caused by accidents to psychological injuries resulting from workplace stress, employees are increasingly turning to legal professionals for assistance in understanding their rights. Workers compensation laws can be complex, and many injured workers face challenges such as delayed claims, denied benefits, or disputes with insurers. This has led to a growing reliance on experienced workers compensation solicitors in Canberra who can provide clear guidance and strong legal representation. ACT Law Associates Responds With Enhanced Legal Services Recognizing this growing demand, ACT Law Associates has expanded and strengthened its workers compensation legal services to ensure injured employees receive timely, informed, and effective support. The firm focuses on guiding clients through every stage of the claims processfrom initial advice and claim lodgment to dispute resolution and appeals when required. ACT Law Associates works closely with clients to ensure they understand their entitlements, including: Weekly income compensation Medical and rehabilitation expenses Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment Support for psychological and stress-related injuries By offering personalized legal strategies, the firm helps injured workers pursue fair outcomes while reducing the stress associated with legal proceedings. A Client-Focused Approach to Workers Compensation Law What sets ACT Law Associates apart is its client-centric approach. The firm understands that workplace injuries can have a significant impact on a persons physical health, financial stability, and overall well-being. As a result, the legal team prioritizes clear communication, transparency, and practical advice tailored to each individual case. Clients benefit from legal professionals who take the time to assess their situation, explain legal options in plain language, and advocate strongly on their behalf. This approach has helped ACT Law Associates build a strong reputation as trusted workers compensation solicitors serving Canberra and the ACT. Supporting Workers Across Canberra and the ACT ACT Law Associates provides legal support to a wide range of employees, including full-time, part-time, and casual workers. The firm assists clients across various sectors, ensuring that all eligible workers receive proper legal representation regardless of industry or employment type. By staying up to date with changes in workers compensation legislation and insurance practices, ACT Law Associates ensures its clients receive advice that reflects current legal standards and protections. Commitment to Fair Outcomes and Employee Rights As demand for workers compensation legal services continues to rise in Canberra, ACT Law Associates remains committed to advocating for fair treatment and just compensation. 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This article was first published 16 years ago W atching Raj Nair's debut Malayalam film Punyam Aham starring Prithviraj and Samvrutha Sunil will leave you with a whole lot of symbolic references that stay in your mind but whose actual message eludes you. Punyam Aham tells the story of Narayan Unni (Prithviraj), a youth who cannot reconcile to his mixed parentage -- Brahmin father and low caste mother. His father had returned to his staunch Brahminical world leaving Unni's mother and her children to fend for themselves. Unni also leaves on a voyage of self-discovery taking the path once trodden by his father and commits the same mistakes that his father committed en route. The first stop he makes is Kuttanadu where he goes to trace his mother's roots. Kuttanadu was once a thriving agricultural region. Now it lay in ruins. There he stays with a mentally deranged woman played by KPAC Lalitha and her young daughter Jayashree (Samvrutha Sunil) who were once rich. But, now Jayashree has to entertain her own uncle in order to survive. The experiences that Unni goes through makes him see life in a new light. There are a few sub-plots that show a society in perpetual turmoil in the name of progressive materialistic development that stamp on the rights of the powerless. Then there are people who exploit the booming tourism potential of the state like the Kathakali artist played by Nedumudi Venu and Georgekutty (Nishant Sagar) who do everything for the tourists from arranging house-boats to Kathakali performances. This is the gist of the film you get after racking your brains for a long while. But it is the non-linear narrative, which is high on symbolic references, that go beyond the understanding of the audience. Prithviraj as Unni looks demented, with contorted facial expressions, halting speech and limping gait. He must have been lured into this project by the promise of critical acclaim. Samvrutha looks glowing and regal, which is contradictory to her dismal living conditions. Was this intentional or accidental will remain a mystery for the viewer as lot of other things in this film. Veterans like Nedumudi Venu and KPAC Lalitha are dependable to say the least. Their lucid and effortless acting is the only entertaining part of this film. Punyam Aham, may have been right conceptually but, it is reduced to being an intellectual hyperbole in execution. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol dismisses a foreign media report on the Air India AI171 crash investigation, reaffirming the ongoing probe by Indian agencies and emphasising the need to await the final report. IMAGE: The wreckage of the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft in Ahmedabad, on June 13, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Key Points Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol denies a foreign media report's claims about the Air India AI171 crash investigation. Mohol asserts that Indian investigation agencies are actively probing the Air India AI171 plane crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirms the Air India AI171 crash probe is ongoing with no final conclusions. The Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, resulted in 260 fatalities. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Saturday refuted a foreign media report about the probe into the Air India AI171 plane crash, stating that the investigation was still going on. "I just want to inform you all that our investigation agencies are probing the matter. Should we have faith in our own agencies or outsiders? Our agencies are working on it," said Mohol in Sangli. "Once the final report is finalised, then only it will be justifiable to comment on it," he added. Italian daily report blamed pilots An Italian daily had claimed that agencies probing the crash in Ahmedabad had blamed the pilots in their report. On Thursday, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had said the probe was still in progress and no final conclusions have been reached. In one of the worst aircraft accidents in India, a total of 260 people, including 241 passengers, died after Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed soon after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Bill Gates's visit aims to explore expanded collaborations with Andhra Pradesh in the fields of artificial intelligence and health, focusing on innovative solutions and technological advancements IMAGE: Bill Gates, founder of Breakthrough Energy, speaks at the Breakthrough Energy Summit in London, June 27, 2024. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Pool via Reuters Key Points The Gates Foundation's existing health projects in Kuppam may be scaled up to benefit a wider population across Andhra Pradesh. Gates will observe the Real Time Governance system (RTGS) to understand the use of technology in governance. Naidu will present the "Swarna Andhra 2047" vision and reforms in sectors like med-tech and health record digitization. Gates will also visit an agricultural center to witness the use of drones and AI technology in farming. Microsoft founder Bill Gates will visit Amaravati on on Monday and hold discussions with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on expanding cooperation in health and artificial intelligence initiatives, Andhra Pradesh minister P Narayana on Sunday. Gates is expected to arrive at the state secretariat here around 10 am on Monday and meet with Naidu, IT minister Nara Lokesh and deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan briefly. "Gates will visit Amaravati on Monday and hold discussions with Naidu on expanding cooperation in health and artificial intelligence initiatives," said Narayana, the state Municipal minister. The Gates Foundation has been working in Kuppam in Chittoor district on health-related projects, and the proposed talks are expected to explore scaling up these interventions to benefit a wider population across the southern state. Later, the tech czar will proceed to Real Time Governance system (RTGS) to observe the utilisation of technology in governance, followed by Naidu showcasing the system's procedures and results, a government source had earlier said. Naidu will give a presentation on "Swarna Andhra 2047" (golden Andhra) vision and the reforms ushered in various sectors, including med-tech, diagnostic services and Sanjeevani, a health record digitisation programme, said the source. Following these engagements at the secretariat, Gates and team will proceed to an agricultural centre in Undavalli village in Amaravati, where he will witness the use of drones and AI technology, the source further said. Gates had earlier visited the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh twice, and this visit follows an invitation extended by the chief minister to further deepen collaboration with the state government, the minister added. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury is under fire after bringing a stray dog to Parliament, facing accusations of disrespecting fellow MPs IMAGE: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury brings a dog to Parliament House on the opening day of the winter session, December 01, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points BJP MPs filed a complaint against Chowdhury, alleging she made derogatory remarks against members of Parliament. The Committee of Privileges has asked Chowdhury to respond to the charges by February 23. Chowdhury's actions have sparked controversy, with accusations of violating security protocols and disrespecting elected representatives. Chowdhury's office stated they will respond under Parliamentary rules, upholding democratic principles. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been served a notice for breach of privilege for bringing a stray into the Parliament complex in her car and for allegedly making derogatory remarks against MPs. The Committee of Privileges of the Rajya Sabha has taken up a complaint against Chowdhury and has asked her to respond to the charges by February 23, according to sources. Chowdhury had brought a rescued stray in her car to Parliament on December 1 during the Winter session, and when some members objected, she allegedly said that "those sitting inside bite, dogs don't". The sources said BJP MPs Brij Lal and Indu Bala Goswami submitted a notice for breach of privilege against Chowdhury, which the Rajya Sabha chairman forwarded to the Committee of Privileges. The committee examined the matter in its meeting held last week and decided to seek her written comments on the matter. The two BJP MPs moved a complaint against Chowdhury under rule 188 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States for allegedly making contemptuous and defamatory statements against members of Parliament. In their notice, the complainant MPs said Chowdhury stated that "those who bite are sitting inside the Parliament", which, they claimed, denigrates the respect of elected representatives and MPs of both Houses of Parliament. They had also pleaded with the chairman to take strict action against the Congress MP to protect the dignity and respect of MPs, while also accusing her of violating security protocols by bringing a stray dog inside the Parliament complex. When asked about the notice, sources in Chowdhury's office said they will respond under the Parliamentary rules, norms, conventions and procedures, upholding all democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. Chowdhury had brought a rescued stray in her car on December 1. This triggered a row, prompting some BJP members to accuse her of indulging in drama and demand action against her. The Congress MP had also claimed that the government dislikes animals and questioned the objections raised by the ruling party MPs, saying there was no law against rescuing a stray dog. Chowdhury is a self-confessed dog lover with a few pets at home. She claimed that on her way to Parliament, she rescued a stray and her driver was supposed to take the canine to a veterinarian. Later, when some reporters had asked her to comment on the privilege motion being contemplated against her by some ruling party MPs, she gave a snappy reply - "bhow bhow...what else should I say." Amid speculation over the motive, Upazila BNP general secretary Bashir Uddin Bacchu suggested that members of rival political groups might have been behind the attack IMAGE: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman speaks to the media after voting outside a polling station during the general election in Dhaka, February 12, 2026. Photograph: Reuters In the aftermath of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide victory in the February 12 general election, a local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj was allegedly set on fire in the early hours, local media reported. Key Points The police have identified two individuals as suspects, with the investigation still underway The incident took place around 3:45 am on Saturday at the Shimulia Bazar area The arson incident comes just days after the BNP, under chairperson Tarique Rahman, secured a decisive majority in the 300-seat parliament The incident took place around 3:45 am on Saturday at the Shimulia Bazar area, according to Rupganj police station officer-in-charge Shabzel Hossain, as reported by The Daily Star. Unidentified miscreants smashed a window and threw "petrol or similar substance" inside before igniting the blaze. The police have identified two individuals as suspects, with the investigation still underway. Providing context on the targeted premises, Mansur Mia, president of the Rupganj union Jubo Dal, said construction of the office had begun roughly a month earlier and was completed just a week ago. He added that party leaders and activists remained there until midnight on Friday, after which the fire broke out in the early morning hours. According to The Daily Star, locals helped extinguish the flames, though furniture and other items inside suffered damage. Mansur Mia remarked, "We suspect it was a petrol bomb. Otherwise, the fire would not have spread so quickly." Amid speculation over the motive, Upazila BNP general secretary Bashir Uddin Bacchu suggested that members of rival political groups might have been behind the attack. OC Shabzel Hossain said local BNP leaders are preparing a formal written complaint, adding, "Necessary legal action will be taken following investigation once a complaint is lodged." The arson incident comes just days after the BNP, under chairperson Tarique Rahman, secured a decisive majority in the 300-seat parliament during the February 12 election. The vote was the first since the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. Voter turnout stood at around 59 percent, positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate, with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance as the main opposition. Following the results, the BNP acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message on X. The party thanked him for recognising Rahman's leadership and reiterated its commitment to democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development, while looking forward to constructive engagement with India. PM Modi had earlier posted on X his warm congratulations to Rahman, noting the people's trust in his leadership and India's support for a democratic, progressive Bangladesh, with hopes to strengthen bilateral ties. Amid the political transition, the newly elected BNP-led government is scheduled to take oath on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has extended invitations to leaders from 13 countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony, as reported by Prothom Alo. BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan expressed hope on Saturday that PM Modi would receive an invitation. He highlighted the party's inclusive foreign policy of "friends to all, malice to none" and described it as a matter of general courtesy for regional leaders to be included. Yelp operates a leading online platform that facilitates consumer discovery and engagement with local businesses across the United States and internationally. The company leverages a broad set of digital advertising and business management tools to drive monetization and value for both businesses and end users. The company targets local businesses across diverse categories such as restaurants, retail, health, and professional services, with consumers seeking local information as the primary user base. It generates revenue primarily through advertising products, including cost-per-click and multi-location ads, as well as subscription-based services and content licensing agreements. What is the market backdrop for this transaction? Yelp's stock price closed at $24.04 on Feb. 5, 2026, down 39.6% over the past year, with the transaction executed at an average price around $25.36 per share, modestly above the market close on the final trade date. How does this sale impact Mr. Stoppelman's ownership and available capacity for future sales? After this transaction, direct holdings stand at 964,827 shares, representing a 30.64% reduction in direct ownership since May 2024. What was the mechanics of the transaction, and does it signal a change in equity exposure? The sale was executed in conjunction with an option exercise, with all 66,200 shares sold immediately after vesting. How significant was this transaction relative to Jeremy Stoppelman's historical activity? This 66,200-share sale is below the recent median sell size of 90,000 shares but aligns with a pattern of more frequent, smaller sales as Mr. Stoppelman's holdings have diminished over the last two years. Jeremy Stoppelman, Chief Executive Officer of Yelp (NYSE:YELP), executed a direct sale of 66,200 shares over Feb. 3 to Feb. 5, 2026, for total proceeds of approximately $1.7 million according to the SEC Form 4 filing . Story Continues Yelp's scale, proprietary content, and integrated business solutions position it as a key player in the local search and information sector. What this transaction means for investors Although CEO Jeremy Stoppelmans 66,200-share sale was substantial, its not a cause for alarm. The transaction was performed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which he adopted in May of 2025. Such plans are commonly implemented by executives to avoid accusations of making trades based on insider information. That said, investors may want to consider a Yelp investment with care. The company posted record revenue of $1.5 billion in 2025, which is an outstanding result, but expects 2026 sales to come in around the same amount, representing flat year-over-year growth. The 2026 outlook caused Yelp shares to crash, hitting a 52-week low of $20.03 on Feb. 13. The companys biggest challenge may be artificial intelligence. With AI, consumers can easily find and evaluate local businesses without the need to visit Yelp. The AI threat could reduce Yelps usage. Moreover, the company saw a 6% year-over-year drop in revenue from its restaurants and retail segment to $444 million. As a result, despite Yelp shares reaching an attractive valuation, investors may want to observe the companys next few earnings reports before deciding to buy or sell. Should you buy stock in Yelp right now? Before you buy stock in Yelp, 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 Yelp 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. Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Yelp Stock a Buy or Sell After the CEO Sold Shares Worth $1.7 Million? was originally published by The Motley Fool Rijiju stated that the second part of the Budget Session, scheduled from March 9 to April 2, will be 'interesting' as several 'important' legislations and a 'critical' bill will be presented in Parliament for debate and passage IMAGE: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conducts the proceedings of Lok Sabha during the Parliament Budget Session, in New Delhi, February 9, 2026. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Key Points The second part of the Budget Session will address important legislation and a critical bill. The government plans to discuss demands for grants in five ministries in the Lok Sabha and the working of five other ministries in the Rajya Sabha. Upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala add significance to the session. The government hints at introducing a critical bill but remains tight-lipped about its specifics. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the debate and subsequent vote on the no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be taken up on March 9, when the House reassembles after the recess. Rijiju stated that the second part of the Budget Session, scheduled from March 9 to April 2, will be "interesting" as several "important" legislations and a "critical" bill will be presented in Parliament for debate and passage. He warned that if opposition parties continue their protests as they did during the first part of the session, it would ultimately be detrimental to them. "On March 9 in the Lok Sabha, we will have the debate on the no-confidence motion moved against the speaker. It is the rule to take it up on the first day. There will be a vote following the debate," he told PTI in an interview. The Budget Session began with the president's address to the joint sitting of Parliament on January 28 and went on recess on February 12. The Union Budget for 2026 was presented on February 1, and the session will resume on March 9, concluding on April 2. Rijiju, who is on a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Arunachal West, mentioned that during the second part of the session, the government plans to identify specific ministries for discussions. "In the Lok Sabha, we will discuss the demands for grants in five ministries and in the Rajya Sabha, we will discuss the working of five other ministries. In Rajya Sabha, it will not be on demands for grants but discussions on the ministries," he said. The minister further informed that the government will select five ministries for discussions in the Rajya Sabha and then five ministries for the Lok Sabha. Noting that the second part of the budget session will be interesting, he said, "If the opposition doesn't allow the House to function, we will go for the guillotine. It will be a loss for them," he said. When asked why this part of the session would be particularly interesting, he noted that it coincides with the upcoming assembly elections in four significant states - West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala - as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry. "We will bring some important bills, including one critical bill. We will not disclose now as to what the bill is, but we will bring up one very important business in the second part. We will pass all these bills," he said. Regarding whether a bill on holding simultaneous elections would be introduced in the second part of the session, he said the government has not decided on it yet, as the Parliamentary committee constituted to examine the legislation has not yet finalised its report. He also said that if the opposition doesn't participate in the debate, it will be their loss. Hinting at a potential crack in the unity of the opposition, the minister said the Trinamool Congress did not sign the no-confidence motion against the speaker. "Most of the smaller parties are not in favour of stalling the House. They want to raise their issues, especially ahead of the assembly polls," he said. During the first part of the session, the Lok Sabha experienced disruptions from February 2 onward, following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disallowance by the chair from quoting excerpts from former army chief M M Naravane's unpublished memoir, which referenced the India-China conflict in 2020. On February 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to respond to the debate on the Motion of Thanks due to protests by the opposition. In an unprecedented move, the Motion of Thanks was passed on February 5 without the customary speech from the prime minister. The Speaker read the Motion of Thanks to the president for her address, and it was passed by voice vote amid sloganeering from opposition members. Birla later stated that he received concrete information suggesting that several Congress MPs might carry out an "unexpected act" near the prime minister's seat, prompting him to advise Modi against attending the House for his address. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra refuted this claim. Subsequently, eight opposition members were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session for unruly behaviour in the House. Last week, the speaker decided to step aside from his role as the presiding officer of the House, hours after the opposition submitted a motion for his removal from office, alleging that he had acted in a "blatantly partisan" manner. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament IMAGE: Tarique Rahman, chairman of BNP and son of former PM Begum Khaleda Zia, casting his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections, at a polling centre, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. Photograph: BNP Media Cell/ANI Photo The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath coming Tuesday and the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported. According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reported Prothom Alo. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party's inclusive foreign policy vision "friends to all, malice to none". Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us." Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none." The BNP acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections earlier this month. In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi's message and recognition of its leadership. "Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process." The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens." Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP's electoral triumph, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh's leadership landscape. In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate. "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. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78" The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Voter turnout was around 59 percent, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. Results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal. PM Modi is positioning India as a leading global hub for data infrastructure and artificial intelligence, inviting worldwide data residency and highlighting government incentives to boost investments in data centers. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a mace during a public rally as Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal look on, in Guwahati, Assam, February 14, 2026. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo Key Points Modi underscored the importance of data centres. The Indian government is providing tax incentives to boost investments in data centers and digital infrastructure. Budget 2024 includes tax holidays for companies routing global cloud revenues through Indian data centers, aiming to attract AI investment and create jobs. Modi emphasizes the importance of data centers as foundational layers for technology and AI development in India. India aims for digital leadership, leveraging its large and diverse data pool while ensuring data security and protection through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. With the Budget providing incentives to turbocharge investments in data centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, saying the country is ready to host the world's data and lead the next wave of the technology revolution. "The tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure," Modi said in an exclusive interview to PTI. In a strong global-outreach message, the prime minister said, "We invite the whole world's data to reside in India!" In the just-unveiled Budget for the financial year starting April, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the likes of Amazon, Google and Microsoft could receive a tax holiday until 2047 on global cloud revenues if they route foreign workloads through Indian data centres. Also, data-centre services are now eligible for a coverage under the Safe Harbour Rules, with a margin of 15 per cent, as the Budget 2026-27 has pushed to attract AI investment, boost infrastructure and jobs, while managing competition, data protection and enforcement risks. Modi underscored the importance of data centres. "When we think of technology, we often focus on what is visible, such as applications, platforms and devices. But equally important are the foundational layers that make all such things possible. Data centres are one such critical layer," he said. Linking this to AI, the prime minister said, "The importance of this becomes even more apparent when we look at the domain of artificial intelligence. AI needs computing power and data-centre infrastructure. By expanding capacity today, we are laying the foundations for a thriving Indian AI ecosystem." Recognising this potential, major investments have already been announced in this space by international and Indian companies in the recent past. "The tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure. The result of this, too, will be a massive number of jobs for our youth," Modi said in the written interview. In a strong pitch to global investors, the prime minister added: "We invite the whole world's data to reside in India!" His pitch came a day before India hosts the global assembly of tech tycoons, AI business leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators. The Global AI Impact Summit, to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, will see a host of heads of state and government, including France's Emmanuel Macron and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with the representatives of more than 60 other countries. Modi said India must move beyond digital adoption to digital leadership, arguing that in a technology- and data-driven world, leadership, and not mere participation, will determine inclusion, competitiveness and growth. "The world has been undergoing significant shifts in its technological landscape. Now, nations cannot be content with just digital adoption but must also aspire to digital leadership. As we saw in the digital payments space, only with digital leadership will digital inclusion become possible," he said. Drawing a historical contrast, the prime minister added: "During the Industrial Revolution, we were left behind due to colonisation. During the earlier manufacturing revolution, we were left behind due to neglect by post-independence governments. But now, in this technological and data-driven revolution, it is important that we take the lead." He said India's scale and diversity give it a unique advantage. "India, with an aspirational population of 140 crore people, is one of the world's largest generators and consumers of data. We are one of the most diverse nations in the world and our data also reflects this diversity. Such a massive and diverse data pool has great potential only when it can be leveraged safely and productively. So we are paying attention to every aspect of the data ecosystem, including security, skills, software and infrastructure," the prime minister said. On safeguards, he pointed to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. "For security, we brought in the digital personal data protection law to build a safe, secure, privacy-protecting, rights-based framework that empowers citizens," he said. Modi said India's strength in talent and software is already recognised globally. "As for skills and software, the talent of Indian youth in the data-science space is world-renowned," he asserted. Admiral Paparo flagged serious concerns over the Indo-Pacific region witnessing increasing 'coercion' and 'aggression', in an indirect reference to China's military muscle-flexing in the region IMAGE: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, meets Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J Paparo during his ongoing official visit to the US, November 15, 2025. Photograph: @indiannavyX/ANI Photo Key Points The US Indo-Pacific Command Commander expressed concerns over increasing coercion and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, indirectly referencing China. India and the US are focused on bolstering defence and military ties, particularly in the maritime domain, including undersea domain awareness. Admiral Paparo commended the Indian military for displaying restraint during Operation Sindoor. Both the US and India are committed to the principles of sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and freedom of the seas in the Indo-Pacific region. The India-US defence partnership has a unity of purpose to maintain peace through strength, Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said on Sunday even as he complimented the Indian military for displaying restraint during Operation Sindoor. In an interaction with a small group of journalists, Paparo flagged serious concerns over the Indo-Pacific region witnessing increasing "coercion" and "aggression", in an indirect reference to China's military muscle-flexing in the region. The senior military commander, currently on a visit to New Delhi, said India and the US have convergence of interests and both sides are looking at further bolstering the defence and military ties especially in the maritime domain. Admiral Paparo said the US-India defence relationship is on a "steeply upward trajectory" and it is set to expand further. "We think our partnerships have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain peace and a peace through strength," he said. "I think as our policy leaders are managing the relationships, it's the duty of our military leaders to keep a close eye on capability and to be ready to contest that capability at any moment," he said. Elaborating on changing character of warfare and an increasingly contested international commons, he said both India and the US are committed to work towards peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific region is home to 60 percent of the world's population, it comprises over 60 percent of the world's GDP and seven of the world's 10 largest militaries hail from the region, he said. "Of course, there are concerns, but we deal with those concerns with the growing partnerships that come to the prism of this mutually respective, respectful, sovereign relationship between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy," he said. The focus of the US-India partnership has been to maintain peace, through strength and deterrence, he said. Paparo said both the US and India are committed to the principles of sovereignty, freedom of navigation and freedom of seas. "We applaud India as a great net contributor to security of the Indian Ocean region," he said. Paparo said the two sides are also looking at boosting maritime security cooperation including in the sphere of undersea domain awareness. The senior American commander lauded the Indian military when asked to comment on Operation Sindoor. "We applaud the restraint that was exhibited...I think all peace loving nations were concerned when we see operations of this kind," he said. To a question on Pakistan's use of Chinese military hardware including missiles, Paparo did not give a direct reply but noted that constant vigilance and readiness was necessary to deal with such situations. It is important to maintain a strong deterrent posture, he said without explaining. To a question on lessons to be learnt from Operation Sindoor, Paparo said there are lessons to be learnt from every single operation. He said he saw deep commitment by the Indian military to learn from the operation. The US military officer also responded to a question on what the US can learn from the operation. "What we saw is that complex long range weapons have complex long range kill chains." Following the BNP's election victory, Bangladesh is seeking to reset its relationship with India, emphasizing mutual benefit and a recognition of the changed political landscape IMAGE: Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, speaks at a press conference, following the BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters Key Points Bangladesh seeks to reset ties with India following the BNP's election victory, emphasising mutual benefit and a recognition of the changed political landscape. BNP leader Humayun Kabir urges India to acknowledge the new political reality in Bangladesh and ensure its territory isn't used to undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit India, signaling potential for future engagement. The new Bangladesh government aims to pursue balanced relations with India, China, and the US, prioritizing national interests and regional stability. Bangladesh dismisses concerns about communal violence and calls for stronger regional cooperation on counter-terrorism, including intelligence sharing. Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power, Humayun Kabir, adviser to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, has said, asserting that the two nations should work together for "mutual benefit". Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections held on Thursday. In an interview to PTI Videos on Saturday, Kabir stressed that the onus lies on India to recognise the changed political reality in Bangladesh after the BNP's resounding electoral mandate. "The change has to come from the mindset in India. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don't exist in today's Bangladesh anymore. The people have given a clear verdict in favour of BNP," Kabir said. Kabir described Hasina, who fled to India after 2024's August uprising, as a "terrorist" responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people. Kabir urged the Indian government to ensure that its territory is not used by Hasina or other Awami League figures in ways that could affect stability in Bangladesh. "India must not be seen as complicit in any activities that undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty. Once that is addressed, normal diplomatic cooperation can resume. We are neighbours and should work together for mutual benefit," he added. India on November 26, 2025, said it is examining a request by Bangladesh's interim government to extradite Hasina and asserted that it is committed to ensure the best interests of the people of that country. "We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Kabir highlighted the recent cordial phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahman, where Modi extended an invitation for Rahman to visit India at a convenient time. On the timing of such a visit, Kabir said domestic priorities come first. "Tarique Rahman will focus on settling the country on a path of prosperity and economic security. Once things stabilise here, he will take up international engagements, including the visit to India." On Bangladesh's approach to the growing competition among India, China and the US in South Asia, Kabir said the new government will pursue balanced relations. "We will negotiate from a position of strength with a strong mandate from the people. National interest and the well-being of our territory will remain at the centre of our foreign policy," he said. "What we want is balanced relations. We're not going to have relations with one country specific, and we're not going to have any disclosures on any agreements," he added. On minority safety, particularly Hindus, Kabir dismissed concerns of communal violence in Bangladesh. "Even during the five days without a government after the August uprising, an unprecedented situation, no one attacked minorities. That shows communal harmony here. The problem doesn't exist in the way it's sometimes projected." India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. The community has faced a series of attacks, some fatal, after the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. Kabir also called for stronger regional cooperation on counter-terrorism, including in intelligence sharing. "Isolation hinders progress. Elected governments must exchange information and work together to track extremists, terrorists and build confidence." Kabir reiterated that a BNP-led government would prioritise peace, prosperity and integrated economic and security cooperation in the region and beyond, positioning Bangladesh as a strategic conduit for broader ties. Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, according to a BNP statement on Saturday. The Congress leader the Congress is like a big ship and claimed that DMK would not be in power without the grand old party's support escalation the tension between the two INDIA bloc allies IMAGE: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi speaks to the media at the Parliament premises during the ongoing Budget Session, as suspended party MP Manickam Tagore (left) looks on, in New Delhi, February 12, 2026. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Amid the power-sharing debate with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam that has seen exchange of words from both sides, Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday said the national party expected to be treated with respect within the alliance led by the Dravidian major. Tagore, who has been vocal about power-sharing, said Congress workers are "humans, not robots" and would respond to DMK leaders on the matter. Key Points Tagore said he came to know through media about DMK's decision to form a committee for negotiations despite Congress had set up a panel for seat-sharing talks 70 days ago. Tagore said Congress workers expressed anguish at the South District Committee meeting over the comments by DMK functionaries Tagore expressed regret over what he described as the DMK high command's silence despite TNCC chief flagging DMK MLA and state minister's remarks against Congress He said that DMK will not be in power without Congress' support. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, he said, "The Congress party is like a big ship...we are a national party and are leading the INDIA bloc in Delhi. Here, our ties with the DMK continues." Noting that more than 70 days had passed since the Congress formed a panel for seat-sharing talks with the DMK, Tagore said he came to know through media that the latter has announced that it would constitute a committee to hold negotiations from February 22. The DMK leads the multi-party Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu and the constituents include the Congress and the Left parties. "We hope we will be treated well. Rahul Gandhi treats DMK chief M K Stalin like his brother. The relationship between the two is excellent," he said. Tagore expressed regret over what he described as the DMK high command's silence despite TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai flagging DMK MLA G Thalapathi and state minister S Rajakannappan's remarks against Congress on the power-sharing issue. "Despite the TNCC president taking it up, there was no action against them (Thalapathi and Rajakanappan) by the DMK. It has been more than 20 days now. Our demand is that the District Secretary (Thalapathi) and DMK minister (Rajakkanappan) should refrain from speaking ill of the Congress...our party supporters are humans, not robots to keep quiet. They will also speak out. What we seek is respect when we are in the alliance," he said. Thalapathi, DMK MLA from Madurai North said he was "pained" that two Congress MPs had raised the issue of power-sharing despite not being concerned about the Assembly elections His comments drew criticism from Selvaperunthagai, who called it "unnecessary and highly condemnable". Referring to discussions within his party, Tagore said Congress workers expressed anguish at the South District Committee meeting today over the comments by DMK functionaries. "The Congress does not forget the help extended by the DMK in the past...we may have fewer supporters, but without our support you (DMK) may not be in power today." "Just as we treat you with respect, we expect you to reciprocate that," he added. On Stalin saying power-sharing was not possible in Tamil Nadu, Tagore said, "he expressed his view. Our leaders Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, individually spoke to us and heard our views. Our view on power-sharing will be informed to you by Girish Chodankar (AICC In-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry)." Addressing the party meeting on Sunday, Tagore highlighted the need for Congress workers to be respected and that they were not asking any other undue favours. Tagore informed the gathering that he would not contest in the Lok Sabha polls from the Virudhunagar constituency. "For me, party is important. Congress is my life and not the MP post. Till my death, I will be a Congress man," he added. Further, he said the objective of the Congress party is to win the Madurai North constituency, currently represented by Thalapathi, in the upcoming Assembly polls. "I have told Kharge that you should somehow get the seat for the Congress. We should win in this constituency," he said. Kerala honored a 10-month-old infant, Aalin Sherin Abraham, as the state's youngest organ donor, celebrating her life-saving contribution after her organs were donated following her brain death IMAGE: Organs of Keralas youngest donor, Aalin Sherin Abraham, being transported to the hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, February 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points With parental consent, Aalin's organs were donated through K-SOTTO, providing life-saving transplants for multiple recipients. The Kerala government accorded state honors to Aalin, recognizing her extraordinary contribution to organ donation and saving lives. Ministers and community members paid their respects, acknowledging the profound impact of Aalin's selfless gift. Union Minister Suresh Gopi conveyed Prime Minister Modi's tribute, highlighting the national significance of Aalin's organ donation. Kerala bid an emotional farewell to a 10-month-old girl who became the state's youngest organ donor after her parents consented to donate her organs following her brain death. She was laid to rest with state honours at Mallappally on Sunday. Ministers and people from across the state reached the residence of Aalin Sherin Abraham to pay their last respects after her body was brought home this morning for the final rites. Aalin Sherin was critically injured in a road accident on February 5 while travelling with her mother and maternal grandparents at Pallam near Kottayam on the MC Road. She was the daughter of Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, residents of Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district. Despite intensive medical efforts, doctors confirmed her brain death on February 12. With the consent of her parents, the organ donation process was coordinated through the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), officials said. Her heart valve was sent to the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram; her liver to KIMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram; and her kidneys to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Her eyes were donated to an eye bank. Industries minister P Rajeev said in a Facebook post on Sunday that the government had decided to accord state honours as a mark of respect to the infant, who, even in death, gave a new lease of life to five people. "The government views with deep respect the decision taken by the parents, who upheld the noble example of organ donation despite their profound grief. The government also expresses its condolences to Aalin Sherin's parents and family. Tributes are paid to the child," he said. Ministers V N Vasavan, Saji Cherian and Roshy Augustine, along with Congress leader P C Vishnunadh, MLA, paid homage after visiting the child's residence. A family member of one of the organ recipients also attended the funeral. The body was later taken in a funeral procession to St Thomas CSI Church, Nedungadappally, in Kottayam district. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, representing the Government of India, and Minister Veena George, representing the Kerala government, were present at the church for the funeral ceremony. In his eulogy, Suresh Gopi said that while the child's body was being laid to rest, she would continue to live through others following the noble act of saving multiple lives. He said he had come to pay tribute on behalf of the nation, following the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "His prayers will also be with Aalin, along with the people gathered here," Gopi said. He added that the child's organ donation sends a strong message to Kerala and noted that similar instances had occurred in New Delhi and Odisha, where one-year-old children donated their organs after being declared brain dead. The funeral ceremony began at the church around 3.30 pm and concluded at about 4.45 pm. The body was later brought outside the church, where state honours were accorded by police personnel. By 5 pm, the final rites were performed at the cemetery, where she was laid to rest. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri and secretary-general of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany Birla, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations IMAGE: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Key Points The swearing-in ceremony highlights the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh. India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under Tarique Rahman's leadership. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are expected to accompany Om Birla. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, the external affairs ministry announced on Sunday. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri and secretary-general of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany Birla, people familiar with the matter said. It is learnt that Bangladesh had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the ceremony to be held in Dhaka. However, Modi will not be able to attend it as he is scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, the ministry said. Rahman led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a spectacular victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary polls. "The speaker's participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations," the ministry said in a statement. "As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people," it said. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian student missing from the University of California, Berkeley, has been found dead, prompting the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to offer support to his family. Photograph: Saketh Sreenivasaiah on LinkedIn Key Points Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian student at UC Berkeley, was found dead after being reported missing. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of Sreenivasaiah's body and is providing assistance to his family. Sreenivasaiah's backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was found in the Park Hills neighborhood. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Sreenivasaiah's death. A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student who went missing in the United States less than a week ago has been found dead, the Indian mission in San Francisco has said. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, hailing from Karnataka, had been missing since Monday. In an X post on Saturday, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of his body. "The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah," it said. Extending condolences to his loved ones, the Consulate said it 'stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest'. 'Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,' it added. Sreenivasaiah was enrolled in the Master of Science programme at the University of California, Berkeley. His backpack, with his passport and laptop, was found on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood, The Berkeley Scanner news portal had reported. Earlier, local police had urged anyone with information about Sreenivasaiah to notify local law enforcement. Bangladesh is reportedly planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of its next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, potentially strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. IMAGE: Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), shows victory sign during a press conference, following the BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, on February 14, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters Key Points Bangladesh has invited PM Narendra Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of its next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. Dhaka has reportedly communicated its plan to New Delhi regarding the invitation. Modi is unlikely to attend due to a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. India may send a senior government official to represent the country at the swearing-in ceremony. Modi congratulated Tarique on his party's victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary election and reaffirmed India's commitment to peace and progress. Bangladesh is learnt to be in the process of inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. It is learnt that Dhaka has already communicated its plan to New Delhi. Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has indicated that the leaders of several countries in the region would be invited for the ceremony. There is no official word on the invitation yet. Modi is unlikely to travel to Dhaka as he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17. New Delhi may send a senior government functionary to attend Rahman's swearing-in ceremony, it is learnt. In a phone conversation with Rahman on Friday, Modi congratulated the BNP leader on his party's remarkable victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary election. "I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," Modi said after the call. "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. The issue sparked a fresh war of words between the ruling CPI-M and the opposition Congress in the poll-bound state, as the SC is reportedly scheduled to consider on Monday the review and writ petitions related to its 2018 verdict IMAGE: A visual of the conclusion of the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival at the Sabarimala Temple with the closing of the sanctum sanctorum following old-age rituals in Pathanamthittam, Kerala, January 20, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Supreme Court is scheduled to review petitions related to its 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. The Congress party is demanding that the CPI-M-led government clarify its stance on women's entry before the Supreme Court hearing. The Nair Service Society is urging the Kerala government to submit a revised affidavit opposing the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple to protect age-old customs. The CPI-M states that the government will present its position to the court, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity of democracy and the interests of devotees. After a brief hiatus, the women's entry issue at the Sabarimala temple resurfaced on Sunday, sparking a political debate in Kerala, with the opposition urging the Left Democratic Front government to clarify its stand on the entry of young women into the shrine. The issue sparked a fresh war of words between leaders of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist and the opposition Congress in the poll-bound state, as the Supreme Court is reportedly scheduled to consider on Monday the review and writ petitions related to its 2018 verdict permitting the entry of women of all ages into the Lord Ayyappa temple. While the Congress urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to announce the government's stand before the apex court, the CPI(M) said it could not disclose what the government would submit in court. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan demanded that Vijayan clarify whether the Kerala government would stand by the affidavit it had earlier filed in the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala women's entry case or withdraw it. With the apex court scheduled to consider the review and writ petitions on Monday, Satheesan questioned whether the government still supports women's entry. He accused the Left government of adopting an "ambiguous approach" on the issue. "If the government continues to support women's entry, it should firmly stand by its affidavit. If it does not, the affidavit must be withdrawn. There has to be a clear position," he said. The actual stand of the state government would become clear through the position it adopts before the apex court, the LoP said. If the authorities seek more time from the court, it would indicate that the government still does not have a clear stand, he added. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal also said the state government should revise its affidavit in the Sabarimala matter and that there was no need for any reconsideration within the party. He claimed that the entire state of Kerala was demanding such a step and questioned how the government could backtrack. Responding to the opposition's criticism, CPI-M state secretary M V Govindan said the government would state its stand before the court, and there was no cause for concern. He said the dignity of democracy and the interests of devotees should be upheld, but added that he could not disclose what the government would submit before the court. "The party will state its position when required. Tomorrow, it is the government that has to speak, and it will do so," he told reporters in Palakkad. When asked whether the CPI-M would change its stand on the Sabarimala women's entry issue, Govindan said nothing is unchangeable but refrained from giving a clear reply. In Thrissur, CPI-M Politburo member A Vijayaraghavan said a consensus needs to be evolved on the issue, taking into account both the interests of devotees and legal considerations. He said the matter was complex and that a stand should be taken after hearing all sides, adding that no opinion would be expressed to create divisions among devotees or for political gain. Meanwhile, senior CPI-M leader and state Law Minister P Rajeev accused the LoP and a section of the media of showing undue haste. He said the government's stand could not be decided in a hurry and would be clarified after the review bench is constituted. He added that it is for the new bench to decide whether the government's explanation is required and said that it is not the government's stand that is currently under review. "Why this unprecedented haste? Let the Supreme Court decide which bench will consider the matter-whether the Constitution Bench will hear the pleas or a new bench will be formed," he told reporters in Kochi. The government would inform the court of its stand when asked, Rajeev added. "Let us wait patiently and allow the Supreme Court to act independently," the minister said. Besides the opposition, the Nair Service Society (NSS), an influential organisation of the Nair community that had adopted a strong stand against the entry of young women into Sabarimala, also clarified its position. Speaking to the media, NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair said there should be no compromise on the protection of age-old customs and rituals at the hill shrine and that they should be preserved. He also urged the state government to submit a revised affidavit before the apex court opposing the entry of young women into Sabarimala. Nair said the Pinarayi Vijayan government had already changed its stand on the issue and should now take the necessary legal steps to implement it. "The government should take whatever measures are needed to maintain the traditional customs and rituals at Sabarimala. If a revised affidavit needs to be submitted in this regard, it should be done," he added. In 2018, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala temple, ruling the restriction "unconstitutional". The verdict triggered widespread protests and remains under review by a larger bench. The CPI-M-led LDF government had earlier faced severe criticism from a section of Ayyappa devotees and the Sangh Parivar for facilitating the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. It's rare for the apex court to give such a long duration to evict the space or premise, but the advanced age of 75 years of the monk who has renounced the world and is leading a religious and spiritual life, weighed upon the court IMAGE: A view of the iconic Babulanath Temple in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The court granted the monk four years to vacate the premises, considering his advanced age and religious life. The dispute involves a small area on a staircase landing within the centuries-old Babulnath Temple. The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court's order, affirming the concurrent findings of lower courts. The monk must maintain peace and not obstruct temple development during his remaining time on the premises. The Supreme Court has ordered a septuagenarian monk to evict an occupied portion in the iconic Babulanath Temple of Mumbai in four years and upheld the Bombay High Court's order directing his eviction. It's rare for the apex court to give such a long duration to evict the space or premise, but the advanced age of 75 years of the monk who has renounced the world and is leading a religious and spiritual life, weighed upon the court. The dispute concerns a small area on a landing of the staircase leading to the centuries-old Babulnath Temple in Gamdevi of Mumbai. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh, which was hearing the plea of Jagannath Giri, represented by senior advocate Shoeb Alam, said nothing had been brought before the court which would warrant interference with the well-reasoned and concurrent finding of the facts and law by the Small Causes Court and the appellate bench, nor with the order passed by the high court under Article 227 of the Constitution. It dismissed the appeal filed by Giri against the November 6 last year order of the high court. The court announced the order notwithstanding the continuous possession of the portion of the temple since about 1968, with rent paid, but also considered the submission that the petitioner is in the autumn of his life and leading a religious and spiritual life. "...we are inclined to grant a period of four years to the petitioner before he hands over vacant possession of the said premise of the temple to the respondent/plaintiff Temple Trust, so as to enable the petitioner to secure alternative accommodation," the bench said. The top court said that as long as the monk stays in the temple premises, he would do it peacefully and shall not cause any obstruction in the development of the temple premises. It also directed that the temple authorities must ensure that no third party is allowed to occupy the place being used by the petitioner, nor cause any disturbance to him. According to the order uploaded by the apex court recently, Giri is the legal heir and representative of the original defendant Baba Brahmanandji Maharaj, who was allowed to use a portion of the Babulnath Temple on the landing of the main staircase of the temple, and has been stated to be occupying it since about 1968. The premise was let out to Baba Ramgiri Maharaj in 1927. The top court said Baba Ramgiri Maharaj continued residing in the suit premises until his demise, whereupon the defendant, Baba Brahmanandji Maharaj, being his disciple, took over possession and continued as a tenant. The problem started when the temple trustees filed a suit before the Small Causes Court in Mumbai seeking his eviction. On October 18, 1996, the court decreed the suit and directed Brahmanandji Maharaj to hand over the possession of the suit premises to the plaintiff. An aggrieved defendant went before the appellate bench of the Small Causes Court, which, on June 22, 2001, dismissed his appeal. The defendant then moved the Bombay High Court for relief. During the pendency of the writ petition before the high court, Baba Brahmanandji Maharaj, died, and Jagannath Giri was impleaded as his legal representative, who continues to possess the premises under contention. The high court, however, declined to interfere with the concurrent finding of facts and law arrived at by the Small Causes Court and the appellate bench and dismissed the petition on November 6, 2025. It observed that its supervisory jurisdiction is of limited scope and was essentially for ensuring that the orders passed by the courts below remain within the confines of law and that it cannot reappreciate evidence. In a joint statement by the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said laboratory analysis of samples taken from Navalny's body 'conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine' IMAGE: File image of people gathering outside the Russian embassy, following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, reported by prison authorities in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence, in Warsaw, Poland, February 16, 2024. Photograph: Dawid Zuchowicz/Reuters Five European states have publicly accused the Russian government of poisoning and killing opposition leader Alexey Navalny with a rare and lethal toxin derived from South American dart frogs, marking a dramatic escalation in international condemnation of Moscow's treatment of its most prominent Kremlin critic, reported Al Jazeera. Key Points The UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands said they are confident that Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a lethal toxin Russian authorities have vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as Western propaganda British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, at the Munich conference Navalny's death shocked global audiences in 2024, and at the time Russian authorities claimed he died after becoming ill following a walk In a joint statement issued on Saturday, timed to coincide with the Munich Security Conference, the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said laboratory analysis of samples taken from Navalny's body "conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine", a toxin naturally found in poison dart frogs and otherwise absent from Russia. The governments said their findings leave no "innocent explanation" for the chemical's presence. "The UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands are confident that Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a lethal toxin," the statement said, asserting that Moscow had the "means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison". Russian authorities have vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as Western propaganda. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, said she would comment once the test results are publicly disclosed, a step that has not yet occurred. Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin who built his reputation campaigning against corruption and authoritarian rule, died in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, 2024, while serving a 19-year sentence he condemned as politically motivated. European nations say their findings show that his death was not a natural result of ill health but the consequence of deliberate poisoning. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, at the Munich conference, where she said the new evidence casts light on "the Kremlin's barbaric plot to silence his voice." Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X that the alleged poisoning underscored that "Vladimir Putin is prepared to use biological weapons against his own people in order to remain in power." The governments announced they would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for breaching the Chemical Weapons Convention, a move that could deepen diplomatic rifts and trigger formal international scrutiny. Navalny's death shocked global audiences in 2024, and at the time Russian authorities claimed he died after becoming ill following a walk, insisting his death stemmed from natural causes. The European findings challenge that narrative by pointing to the presence of epibatidine, which causes rapid respiratory failure, convulsions and cardiac arrest, and is only known to occur naturally in the skin of certain South American frogs. As the Munich Security Conference continues to draw leaders from across Europe and beyond, the dispute over Navalny's death threatens to further strain relations between Russia and Western capitals already at odds over issues including Ukraine, security cooperation and human rights. With the spotlight on the Opposition's notice to move a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the three occasions when such situations had arisen in the past are also in focus IMAGE: India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Photograph: Baron/Getty Images India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's message to Congress MPs during the debate in 1954 on the Opposition's resolution to remove then Speaker G V Mavalankar was that they are not bound by any whip or direction, as he urged all legislators to consider the matter "regardless of party affiliations". He had urged Lok Sabha MPs to look at the issue not through the lens of the party but as a matter concerning the dignity of the House. With the spotlight on the Opposition's notice to move a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the three occasions when such situations had arisen in the past are also in focus. The first such situation surfaced on December 18, 1954, when the Opposition moved a resolution for the removal of then Speaker Mavalankar. It was admitted after over 50 members stood up in support, and a debate took place over it. Nehru had also urged the chair to give more time to the Opposition in the debate. It was a fiery debate during which the Opposition, though weak in numbers, tore into Nehru and accused the speaker of being partisan. Intervening in the debate, Nehru said, "I would like to address the House, if I may, in my capacity and the high privilege of being the Leader of this House and not as a leader of the majority party. So far as this majority party is concerned, I would like to tell them that not one of them is bound by any whip or any direction: let them vote as they like. It is not a party matter. It is a matter for this House, for each individual, to consider, regardless of party affiliations." "Therefore, let us try to think of it not as a party issue but as members of this House, because this matter affects the hon. speaker, of course, but it affects the high dignity of this House as Parliament, it affects the first citizen of this country, that is, the speaker of this House," he said. It is a serious matter when the honour of Parliament is concerned, Nehru said. "What is said about the speaker, what is done about the speaker comes back on each one of us who claim to be members of this House," the then PM said. "I wish members to realise this because I have felt sad and very sad ever since this matter came up before the House. We have known the speaker for many years and we have seen him function and it is possible that some of us may not have exactly the same opinion about him as others have; it is possible," he said. "It has so happened that some of us have not particularly liked a decision of his or a ruling of his. It is one thing not to like a ruling or to disagree with it or even to feel, if I may say so, slightly irritated about something that has happened. These things happen. But, it is completely a different thing to challenge the bona fides of the very person in whose keeping is the honour of this House," Nehru had said. "When we challenge his bona fides, we betray before our countrymen and indeed before the world that we are little men and that is the seriousness of the situation. It is for you to decide because we are displaying to the world and to our country that we are little, quarrelsome men who indulge in frivolity, who indulge in accusation without thinking what that means and without thinking what the consequences of it might be," he had said. "I do not say that it is not possible at all to raise a motion against the Speaker. Of course, the Constitution has provided it. Nobody challenges the right of the Opposition or any Member of the House to put forward this motion. I do not deny that right since it has been given by the Constitution. The point is not the legal right but the propriety; the desirability of doing it," he said. Responding to examples given by the Opposition, Nehru said, "Mr. (S S) More in his soft and gentle voice, which often contains many bitter things, went on and told us of what happened to the head of a king in England in the 17th century. He told us of the practice of the British House of Commons 200 years ago and all that. I listened with amazement. Here was a serious matter, here we are in the middle of the 20th century, in the Republic of India, and we are told about what happened in the Middle Ages or some other time in England." "It is true that we follow to a considerable extent the practices of the British Parliament, but it is also true that even the practices of the British Parliament are not governed today by what happened in the 17th century there," he said. "But apart from that, we are not concerned with what happened in the British Parliament. We are concerned with the honour of our Parliament, we are concerned with the honour of the person who holds up the dignity and the prestige of this Parliament," he said. "I listened to a number of speeches delivered from the opposite side. It was an exhibition of incompetence, frivolity and lack of substance," he said. Nehru then went on to strongly defend the speaker and hit out at the Opposition for questioning his bona fides. The Congress had a brute majority with over 360 members, and the resolution was negated by a voice vote. In 1966, a resolution against Speaker Sardar Hukam Singh failed to move forward after it could not secure the mandatory support of 50 members required for initiation. On April 15, 1987, the Opposition moved a resolution for the removal of then Speaker Balram Jakhar. Intervening in the debate, Rajiv Gandhi quoted Nehru's remarks twice from the 1954 resolution debate and slammed the Opposition for questioning the bona fides of the speaker. The resolution was defeated by a voice vote. In December 2024, the Opposition submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as chairman of the upper house, alleging partisan conduct. However, it was rejected at the preliminary stage on procedural grounds. A notice to bring the resolution for the removal of Birla was submitted by Opposition members last Tuesday. The notice will be listed after the start of the second phase of the Budget session from March 9. Sources have said a speedy review will be conducted as per the rules. A Congress leader is targeting DMK's flagship women's assistance scheme in Tamil Nadu amid power-sharing tensions between the two INDIA bloc allies IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in conversation with INDIA bloc leaders Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, August 27, 2025. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo Key Points Chakravarty points out that many similar welfare schemes have failed to secure electoral wins for ruling parties in recent years. Chief Minister M K Stalin defends the scheme, alleging a conspiracy to halt the welfare initiative and highlighting its positive impact on beneficiaries. The DMK government has deposited Rs 5,000 to women beneficiaries of the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme. Chakravarty's comments follow reports of tension between DMK and Congress regarding power-sharing. Senior Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty on Sunday took a swipe at the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's flagship women's assistance scheme, saying that although a welcome initiative, it would be "superstitious" to believe that it alone would ensure electoral success. He said five out of nine political parties, while in government, that had announced similar initiatives had lost the polls in the last three years. This includes Congress and YSRCP in Telangana. Chakravarty is chairman, Professionals' Congress & Data Analytics and his comments came days after Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the government depositing Rs 5,000 to women beneficiaries of the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme. "The Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme is a very good welfare initiative; laudable that it has been implemented. But it is superstitious to believe that it alone will ensure electoral success," Chakravarty said in a social media post. "In the last three years, only four out of nine governments in big states that announced such schemes won," he said. Chakravarty also shared information on the political parties that had lost, and it included the Congress, with its "Mehangai Rahat" and "Griha Lakshmi Yojana," in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, respectively. The party had lost in 2023 elections in both the states. Stalin had on Saturday said his decision to credit Rs 5,000 each to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries of the government scheme "surprised" the people and "shocked the enemies" who sought to halt the welfare initiative. He had alleged a conspiracy by political adversaries to freeze the Kalaignar Women's Entitlement scheme, which provides a monthly grant of Rs 1,000 to women heads of families holding ration cards. "We have thwarted the attempt to freeze the scheme, citing the upcoming Assembly election. Will I allow it to be stopped? That's why I gave a surprise to the people and a shock to the enemies. That is Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin's style," he said, a day after announcing that his government had deposited Rs 5,000 each to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries across the state. The government had distributed three months' aid of Rs 3,000 (Rs 1,000 per month), besides providing another Rs 2,000 to each of the beneficiaries to meet their expenses during summer. Chakravarty's swipe came in response to a news report featuring senior DMK leader R S Bharathi, who asserted that nobody would talk about the power-sharing issue after the government disbursed Rs 5,000 and CM Stalin having made it clear that accommodating allies in the cabinet was not possible. Power-sharing issue has become a thorn in long-time allies DMK and Congress' ties with a section of leaders in the national party openly advocating for it. BRATISLAVA -- Just a day after addressing the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a brief stop in the Slovak capital to dispel fears of a US retreat from NATO, telling reporters that Washington remains firmly committed to the alliance. Standing alongside Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on February 15, Rubio dismissed concerns triggered by recent US troop adjustments in Europe. "We're not leaving NATO. We're not leaving.... We may move a couple thousand troops from one country to another, but this has always been the case," Rubio said, playing down speculation that redeployments signal a broader shift. The number of US troops in Europe typically fluctuates between 80,000 and 100,000, depending on operations, training exercises, and rotational deployments. In fall 2025, the United States announced that soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, the majority of whom were deployed in Romania, would redeploy without being replaced. Rubio also criticized what he described as alarmist interpretations of Washington's call for higher European defense spending. "Every time we say this, people go crazy. They think that means you're going to abandon NATO, you're going to abandon your allies," Rubio said, adding: "The point we're making is that the stronger our allies are, the stronger we are collectively." Instead of abandonment, Rubio framed his urging of European allies to spend more on defense as a recognition that NATO is more durable when its European members are more militarily capable. "We are not threatened or feel that it's hostile to see NATO grow in its own capabilities, not independent of the United States, [but] in conjunction with the United States," he said. 'We Want To Be Your Partner' Rubio was explicit that Washington does not want Europe to remain dependent. "We're not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States. We want to be your partner," he said. This message echoed themes the secretary of state advanced a day earlier in Munich, where he combined pointed criticism of Europe's internal trajectory with an affirmation that the United States and Europe share a common destiny. In that speech, he warned that Europe must reverse what he described as cultural and economic decline and regain control over mass migration, while reaffirming transatlantic unity. In Bratislava, Rubio's tone was more transactional than doctrinal. He portrayed Central Europe as a focal point for deeper US engagement, underscoring shared interests in defense and energy cooperation. He also played down disagreements -- including Slovak criticism of a recent US operation in Venezuela -- as inevitable among sovereign nations. "A lot of countries didn't like what we did in Venezuela. That's OK. That was in our national interest. I'm sure there's something he'll do one day that we don't like, and we'll say, hey, we didn't like what you did. So what? That doesn't mean we're not going to be friends," Rubio said. Rubio's visit to Slovakia lasted only a few hours before he departed for Budapest, where on February 16 he is scheduled to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The sequence of appearances -- from Munich to Bratislava to Budapest -- underscores the dual thrust of Rubios diplomacy: reaffirming US commitment to NATO even as Washington presses Europe to become stronger and less dependent and deepening ties with key Central European governments seen as aligned with the administration's approach to transatlantic relations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized a diplomatic approach to Iran, saying he wasn't going to speak about a military attack and that President Donald Trump "has made it clear he prefers diplomacy." Speaking at a joint press conference in Bratislava with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on February 15, Rubio said that "no one has ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran, but we are going to try." Rubio is in Slovakia for one day as part of a broader European tour focused on strengthening ties with key allies. "Right now, we are talking about negotiations, we are focused on negotiations," Rubio said. "The president has made that clear. If that changes, it will be obvious to everyone." The secretary of state's remarks come amid continued US attempts to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies. At the same time, Iran has opened the possibility of striking a deal over its nuclear program, provided that Washington lift its sanctions imposed on the regime. In a BBC interview in Tehran on February 15, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said: We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our [nuclear] program provided they are ready also to talk about the sanctions. Those sanctions have to be also on the table, he said, adding that the ball was in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal. Takht-Ravanchi didnt specify whether he meant some or all of the sweeping US sanctions, which target banks and oil exports among other sectors, imposed in recent years. Geneva Talks Their remarks comes ahead of new US-Iran talks in Geneva on February 17. The US delegation will include envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Omani representatives acting as mediators. Oman hosted indirect talks between Tehran and Washington earlier in February. According to the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi cited Irans offer to dilute its 60 percent-enriched uranium as a sign of willingness to compromise and said zero enrichment -- something the US has pushed for -- wasnt on the table anymore. Western countries have long suspected Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists its program is for civilian purposes only. World powers struck a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran in 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to prevent an Iranian bomb. Western economic sanctions were eased at the time, but Iran began reneging on commitments after Donald Trump, in his first term as US president, withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Second Aircraft Carrier Headed Arabian Sea President Trump has called the initial US-Iran talks positive but over the weekend said regime change is the best thing that could happen in Iran. He also confirmed that a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, would soon join a massive US armada in the Arabian Sea. The American president has previously threatened strikes against Iran if no deal curbs its nuclear program. The US and Israel targeted the countrys nuclear and military sites in a 12-day bombing campaign in June. At a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Irans nuclear landscape had changed drastically after the US attacks, adding that the physical infrastructure of Iran's nuclear program has been largely damaged and that future monitoring would need to focus not only on what remains but on how Tehran's nuclear capabilities could evolve going forward. IAEA inspectors have returned to Iran but still lack access to sites targeted during the bombing. The upcoming talks also come weeks after the regimes violent crackdown on anti-government protests across Iran earlier this year. Iranian security forces killed thousands of demonstrators, and more than 53,000 people have been arrested, according to rights groups. By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association A minister has rejected the suggestion from the Office of Public Works that cuts may need to be made to flood relief plans due to a legally complex commitment to build a childrens science centre. The Office of Public Works (OPW) said before a committee during the week that it could have to reduce spending on flood protection schemes due to its commitment to a long-planned National Childrens Science Centre. The science project is estimated to cost 70 million, but no department or body is willing to fund it. The OPWs statement came after homes, roads, train tracks and parks were badly flooded in Ireland due to weeks of heavy rainfall. John Conlon, chairman of the Office of Public Works (PA) Asked about the OPWs statement on Sunday, Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins said the state agency has adequate funding. I dont accept what the OPW was saying in relation to that, Mr Collins said on RTEs The Week In Politics. We have a huge budget allocated to the OPW for our flood defences. There is no shortage of funding in terms of our Exchequer returns and our Exchequer receipts to fund critical projects, particularly our flood defences. So Im sorry, I just simply cannot accept that from the OPW. He added: We will take action, and we will resource any flood defence measure which has planning permission and which is shovel ready, the government will absolutely fund it. The childrens science centre was committed to by the OPW without seeking approval from the Department of Public Expenditure. An arbitration process concluded that the OPW must hand over the completed building on the Earlsfort Terrace site to the charity by December 2029. The arbitration process between the charity, the Irish Childrens Museum Limited, and the OPW was completed in December. Around 4.2 million has been spent to date on the project, with an additional 576,000 spent on legal costs. John Conlon, chairman of the OPW, told the Public Accounts committee on Thursday that until a funder is identified, he could not say when the project would be complete. The position I am in is that we either build or breach, he told the committee. Build, breach, or negotiate. The position I am in as of today is I cannot commit to building this without funding in place. He said he had contacted the secretaries general of the departments that had been involved in the project and they are very reluctant to engage. He said they had not sought legal advice on terminating the project or considered that at a senior level. During the same committee appearance, Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy said that if no department comes forward to fund the project, it will fall to the OPW to fund. He said: My view would be that it would fall to the vote for OPW if there isnt somebody else who is willing to fund it. It has become an OPW project and partly it is of their own doing because of the commitments that they signed. Mr Conlon said the implications of that would mean that I would need to consider reducing expenditure on things like flood schemes, which is something I would find almost impossible particularly given the, what we now know is the climate obligations we have and the climate change and even what is happening in recent weeks. He added: This brings up more and more difficult options that have to be explored. Im also very concerned in relation to the fact that if no funder is found, that I could be found obliged to have a recurrent funding obligation beyond the construction, which needs a lot of consideration. Chief executive of the National Childrens Science Centre Barbara Galavan said that while the process for the centre until now was extremely unfortunate, the need for such a centre has only grown since it was first mooted. Ottoline Spearman A 30-year-old American man is paralysed from the neck down after experimenting with a new party drug: laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide. He is suffering from spinal cord damage, brought on by inhaling the colourless gas that comes in a small, silver canister. Despite weeks of rehabilitation, he will never walk again. In Ireland, doctors are warning that similar cases are happening here. Professor Seamus Looby, a neuroradiologist at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, told BreakingNews.ie about young people arriving at A&E, unable to feel their arms or their legs. 'Very distressing' "We noticed a spike in young patients presenting with abnormal symptoms in their arms and legs, and they were presenting with this terrible uncoordination where you can't tell where your limbs are, so you actually can't use the limbs properly. So it's really distressing," Looby said. "They can't do things like they can't walk, they can't feed themselves. They can't do the most... basically everything we take for granted." Looby said that when neurologists see patients who can't feel their arms or their legs, the first thing they consider is the spinal cord. MRI scans show any damage to the back of the spinal cord - an area that is responsible for coordination and balance. "When we see a young patient presenting with those types of symptoms, with the history of nitrous oxide use, it's almost certain that's what's caused the problem. And the MRI scan shows it to us." "They're [often] in a wheelchair, can't use their limbs properly and it's very distressing for them. "So young patients presenting like that, something that we will ask them is, have you used nitrous oxide?" Cases spiking The number of people being admitted to hospitals is surging, Looby said. This year, there have already been four cases at Beaumont Hospital. Between 2020 and 2024, according to a study published by Looby and his team, there were 25 cases, with 14 extremely severe cases with damage to the spinal cord that showed up in the MRI. The youngest of these people was 16. But before the pandemic, there had been no such incidents. Looby said that they suspect that the pandemic has contributed to the increase in young people using the drug. "Our theory is that when Covid and the lockdowns and the pandemic came, traditional drugs were kind of harder to get, whereas nitrous oxide was easier to get. That's the reason for the resurgence," he said. "Now we wonder, will it continue?" Other hospitals in Dublin are experiencing a similar issue. Tallaght University Hospital had 18 people arrive between October 2022 and July 2024 after using nitrous oxide, the youngest of whom was 16. And increasing numbers of young people are using the drug. Last year, nitrous oxide ranked third on reported substance use from teenagers referred to the HSE, according to a report. There isn't a medication to reverse the effects of it The effects of the drug are irreversible, Looby said. Of the patients he had seen in Beaumont, "nobody was fully back to normal". "A lot of them will get some of the function back with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. But there isn't a medication to reverse the effects of it. "There are cases recorded of patients not making any recovery. The one absolute thing that we've found was that nobody returned to 100 per cent normal." Looby said that the symptoms of what is called subacute combined degeneration (SACD) of the spinal cord often set in very quickly, often "within hours to days after the nitrous oxide use". The lack of improvement is what prompts most of them to seek medical attention, he said. Symptoms of SACD include numbness in the limbs and difficulty with balance and coordination. "We're now at a point in Ireland, and I would think probably most countries in the Western world, where the commonest cause now of this condition [SACD] is nitrous oxide abuse." Inhaling the gas can also cause a whole host of other damage to the body, including frozen or punctured lungs, and frostbite in the mouth and nose. But what actually is it? Nitrous oxide, colloquially known as NOS or whippets, is a colourless, sweet-smelling gas that is used as an analgesic - a painkiller - in medicine and dentistry. It is also used for producing whipped cream in cooking. It is sold in silver canisters, which you may have seen littering the streets of cities in Ireland. Last year, the Journal Investigates found the more common small, eight-gram canisters, as well as large canisters containing over 600 grams of the gas for sale online. This is because the drug exists in a legal loophole. As there are legitimate medicinal and culinary uses for it, its sale is not illegal, and it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. While it is regulated under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 - which outlaws its supply if intended for consumption for its psychoactive or intoxicating effects - it is not a crime to possess it. Further, it is not required that someone be tested for the drug if they are pulled over for intoxicated driving, making it even harder to clamp down on. Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward, who put forward a bill to ban the substance, has expressed dismay at the decision of the Government to delay the bill by nine months. Addressing the Dail in late January, he said: "Nitrous oxide is an epidemic and will only get worse in the next nine months." He also mentioned a recent study by the adolescent addiction service in Cherry Orchard, which showed an increase of 175 per cent in the number of young people presenting to the HSE's addiction services looking for help with their nitrous oxide use. "I have worked in addiction services. When you see an increase of 175 per cent in one year, you know there is a problem," he said. He also referred to how the EU is looking put in place a derogation to prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide to the public because of the damage it is doing to people's reproductive health. Protecting people Cllr Danny Byrne has tabled a motion at Dublin City Council to raise awareness about the issue. The motion calls on Dublin City Council to develop education campaigns for young people to work with the Garda to address illegal sales and supply. Byrne told BreakingNews.ie that there should be a licensing system to purchase the canisters, and people shouldn't be allowed to buy them "willy-nilly". "Unscrupulous vendors are supplying them. But they're dicing with young people's lives." Byrne said that the motion, which was discussed at a Dublin City Council meeting on Monday, is about "protecting people" rather than criminalising them. Looby said that tighter regulation and enforcement were important, but the black market is "where most of it is coming from now" and it "isn't going to go away". In 2023, gardai seized 2,000 large canisters of the gas in Dublin, together with a large quantity of cocaine. Speaking after the seizure, assistant commissioner Justin Kelly said: "It is of particular concern to us that the same organised crime groups that are involved in the importation and distribution of cocaine are also involved now in the distribution of nitrous oxide and the resulting harm to our communities. Looby said that his team had been invited to talk to social and youth workers, and that this route "needs to be pushed every bit as hard as the legislation". "The message we're trying to get out to people is don't use it. That's the key thing. There's no safe dose. Do not use it." General Henri Cihoski (1871-1950) The history of the Romanians was also written by foreigners, just as Romanians are present in the history of other nations. RRI Encyclopedia Steliu Lambru, 15.02.2026, 14:00 The history of the Romanians was also written by foreigners, just as Romanians are present in the history of other nations. Although a numerically small minority, the Poles in Romania gave some important names to the country in which they lived. General Henri Cihoski, a hero of the First World War, was one of the Poles who gave a lot to Romania. Together with the historian Corneliu Andonie, we briefly reconstructed Cihoskis biography: I would like to recall a quote from Nicolae Iorga: of all the foreigners this country has had, no one understood, forgave and loved us more than these idealists to the grave of the Polish revolutions. Henri Cihoski was of Polish origin. His father, Aleksandr, participated in the Polish revolution in Russia, the part of Poland occupied by the Russians, a revolution that took place in 1863. He was an engineer, a graduate of the University of Warsaw, a refugee in Romania, received with great joy by the ruler Alexandru Ioan I, who also granted him Romanian citizenship. He joined the Romanian administration, he was a determined engineer. He also married a Polish woman, Henri was the third of the five children of this Polish couple. Born in 1871 in Tecuci, Cihoski embraced a career in arms. He attended the military schools for artillery and engineer officers and the Higher War School in Bucharest. He was married to the daughter of a wealthy Armenian merchant and they had a daughter and a son: Until the First World War, he obtained a whole series of military ranks, reaching the rank of colonel at the beginning of the war. He participated in the battles of the autumn and winter of 1916. He was seriously wounded in the spine and was hospitalized at the Saint Spyridon Hospital in Iasi for a month and a half. When the campaign began in the summer of 1917, he was appointed to command the 10th Infantry Division. In this position he proved his remarkable qualities as an officer. After the Great War, Cihoski entered the world of politics. He is important because, as Minister of War in the period 1928-1930 in the Iuliu Maniu government, he brought about a series of positive changes to the institution of the army. During his term, the name was changed from the Ministry of War to the Ministry of the Army in 1929. A new law on the organization of the army was drafted in 1930, voted after the end of his mandate. He is also important because, as an engineer officer, he took the initiative to create the Lion Monument, which is located opposite the Cotroceni Palace, at the entrance to the Militari neighborhood. He established several military sanatoriums, and improved others. He created the fourth regiment in the infantry divisions. Until then, and during the war, the infantry divisions had had three regiments. General Henri Cihoski came from a generation that preserved its principles and values in politics as well: The event that consecrated him in the Romanian world was in 1930, when the unification of Bessarabia was celebrated in Parliament. The public in Parliament, upon the arrival in the hall of Constantin Stere, the Bessarabian who had always supported, until the unification of Bessarabia, Romanias alignment with Germany and Austria-Hungary during the war, applauded him. That is why three of the outstanding generals of the First World War, General Petala, General Vasile Rudeanu and General Mardarescu, left the hall as a sign of non-acceptance of those ovations given to Constantin Stere. And because Cihoski, as a minister, did not act in any way against them, he was harshly criticized. For which reason he resigned. It was a gesture of great honor and appreciation. The end of World War II did not bode well for Romania. An occupied country, it would not benefit from the reconstruction of democracy but would be thrown into the darkness of communist totalitarianism. A former dignitary, Henri Cihoski would share the fate of the other dignitaries. Corneliu Andonie: On May 5, 1950, he was arrested as a former minister, taken directly to Sighet where, due to the conditions there and the fact that he was old, he was 79 years old, but after 11 days he died. He is not the only one in this situation among those who were killed in this way during the communist regime. And, according to the practice at that time, he was simply thrown into a mass grave. General Henri Cihoski was part of the generation of those who made Greater Romania and went through the two world wars of the 20th century. He was a witness to history in full, and a victim of its hardships. (CC) February 15, 2026 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news February 15, 2026 UPDATE Newsroom, 15.02.2026, 19:49 PEACE Romanias President, Nicusor Dan, has announced his intention to participate in the first proceedings of the Board of Peace in Washington upon the invitation of the US President, Donald Trump. The announcement was made in a Facebook post in which president Dan underlines Romanias role in supporting international diplomatic initiatives. According to the message, Romania will have the statute of observer and will reiterate its support for the international efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. At the same time, the president has conveyed Romanias readiness to contribute to the reconstruction process in the area. According to the post, the participation in the talks is motivated by the willingness to support the diplomatic process consacrated through the UN resolution in November initiated by the US. In his message, president Dan recollects that Romania has constantly pleaded for identifying a political solution aimed at ending the conflict and has provided humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza including through medevac operations. BERLIN A statement on consolidating the resilience of Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in key areas such as energy and cybersecurity and cooperation for a better ground connection of these three countries was adopted at the ministerial meeting of the trilateral format The Odessa Triangle, which took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. According to a communique by the Romanian Foreign Ministry, the trilateral meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Oana Toiu and her Moldovan and Ukrainian counterparts. The joint statement reiterates Romanias strategic role for the European integration of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova both politically and institutionally as well as through the contribution of civil society the communique says. On the sidelines of the aforementioned conference, Romanias Foreign Minister met representatives of the Romanian community in Bavaria, which accounts for approximately three thousand people. The minister has announced the community members that during the talks she had with Bavarian officials she tackled the idea of launching Romanian language courses for children in local schools in Germany and the possibility of expanding free courses staged by the Foreign Ministry jointly with the Romanian Language Institute starting this school year. VISIT Romanias Defence Minister, Radu Miruta, talked with NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, about strengthening the Eastern Flank and Romanias essential role in this architecture. The Romanian official underlined the Eastern Flank is the entire segment from the Baltic to the Black Sea and resources have to be equitably distributed along this strategic axis. Romania, the Defence Minister went on to say, must be seen as a central pillar in the Black Sea region. Radu Miruta attended the Security Conference in Munich, held on Saturday and Sunday. On its sidelines, the Romanian minister held talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinijiro Koizumi, and with leading figures of Europes industry and technology with whom he assessed prospects of cooperation in the output of defence systems and equipment, digitization of industrial processes, the resilience of supply chains and the development of advanced technological capabilities. RATING Fitch rating agency has affirmed Romanias Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at BBB- with a negative outlook. According to the agency, this reflects the continuous deterioration of the public finances and the rapidly rising government debt. The factors, which might lead to a downgrade, would be the failure of implementing the additional measures of fiscal consolidation, which on medium term have the effect of stabilizing the public debt. The rating came on the day when the countrys National Statistics Institute had announced a slight economic growth of 0.6% registered last year, which ended in a technical recession. Experts say this is a warning signal in a stage of economic correction and a comeback will depend on the budget discipline, fiscal stability and the states capability of supporting investment. PORT Romania will take over the international port of Giurgiulesti, in the Republic of Moldova, following the completion of a process initiated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for identifying a strategic investor. In an announcement on social networks, Transport Minister, Ciprian Serban, underlined the decision as a major one for Romania and the entire region of the Black Sea. Giurgiulesti is the Republic of Moldovas only maritime and river port and a vital hub at the intersection of the Danube with the Black Sea. The project provides for its integration with the Romanian port of Constanta on the Black Sea to create a consolidated logistic corridor to serve the entire region. The agreement provides for the commitment of the Romanian side that the port of Constanta may make massive long-time investment aimed at streamlining and developing the infrastructure in Giurgiulesti. MUNICH US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Sunday pleaded for the partnership between the USA and Europe and underlined that Washington does not intend to give up the transatlantic alliance. In a speech delivered at the Security Conference in Munich, Rubo said the United States wants a consolidated NATO and also a strong Europe. According to Reuters, Rubios discourse is totally different from the Vice President JD Vances fiery address last year. The old world order no longer exists, German chancellor, Friedrich Merz and State Secretary, Marco Rubio, have admitted. The two-day conference was kicked off on Saturday by the German Chancellor who said that although the relation with the United States is important, Europe must be autonomous. Europeans have reiterated their will to shift gears and assume more responsibilities in the field of defence. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, have stood for this goal. MEASURES In the following days the government in Bucharest is to endorse a bill on the public administration reform and a package aimed at kick-starting the economy. The government wants to promote the aforementioned documents through an emergency ordinance, not through assuming responsibility in Parliament, because the two laws must be immediately enforced as they are needed in the process of calculating the budget this year. A new Constitutional Court session is also due in the next couple of days over a notification from the Court of Cassation and Justice over the reform of the magistrates pensions. The CCR has postponed a decision in this respect five times now and it must analyze the latest notification of the Supreme Court, which wants to notify the EU Justice Court regarding the reform of the service pensions, invoking the risk of discriminating and infringing upon the European laws. A new funding installment of 230 million Euros, from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, has been conditioned upon this pension reform. (bill) Maruti Suzukis much-anticipated electric SUV, eVitara, appears to have had its price leaked online ahead of its official India launch. While the company is yet to announce prices formally, Marutis Nexa website along with some authorised dealers have listed the eVitara Alpha variant at Rs 24.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, bookings are also being accepted at select dealerships with this displayed price. At the time of publishing, the Rs 24.79 lakh figure continues to remain visible on certain dealer portals, raising questions about whether this is an early price reveal or simply a backend error. Likely Top-Spec 61 kWh Variant Based on variant hierarchy and previous disclosures, the Rs 24.79 lakh tag is likely for the top-of-the-line Alpha trim equipped with the larger 61 kWh battery pack. However, prices for other variants including those powered by the smaller 49 kWh battery are not yet listed. Maruti Suzuki has not issued any official clarification so far. Launch Delayed Despite Production Start The development is particularly interesting given that eVitaras production has already commenced at Marutis Gujarat plant. The rollout was ceremonially flagged off in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Exports to markets such as the UK, Europe and Japan have also begun. Media drives for India have been completed, and detailed reviews including ours have already been published. Yet, the official domestic launch and price announcement are still pending. Product Highlights The eVitara is based on the new HEARTECT-e platform and is Maruti Suzukis first fully electric SUV. It has already secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupant protection, with 7 airbags offered as standard across variants. Key highlights include: Level 2 ADAS 10.1-inch infotainment system 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster Ventilated front seats 360-degree camera 18-inch aero wheels Fixed glass roof Premium Infinity by Harman audio Battery & Power Options 49 kWh battery 144 PS, 193 Nm 61 kWh battery 174 PS, 193 Nm, claimed range of 543 km (MIDC) Both versions are front-wheel-drive only at launch. An AWD variant is on offer for export market. BaaS Strategy & Charging Network Maruti Suzuki has also announced a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model along with subscription and assured buyback options. The company plans to establish over 2,000 charging points across 1,100 cities initially, with ambitions to support 1,00,000+ public charging points by 2030. Official Price or Glitch? Whether Rs 24.79 lakh is indeed the final ex-showroom price of the Alpha 61 kWh variant or simply a premature listing remains to be seen. If confirmed, the pricing seems to be on the higher side, when compared with other electric SUVs on sale in India. An official announcement from Maruti Suzuki is expected soon. Until then, the leaked pricing has certainly stirred interest around what could be Indias most significant EV launch from the countrys largest carmaker. Source 1, Source 2 Shore Capital downgraded drugmaker AstraZeneca from 'buy' to 'hold' on Friday, stating the drugmaker's nearterm earnings outlook looked less favourable despite what it called "exceptional" R&D delivery. The broker said AstraZeneca's 16 positive readouts in 2025, and more than 20 expected in 2026, supported confidence in its ambition to reach $80bn of revenue by 2030, a target Shore Capital already believes the company can exceed. However, Shore Capital said that success comes with heavier investment needs, and noted that earnings growth between FY25 and FY28 was now set to slow to around 10% a year. According to Shore Capital, AstraZeneca faces three pressures on earnings - rising R&D spend required to drive growth beyond 2030 and navigate major patent expiries, limited scope for further SG&A leverage following recent launches, and only modest gross margin progression. Against that backdrop, it said the shares now looked fully valued. The broker noted AstraZeneca delivered another year of profitable growth in FY25, with total revenue up 10% and core earnings per share rising 16% at constant currency, but also warned that Farxiga, AZN's biggest seller, will come under significant generic pressure in FY26 as US patent protections expire, creating an estimated 3% drag. Looking further ahead, Shore continues to see AstraZeneca reaching around $82bn of revenue by FY30, driven largely by oncology and riskadjusted pipeline contributions. However, it cautioned that sustaining growth beyond 2030 will require elevated R&D spend, with several key oncology drugs facing generic competition from 2032. Analysts at Berenberg hiked their target price on construction firm Morgan Sindall from 5,400p to 5,800p on Friday in order to reflect another strong performance from the group's fit out division. Morgan Sindall released a trading update on Thursday that indicated it anticipates FY25 results, due on 25 February, to be in line with current market expectations, though given progress in its key fit out division, FY26 was now expected to be significantly ahead of previous expectations. "This is yet another very strong update from the team at Morgan Sindall, again reflecting the strength of the Fit Out performance, which continues to impress," said Berenberg, which has a 'buy' rating on the stock. "We had previously forecast FY26 EBIT in Fit Out to be in the middle of the 80m-100m range, down from the exceptionally strong c138m we forecast in FY25. As such, given the divisional guidance to be 'significantly above the top end of the mediumterm target', we increase divisional EBIT to 110m and lift FY26 group PBT by c8%." The German bank added that Morgan Sindall currently trades at a 16.2x FY26 price-to-earnings ration, 9.4x EBITDA and 11.0x EBIT. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com A group of 25 Labour MPs and several trade union leaders have urged Keir Starmer to abandon what they described as a "narrow, factional agenda" , according to the Guardian. In a letter reported by the paper, the signatories which include longstanding Labour rebels such as Clive Lewis and Brian Leishman, as well as senior figures including John McDonnell warned that the leadership's current approach was "increasingly unpopular with the public" and risked undermining the party's ability to win elections. The intervention comes after a turbulent period for Starmer, with the Guardian noting that his judgment has been questioned following the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington DC, despite his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The beer-maker BrewDog could be broken up after consultants were called in to help find new investors, according to the Guardian. The Scotland-based brewer, which makes craft beer such as Punk IPA and Elvis Juice, has appointed consultants AlixPartners to oversee the sale process. BrewDog last month announced it was closing its distilling brands, prompting concerns for jobs at its facility in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The company said it made the move to focus on its beer products. No decision has been made in respect of the sale process. Peter Mandelson was seen in public for the first time since new allegations surfaced regarding his links to Jeffrey Epstein, The Independent reported over the weekend. The former Labour peer and exUK ambassador to Washington was spotted leaving his London home on Saturday before getting into a waiting car. According to The Independent, it marks his first public appearance since the latest batch of Epstein court documents reignited scrutiny over his alleged connections to the disgraced financier. The paper said the revelations triggered a political storm, ultimately leading Mandelson to step down from the House of Lords and prompting renewed calls from some quarters for Sir Keir Starmer to be replaced as prime minister. A former Reform UK MP who previously accused Nigel Farage's party of running a "brutal smear campaign" against him has launched a new political party with a strikingly similar name, The Independent reported. Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe formally unveiled his Restore Britain party on Friday night. Lowe, now sitting as an independent, was expelled from Reform following allegations of bullying and verbal threats towards the party's chairman, Zia Yusuf claims he strongly denied, calling them vexatious. The dispute escalated to the point where tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly suggested Lowe should replace Farage as Reform leader, The Independent noted. Greene King is considering a fresh round of job cuts as rising costs and higher taxes continue to squeeze the pub sector, The Times reported. The brewer and pub operator, which runs around 2,600 sites across the UK, is said to be reviewing options that could affect roughly 100 roles across its head office and central functions. According to The Times, no final decisions have been taken. The move would mark the companys second major restructuring in less than two years, following earlier reductions to headoffice and fieldbased staff that Greene King said were necessary to help the business navigate "challenging times". Activist investor Elliott Advisors is pressing the London Stock Exchange Group to launch a 5bn share buyback in an effort to lift returns for shareholders, according to The Times. The paper said Elliott has built a multibillionpound stake in LSEG and has outlined proposals to chief executive David Schwimmer, who has come under pressure after the group's shares tumbled nearly 40% over the past year. LSEG, valued at around 37bn, has been hit by concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on technologyfocused businesses, with other FTSE 100 names such as Relx and Sage also affected by similar fears. People familiar with Elliott's position told The Times the investor believes the selloff has been overdone and that the exchange operator has scope to improve shareholder returns. Advertisement NationalNSWRoad safety E-bike rider critically injured after crashing into pole while allegedly fleeing police Riley Walter Updated February 15, 2026 12:31pm ,first published 11:03am 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 man who was riding an e-bike without a helmet is in a critical condition after crashing into a pole while allegedly fleeing police in Sydneys south-west. Officers had tried to stop the 39-year-old man after seeing him riding along Bungulla Street, Sadleir, without a helmet about 11pm on Saturday. A man riding an e-bike was critically injured after crashing into a pole while allegedly fleeing police. Louie Douvis After seeing the officers, the rider allegedly rode away before crashing into a pole, police said. He was treated at the scene for serious injuries, and taken to Liverpool Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in a critical but stable condition. Police have declared the crash a critical incident, and an investigation overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has been launched into the circumstances around the incident. Advertisement Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said officers had followed the rider along several streets and were very close to the man when he collided with the pole. Related Article Updated Crime Irresponsible, stupid and downright dangerous: Police slam Harbour Bridge e-bike stunt McFadden said the e-bike did not have pedals and was solely powered by its motor. The police officers in the car when the rider collided with the pole had not been interviewed as of noon on Sunday, McFadden said. McFadden said it was unclear how fast the e-bike was travelling, but that the impact with the pole was significant. Advertisement Both officers have undergone mandatory drug and alcohol testing. It is unclear if the car was behind the rider or alongside him when he crashed. The crash comes as emergency doctors welcomed a crackdown on illegal e-bikes after several Sydney hospitals reported a doubling in serious e-bike related injuries. New figures show trauma doctors at St Vincents Hospital in Darlinghurst last year treated 200 patients for injuries sustained while riding e-bikes. The Childrens Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Childrens Hospital at Randwick as of last week had treated 35 children injured by e-bikes and e-scooters this year, ranging from scrapes and fractures to suspected spinal and severe head injuries. There were at least five e-bike related deaths in NSW last year. In July, a 14-year-old boy was killed coming off his bike, which his parents bought online and believed was an e-bike but was actually closer to a motorbike in its construction. A 65-year-old male pedestrian was killed after being hit by an e-bike in Toongabbie in October. Advertisement Advertisement Instances of dozens of e-bike riders swarming locations have increased, part of a growing trend among teenagers riding the vehicles. Earlier this month, about 40 e-bike riders descended on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD in a mass rideout that police described as incredibly irresponsible, stupid and downright dangerous. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. 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. A man is dead and two are seriously injured after three separate stabbing incidents broke out across Sydney since midnight, sparking three police investigations. Emergency services were called to a unit in Lethbridge Park in Sydneys north-west at 1.55pm on Sunday. Police are investigating three stabbings in less than 24 hours across Sydney. Louise Kennerley Paramedics treated a 34-year-old man with stab woulds, but he died at the scene. A 25-year-old man who had also suffered stab wounds was taken to hospital in a stable condition. A spokesperson for NSW Police said it was too early to say if the men were known to each other, or what may have sparked the incident, but there is no ongoing risk to the public. Advertisement NationalQueenslandLife in the burbs Opinion My suburb has a reputation for sleaze. But now Sydney and Melbourne want to emulate it Matt Shea Food and Culture Editor February 16, 2026 6:00am February 16, 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 Life in the burbs highlights the good, bad and beautiful of Brisbane suburbs. Writers are penning love letters (mostly) to their suburbs every week. See all stories . People talk about living in the Valley like they might talk about doing time. You sign up for a two-year stretch. At first, you immerse yourself in the vice and degeneracy, but then it wears you down, you get clean and, if youre lucky, your rental agent grants you parole at the 18-month mark. Then youre out of there, minus a good portion of your bond, but with a good dose of PTSD. Ive lived in the Valley for much of the past eight years, and I get it. Advertisement The first four years were at FV by Peppers, on the corner of Brunswick Street and St Pauls Terrace, and I definitely saw things I wouldnt tell my mother about (although dear old mum, bless her, once picked me up and was delighted to spot a former colleague walking along Brunswick Street before he stepped into The Den sex shop). A good number of my neighbours were sex workers and cashed-up drug dealers. There were parties and lock-ins at local restaurants, and noise complaints and visits from security. On a typical Friday walk home along Brunswick Street, youd step over passed-out punters and fist-bump the occasional security guard before escaping into the elevator to your apartment. It was fun, and sometimes funny, but frequently exhausting, and when I moved out in 2021, like many others, I thought I was making good my escape. Advertisement I did, but not really. These days, I live on Wandoo Street, still in the Valley but a vastly different part. And it underlines how this is very much a suburb of two halves. Theres the club-driven grunge and grit of Brunswick Street and its surrounds, and then theres the perfectly manicured glamour of James Street, the area in which I live. And yet, the two, within easy walking distance, co-exist happily enough. Hellenika restaurant at The Calile Hotel represents one side of Fortitude Valleys two faces. Markus Ravik Thats in part because despite its careful curation, James Street is, in many ways, just as real as the suburbs less-salubrious elements. The restaurants here Essa, Hellenika, Bianca are excellent, and its collection of boutiques one of the best in the country. Someone once said to me: Imagine being in London in the middle of winter and seeing a picture of The Calile? Youd be on the plane in no time. James Street represents the citys international future as we head towards the Olympics, and its one of the few places in Brisbane where drivers simply accept that pedestrians rule. Advertisement Planners and designers in Sydney and Melbourne study places like James Street this planned precinct in a city that got good at executing them after it knocked down so much heritage. But thats the other thing I love about this end of the Valley it does have heritage and history. You just need to know where to look. There are the converted war-era Nissen huts on Arthur Street that now house Italian diner Mosconi and, until recently, King Arthur Cafe, and the old air-raid shelters near the corner of Wickham and East streets. The suburb played a significant role in World War II, particularly after General Douglas MacArthur allied commander of the south-west Pacific theatre moved his headquarters to Brisbane in 1942. It was the home of the US 5th Air Force service command, an ordnance and enlistment depot, and an air freight depot. The history goes back further, of course thousands of years in the case of the Indigenous Turrbal and Jagera people. The suburb was named by Scottish migrants who arrived in Moreton Bay on the 608-tonne SS Fortitude in 1849. Initially farmland, Fortitude Valleys growth was turbocharged by the arrival of the train line in 1890, and the subsequent retail rivalry between Thomas Beirne and his former manager, James McWhirter. Advertisement Its resistance to floods helped the Valley remain Brisbanes primary retail district right up until the rise of suburban shopping centres in the 1970s. Then came a decline. Related Article Opinion Life in the burbs I moved to my Brisbane suburb to get closer to the mountains and further from the rats Michele-Rose Boylan Contributor If the blocks around James Street are known for their wartime history, the areas up the hill towards Brunswick Street and the guts of Wickham Terrace still have echoes of the Moonlight State of the Bjelke-Petersen years, when police corruption was rampant. Les Bubbles, a steakhouse, was once Bubbles Bath-House, the illegal casino and massage parlour at the centre of the Fitzgerald Inquiry; the infamous Hot Lips strip club sat on the corner of Brunswick Street and St Pauls Terrace; and in 2017, then-Queensland attorney-general Yvette DAth announced the government would reopen the coronial inquest into the 1973 firebombing of the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub, which killed 15 people. Theres a sense the Valley has never quite reckoned with those dark days, even as gentrification of the streets surrounding Brunswick, Alfred and Constance threaten to flatten much of the past entirely. Advertisement As a journalist, you like to be somewhere thats in a state of flux or transformation thats where the stories are, and thats Brisbane right now. Fortitude Valley continues to play a key part in that transformation. And as you sit and watch the apartment blocks rising around you this city slowly being rewired to go up instead of out you cant see that changing any time soon. 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 NationalVictoriaPublic transport Standing room only: Melbournes busiest tram routes revealed Gemma Grant February 15, 2026 4:21pm 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 Melbourne is home to the largest operational tram network in the world, carrying more than 200 million passengers each year. But have you ever wondered which route is the most popular? Tram passenger data accessed by The Age shows the monthly patronage on 22 of the citys 24 tram routes between January 2019 and June 2025. Route 96 takes the crown for Melbournes busiest service. Patronage numbers for the St Kilda Beach to East Brunswick route have consistently sat above 1 million people per month since September 2022. The 96 runs through high-density residential areas in Melbournes inner-north, many of which are not serviced by trains, and stops at popular attractions including Bourke Street Mall, Crown casino, MSAC and Melbourne Museum, which might be why its the most crammed. Advertisement Other popular services include the routes 109 and 86, which are among the longest routes, as well as the 58 and 19, which both stop near The University of Melbourne and run through the CBD. Katya Finnegan is primarily a train user, but catches the 96 tram between her work and university. She said that the trip is generally efficient, but the design of the E-class trams means people often block the doors. The route 96 tram consistently services over 1 million passengers each month. Jason South No one really gets off when someones trying to get off, which I guess makes them feel even busier, Finnegan said. For Petra and Matthew, who are on holiday from Germany and didnt want to give their last names, the 96 trams felt busier than the other routes theyd travelled on. Advertisement A lot of the time I feel squeezed in. And wed [rather] walk! Matthew said. Comparatively, route 82 is Melbournes quietest tram. Servicing a short 9.2-kilometre distance between Footscray and Moonee Ponds, its patronage hovers around the 100,000 people per month mark. The 82 tram is one of two services that are entirely outside the Melbourne CBD along with the route 78 between North Richmond and Balaclava. The 78 is also among the quietest tram services, as are routes 57 and 64. Yudha Korwa, who lives in Melbournes west and regularly catches the route 82 tram as part of his work commute, said he was surprised to hear about its low patronage rates. Advertisement He has a couple of local transport options including two bus routes but prefers to catch the tram as its path is more direct. The tram is more [safe]. Its easy to go to the train station, Korwa said. Talia Dalipis on the route 82 tram in Footscray. Jason South Talia Dalipis used to be a regular on the route 82 tram when she was attending high school but this time shes catching it to Highpoint Shopping Centre. The service is often full of students outside of school hours because Footscray High and Maribyrnong College are both close to stops, she said. Advertisement During the day its pretty chill But definitely in the mornings and the afternoons it gets really crowded, Dalipis said. Related Article Exclusive City limits Are you part of Melbournes missing 20 per cent? Check how much foot traffic has dropped Tram patronage numbers are calculated by counting the number of people who board a tram service and touch on their myki card. This is then cross-referenced with Automatic Vehicle Monitoring data to provide a final estimate. Passenger numbers werent available for tram routes 30 and 35, as passenger counts are impacted by their placement in the CBDs free tram zone. Tram patronage took an unsurprising dive during the COVID lockdowns when public transport use in Melbourne was limited. Most of these numbers are now trending upwards towards their pre-pandemic levels. Advertisement A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning said that a range of tram timetable changes were rolled out across most routes following the final lockdown period in 2021. Related Article Exclusive City limits This CBD icon was a mecca for shoppers. Then Melbourne fell out of love With more people gravitating to remote work, passenger feedback indicated a lesser demand for trams during morning rush hour. Instead, there was a new emphasis on increased services on weekends, evenings, and during major events, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also acknowledged that use of trams had been steadily climbing and that there was a possibility of future timetable changes. Patronage continues to increase and we will monitor services and make adjustments as travel patterns evolve. 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 Analysis WorldAsiaDrugs Will a new government breathe life into Thailands gasping cannabis industry? Zach Hope February 15, 2026 1:30pm 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 Bangkok: If youve spent any time on the streets here in the last few years, you would have almost certainly caught the unmistakable waft of marijuana. Maybe you even indulged, and why not? It has been legal, after all. When Thailand removed cannabis from its narcotics list in 2022 the first Asian country to do so 18,000 or so marijuana parlours popped up around the country. Cannabis was decriminalised in Thailand in 2022, leading to a boom in dispensaries. Getty The shops were everywhere, like pubs in London. And if you didnt smell them first, you couldnt miss their flashing green neon signs in the shape of a marijuana leaf. The idea behind decriminalisation was to boost Thailands brand as a wellness destination, give farmers a new cash crop and free up space in overcrowded prisons. Advertisement Related Article Drug reform As legal as garlic: High times in Thailand as marijuana is decriminalised Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed just the trick. Tourism makes up roughly 15 per cent of Thailands GDP. Tycoon turned pro-business politician Anutin Charnvirakul was the champion behind decriminalisation. If that name sounds familiar, its because he has been Thailands prime minister since September, essentially in a caretaker role. On Sunday, his Bhumjaithai Party surpassed all expectations to win the most seats in the countrys snap elections, meaning hes almost certain to stay in the job. On the face of it, this would be a positive for the cannabis industrys long-term health, no? Advertisement Well, not necessarily. A blackboard illustrating cannabis strains for sale inside a dispensary in Bangkok. Bloomberg The cannabis trade has been a debacle of the former governments own making. With few regulations in place, it boomed in 2022, becoming an out-of-control beast that ensnared previous non-users, including minors. Family holidaymakers, meanwhile, were turned off because who wants to be walking the kids through streets thick with the smell of drugs? A local backlash followed and, midway through last year, the ruling Pheu Thai party declared that cannabis could be sold only to someone with a doctors prescription. The burgeoning industry was decimated overnight. Advertisement Shops were already struggling because there was too much low-priced cannabis, too many outlets and too few customers. Many closed. Some began looking the other way on prescriptions, spawning a black market that operates not just in plain sight, but under big glowing signs. In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis. Bloomberg Survival has meant new strategies. One shop in the Sukhumvit area, for example, redesigned its frontage to resemble a pharmacy. I ask the server, Ramil, 26, if Bhumjaithai romping home in the election (though the party still needs to cobble together a coalition) is good news for the industry. Maybe, he says, with an inflection of enthusiasm. Well just have to see. Advertisement It has been a tough game for a long time now, he says. Cannabis flooded the market in 2022, cutting profit margins. And then maybe it stabilised. But then with the prescriptions, that hurt. Ramil, 26, behind the counter of a Bangkok marijuana parlour, which now looks more like a pharmacy. Zach Hope The most novel approach Ive seen is at a shop called Cloud Nine, also in Sukhumvit. On the footpath outside, an A-frame sign declares free prescription with every purchase. We asked the friendly, English-speaking server what its all about. (English speakers are vital because the customers are mostly foreigners, with Australians high on that list.) Advertisement Its all very simple, she says, asking not to be named or photographed. The cannabis trade has been a debacle of the former governments own making. Bloomberg If you purchase the flower, youll be consulting with a doctor. The doctor will diagnose you, asking what do you need it for and how much do you need?. Then, hey presto, a prescription! Theres no in-house doctor, she says. Its a telehealth hook-up to a nearby clinic. Advertisement Does the doctor ever say no? Not really, she says. Theres no need to book in advance and the whole process takes just a few minutes. We wont sell without [a] prescription. Thats the golden rule here, she says. Talking to my customers, a lot of them say, Oh, why do we have to do it here? Other shops, they dont do it. But were doing it the right way. She says she has no idea whether Bhumjaithai will do away with the prescription law introduced by the previous government. Advertisement It seems unlikely. Though we could not get a response from Bhumjaithai amid its post-election bargaining with other parties, Anutin has previously argued that the loosening of the laws was always focused on medicinal marijuana, rather than recreational, use. Anutin Charnvirakul speaks to media at Bhumjaithai Headquarters as results come in favouring Bhumjaithai on election night on Sunday. Getty Images No party wants to touch the law now. Surveys show the overwhelming majority of Thais dont want recreational cannabis use legalised in their country. Meanwhile, even tourism bodies, concerned at losing high-value family holidaymakers, support reclassification. Visitor numbers in Thailand remain below pre-COVID levels. Thousands of Thais invested their savings to open cannabis businesses that have already closed their doors. Others cling on precariously. Advertisement The Thai governments experiment with marijuana has not only been sloppy. For some people, it has been a disaster. 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 AmericaTrump's White House Opinion Dont worry about it: Welcome to Trumps voyage of the damned Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist February 15, 2026 3:00pm February 15, 2026 3:00pm 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 Washington: When President Donald Trump vitiated scientific facts on Thursday, helping fossil fuel fat cats by eliminating the governments ability to regulate treacherous gases, a reporter asked what he says to people worried about the very real hazards of a hotter planet. I tell them dont worry about it, he shot back. Donald Trump tells us not to worry, but do we really want to hitch a ride with Elon Musk, the tech lords and their AI machines? AP The administration has even coined a word to denigrate those who push back on Trumps rash policies: panican, as in one who panics. In a world steeped in violence and menace, we are constantly being told by the people in charge not to worry. Advertisement Dont worry about a sweltering Earth. Dont worry about all those powerful creeps getting away with abusing young women exploited by Jeffrey Epstein. Instead, just behold the beauty of the rising Dow, as the abrasive, evasive Pam Bondi suggested at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. Dont worry about the Trump familys unethical get-rich-quick schemes. Dont worry about an economy increasingly catering to the well-connected. Dont worry about the president threatening to unilaterally set the rules for state elections Congress be damned. The pueri aeterni of Silicon Valley have greased the palm of our King Joffrey in the White House. And now we are told not to worry about safeguards for artificial intelligence, the most spine-tingling technology ever created. I interviewed Elon Musk in 2017, when he still cared about AI safety as much as he once cared about going to the wildest party on Epsteins island and now cares about constantly sharing deranged posts about race on X. He told me that the fate of humanity depended on not allowing the algorithms to be concealed and concentrated in the hands of tech and government elites. Its great when the emperor is Marcus Aurelius, Musk said then. Its not so great when the emperor is Caligula. Advertisement Lets just say that our man in the White House is no Marcus Aurelius. Related Article Opinion AI The treasurer is telling us to stay calm, but this could be the time to panic Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic When I reported in Silicon Valley back then, the debate was whether AI would jump to the dark side once it got smarter than we are. But since then, even the tech gods who once had good intentions have gone to the dark side, seduced by the billions to be made on AI, including on erotica. These geniuses who were supposed to escort us into a better, safer future turned out to be the biggest sellouts of all time. Sam Altman, OpenAIs CEO, has welcomed erotica, or adult mode, as its called, saying he wants to treat adult users like adults. Advertisement Once Musk put up an AI-generated picture of himself in a bikini to demonstrate his AI models new feature, people used it to manipulate pictures of women online, stripping off their clothes. The tech bros are thrilled with their ability to buy influence in Trump world. (Yes, Jeff Bezos, Im talking about Melania.) As Wired reported, the president of OpenAI, Greg Brockman, was one of Trumps biggest individual donors in 2025, to the tune of $US25 million ($35 million). Another $25 million is on the way to a PAC that fights politicians who favour regulating AI. OpenAIs original mission was to protect humanity, but wheres the money in that? The tech universe shuddered this past week at alarms from several Paul Reveres. An urgent post on X titled Something Big Is Happening by Matt Shumer, CEO of two small tech companies, went viral. He warned that AI is leaping ahead faster than we think. Advertisement The future is being shaped by a remarkably small number of people: a few hundred researchers at a handful of companies Open AI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, he wrote, adding: I am no longer needed for the actual technical work of my job I tell the AI what I want, walk away from my computer for four hours, and come back to find the work done. Done well, done better than I would have done it myself. Now, he wrote, OpenAIs newest model is showing judgment, and it knows how to make the right call on its own. Related Article Opinion Trump's White House Melanias $107m infomercial leaves no doubts about the real motivations of the first lady Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist On Monday, an Anthropic AI safety researcher, Mrinank Sharma, quit his job, posting an apocalyptic warning on X that the world is in peril from AI, bioweapons and cascading crises. Anthropics CEO, Dario Amodei, has been the most responsible tech executive in acknowledging the awesome, hair-curling power of AI, saying it will test who we are as a species and reveal whether humanity has the maturity to handle this almost unimaginable power. (The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the companys AI tool, Claude, had helped the US military capture Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro.) Sharma is not sure if humanity has the maturity to handle AI. Ive repeatedly seen how hard it is to truly let our values govern our actions, he wrote. Advertisement He said he will disappear to England and pursue a poetry degree, signing off with a William Stafford poem containing a line that augured AI dominance: Nothing you do can stop times unfolding. Related Article Opinion Trump's America Trumps Obama derangement syndrome drags him to a new low Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist Zoe Hitzig, a researcher at OpenAI, also quit on Monday. In a guest essay for The New York Times, she said she had lost faith that OpenAI still wanted to back her work on the two outcomes she fears most: a technology that manipulates the people who use it at no cost and one that exclusively benefits the few who can afford to use it. Another OpenAI executive, Ryan Beiermeister, lost her job in the safety division after complaining about ChatGPTs rollout of AI erotica, the Journal disclosed. Beiermeister, the Journal said, did not think the company had enough guardrails in place to stop child-exploitation content and wall off adult content from teens. Advertisement OpenAI contended that Beiermeisters departure was due to sexual discrimination against a male colleague. She adamantly denied that to the Journal. Despite the smarmy reassurances of the tech lords, some AI insiders are alarmed by what theyre seeing. The people in charge tell us not to worry. But we should worry. Its getting scary out there. Theres nothing artificial about that. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaMissing person Do the right thing: Savannah Guthries plea as FBI seeks DNA match from glove Herbert Villarraga and Steve Gorman Updated February 16, 2026 4:56pm ,first published February 15, 2026 11:41am 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 Tucson: Investigators have obtained a DNA sample from a glove that was found near Nancy Guthries Arizona home and appears to match the pair worn by a masked prowler seen in doorbell camera footage before she was abducted two weeks ago, the FBI says. Results from the glove could potentially lead to what forensic experts call a hit within 24 hours of a national database search on the DNA specimen, the FBI indicated in a statement. The preliminary findings from a private crime laboratory in Florida were received by the FBI on Saturday and were awaiting quality control and official confirmation before the results would be submitted for comparison with known DNA profiles taken from individuals and crime scenes and stored in the national database, the FBI said in a statement. Loading The glove is one of roughly 16 collected by investigators in recent days in a roadside field about two miles from the Tucson-area residence of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of US television journalist Savannah Guthrie. Advertisement Most of the gloves recovered by investigators turned out to have been dropped by searchers in the vicinity, the FBI said. Related Article Missing person An elderly mother in peril, a masked intruder, an agonised celebrity: Why Americans cant look away But the one submitted for DNA analysis was different and appears to match the gloves worn by the man in a ski mask seen trying to disable Nancy Guthries door camera in the early morning hours shortly before she was abducted, according to the FBI statement. Hours after the DNA announcement, Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on social media saying, we still have hope and urging whoever has her mother or knows her location to do the right thing. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Friday he was certain the person in the video, who was also wearing a gun in a holster and an over-stuffed backpack, was the primary suspect investigators were looking for to solve the high-profile case. Advertisement Search enters third week Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family dropped her off at her home near Tucson after she had dined with them, and relatives reported her missing the following day, authorities have said. Nanos has said she was extremely limited in her physical mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she had been taken against her will. A banner on a fence outside the KVOA news station in Tucson urges action. AP At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since she vanished, both delivered initially to news media outlets. But there has been no known direct contact between Guthries presumed captors and her family, or with authorities. Advertisement 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. She also had a pacemaker. The sheriff said on Friday that DNA not from Nancy Guthrie or anyone close to her had also been collected from her property, but there has been no official word on any lab findings from those samples. Loading Savannah Guthrie, 54, co-anchor of the popular NBC News morning show Today, has posted several video messages, along with her brother Camron Guthrie and sister Annie Guthrie, pleading for their mothers return and appealing for the publics help in solving the case. In one video, they expressed a willingness to meet ransom demands. In her latest Instagram video, two weeks to the day after her mother was reported missing and directed to whoever has her or knows where she is, the broadcast journalist said: We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and its never too late. Advertisement Nanos said on Friday no proof of life had surfaced since the abduction but added: Theres not been any proof of death either. Acting on a federal court-ordered warrant in connection with the Guthrie case, sheriffs deputies and FBI agents on Friday night searched another residence in an affluent neighbourhood less than three kilometres from her home, authorities confirmed over the weekend. FBI and SWAT officers in Nancy Guthries neighbourhood on Friday, Arizona time. Getty Images The sheriffs office also said a person was questioned that night in a related traffic stop, but no arrests resulted from either incident. The presumed kidnapping has drawn intense media attention as well as expressions of sympathy and support from US President Donald Trump. Advertisement Reuters 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 Tragedy Crime PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger Marten, has formally assigned the Sint Maarten Tourism Authority Foundation (STAF) to lead the process of establishing the Sint Maarten Tourism Authority (STA) as an independent ZBO. The assignment will begin on March 1st, marking a significant step toward modernizing the countrys tourism governance structure. The announcement follows the recent Economic Stakeholder Consultation, during which businesses, workers, and community representatives called for a more coordinated, data-driven, and future-focused approach to tourism development. The Minister noted that the Government is responding directly to these concerns, particularly regarding traffic congestion, infrastructure pressures, and the risks posed by unmanaged mass tourism. This is the moment to reshape the future of tourism in St. Maarten, Minister Heyliger Marten said. We are moving toward a smarter, more sustainable model that protects our quality of life, strengthens our economy, and ensures that tourism works for our people. The STA will serve as an independent, professionally managed body responsible for strengthening destination competitiveness, improving visitor management, coordinating product improvement, and supporting the growth of local businesses. The Minister emphasized that the goal is not to pursue mass tourism, but to build a higher value, better managed tourism economy that benefits residents and visitors alike. As part of this modernization effort, the Government will also undertake a review of tourism related taxes and fees. The objective is to ensure that tourism revenue is optimized and aligned with national priorities such as: infrastructure improvements tourism product improvement community and cultural programs support for small businesses and local initiatives The Minister stressed that this review is about responsible revenue management and long-term planning. The assignment will be guided by two Interim Directors whose combined expertise ensures a balanced and effective approach. Mr. James Hepple, an internationally recognized tourism strategist, brings decades of experience advising Caribbean destinations, including Aruba, Curacao, and others. His background in tourism analytics, policy development, and long-term visioning provides the technical depth required for this national undertaking. Ms. Cherinah Franken, a respected local tourism professional and current Head of Product Development at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, brings essential local insight, institutional knowledge, and strong stakeholder relationships. Together, they represent a strategic blend of international expertise and local leadership, ensuring that the process is grounded in global best practices while remaining firmly rooted in the realities of St. Maartens tourism economy. A major component of the assignment is the development of a new Tourism Masterplan, the first update since the 2005 plan. The new Masterplan will be data driven, inclusive, and aligned with sustainability principles. It will serve as the blueprint for the next generation of tourism development on the island. Minister Heyliger Marten emphasized that broad participation is essential. In the coming months, STAF will conduct a series of stakeholder engagement sessions involving: large hotels and resorts small properties, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations restaurants, tour operators, and activity providers transportation and port partners timeshare associations community groups and civil society tourism workers and unions The future of tourism cannot be written by government alone, the Minister said. Small properties, large hotels, tour operators, workers, and community voices all play a vital role. This process belongs to the people of St. Maarten. The Government has committed to transparency throughout the process and will provide updates as key milestones are achieved. We are building a tourism economy that opens doors for our people, empowers small businesses, and protects the systems our island depends on, Minister HeyligerMarten said. Progress will come from government, industry, and community working side by side. The establishment of the STA will mark the beginning of a new era for St. Maarten, one defined by smarter planning, stronger governance, and a sustainable vision for the future. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) has officially launched his 2026 nationwide Anti-Bullying and Youth Mental Health Awareness Campaign, aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments across Sint Maarten. As part of the campaign, Minister Brug will be visiting various primary and secondary schools to engage directly with students and educators on the impact of bullying and the importance of mental health awareness among youth. These school visits are intended to encourage open dialogue, empathy, and positive peer relationships. A key feature of the campaign is the Youth Mental Health Awareness video, which addresses bullying, emotional well-being, and the importance of speaking up. The video features local youth and includes a special appearance by local artist King James, who lends his voice and presence to reinforce the message of resilience, respect, and unity among young people. Bullying is not just a school issue; it is a community issue, stated the Minister of VSA. By meeting students where they are and giving them a voice, we are investing in their mental health, their confidence, and their future. Student Writing Competition To further engage students and ensure a lasting impact, the Ministry has introduced a student writing competition under the theme My Voice Against Bullying. Students are invited to submit an original: Letter, or Poem, or Short written reflection expressing their thoughts, experiences, or message against bullying. The competition is open to Grade 6 and high school students across Sint Maarten. The winning submission will be awarded the title of Ministry of VSA Youth Mental Health Ambassador, providing the student with an opportunity to: Represent youth voices in future awareness activities Participate in Ministry-led campaigns and events Serve as a positive role model for peers In addition, winners will receive a certificate of recognition. European debate over nuclear weapons gains pace Munich, Germany, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2026 European leaders, worried about threats from a nuclear-armed Russia and doubts about the future of US security commitments, are increasingly debating whether to bolster nuclear arsenals on the continent. While the United States and Russia have thousands of nuclear warheads each, in Europe only France and Britain have atomic weapons, with the combined total in the hundreds. US President Donald Trump's disdainful comments about NATO and his transactional approach to foreign relations have European allies questioning whether they can risk relying on US protection. "Europeans can no longer outsource their thinking about nuclear deterrence to the United States," an expert group warned in a report published for the Munich Security Conference. It called on Europe to "urgently confront a new nuclear reality" in the face of "Russia's nuclear-backed revisionism". Speaking at the MSC, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was already holding "confidential talks with the French president about European nuclear deterrence". Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK's nuclear deterrent already protected fellow NATO members but stressed he was "enhancing our nuclear cooperation with France". Starmer said "any adversary must know that in a crisis they could be confronted by our combined strength" alongside France. - US 'ultimate guarantor' - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte insisted that "nobody" was considering fully replacing the American nuclear umbrella, which has shielded Europe's NATO countries for decades. "I think every discussion in Europe making sure that collectively the nuclear deterrence is even stronger, fine," Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, told journalists. "But nobody is arguing in Europe to do this as a sort of replacement of the nuclear umbrella of the United States. "Everybody realises that is the ultimate guarantor -- and all these other discussions are in addition." US Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby said that Trump "has made clear the US extended nuclear deterrent continues to apply here" in Europe. He said there is US "receptivity to a greater European contribution to ... the NATO deterrent" -- but that conversations need to be "very sober" and "deliberate" because of concerns about nuclear proliferation and instability. - No good options - Discussion of nuclear armament has long been viewed as taboo in many other European countries -- but Russian aggression and worries about US commitment have forced the issue into mainstream European politics. Many European officials are convinced that Moscow's territorial ambitions will not be confined to Ukraine, and that other European countries -- including even NATO members -- could face some sort of attack. The MSC report laid out five nuclear options for Europe, while cautioning that none were good. There was "no low-cost or risk-free way out of Europe's nuclear predicament", they warned. "The era in which Europe could afford strategic complacency has ended," wrote the authors, calling on European policymakers "to confront the role of nuclear weapons in the defence of the continent directly and without delay -- and to invest the resources needed to do so competently". It listed five options: Continue to rely on American deterrence; strengthen the role of British and French nuclear weapons in a European deterrent; jointly develop European nuclear weapons as a deterrent; increase the number of European countries with their own nuclear arsenals; or expand European conventional military power to present a more intimidating non-nuclear deterrent. Sticking with the status quo, and relying on America's unmatched military might, remained "the most credible and feasible option" in the short term, they argued. - 'We need action' - Very few currently believe Europeans can assume full responsibility for deterrence in the short term. "If there's going to be some kind of bigger European investments in France or the UK's nuclear deterrence, that's only a good thing," Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen recently told AFP. But he quickly added: "If you're talking about to compensate US nuclear deterrence, that's not realistic at this point." Experts nevertheless welcomed the increasingly serious political debate on an issue that has long worried military planners. "That's very positive, but now we need action," Heloise Fayet of the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), a contributor to the MSC report, told AFP. The report noted that both France and Britain would face a range of challenges in growing their arsenals and extending nuclear protection across Europe -- from hefty costs to tricky questions about who holds final authority to launch the warheads. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has previously raised the possibility of extending France's nuclear umbrella across Europe, is scheduled to deliver a major speech on French nuclear doctrine at the end of February. Macron said in Munich he was considering a doctrine that could include "special cooperation, joint exercises, and shared security interests with certain key countries". A record number of members of Congress are choosing not to run for re-election ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with departures reaching the highest combined total this century, according to data cited by NBC News. Lawmakers from both parties cite family considerations, health, political frustration and bids for higher office, but the imbalance in retirements, heavier among House Republicans than Democrats, has drawn attention from analysts tracking control of Congress. Two more House Republicans recently added their names to the list: Reps. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia and Mark Amodei of Nevada, as NBC News points out. Loudermilk said he wants "to spend more dedicated time with my family," while Amodei said it was "the right time for Nevada and myself to pass the torch." Their decisions bring total congressional retirements to 60, including 51 House members and nine senators, surpassing previous modern-era highs tallied by Brookings Institution data. The news site reports that 30 House Republicans and 21 House Democrats are not seeking re-election. In the Senate, the split is closer, with five Republicans and four Democrats retiring. Several lawmakers are leaving their seats to run for governor or the Senate rather than exiting politics altogether. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat running for Senate in Illinois, told NBC News, "So I'm seeking a promotion," saying the upper chamber would give him broader authority over accountability and policy goals. Krishnamoorthi said that during his tenure, the president "has helped catalyze a real toxic partisan atmosphere." Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine who is retiring, wrote that threats against his home factored into his decision, saying he must weigh public service against family impact while GOP Rep. Don Bacon cited the pace of the job, describing "a 14-hour day during the week" and weekend obligations. Strategists differ on what the numbers signal. A Republican strategist told NBC News many GOP retirees are pursuing higher office, arguing that does not necessarily indicate electoral weakness. Democratic campaign officials say the exits create pickup opportunities. An NPR analysis published Monday described the elevated Republican retirement rate as one of several indicators analysts view as a possible warning sign for the party in power, alongside special election results, presidential approval numbers, and generic ballot polling. NPR noted that midterm elections historically trend against the president's party and that control of the House could hinge on a small number of competitive seats. Originally published on Latin Times Australia to spend $2.8 billion on new nuclear subs facility Sydney, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Australia unveiled AU$3.9 billion ($2.8 billion) in spending on Sunday as a "down payment" on a new facility that will build nuclear submarines under the tripartite AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States. The AUKUS pact aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge submarines from the United States and would provide for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. The investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, near the southern city of Adelaide, "is critical to delivering Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement. In the long term, an estimated AU$30 billion is expected to be spent on the facility. The submarines, the sale of which will begin in 2032, lie at the heart of Australia's strategy of improving its long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific, particularly against China. The deal could cost Canberra up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years and also includes the technology to build its own vessels in the future. Australian defence minister Richard Marles said the new facility would be at the heart of that. "The transformation underway at Osborne shows Australia is on track to deliver the sovereign capability to build our nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come," he said. Australia had a major bust-up with France in 2021 when it cancelled a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy a fleet of diesel-powered submarines from Paris and go with the AUKUS programme instead. Australia unveils initial US$2.8 billion for new nuclear subs facility Sydney, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Australia unveiled AU$3.9 billion (US$2.8 billion) in spending on Sunday as a "down payment" on a new facility to build nuclear submarines under the tripartite AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States. The AUKUS pact aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge submarines from the United States and would provide for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. The submarines, the sale of which will begin in 2032, lie at the heart of Australia's strategy of improving its long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific, particularly against China. The deal could cost Canberra up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, and also includes the technology to build its own vessels in the future. Defence minister Richard Marles said the facility in Osborne, near the southern city of Adelaide, would be at the heart of that. In the long term, an estimated AU$30 billion is expected to be spent on the facility. "The transformation underway at Osborne shows Australia is on track to deliver the sovereign capability to build our nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come," he said. The investment in the Submarine Construction Yard "is critical to delivering Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement. "We are accelerating AUKUS opportunities to secure Australia's future defence capability and create lasting prosperity and jobs for the state," he added. In September, Canberra also revealed a US$8 billion investment to be spent over a decade to transform a shipbuilding and maintenance precinct in Perth, Western Australia, into facilities for a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Australia had a major bust-up with France in 2021 when it cancelled a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy a fleet of diesel-powered submarines from Paris and went with the AUKUS programme instead. The pact was thrown into doubt last June when Washington said it was launching a review into whether it aligned with President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. In December, the Pentagon said it had cleared that hurdle and that Trump had ordered it "full steam ahead". EU top diplomat rejects Europe 'bashing' by US Munich, Germany, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas pushed back Sunday against Europe "bashing" by the United States, as she said Russia must be forced to make concessions in talks to end the Ukraine war. "Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure," Kallas said on the last day of the Munich Security Conference. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday reassured allies by saying Washington and Europe "belong together" -- but insisted the continent must defend against mass migration to protect its "civilisation". "The message that we heard is that America and Europe are intertwined, have been in the past and will be in the future. I think this is important," Kallas said. "It is also clear that we don't see eye to eye in all the issues, and this will remain the case," she said. The gathering in Munich has seen European officials insist the continent must take the lead on its defence in the face of an aggressive Russia and doubts over the reliability of the United States as President Donald Trump upends ties. "There is an urgent need to reclaim European agency," Kallas said. She said European defence "starts in Ukraine" and depends on how Russia's war ends as the United States pushes efforts to stop the fighting. "Let's be clear-eyed about Russia. Russia is no superpower," Kallas said, insisting the country was "broken". "The greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield." The EU top diplomat called for the size of Russia's military to be capped, said Moscow must pay for damages caused, and be held accountable for war crimes. France's Europe minister Benjamin Haddad backed up the calls for Europe to pay less attention to what the US says and focus on bolstering its own capabilities. "I think the worst lesson we could draw from this weekend is to say, well, I can cling to some love words that I heard in part of his speech and push the snooze button," Haddad said of Rubio's address. "Focus on what we can control, focus on our rearmament, on the support for Ukraine and the threat that Russia poses to all of our democracies." Iran FM heads to Geneva for second round of nuclear talks with US: ministry Tehran, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Switzerland on Sunday for the second round of renewed nuclear talks with the United States later this week, his ministry said. Araghchi "left Tehran for Geneva late Sunday heading a diplomatic and technical delegation to conduct the second round of nuclear talks and hold a number of diplomatic consultations," the ministry said in a statement. "Indirect Iran-US nuclear talks will be held on Tuesday with the mediation and good offices of Oman." During his visit to Geneva, Araghchi is expected to hold talks with his Swiss and Omani counterparts as well as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, and other international officials, the foreign ministry statement said. Tehran and Washington restarted nuclear negotiations in Muscat on February 6, months after previous talks collapsed when Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran last June that started a 12-day war. The latest talks came with Washington having threatened Tehran with military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region following Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. On February 6, Araghchi led the Iranian delegation in indirect nuclear talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner in Muscat. Switzerland has played a key role in diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States for decades. It has represented US interests in Iran since Washington broke off relations with Tehran after the 1980 hostage crisis, a year after the Iranian revolution. Iranian deputy foreign minister Hamid Ghanbari said Tehran was seeking a deal with the United States that would generate economic benefits for both countries, particularly in sectors such as aviation, mining and oil and gas, the Fars news agency reported. "For the agreement to be viable, it is essential that the United States also be able to benefit from it in areas with strong and rapid economic return potential," he was quoted as saying. Burkina jihadist attacks on army leave at least 10 dead Abidjan, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 A series of jihadist attacks on army detachments in Burkina Faso's north and east this week left at least 10 people dead, security sources told AFP on Sunday. Burkina Faso, ruled by a military junta since a 2022 coup, has been plagued with violence from militants allied to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group for more than a decade. Social media has been awash with speculation that the spate of attacks may have killed dozens of soldiers, but AFP was unable to independently verify those claims by Sunday. The junta, which seized power on the promise to crack down on the violence, has ceased to communicate on the west African country's jihadist attacks. On Saturday, the Burkinabe army's unit in Titao, the capital of the northern province of Loroum, was "targeted by a group of several hundred terrorists", a security source in the region told AFP. While the source did not give a death toll, they said part of the military base was destroyed in the attack. The interior minister of Ghana, which borders Burkina Faso to the south, said the government had "received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao" on the same day. "The Ghana embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with the officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack," the minister added. According to the same security source, another army base in Tandjari, in the east of the country, was also attacked on Saturday, leaving several officers dead. "This series of attacks is not a coincidence," the source said. "There seems to be coordination among the jihadists." A separate security source told AFP that a "terrorist group attacked the (military) detachment in Bilanga", in the east of the country, on Thursday. "Much of the detachment was ransacked," the source said, giving a toll of "about 10 deaths" among the soldiers and civilian volunteers fighting alongside the Burkinabe army. A local source in the region confirmed the attack, adding that there was damage in the town of Bilanga, with the assailants remaining at the scene until the day after. Despite the junta's vow to restore security to Burkina Faso within months, the country remains caught in a spiral of violence. According to the ACLED conflict monitor, the unrest has killed tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers since 2015, with more than half of those deaths coming in the past three years. US forces board ship in Indian Ocean that fled Caribbean blockade: Pentagon Washington, United States, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 US forces boarded an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that violated President Donald Trump's blockade of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean and fled the region, the Pentagon said Sunday. The Panamanian-flagged Veronica III "tried to defy President Trump's quarantine -- hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down," the Pentagon said on X. The post included a video of US forces boarding a helicopter and then boarding the tanker ship. The Pentagon intercepted the Aquila II in similar fashion about a week ago. In December, Trump ordered a "blockade" of sanctioned oil vessels heading to and from Venezuela. At least nine ships have been seized thus far. But those ships seized in recent months make up only a tiny fraction of the total number of sanctioned "shadow fleet" vessels operating worldwide to evade sanctions, which a senior US Coast Guard officer said number up to 800. The Veronica III left Venezuela on January 3 -- the same day that US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a raid -- carrying around 1.9 million barrels of oil, TankersTrackers.com said. The ship is listed under US sanctions relating to Iran, according to the website of the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control. "The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain," the Pentagon said on X. Netanyahu says all enriched uranium 'has to leave Iran' Jerusalem, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any deal between the United States and Iran must involve the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran's ability to enrich more. His comments came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Switzerland on Sunday for the second round of renewed nuclear talks with the United States later this week. At a speech in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said any agreement must include several elements. "The first is that all enriched material has to leave Iran," he said. "The second is that there should be no enrichment capability... dismantle the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place". The third, he said, was resolving the issue of ballistic missiles. Considerable uncertainty surrounds the fate of Iran's stockpile of more than 400 kilogrammes of 60-percent enriched uranium that was last seen by nuclear watchdog inspectors in June, before Israeli and US strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Addressing a conference of presidents of major American Jewish organisations, Netanyahu said he had insisted on these conditions even during his talk with US President Donald Trump earlier this month. On Sunday, he also called for sustained inspections of Tehran's nuclear programme. "There has to be real inspection, substantive inspections, no lead-time inspections, but effective inspections for all of the above," he said. "These are the elements that we believe are important for the achievement of the deal." Tehran and Washington restarted nuclear negotiations in Muscat on February 6, months after previous talks collapsed when Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran last June that started a 12-day war. The latest talks came with Washington having threatened Tehran with military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region following Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. Iran FM heads to Geneva for second round of talks with US: ministry Tehran, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Switzerland on Sunday for the second round of renewed talks with the United States later this week, his ministry said. Araghchi "left Tehran for Geneva late Sunday heading a diplomatic and technical delegation to conduct the second round of nuclear talks and hold a number of diplomatic consultations," the ministry said in a statement. "Indirect Iran-US nuclear talks will be held on Tuesday with the mediation and good offices of Oman." During his visit to Geneva, Araghchi is expected to hold talks with his Swiss and Omani counterparts as well as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, and other international officials, the foreign ministry statement said. Tehran and Washington restarted negotiations in Muscat on February 6, months after previous talks collapsed when Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran last June that started a 12-day war. Considerable uncertainty surrounds the fate of Iran's stockpile of more than 400 kilogrammes of 60-percent enriched uranium that was last seen by nuclear watchdog inspectors in June. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any deal between the two must involve the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran's ability to enrich more. "There should be no enrichment capability... dismantle the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place," he said during a speech in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Iran's deputy foreign minister told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifts sanctions that have crippled the Islamic republic's economy. "If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement," said Majid Takht-Ravanchi. The latest talks came with Washington having threatened Tehran with military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region following Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. On February 6, Araghchi led the Iranian delegation in indirect nuclear talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner in Muscat. Switzerland has played a key role in diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States for decades. It has represented US interests in Iran since Washington broke off relations with Tehran after the 1980 hostage crisis, a year after the Iranian revolution. Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari said Tehran was seeking a deal with the United States that would generate economic benefits for both countries, particularly in sectors such as aviation, mining and oil and gas, the Fars news agency reported. "For the agreement to be viable, it is essential that the United States also be able to benefit from it in areas with strong and rapid economic return potential," he was quoted as saying. Parr, who was one of the best-known documentary photographers of his time, died aged 73 in December last year, and took the pictures in summer 2024 at a house outside Rome Styles was staying at with friend Alessandro Michele, the former creative director at Gucci, shortly after his 30th birthday. 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 This is a horrific reminder of the threat Russia poses to freedom and our way of life. Putin will stop at nothing to undermine our values and those who speak for freedom and democracy. Britain and our allies must stand firmly against Russias murderous authoritarianism and stark aggression. He said: If he (Sir Keir) wants to come and chap doors as a Labour Party member, of course hed be welcome to come and chap doors and encourage people to vote for me to be first minister. Larry has also been reported to be not very keen on men, according to Lord Cameron, who was surprised at how well the pet gelled with then-US president Barack Obama, one of the many international guests Larry has welcomed to Downing Street. Fans of the 1942 classic movie "Casablanca" may remember Humphrey Bogart's character declaring, "I stick my neck out for nobody." For much of his 11 years as governor, Greg Abbott has lived by the same motto in election years when his name was on the ballot. In Texas, all candidates for statewide office are on their own. Each party's candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run independently. And Texas governors do not have a cabinet in the traditional sense, so agencies such as the Agriculture Department, the Comptroller's Office and the Attorney General's Office are run by people elected by voters and not necessarily by whomever the governor might prefer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott, who is seeking an unprecedented fourth term, is hoping to change that dynamic this cycle a gamble that early polling suggests could backfire. A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll released Tuesday shows Abbotts preferred candidates trailing in two key Republican primaries. Gov. Greg Abbott passes by supporters after announcing his re-election campaign for Texas governor in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Abbott is seeking a historic fourth term, which would position him to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, surpassing the 14 years served by Rick Perry. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle The governor was quick to endorse Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock in the March 3 Republican primary. Hancock, a former state senator, took over the duties of comptroller with Abbott's blessing in July 2025 after Glenn Hegar vacated his office to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In January, the governor took the unusual step of snubbing Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a fellow Republican state officeholder, and throwing his support behind political newcomer Nate Sheets in the primary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And Abbott is sticking his neck out for Hancock and Sheets. The governor recently invited Sheets, an entrepreneur who made his money in the beekeeping and honey business, to accompany him on a trip to the southern border with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to talk about efforts to control the northward migration of the New World screwworm, which poses a threat to Texas cattle. Miller, whose office is also working to control the flesh-eating parasite, was not part of the event. Meanwhile, Abbott does all of the talking in a Hancock TV and digital ad, praising him as "a proven conservative leader" who can manage the state's finances, significantly raising Hancock's profile in a down-ballot race that has so far attracted little attention, even as early voting begins Tuesday. There's little downside for political candidates struggling to become known to lean into their ties with a proven vote-getter like Abbott. The risk for the governor is that one or both candidates could come up short with voters potentially undercutting his influence during the remainder of the election year and into next years legislative session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is some evidence that the risk is real. The University of Houston poll shows Abbott's preferred candidates struggling with Republican primary voters. READ MORE: Why some Republicans want to turn the page on Sid Miller in the 2026 primary For Hancock, there's little apparent benefit to his inherited incumbency, according to the poll. Challenger Don Huffines, also a former state senator, leads the crowded field in the comptroller's race with 33% support. Second is Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, who has won three previous statewide elections, with 21%. Hancock is a distant third with 13% and would not advance to a runoff if no candidate clears an outright majority. Recall that Huffines unsuccessfully challenged Abbott in the 2022 GOP primary for governor and had some uncharitable things to say about him. Huffines called the governor "a coward" and "a weak leader." Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the agriculture commissioner race, incumbency does appear to be a positive factor. Miller, who has held his office for as long as Abbott has been governor, has a gaping 30-percentage-point lead over Sheets, according to the poll. Miller has been something of a headline magnet over the course of his three terms. He was among the first Texas Republicans to embrace Donald Trump, and he's been forced to repay the state multiple times for taking personal or political trips on the taxpayers' dime. If both Miller and Abbott win renomination, it's doubtful the governor will have much to say about the agriculture commissioner race heading toward November. But it might be a different story if Hancock becomes the odd candidate out in the comptroller's primary. Abbott and Craddick have no history of public animosity. So in a runoff between Craddick and Huffines, don't be surprised if we see Abbott stick his neck out one more time. (Kevin Baron/Stars and Stripes) Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Aug. 13, 2010: Defense Secretary Robert Gates inspects recruits and presides over a basic training graduation ceremony of six Marine platoons. His two-day visit to the California coastline also saw him surprise sailors undergoing Hell Week in an effort to become SEALs. See more photos from the original article. U.S. Marines' F35-B jets arrive in formation to Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on Sept. 13, 2025, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP/Getty Images via TNS) (Tribune News Service) When U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early in the new year, the Trump administration heralded the operation as concise and deliberate: with overhead air support, about 60 special forces troops descended from helicopters into Caracas, fought off security guards, grabbed their quarry and were airlifted back to a U.S. warship 100 miles off the coast. Over and done in a matter of hours, at minimum cost to the American taxpayer. But the U.S. military posture in the Caribbean is costing billions. Bloomberg calculations show the operational price tag of the ships deployed there hit more than $20 million a day at its peak from mid-November until mid-January. And although most of the costs are covered by defense funding that has already been allocated, combat operations from flight hours to weapons fired to extra pay add up on top of that.There is no contingency fund in the DOD budget for unexpected operations, said Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a bipartisan think tank. Conflicts cost extra. Dozens of U.S. Navy ships, fighter jets, drones and logistics vessels began gathering around Latin America late last summer, part of a buildup dubbed Southern Spear. At its height, the deployment represented 20% of the Navys surface fleet, tying up critical assets even as crises were flaring elsewhere in the world. The White House has said the operations around Venezuela didnt cost taxpayers extra, because the forces involved are already deployed. A separate carrier strike group was sent to the Middle East amid a violent crackdown by Irans leadership against nationwide protests, and the USS Gerald R. Ford the centerpiece of the Caribbean operation was on Friday tasked with joining it. None of these troops sit in the dry dock waiting for action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after a January briefing with lawmakers on the Maduro raid, Operation Absolute Resolve. Theyre deployed somewhere in the world. If theyre not here, theyre somewhere else. The Pentagon and the White House did not respond to Friday requests for comment. Despite the Fords departure for the Middle East, the deployment does not have a clear end date. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. would run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. Bloomberg analysis, using Pentagon information on operating costs, ship tracking data, satellite photos and public deployment announcements, shows how ships and aircraft were diverted to the Caribbean months before the operation, quietly consuming billions of dollars while potentially constraining U.S. power elsewhere. By the numbers Of the ships and vessels waiting in the waters off Venezuela before the raid, the Ford carrier was the biggest hitter, leading a strike group a formation of U.S. Navy vessels that can include destroyers, cruisers and submarines. The Ford is the worlds largest aircraft carrier, embarking more than 4,000 personnel and dozens of combat aircraft. The bill to have it there alongside its accompanying destroyers, submarines and guided missile cruisers came to $11.4 million a day, according to calculations based on data from the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. defense budget, and CSIS. There are at least two amphibious ready groups U.S. Navy task forces for assaulting the shore from the sea. The presence of the USS Iwo Jima (where Maduro and Flores were taken after their capture), the USS Fort Lauderdale, the USS San Antonio and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit came to a cost of $8.59 million a day. Logistics vessels and support ships add about $1 million a day. We estimate that Operation Southern Spear, which includes Operation Absolute Resolve, has probably cost about $2 billion since August 2025, said Elaine McCusker, a former comptroller for the Pentagon and now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Those estimates rely on publicly available information and are limited to the incremental costs of operating the ships, planes and remotely piloted platforms involved in the strikes and the replacement of likely ordnance used, she added. That estimate doesnt cover intelligence or targeting, including cyber support and operational rehearsals, she added. Because these costs were already in the Pentagons budget, they cant be allocated elsewhere and dont represent funds taken from other areas. But the expenses will exceed what was anticipated in the fiscal year 2026 budget, Cancian said. The deployed vessels have a higher level of operations than planned and personnel will receive additional benefits, like family separation allowances, Cancian said, estimating it would add about 10% to the budgeted cost. Opportunity costs A less-tangible cost is how the unavailability of those vessels and aircraft affect operations elsewhere. The Ford was in the middle of a deployment in the Mediterranean Sea when it was ordered to the Caribbean and Venezuela in October 2025. The carrier had already participated in at least two naval exercises with NATO partners across the Ionian, Adriatic, North and Baltic Seas, with months to go before it was scheduled to return home. The amphibious ready groups, including the Iwo Jima and two transport docks that travel with it, were scheduled to deploy to Europe when their orders diverted them to the Caribbean. The USS Stockdale, a guided-missile destroyer, was in the eastern Pacific off the coast of Central America when it was ordered to join the Caribbean buildup. A cruiser, the USS Gettysburg, was destined for operations along the U.S. East Coast when it too was told to head south. Since then, F-35 strike jets from the Vermont Air National Guard that were in Puerto Rico at the time of the raid have departed for the Azores with a stopover in the United Kingdom. They are now on their way to the Middle East to join the U.S. military buildup there. Oversight The Pentagon has not shared an official cost estimate. Senior lawmakers on appropriations and armed services committees have said theyve not seen any numbers, nor been asked for additional funding. The cost is substantial, obviously, because of the disposition of all of the forces there, said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. They are very reluctant to provide specifics on anything, Reed told Bloomberg. This is a very expensive proposition in terms of how we are conducting these operations. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican and senior member of the same committee, said that he was not aware of extra costs because of the deployment, and that it was too early to provide estimates. Whether they are there or they are in the Caribbean that cost remains pretty much the same, he told Bloomberg. The cost of the planning and so forth is a small part of it. The fact that the overwhelming force was laid out and all the resources were made available saved lives. With assistance from Adrienne Tong and Kyle Kim. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Despite ongoing efforts by Google to tighten security, malicious browser extensions continue to find their way onto the Chrome Web Store and into users browsers putting their data and devices at risk. These add-ons can hijack browsing data, steal credentials, or inject unwanted content. LayerX Discovers The AiFrame Campaign Researchers at browser security platform LayerX recently uncovered a malicious operation, which they named AiFrame. It involves 30 malicious Chrome extensions that are part of the same coordinated effort and pose as AI assistants for summarization, chat, writing, and Gmail assistance. The researchers determined this after finding that each extension communicates with infrastructure hosted under a single domain: tapnetic[.]pro. They also discovered that all the extensions share: The same internal structure Identical JavaScript logic Similar permission requests The same backend infrastructure This confirmed the campaign was not random but a large, organized operation. Over 300,000 Users Affected According to LayerX, the 30 malicious extensions have been installed by more than 300,000 users. The most popular extension in the campaign was called Gemini AI Sidebar (fppbiomdkfbhgjjdmojlogeceejinadg), which had 80,000 users before it was removed from the Chrome Web Store. However, investigations by BleepingComputer found that several other malicious extensions remain live on Googles repository some of which have been installed tens of thousands of times. Among them are: AI Sidebar (gghdfkafnhfpaooiolhncejnlgglhkhe) 70,000 users AI Assistant (nlhpidbjmmffhoogcennoiopekbiglbp) 60,000 users ChatGPT Translate (acaeafediijmccnjlokgcdiojiljfpbe) 30,000 users AI GPT (kblengdlefjpjkekanpoidgoghdngdgl) 20,000 users ChatGPT (llojfncgbabajmdglnkbhmiebiinohek) 20,000 users AI Sidebar (djhjckkfgancelbmgcamjimgphaphjdl) 10,000 users Google Gemini (fdlagfnfaheppaigholhoojabfaapnhb) 10,000 users Researchers note that in some cases, the extension names may differ, but the identifying code and structure remain the same. How The Extensions Work Although the extensions present themselves as AI assistants, they do not run AI functionality locally. Instead, they render a full-screen iframe that loads content from a remote domain. This is a major security concern because it allows the operators to change the extensions behavior at any time, without submitting an update to the Chrome Web Store for review. Security experts compare this technique to how Microsoft Office Add-ins function, where remote logic can be altered without pushing a new version. Data Theft In The Background While displaying a fake AI interface, the extensions quietly extract data in the background. LayerX found that the add-ons: Scrape content from websites users visit Capture data from sensitive authentication pages Use Mozillas Readability library to extract page content What is more concerning is that 15 of the extensions specifically target Gmail users. When Gmail-related features such as AI-assisted replies or summaries are invoked, the extracted email content is passed into the extensions logic and transmitted to third-party backend infrastructure controlled by the extension operator, LayerX wrote in a blog post published on Thursday. As a result, email message text and related contextual data may be sent off-device, outside of Gmails security boundary, to remote servers. Why This Attack Is So Dangerous Although the extensions present themselves as AI assistants, they do not run AI functionality locally. Instead, they render a full-screen iframe that loads content from a remote domain. This lets attackers: Modify behaviour anytime Inject malicious scripts Steal data silently Some of the extensions have been removed, but several remain available putting additional users at risk. How To Protect Yourself Cybersecurity experts recommend taking these precautions: Verify the developer: Check their website, reputation, and other projects Dont trust ratings alone: Reviews can be fake Use antivirus software: It can detect suspicious behaviour Limit permissions: Avoid extensions requesting excessive access Use web-based AI tools: Safer than installing add-ons For frequent extension users, identity monitoring services can also help reduce damage if data theft occurs. The Bottom Line The AiFrame campaign shows that malicious extensions are evolving and that even AI-branded tools can hide serious threats. With over 300,000 users already affected and some extensions still active, experts warn that a few extra seconds of caution before installing an extension may prevent serious privacy and financial damage later. Two killed, one injured, in avalanche near Italy's Courmayeur Rome, Feb 15 (AFP) Feb 15, 2026 Two off-piste skiers were killed on Sunday and another was in serious condition after an avalanche struck a slope near Courmayeur, Italy's alpine rescue said. Italy's central alpine rescue service (CNSAS) said the two victims and injured person were a woman and two men, and were "probably" French. The avalanche hit a stretch of the Canale dei Vesses, known for steep passages popular with off-piste skiers, west of Courmayeur in the Val Veny area at the foot of the Mont Blanc. Fifteen rescuers participated in the search, along with search-and-rescue dogs and two helicopters, the CNSAS said. One person died on site and the other after being transported to the emergency room, rescuers said. The injured person was in hospital in Turin. 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 Rada is considered one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world, but Oscar-nominated actor Wunmi Mosaku didnt have the best experience. The actor, who has received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Ryan Cooglers vampire film Sinners, attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2004, but didnt really enjoy her time there. Mosaku, who was the only Black girl in her year, claimed she was mocked for her Manchester accent and didnt get given any roles. I found it very difficult, the 39-year-old told The Times. It was my first time away from home, everyone mimicked my Manchester accent, I was the only Black girl in my year and I didnt get any parts. It felt isolating. She added that she spent all her student loan on travelling home every weekend in her first year. Mosaku also questioned some of the methods taught to her, explaining that instead of studying Shakespeare in her first year, as she had expected, she was instead given a years membership to London Zoo and sent off to look at the animals so we could pretend to be them. I thought, What am I doing? I cannot be getting into debt for this. Im from a family of academics; I want some hard facts. Mosaku, whose previous credits include Luther and ITV drama Passenger, previously praised her mother, who paid for her Megabus trip to London so she could audition for the school. She really took a risk, Mosaku told BBC News, adding: "She let me explore and take my own risks and encouraged me to do so." open image in gallery Wunmi Mosaku has been Oscar nominated for her role in Sinners ( Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP ) Comedy star Daisy May Cooper (This Country) previously told The Independent that her time at Rada was a traumatic experience. I think Ive been too nice about it in the past, but I dont give a s*** any more, she said. She claimed she was bullied by a tyrannical teacher who told her she couldnt act, which left her terrified every day. He would say, Thats dreadful. You cant act, why are you even on this course? It was such a headf***, and if you had a bad class, the rest of your peers would ostracise you, she said. It was unbelievably stressful 15-hour days where you were just told how s*** you were all the time and pushed to your absolute limit. It was toxic. open image in gallery This Country star Daisy May Cooper also had a bad time at Rada ( BBC ) The Independent has contacted Rada for comment. At the time of Coopers comments, a representative for the school said: We are very sorry to hear about Daisy May Coopers experiences at Rada when she trained here, and would not tolerate the practices she describes in our present teaching environment. The wellbeing of our students is critical to us, and our wellbeing team works closely with students while they are exploring challenging material, and afterwards. We are also committed to a zero-tolerance policy on any discrimination, harassment or bullying. Mosaku is nominated for Best Supporting Actress alongside Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (both Sentimental Value). open image in gallery Wunmi Mosaku in Ryan Cooglers Sinners ( Warner Bros ) The ceremony takes place on 15 March. 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 Sir Ian McKellen has said that death is ever present two years after his fall from the stage during a performance in Londons West End. The 86-year-old suffered wrist and neck injuries after he lost his footing during a fight scene while starring as Henry IV character John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in June 2024. McKellen cried out in pain as staff rushed to help and the show was promptly cancelled. He had hoped to return to the stage following the accident, but was later forced to withdraw following medical advice. The British actor opened up about how the fall affected him mentally in a new interview with The Times: I have accepted that Im not immortal. Yet I still function. And really the inevitability of mortality comes not just from what you are feeling about yourself, but the simple fact that your friends die all the time. He continued: When you are young, death is astonishing, a fascinating thing, but its a feature of getting older. Death becomes ever present. McKellen said that when somebody he knows dies, the continuing emotion is that there was more to be done I could have had longer with them, accepted that invitation, done that job with them. The actor, who is promoting an experimental VR production titled An Ark in the Shed, added: What I feel about my life is that Ive still got more to do. Shortly after his fall, the Lord of the Rings star said he struggled with shame since the incident, and refused to go out in case he banged into someone. Ive relived that fall I dont know how many times. It was horrible, he told Saga magazine, recounting the events of the night. Sir Ian McKellen, 86, opened up about his own mortality in a new interview ( YouTube ) I have to keep assuring myself that Im not too old to act and it was just a bloody accident, he said. I didnt lose consciousness, I hadnt been dizzy, but Ive not been able to go back and they still played without me. I dont feel guilty, but the accident has let down the whole production, he continued. I feel such shame. I was hoping to be able to rejoin the play on the tour, but I couldnt. Later this year, McKellen will reprise the role of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings film The Hunt for Gollum, which is shooting in New Zealand in July. 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 Erika Kirk has honored her late husband and Turning Point USA founder Charlie with a social media post marking the first Valentines Day following his assassination. In a Friday evening Instagram post, Erika, 37, shared a handwritten note from Charlie, who was shot and killed September 10 on the campus of Utah Valley University while debating students for his American Comeback tour. Her photo also shows the hand of one of her two children with the late conservative activist. What I would give for one more love letterThey had such a deep reverence about them, Erika wrote in the caption of the post. Youd intentionally set aside the noise of the world and hand me words that felt sacred filled with a depth of love both of us could never quite articulate. I read it all even slower now. And as I read your words, the weight on my heart reminds me of a reality that we were never promised gray hair and rocking chairs even though we assumed it was guaranteed, she continued. But my goodness, do I love telling the babies about the fullness of our covenant that left a mark on my soul. My favorite love story. She advised her followers to honor the Sabbath this weekend with your loved ones, and to write love letters to their significant others. open image in gallery Erika Kirk has shared a photo of a handwritten letter from her late husband, Charlie ( Getty Images ) A letter like this might seem trivial, but you just never know the course life will take, if the Lord calls you home, even in your absence, as they reflect on your words, your love is still serving them, she wrote before ending the caption, I love you Charlie baby, you will always be my Valentine. Erikas photo revealed part of Charlies letter to her, which read in part: I love you so much and cant wait to see what adventures lay ahead of us. The two were married in 2021 and welcomed a daughter in August 2022 and a son in May 2024. She has publicly said she was praying to God that she was pregnant when her husband was killed, as they had planned to have four children together. In a November interview with Megyn Kelly, Erika said she and Charlie were really excited to just expand our family. open image in gallery Erika and Charlie Kirk were married in 2021 and welcomed two children before his death ( Instagram ) I was like, Oh, goodness, that was going to be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe, she added about having another baby. Erika, who became CEO of TPUSA following Charlies death, encouraged young couples to not wait to have children. Especially if youre a young woman, dont put it off. You can always have a career, you can always go back to work. You can never just go back to having children, she said. And they grow so fast and so quickly. I just, I was praying. Both of us were. In November 2001, the Dutch supermodel Karen Mulder sat down for an interview on French TV. Blonde, poised and striking, Mulder, who graced the cover of Vogue nine times over the course of her career, had been nicknamed the real-life Barbie for her doll-like beauty. Her chat with presenter Thierry Ardisson, host of the show Tout le monde en parle, should have been a frothy, fun discussion of her latest venture, swapping fashion for the music industry. But what followed took a much darker turn. Speaking in front of a live studio audience, Mulder made a string of harrowing accusations, claiming that she had been raped by figures in the modelling industry, European royalty, politicians and police officers. The model, then in her early thirties, was soon cut off by Ardisson. Her claims were regarded as so devastating, and so potentially libellous, that the interview was cut from the show, a report from The Independent put it at the time. Its thought that the tapes were destroyed afterwards. Mulder was painted as hysterical and unstable. This was, after all, more than 15 years before the #MeToo movement; women who levelled accusations of abuse at powerful men were at best ignored, at worst stigmatised and ridiculed. According to reports, the host called her outburst a paranoid delirium and said she was in an extremely disturbed psychological state. Her family would publicly blame her issues with drugs; other, more euphemistic news stories would allude to a nervous breakdown. Not long after this episode, the woman that Vogue described as the blonde with class retreated almost entirely from the public eye. While the names of her Nineties peers like Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell are still well known today, hers has faded into semi-obscurity. But in the wake of the latest release of documents from the Epstein files, Mulders claims seem horribly prescient. Countless emails and messages from the files seem to throw light upon just how deeply the convicted paedophiles network of exploitation was apparently embedded within the modelling industry. Epstein, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in 2019, is thought to have used his connections with high-profile names in the worlds of fashion and celebrity to lure aspiring models into his grim orbit; he was at the centre of a disturbing nexus of money, power, glamour and abuse. open image in gallery Karen Mulder was hailed as a real life Barbie for her idealised beauty ( Sipa/Shutterstock ) Many of the latest Epstein revelations seem to echo the story that Mulder was trying to tell almost a quarter of a century ago. So was she, in fact, the first fashion industry whistleblower? And what could have been avoided if her claims had been taken more seriously? At first, Mulder appeared to embody a classic fashion fairytale, her story charting the serendipitous ascent of a beautiful young girl to the pinnacle of celebrity. She was born in Vlaardingen in the Netherlands, in either 1968 or 1970 (accounts online cant seem to agree on her exact age). During a family holiday to France in 1985, Mulder saw an advert in a local newspaper for an Elite Model Management competition; she decided not to apply, on account of her wearing braces at the time, but a friend later sent in photos of Mulder without her knowledge. She would go on to win the Dutch heats in Amsterdam and come in second place in the overall finals. Soon after, she scored a contract with the Paris branch of Elite. It wouldnt take long for her to secure spots on the runway for all of the most respected fashion houses Valentino, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dior and Chanel although she could sell a paper bag, as her agent Ellen Harth put it in The New York Times. By the early Nineties, hers was one of the biggest names in fashion; she would crop up in some of the eras most iconic imagery, from Peter Lindberghs 1991 Wild at Heart shoot, featuring a bunch of supermodels dressed in biker leathers in Brooklyn, to the cover of American Vogues 100th anniversary issue, alongside another cohort of beauties wearing all white. In 1992, she signed a contract with Victorias Secret; a few years later, in 1996, she became one of the brands first-ever Angels. open image in gallery In the jeans: (from left) Laetitia Casta, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Stephanie Seymour, Mulder and Daniela Pestova at the Cinema Against Aids charity fashion show at the Cannes Festival in 2000 ( PA ) By 2001, around the time of her notorious interview, Mulder had taken a step back from the fashion world in order to pursue acting and music. Although she had reached the top of her profession, earning a rumoured 10,000 per day and accruing a reported 10m fortune, she had struggled under the glare of the cameras. For me, [being a supermodel] was just an assumed role, and in the end I didnt know who I really was as a person, she said in an interview. Everybody was saying to me, Hi, youre fantastic. But inside, I felt worse from day to day. Her Tout le monde appearance may have ended up canned, but this didnt immediately stop Mulder speaking out. It soon emerged that she had visited French police just a few days beforehand to make a statement, containing very similar allegations to those made on the show, The Independent reported at the time. The public prosecutors office later confirmed that it had started a preliminary investigation for rape by persons unknown. And in another interview with the French magazine VSD, conducted not long after, she reiterated her accusations. They tried to turn me into a prostitute because they thought it would be so easy, she said, before alleging that she was raped by two [model] bookers. Then I realised how big the conspiracy was, she added. It brought in the government and police, who both used Elite girls. open image in gallery Mulder reportedly earned up to 10,000 each day at the height of her career ( PA ) Soon after her outbursts, though, she checked into the Villa Montsouris psychiatric clinic, where she would spend the next five months. It was reported that her stay was paid for by Gerald Marie, previously the head of Elite Model Managements Parisian arm. Twenty years later, Marie was accused of sexual misconduct and rape by multiple women, with the alleged incidents dating back to the Eighties and Nineties. He strongly denied all the accusations, and French prosecutors eventually dropped the investigation in February 2023 due to the statute of limitations. Mulder, meanwhile, would later recant her accusations. Speaking to Paris Match, she described them as a cry for help. It seemed to me that the whole world was against me and I was trying to make myself heard, she said. The police investigation was then dropped. The models story took yet another heartbreaking turn in late 2002, when she attempted suicide. In interviews around the time of her hospitalisation, her family alluded to issues with cocaine, though Mulder herself had previously said she had never been addicted to any substance; she had, however, been vocal about her experiences with the big weight of depression. After her recovery, Mulder retreated yet further from the spotlight. She made a brief catwalk comeback in 2007, when she walked in John Gallianos AW07 show for Dior, a lavish celebration of the brands centenary at the Palace of Versailles. But the last time she appeared in the headlines was far less triumphal. In 2009, she was held at a police station in Paris after allegedly making threatening phone calls to a plastic surgeon. A source told The Telegraph that the surgeon became extremely scared after repeated phone calls, and claimed that Mulder had been screaming and shouting about a past procedure. It doesnt appear that she was ever charged, however. Until the unsealing of the Epstein files brought claims of systemic abuse in the fashion industry back into the public consciousness, Mulders allegations were largely forgotten; they were not revisited during the #MeToo or #TimesUp movements, which provided a flashpoint for other historic accusations of misconduct. But in a 2022 interview, Ardisson, the man who cut off Mulders initial outpouring, seemed to look back at the incident with a new perspective. She said some terrible things, which I think were true, he recalled, describing the disturbing episode as the worst moment of his career. When Mulder repeated her accusations to the press in 2002, she rather poignantly laid out her hope that when you publish this article, it will be the beginning of the end of my suffering, adding: I want justice, thats all. It doesnt seem that she ever received this closure, publicly at least; instead, she was discredited and forgotten. But in light of the horrifying allegations laid out in the Epstein files, one particular line from her interview seems particularly striking: People will say I am mad, but I know the truth will out. 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 Kansas woman has been sentenced to jail time after prosecutors said she falsely accused her estranged spouse, NASA astronaut Anne McClain, of committing a crime while on the International Space Station. Summer Heather Worden, a former Air Force intelligence officer, was sentenced Thursday to three months in federal prison and two years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas. The 51-year-old was also ordered to pay $210,000 in restitution. This comes after Worden pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement in November. The case stems from allegations Worden made against McClain in July 2019. The court heard evidence that Worden falsely accused her former spouse of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station while the couple was going through a divorce, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Investigators learned Worden opened her bank account in April 2018, and both parties accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the account credentials, the agency said. They also said Worden gave her wife access to her bank records and login credentials as early as 2015. NASA astronaut Anne McClain gestures as she prepares to launch for a mission in March 2025. Her ex-wife, Summer Heather Worden, was sentenced to jail time this week after she pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement ( AFP via Getty Images ) 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, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Worden was allowed to remain out on bond until her sentencing hearing. Shes now expected to voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future, prosecutors said. McClain, 46, has maintained that she had permission to access Wordens accounts, The New York Times reports. In November, the NASA astronaut said Worden presented a story to federal investigators and to the media with the intention of harm, according to the Times. From the outset, there was no evidence supporting her claims, and overwhelming evidence disproving them. As I continue my public service, I remain committed to the values that have defined my career and which held up under the closest scrutiny, she added. McClain joined NASA in 2013. During her first spaceflight, she spent more than 200 days as a flight engineer and completed two spacewalks. Most recently, she commanded NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which launched in March 2025. McClain served as a flight engineer for 146 days and completed a nearly six-hour spacewalk during that mission. The Independent has contacted Wordens attorney and McClain for comment. 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 Forty-one DUI arrests made by a single Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper in Bedford County have been dismissed by prosecutors, an investigative report shows, with more than half involving drivers later found to be sober. The dismissals stem from arrests made between 2021 and 2024 by former Trooper Asa Pearl, according to records obtained by WSMV4. Of those 41 cases, a Bedford County District Attorneys office spreadsheet shows that 22 incidents involving drivers who either had no drugs or alcohol in their system or whose blood alcohol was within legal limits at the time of testing, the local news outlet found. One of those drivers, Ron LaFlamme, said he was pulled over and asked to perform a sobriety test despite having neither alcohol nor drugs in his system. I was surprised when he started asking me to do a sobriety test, LaFlamme told WSMV4 in an interview that aired Tuesday. It was wrongful arrest. Former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Asa Pearl reportedly arrested 22 drivers between 2021 and 2024 for DUI, even though they had no drugs or alcohol in their system or were within the legal limit ( Getty Images ) The remaining 19 dismissals were attributed to procedural issues, including the arresting troopers unavailability for court or inability to recall specifics of the stop, officials said. Attorney David McKenzie, representing LaFlamme, told the outlet that word of the dismissals spread among local defense attorneys and raised concerns about enforcement practices. I know that during the time that Rons case was making its way through the court, Rons case was not the only one with this particular trooper, where blood results were coming back negative, McKenzie said. He added: This could happen to your child. This could happen to your parent. This could happen to your coworker. Pearl resigned from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2024, and his personnel file offers no explanation for his departure and makes no mention of the dozens of DUI cases that were later thrown out, according to the report. Pearl did not respond to WSMV4s requests for comment. The Tennessee Highway Patrol also declined the outlets request to comment on the matter. The Independent has contacted the Tennessee Highway Patrol for comment. This latest report is part of WSMV4s Sobering Problem series, which investigates Tennessees troubling pattern of sober drivers being wrongly arrested for DUI and left waiting months for blood test results to prove their innocence. Last month, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation acknowledged it had undercounted DUI cases involving people who had no drugs or alcohol in their system. New data shows that from 2017 to 2024, more than 2,500 drivers in Tennessee were sober at the time of their DUI arrest, which is more than double the number the TBI previously reported, according to WSMV4. 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 woman who was trafficked to Jeffrey Epsteins private island said she thought she was going to die when he sexually abused her on a flight to the Caribbean. Juliette Bryant, 43, said she was raped repeatedly by the pedophile financier after being recruited in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2002, when she was at university and an aspiring model. She told Sky News that she believed her dreams were all coming true when she was recruited by a group of women at the age of 22, believing she would be able to make a difference for her family and improve their financial situation by modelling. Juliette said she had initially been flown to New York before being told she would be travelling to the Caribbean with Epstein. She told how the women who recruited her were waiting at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, where she boarded the private jet and was seated next to Epstein. open image in gallery Juliette Bryant, who says she thought she was going to die after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein ( Sky News ) She said: As the plane took off, he started forcibly touching me in between my legs, and I just freaked out and I suddenly realised oh my God, my family aren't going to see me again, these people might kill me. I got such a fright, it was such a huge changing thing for me. I suddenly realised I had to be nice and be friendly, because I realised I was in great danger. Juliette said the women who recruited her for Epstein laughed when she was sexually assaulted on the flight. They saw and they just laughed, she said. I was really, really petrified. It really changed me, the whole thing, going through this. I just didnt know what to do and I really thought that I was going to die. Juliette said she had no way of getting away once she arrived on Epsteins private island Little St James in the US Virgin Islands. They had my passport and by then we had landed on one of the Caribbean islands and then were taken on a helicopter to his island, she said. There was just no way of getting away. I'm not strong enough to swim away. I wouldn't be able to swim off there." open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein died in jail on August 10, 2019 ( US Department of Justice ) She told Sky News she took more flights to Epstein's homes in New York, Palm Beach, Paris and New Mexico. Juliette said she is still reckoning with the impact of his abuse. I look on Facebook, I see Epstein's face. I look on X, I see Epstein's face, she said. I look at the news, there it is again. You know, there are times when it's made me feel physically ill, to be honest, it is just constantly there and there is no way of escaping it. The US Justice Department has released millions of files related to the Epstein case, shedding further light on his expansive network of high profile figures. The latest release expected to be the last contains some three million pages, including 180,000 images and some 2,000 videos. It brings the total to 3.5m documents released. Epstein, who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from someone under the age of 18 in 2008, died in prison in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial. 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 said a glove found two miles from Nancy Guthries Arizona home could match the gloves worn by an armed person seen in surveillance footage outside her front door the morning she disappeared, according to the Associated Press. This comes after the FBI released new photos and videos from Guthries doorbell camera of a suspect, who was wearing a ski mask and gloves, approaching her front door. Police said the man was armed and appeared to tamper with her camera. The glove, which the agency said could match those worn by the suspect, has reportedly been sent off for DNA testing. While investigators have received the preliminary results, theyre still waiting on official confirmation, the AP reports. The agency reportedly said about 16 gloves have been found near Guthries home, most of which were later identified as gloves used by searchers that had been discarded. open image in gallery A glove found near Nancy Guthries Arizona home could be a match to those worn by the masked individual seen on her doorbell the morning she vanished ( Pima County Sheriffs Department ) Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills, a quiet community just outside of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. She was reported missing the next day. The masked individual seen at Nancy Guthries front door has been described as a man with an average build who is between 59 and 510 tall. He was wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, the FBI noted. On Thursday, the FBI also announced a new reward of $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. open image in gallery Savannah Guthries mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 ( Instagram/@savannahguthrie ) This comes after law enforcement officials carried out operations in the Tucson area Friday related to Guthries disappearance. Investigators searched a residence about two miles from Guthries home Friday night, with a warrant that was based on a lead, a Pima County Sheriffs Department spokesperson said Saturday. No arrests were made. Around the same time, officials conducted a separate traffic stop, also near Guthries home. Investigators questioned an individual, but no arrests were made, the sheriffs department spokesperson said. The search for Guthrie is now entering its third week. Investigators wont quit their efforts to find Guthrie, even if it takes years, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times. Maybe its an hour from now, Nanos said Friday. Maybe its weeks or months or years from now. But we wont quit. Were going to find Nancy. Were going to find this guy." Her disappearance has sparked a massive search involving state and federal law enforcement agencies. Guthrie relies on daily medication, and there could be fatal consequences if she doesnt take it, Nanos has said. When she vanished, police also flagged that she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and cardiac issues, according to a 911 dispatch audio. Savannah Guthrie has said she believes her mother is still alive. The Today show anchor recently shared an old video of her mother on Instagram with the caption, We will never give up on her. She also shared the footage of the masked man and asked for anyone with information to come forward. Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home, she wrote on Instagram. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm Festivals Arundhati Roy pulls out of Berlin Film Festival over jury comments on political films Reuters February 15, 2026 12:59pm 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 Indian novelist Arundhati Roy announced on Friday (Berlin time) she was pulling out of the Berlin Film Festival after the head of the festival jury said filmmakers should avoid overtly political films. Roy, winner of the Booker Prize in 1997 for her novel The God of Small Things, said in a statement she was shocked and disgusted by the comments from jury members including German director Wim Wenders. Writer and activist Arundhati Roy has pulled out of the Berlin Film Festival following remarks made by jury president Wim Wenders. TT News Agency via AFP Asked on Thursday (Berlin time) for his view on the German governments position on Gaza, Wenders, who directed films such as Paris, Texas and Perfect Days and is head of this years seven-member international jury, said: We have to stay out of politics because if we made movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics, but we are the counterweight to politics. We have to do the work of people and not the work of politicians, he said. Advertisement We are the counterweight to politics: Director Wim Wenders said filmmakers should stay out of politics. AP Polish film producer Ewa Puszczynska, another jury member, said it was not fair to ask the judges, as a body, about government positions on the Gaza war. Roy described the comments as unconscionable. To hear them say that art should not be political is jaw-dropping, she said in a statement published in the Indian journal The Wire. It is a way of shutting down a conversation about a crime against humanity even as it unfolds before us in real time when artists, writers and filmmakers should be doing everything in their power to stop it, she said. The festivals organisers responded to this in an emailed statement: The Berlinale respects this decision. We regret that we will not welcome her as her presence would have enriched the festival discourse. Advertisement Roy had been due to present In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, a 1989 film which she wrote, in the Berlinales Classics section. She said in her statement she would not be attending. Following Wenders comments, many actors, directors and producers were peppered with politically charged questions during the festivals various press events. In response, the festivals head Tricia Tuttle released a lengthy statement in which she said artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose. Related Article Analysis Literature How Adelaides writers week collapse is shaping Australias major literary festivals Artists should not be expected to comment on all broader debates about a festivals previous or current practices over which they have no control. Nor should they be expected to speak on every political issue raised to them unless they want to. Roys withdrawal from the festival is the latest mark of the bitter rifts across the world caused by the Gaza war. Considered more politically minded than its counterparts in Venice and Cannes, the festival has been repeatedly criticised by pro-Palestinian activists for not taking an overt stance on Gaza, in contrast to the war in Ukraine and the situation in Iran, where thousands of anti-government protesters have been reported killed by security forces. Advertisement Hamas carried out a cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a devastating Israeli campaign in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Hamas militants killed 1200 people and took 251 hostages in the October 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri have both been issued arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court on charges including crimes against humanity, which Israel denies. Reuters Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Film Festivals Real Money, a free weekly newsletter giving expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money, is sent every Sunday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. When it comes to the money in our bank account or the coins jammed into the centre console of our car, most of us wouldnt think too much about it, beyond what it can or cant buy us. And yes, one shiny gold dollar certainly wouldnt buy me a bag of 20 lollies at the milk bar any more, but it still has an important role (especially for buskers!). But theres plenty going on behind the scenes of the humble Australian dollar beyond its use as our national currency. For example, did you know that its the fifth most-traded currency in the world, beating out the Swiss franc and Chinas renminbi? Overseas travel might be the obvious answer to a rising Aussie dollar but if youre in the market for a new car, fridge or TV, it could also mean good news. Michael Howard This is for a number of reasons, but generally foreign exchange traders love our AUD because Australia is seen as a relatively stable economy with strong trade links to other major developed economies such as China and the US. Its also viewed as somewhat of a proxy for commodities given our significant ore and coal exports, and with everything going on in the US currently, it can also be seen as a way for some traders to diversify away from Trump. Advertisement NationalOne Nation Opinion Liberals beware: Voting One Nation often leads to Labor governments George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general February 15, 2026 1:30pm February 15, 2026 1:30pm 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 On a sweltering summers day last month, the political tribes gathered at St Stephens, Brisbanes Catholic cathedral, to commit Ron Boswell to eternal rest. Most of the important figures in non-Labor politics, past and present, were there. So too were Labor politicians, including Anthony Albanese, who had graciously approved a state funeral. John Howard delivered the eulogy. Youll never out-Pauline Pauline, and it is a fools errand to try. Dominic Lorrimer Bozzie, as he was universally known, was an immensely popular figure. He was a National Party senator for over 31 years: only five other people since Federation served in the Senate for longer. Although defined by his deep social conservatism, he had friends across the political spectrum. While his disposition was generous and avuncular, he was also fearless to the point of ferocity in standing up for the things he believed in. That fearlessness was never more on display than in his attitude to One Nation. He absolutely loathed them not just for the threat they posed to his beloved National Party, but for the cheap populism, the ersatz conservatism which he saw as an insult to genuine conservatives such as him. In his eyes, they were charlatans, hucksters, political snake oil salesmen. As was typical of so forthright a politician as Ron Boswell, he believed that the only way to deal with One Nation was head-on. No pulling of punches. No weasel words. No mealy-mouthed compromise. Boswell would not have a bar of the race-baiting and prejudice-mongering that were and still are One Nations brand. He called them out for what they are just as, in the 1980s, he had taken the fight to another racist right-wing movement, the League of Rights. Advertisement Boswells Senate campaign in 2001 has entered the folklore of Australian politics. One Nation had achieved great success at the Queensland state election of 1998, winning 11 seats and paving the way for years of Labor state governments. (Conservative apologists for Pauline Hanson, please note: if you vote One Nation, you usually end up with a Labor government.) Three years later, Hanson turned her eyes to the Senate. He was her target. Senator Ron Boswell arrives at a National Party meeting at Parliament House in Canberra in 2013. Andrew Meares Boswell campaigned on the slogan Hes not pretty but hes pretty effective. (He did himself less than justice; he had a face full of character, although he always did look like an unmade bed.) He took to the highways and byways of Queensland right into the heart of some of the most ultra-conservative parts of Australia to evangelise his message that One Nation had no answers to the issues that troubled them. He won, and so stopped the early rise of One Nation in its tracks. It would be 15 years until Hanson found her way into the Senate. As Ron Boswell showed, the way to deal with One Nation is not to chase it in a race to the political bottom. Youll never out-Pauline Pauline, and it is a fools errand to try. And, in the process, you lose middle Australia. It is particularly important for the new Liberal leadership to remember that. Angus Taylor has already identified immigration as one of his key issues. It is perfectly appropriate indeed timely for a debate about population policy. I have no doubt that the public is up for just such a debate. Advertisement Inevitably, Labor and the Greens will misrepresent that legitimate national discussion as Hansonism lite, as dog-whistling. That makes it all the more essential for Taylor to demonstrate, as he addresses an issue of genuine concern to both Hanson supporters and many other Australians as well, that he has absolutely no time for One Nation and the type of politics it practises. To have a sensible national debate on immigration is not to be a pale echo of One Nation, but the surest way for Taylor to protect himself from that calumny is to take the same approach as Ron Boswell so successfully did. Related Article Opinion Liberal Party Taylor-made Libs have three possible futures. Only one will save them Peter Hartcher Political and international editor On 7.30 last Friday, Tony Abbott who was in the late 1990s tasked by Howard to kill off One Nation in its infancy claimed that it is a different party than it was 30 years ago. It isnt. One of the very reasons for Hansons success has been her consistency. Ever since the day in 1996 when she used her maiden speech to claim that Australia was in danger of being swamped by Asians, One Nation has been an overtly racist party. It is core to its brand. There is no subtlety or ambiguity about it: Pauline doesnt do dog-whistling. Her messaging has never changed. Even her gimmicks are the same: only three months ago, she reprised the burqa stunt, which she first tried in the Senate in 2017. As I said on that occasion, it is perfectly possible to be a good law-abiding Australian and a strict adherent Muslim. It is as unjust to taint half a million Australian Muslims with the criminality of the Islamist extremists who exist within their community as it was, in the sectarian Australia of a century ago, for Protestants to stigmatise Irish Catholics as disloyal, because of a few Fenian revolutionaries in their midst. Advertisement Of course, Pauline Hanson has every right to prosecute her views. Her supporters have every right to vote for her. Thats the way free societies work. But Liberal leaders have to be prepared as Boswell did to call out One Nation for what it is. Keeping a fastidious distance, but otherwise remaining silent, wont do. As his coffin, draped in the Australian flag he loved so much, was borne from the church, the congregation rose as one to sing that fine old hymn Be Not Afraid. Ron Boswell wasnt afraid of anything or anyone. He certainly wasnt afraid of Pauline Hanson. George Brandis is a former high commissioner to the UK and a former Liberal senator and federal attorney-general. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandAbortion Crisafulli faces questions about rebel MPs bid to put abortion back on agenda Cloe Read February 15, 2026 3:41pm 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 Premier David Crisafulli is again facing questions over the rebel Liberal-National MP who crossed the floor in a bid to reignite the abortion debate in Queensland. The premier on Sunday said he had spoken to Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, and confirmed he was expected to remain a member of the LNP. The move by Dalton earlier this week was in support of a Katters Australian Party push to reverse a gag introduced by Crisafulli after the 2024 Queensland election, as the premier sought to silence political rivals and shut down moves from his own backbench who wanted to repeal the states termination of pregnancy laws. Mackay MP Nigel Dalton. Facebook The motion banned any bills or amendment to the termination of pregnancy act, after debate threatened to derail Crisafullis election campaign. Advertisement Dalton told reporters after crossing the floor on Tuesday that abortion reform was a deeply personal issue. He later told abortion reform advocate Joanna Howe that he was motivated to break ranks because he was uncomfortable having supported the gag in 2024. This is my time to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, say sorry, but also in the eyes of God thats who I serve, I dont serve anybody else, he said in the interview posted online. He also said he hoped by standing up, we can actually draw attention to what the abortion act actually says in Queensland. Liberal-National leader David Crisafulli was bombarded with questions on abortion during the 2024 election campaign. Matt Dennien One Nation leader Pauline Hanson later backed Dalton, saying abortion was an important issue to many Australians.Ive actually had my concerns about it greatly, she said. Advertisement When asked about Hanson on Sunday, Crisafulli simply replied: I made a promise to Queensland and I spoke to you guys, and weve honoured that promise. In commenting about Daltons remarks in the video, Crisafulli said he had honoured the things he had told Queenslanders he would do. I made some responses on the floor of parliament about it and probably the most perfect one is the scare campaign that the state was subjected to, he said. When asked if he expected Dalton to remain part of the LNP, Crisafulli said yes and confirmed he had spoken with Dalton. Just remember, I stood up on the day it happened, and then I addressed it again in parliament. So were doing what we said wed do. Advertisement Related Article Abortion This is my time to redeem myself: Rebel Liberal-National MP hopes to reignite abortion debate The Labor opposition earlier this week pressed Crisafulli in parliament about the governments position, where the premier deflected questions on the issue as a scare campaign. He told parliament: I said thered be no change, there is no change. On Sunday, deputy Labor opposition leader Cameron Dick said any revisit to abortion laws would take Queensland backwards, and that would be through criminalising women for decisions they make about their own bodies. But Labor had supported the motion, with the deputy opposition leader saying this was because Labor did not believe members of parliament should be limited in what they say because a premier was concerned about what his own party members would do. What we saw this week was the truth from the LNP. There are a number of members of the LNP who want to change Queensland abortion laws and I think that should be of deep concern, not just to every Queensland woman, but every Queenslander. Advertisement Nigel Dalton said he didnt believe his leader and his fellow LNP MPs when they said there would be no change to the law in Queensland, and we know that MPs like Amanda Stoker have promised the anti-abortion movement in Queensland that those laws will be revisited in future. When asked about Hanson and the rising support for One Nation, Dick said: Im deeply concerned that the flames of hate are being fanned by the far right in this state. 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 NationalVictoriaCity life Major downfall: Concerns for people with disabilities as council moves to sell care centre Rachael Ward February 15, 2026 1:23pm 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 There are fears the lives of vulnerable adults with disabilities will be upended after the City of Stonnington council voted to sell off a prized pocket of land in Melbournes south-east used by a much-loved disability centre and food bank. Thirty-six adults with disabilities attend the Fisher Street Centre in Malvern East for care and activities, and the centre has over decades developed into a tight-knit community that families say has given purpose to their loved ones. Peter (left), Damien and Elena Christie outside the Fisher Street Centre in Malvern East. The centre is to be demolished and the land sold. Wayne Taylor However, its set to shut, the building demolished and the land subdivided after the council this month unanimously approved the sale. Elena Christies brother, Damien, 55, has a high-needs disability and she fears he could become non-verbal when the centre closes, as he was heading down that path before first attending about a year ago. Advertisement Related Article Disability Disability homes on the brink of collapse as federal government refuses bailout Damien attends four days a week and Christie said her brother had become noticeably more chatty and animated since making many friends there. Damien will actually lose probably the most important thing for him in terms of his outward look onto life, Christie said. I know it sounds overblown, but his reason for living may totally digress I can see a major downfall for Damiens life. Damiens father, Peter, cares for both his wife, Jean, who is on dialysis, and their son. Advertisement The Christies fear that once the centre closes, Damien would end up watching television all day at home instead of participating in activities, as alternative NDIS services highlighted by the council dont suit his needs. Care provider Mecwacare has for years paid a peppercorn rent to the council to use the building for disability programs, including life skills such as cooking, handling money, communications and other activities. The centre is also used by the Malvern Emergency Food Program. Dont take this from them. They have nothing else in their lives but each other. A submission to the City of Stonnington on the closure of the Fisher Street Centre Council documents say there is low usage among Stonnington residents, as just four people involved with disability programs lived in the municipality at mid-2025. During last Mondays council meeting, councillor Jami Klisaris said selling the land was a very difficult decision, but it was not a site Stonnington had a use for. Advertisement She said the council was reassessing old agreements amid a tightly constrained budget environment and rent for the facility paid to the council was essentially $10 a year. At the end of the day, the City of Stonnington is not an NDIS provider, Klisaris said. The land was originally two separate blocks measuring about 655 square metres each, and while the value of each block has not been made public, a nearby four-bedroom property on similar-sized block sold for more than $3.6 million in April 2025. Proceeds from the sale of the Fisher Street Centre will go to the councils future fund to pay for infrastructure projects. The council last year received 44 submissions about the proposed sale, and the majority made public opposed the move. Advertisement Dont sell it, its my favourite place in the whole world, one participant said in a submission. One worker wrote: Dont take this from them. They have nothing else in their lives but each other. At the end of the day, the City of Stonnington is not an NDIS provider. City of Stonnington councillor Jami Klisaris Some family members of participants said they would have to reduce or stop working to care for their loved ones, and they were stressed by the challenge of finding alternative services. Deirdre McNally, who lives nearby, said she wished the centre could stay as it is, but hoped that it would become a community centre if used for another purpose. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Local council Elderly residents abandoned by private aged care provider after council exit To sell off something like this just to make money is just a slap in the face, McNally said. Steven Lambert, Mecwacares executive director of client experience and growth, said the council offered the service provider the chance to buy the land, but Mecwacares capital was fully committed elsewhere so it declined. Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr said the council carefully considered a range of options including ways to support services continuing at Fisher Street. Sehr said there was no offer to bump up the rent as Mecwacare had already indicated an intention to transfer the service to another external provider. 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 NationalVictoriaEducation Push for Melbournes top science school to introduce gender quotas Bridie Smith February 16, 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 Two of Melbournes most sought-after state high schools will reach gender parity next year, marking the end of more than a decade of male-dominated enrolments. The milestone has prompted calls for the states top specialist science school, where female representation has yet to return to its pre-pandemic high, to work harder to get more girls into its classrooms. Year 11 students (from left) Eliska van der Veen, Issam Alaeddine, Alexander Chan and Hansika Tummala joined John Monash Science School this year. Of the 34 new year 11 students, 21 are girls. Wayne Taylor Selective entry Suzanne Cory High School and Nossal High School have been dominated by boys each year since 2014, a stubborn trend which prompted the state government to introduce a special measure in 2024 requiring both schools to enrol an equal number of girls and boys in year 9. However, John Monash Science School, which has recorded a decade-old gender imbalance, is exempt from the measure. Advertisement About 600 aspiring John Monash Science School students complete an assessment and interview each year in the hope of securing one of 200 prized year 10 places. But the odds of securing a place is greater for boys with the proportion of girls enrolled at the Clayton school falling from 49 per cent in 2020 to 47 per cent last year, analysis by The Age shows. Gender Equity Victoria chief executive Micaela Drieberg said for gender parity to be achieved and then maintained across academically selective schools, quotas should be part of the selection process. All students should have equal opportunities, Drieberg said. A consistent policy that focuses on gender representation across all select entry schools would ensure the students of today have equal opportunities, as well as the students of tomorrow. Advertisement Places at Suzanne Cory High School and Nossal High School, Melbournes only two co-educational selective entry schools, have persistently favoured boys but will achieve full gender balance next year when the 2024 year 9 intake reaches year 12. John Monash Science School principal Andrew Chisholm said the 17-year-old school aimed for parity however the gender balance depended on applications. He said John Monash Science School differed from Suzanne Cory High and Nossal High as it was a specialist selective entry school rather than a cross-discipline selective entry school. Were really inclusive, and we want gender balance, he said. Advertisement But sometimes having more guidelines actually makes it worse because youre taking away the freedom of the school and to choose the people who are most appropriate to be at a science school. Chisholm pointed out that of the 34 year 11 students joining the school this year, 21 were girls. Drieberg acknowledged the specialist science school was close to parity but said a consistent policy was required to lift and then maintain an equal proportion of girls and boys in the classrooms. If we dont have these things in place, and if we take our foot off the pedal, we can easily go backwards, she said. Advertisement Mark Morris, the co-chair of research and gender advocacy group The 100% Project, said having gender equality policies in place signalled parity was taken seriously. Failure to work toward gender equality is an intentional act against gender equality, he said. When it comes to gender equity, there shouldnt be different acceptable standards for different schools. Suzanne Cory High School and Nossal High School have both recorded an increase in the proportion of girls enrolled since the policy took effect. Of the 922 students at Suzanne Cory High School last year, 47 per cent were girls. Advertisement In 2023, the year the special measure was announced, 42 per cent of the student population were girls. That figure rose to 46 per cent when the policy took effect in 2024. Its a similar story at Nossal High School, where 46 per cent of the 825 students last year were girls, up from 43 per cent between 2022 and 2024. We know historically that quotas work, Drieberg said. However, Melbourne University professor of history and philosophy of science Cordelia Fine said benefits of gender parity policies didnt automatically justify them. In the case of selective schools, there is a cost both to boys who would otherwise have been offered a place, and to girls who may be stigmatised as needing a lower bar to gain entry, Fine said. Advertisement Related Article Education The best way to get into select-entry schools, from kids who have done it Melbourne molecular biologist Suzanne Cory, whose name adorns the Werribee school, is an advocate of having an equal number of boys and girls in the classrooms. Cory, the first female president of the Australian Academy of Science, told The Age in November that all students would benefit from an academically selective system made up of an equal proportion of girls and boys. Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll said the states selective entry schools provided high-achieving students with an academically challenging and enriching secondary school experience. Balancing gender enrolment numbers in our select entry high schools provides every Victorian student an equal opportunity to study at one of these education providers, he said. Advertisement More than 5700 students sat the selective entry school entrance exam last year. Just 1000 places for this years year 9 intake across Nossal High School, Suzanne Cory High School, MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne High were up for grabs. 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 New Liberal leader has twin challenges. Fail either of them and hes toast too Parnell Palme McGuinness Columnist and communications adviser February 15, 2026 5:00am February 15, 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 This weeks ballot between outgoing opposition leader Sussan Ley and incoming leader Angus Taylor has been like watching the servers at a food court McDonalds franchise fighting over the leadership of the multinational juggernaut. Nobody believes they have a say in corporate strategy. They wear a uniform which is supposed to signify a good standard of product and a reliable experience, regardless of who wears the little grey cap. Yet instead of serving up a decent McFlurry, theyve been arguing with one another about who should be Employee of the Week. No wonder Australians have been taking their custom elsewhere. A competitor chain has been doing very well out of the messy front of house. Wholl get the last laugh? Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and his deputy Jane Hume at their press conference after the leadership spill on Friday. Dominic Lorrimer Its going to be a slog to win back those punters. Angus Taylor and new deputy leader Jane Hume might have the restaurant back on track, but theyre going to need to demonstrate therell be no more patchy service before voters will return. It doesnt help that there have been conflicting strategies. This week, two suits from corporate, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, popped up with different versions. Ex-prime ministers carry significant weight when they comment on the strategy their party should pursue. Advertisement Turnbull stood up in the Parliament House courtyard, looking like he might want to run the show again. But he wasnt there to help he was there to point out that there are more restaurants around. Deposing Ley was a vulnerable moment for a party which has been haemorrhaging female voters. One of Canberras worst-kept secrets is that theres a clique of disaffected or would-have-been Liberals looking to form a new party to occupy the urban centre ground and, as revealed by Peter Hartcher in this masthead on Saturday, Turnbull is encouraging them. Related Article Opinion Liberal Party Taylor-made Libs have three possible futures. Only one will save them Peter Hartcher Political and international editor Tony Abbott sits across the board table from Turnbull in the corporate strategy suite of Liberal leaders. Abbott has been a frequent commentator on the direction of the Liberal Party, but has also always been one of the more active contributors to the intellectual ballast of the party. He is one of whats starting to feel like an outmoded breed of politicians, who reads widely and does his own thinking, laying out his conclusions in writing to create a case for his approach. While you may disagree with his deeply conservative conclusions, they are at least thoroughly reasoned. He articulates them powerfully and succinctly in articles and speeches. After Abbott has laid out an argument, conservatives are often moved to call for his reinstatement as prime minister to which I usually respond that he had his chance, and it wasnt a role in which he excelled. And in any case, hes not gone. Hes exerting his influence from the boardroom which hes been stacking in anticipation of this moment. Abbott was one of those who made a strong case for Taylor ahead of the spill, and he had people in place who would heed his advice. But now hes got to withdraw so that Taylor looks less like hes serving up hotcakes and more like the CEO of the venture. Advertisement Leys leadership never took off because she never stepped into that role. Over the past nine months, her main contribution was a series of speeches outlining Liberal principles. They were good speeches; my compliments to the chef. But they were also consistently frustrating, as the policies were always under development. The only policy-shaped object delivered by the Liberal Party in that time was a formal withdrawal from net zero. Related Article Analysis Political leadership Sussan Ley took this job with ambition and promise. But things soon unravelled An alternative affordable energy plan was initially well sold by Ley and then, apparently, forgotten conviction would have seen the argument sustained. An immigration policy was promised and never released to the public. She always looked like she was waiting to receive instructions. Taylor has started strongly. While articulating policies which are similar to Abbotts in government people who come to this country have to share our values, he said he also spoke to new concerns. Flexibility of choice in childcare a topic close to my heart for a long time and which is important to many families across Australia. And, of course, lower taxes and small government core principles of giving individuals control over their own lives. He and his deputy also apologised for past gaffes a good move which might have been reminiscent of the Dominos pizza apology ads, when executives said sorry for the crappiness of their product in the past and vowed to improve. Advertisement Itll get harder from here, though. There are twin challenges ahead, one from the electorate and one from Taylors supporters. Taylor will have to ensure switched-off voters hear about his new ideas. McDonalds has relegated his namesake burger, the Mighty Angus, to an occasional menu item. The real Angus will need to be consistently available if voters are to come around to a party with a severely tarnished brand. Hell need to be heard across the airwaves on his policy ideas and why theyre important. Related Article Updated Political leadership Change or die: Taylor puts forward new vision as Ley lobs byelection bomb on way out The second challenge is to persuade conservative stakeholders that this is not the time to indulge in culture wars and commentary on issues that arent grounded in economics. Inevitably his supporters will beg him and his opponents will bait him. But the lesson of the Morrison victory was that tuning out that noise and focusing entirely on the one thing that matters to absolutely everyone how well they are able to support themselves and their family wins the centre and not just the fringes. And therein lies the lesson for corporate strategy as well. To succeed, a CEO needs free rein to do what the operational lead of a company does: respond to the market and argue in the best way for serious and innovative decisions. Thats the only way theyll ever make customers McHappy. Advertisement Parnell Palme McGuinness is an independent insights and advocacy strategist. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Devendra Fadnavis, Adv Ashish Jaiswal, Sanjay Savkare, Pravin Pardeshi, Mio Oka, Vijayalaxmi Bidari, and other dignitaries at the workshop held at IIM Nagpur, on Saturday. Staff Reporter : MITRA organised workshop on strategy for sustainable development of the Nagpur region over the next decade concludes at IIM, Nagpur Nagpur region has huge opportunity to develop all six districts with Nagpur city as its nucleus, leveraging the central location and natural resources of all districts, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Saturday. He was speaking at a workshop on strategy for sustainable development of the Nagpur region over the next decade organised by Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) with support from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) at Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nagpur. Fadnavis, in his speech, recognised the lopsided development in the State and stated that these imbalances provide an opportunity for accelerated development in the future. Even though Maharashtra is the countrys largest economy, its growth has been lopsided. Around 25 districts in the State are aspiring to contribute more to the States economy, said Fadnavis. The Chief Minister further said that the overall growth of the State will increase if every the district becomes a growth engine. If we have the right strategies for districts with low development indicators, the growth will be exponential. This will bring equity and at the same time help achieve higher economic growth and job creation, added the Chief Minister. Mio Oka, in her address, underlined the role of the Nagpur region in the overall development of the state. Maharashtras long-term growth will depend not only on its large metropolitan centres, but also on strong regional hubs. This is why Nagpur has a critical role in driving growth across surrounding districts, said Oka. Adv Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Finance; Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles; Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State; Mio Oka, Country Director, ADB; Pravin Pardeshi, Chief Executive Officer, MITRA; and Vijayalaxmi Bidari, Divisional Commissioner shared the dais. Earlier, officers of various Government agencies brainstormed on strategies to develop the region through group discussions. Pravin Pardeshi presented the key highlights of the discussions and the vision report during the programme. The roadmap for achieving the goal of Viksit Nagpur - 2047 envisions four key themes, viz, green and resilient growth, innovative industrial growth, rising service sector, and livable cities of choice. The programme also featured the publication of Viksit Nagpur 2047 - Sustainable Development Plan and the launch of the GIS AI App by MITRA at the hands of the dignitaries. Asawari Deshpande compered the programme while Vijayalaxmi Bidari proposed a vote of thanks. PM inaugurates Rs 3,030 cr bridge on Brahmaputra GUWAHATI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated several projects in Assam, including a bridge on the Brahmaputra River, an IIM and a data centre for the northeastern region. The projects, which were rolled out months ahead of Assam Assembly elections, aim to boost connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, promote higher education and enhance public transport. Modi reached the State on a day-long visit to inaugurate an emergency landing facility (ELF) at Moran in Dibrugarh district and launch projects worth over Rs 5,500 crore. The first project the Prime Minister inaugurated in the State capital was a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River. He launched the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, built at a cost of around Rs 3,030 crore. The six-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge will connect Guwahati with North Guwahati and is the first extradosed bridge in the North-East. After the inauguration, Modi took a walk on the bridge. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa were present on the occasion. The bridge will cut travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to just seven minutes. Presently, only the Saraighat Bridge in Jalukbari area connects the two banks of the Brahmaputra in the capital region, with travel time taking around 30 minutes. Considering the high seismicity of the region, the bridge incorporates base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings, according to a statement issued by the prime ministers office. High-performance stay cables were used to ensure durability and long-term structural performance, it added. A Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) has also been incorporated for real-time condition monitoring, early damage detection and improved safety and service life of the extradosed bridge, the PMO statement said. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the bridge on February 9, 2019 and construction started on March 1, 2020 by the then Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The initial cost of the bridge was Rs 2,608 crore, which escalated to Rs 3,030 crore, and the project was estimated to be completed within four years. The length of the bridge is 7.75 km, including approach roads and flyovers on both sides of the Brahmaputra, while the actual bridge over the river is 1.24 km long. The project was implemented by the Assam Public Works Department with consultancy services from Systra Engenharia Consultoria Ltd of Brazil. The contractor for the bridge was S P Singla Construction Pvt Ltd and the funding agency was the New Development Bank, with 20 per cent of the total project cost borne by the Assam Government. A senior official of the Assam Government told PTI that after its formal opening to the public, the bridge will remain open exclusively for pedestrians till February 28. Later, in nearby Lachit Ghat, Modi unveiled the Indian Institute of Management Guwahati, inaugurated a high-tech data centre that would cater to the entire Northeast, and flagged off 225 electric buses for four cities, including the Assam capital. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, several State Ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior Government officials were also present along with the CM and Governor during inauguration of these projects. The PM virtually inaugurated the temporary campus of the IIM Guwahati, which is expected to give a major fillip to higher education and management education in the northeastern region. The main IIM Guwahati project will entail an expenditure of Rs 555 crore. The Central Government had last year approved the establishment of an IIM in Guwahati. This is the second IIM in the Northeast and the 22nd in the country. The first IIM in the region is in Shillong. The permanent campus will be developed at Palasbari near Guwahati, while the institute will commence its academic session from a transit campus at Tech City, Bongora. IIM Ahmedabad will monitor the temporary arrangements, the Assam Government official said. The PM also virtually inaugurated the National Data Centre (NDC) for the northeastern region, set up at an investment of Rs 348 crore 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 per rack will host mission-critical applications of various Government departments and also function as a disaster recovery centre for other NDCs. This will enable Governments in the Northeast to digitally facilitate the delivery of essential citizen-centric services, the PMO said. Aligned with the vision of Digital India, the NDC for the Northeast has been envisaged as a strategic intervention to strengthen the regions ICT backbone and ensure robust, secure and always-available digital infrastructure. Modi also flagged off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. Of these, 100 buses are for Guwahati, 50 each for Nagpur and Bhavnagar, and 25 for Chandigarh. 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 through access to clean, affordable and reliable public transport services, contributing to improved urban mobility and enhanced quality of life, the PMO statement added. WB lost Rs 10,000 crore in Central funds by not adopting NEP: Pradhan KOLKATA : UNION Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that West Bengal lost central funds worth Rs 10,000 crore by not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) in the State. Despite repeated requests, the National Education Policy was not implemented in West Bengal by the State Government. The National Education Policy talks about education in the mother tongue, and in West Bengal, that would have been Bengali. The West Bengal Government does not want to allow education in Bengali. Had the National Education Policy been implemented, additional funds would have been given to West Bengal under the Samagra Shiksha Mission, Pradhan said while addressing a teachers conference organised by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Saturday. Pradhan also alleged that the West Bengal Government refused to accept additional funds that the Union Government had proposed to allocate for Jadavpur University. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Education Minister cited various statistics to argue that the education system in West Bengal had deteriorated during the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime in the State. According to him, West Bengal accounted for nearly 50 per cent of the total schools in the country that do not have a single teacher. The maximum number of teacher-less schools in the country is in West Bengal. The figure is around 4,000, which is almost 50 per cent of the national figure, Pradhan said. He also criticised the West Bengal Government over the lack of internet penetration in state-run schools. Internet penetration in state-run schools is just 16 per cent in West Bengal, compared to the national average of 70 per cent. If the BJP comes to power in West Bengal after the 2026 Assembly elections, the education sector will be a key focus area, he said. 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. 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The stocks 50 day moving average price is $27.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.92. Get Community Bancorp. alerts: Community Bancorp. (OTCMKTS:CMTV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Community Bancorp. had a return on equity of 16.08% and a net margin of 24.67%.The firm had revenue of $13.21 million for the quarter. Insider Activity at Community Bancorp. Community Bancorp. Company Profile In related news, CEO Christopher L. Caldwell acquired 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $31.77 per share, with a total value of $31,770.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 11,000 shares in the company, valued at $349,470. This trade represents a 10.00% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director Wayne Lamberton bought 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $31.19 per share, for a total transaction of $62,380.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 8,565 shares of the companys stock, valued at $267,142.35. This trade represents a 30.46% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing . Insiders acquired 3,500 shares of company stock valued at $109,875 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 8.50% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Community Bancorp. operates as the bank holding company for Community National Bank that provides financial services to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities in northern and central Vermont. It offers financing for commercial business properties, equipment, inventories, and accounts receivable, as well as standby letters of credit; and business checking and other deposit accounts, cash management services, repurchase agreements, ACH and wire transfer services, card processing, and remote deposit capture. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Community Bancorp. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bancorp. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco DB Energy Fund (NYSEARCA:DBE Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 4,798 shares, a decline of 47.2% from the January 15th total of 9,086 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 20,496 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 20,496 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of Invesco DB Energy Fund by 29.1% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 29,178 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $544,000 after purchasing an additional 6,578 shares in the last quarter. M Holdings Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco DB Energy Fund in the second quarter valued at about $1,015,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its stake in Invesco DB Energy Fund by 248.0% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 94,589 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,762,000 after buying an additional 67,405 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in Invesco DB Energy Fund by 180.0% during the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 46,978 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $875,000 after buying an additional 30,203 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco DB Energy Fund by 23.9% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 84,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,566,000 after buying an additional 16,234 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco DB Energy Fund alerts: Invesco DB Energy Fund Stock Down 0.3% Shares of Invesco DB Energy Fund stock traded down $0.05 on Friday, hitting $19.11. 13,615 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 17,997. Invesco DB Energy Fund has a 52-week low of $16.22 and a 52-week high of $20.72. The stock has a market cap of $44.91 million, a P/E ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.26. The firms 50-day moving average is $18.39 and its 200 day moving average is $18.76. Invesco DB Energy Fund Company Profile PowerShares DB Energy Fund (the Fund) is based on the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index Optimum Yield Energy Excess Return (the Index). The Index is a rules-based index composed of futures contracts on some of the most heavily traded energy commodities in the world-light sweet crude oil (WTI), heating oil, brent crude oil, reformulated blendstock for oxygenate blending (RBOB) gasoline and natural gas. The Index is intended to reflect the performance of the energy sector. The Fund is a separate series of PowerShares DB Multi-Sector Commodity Trust (the Trust). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco DB Energy Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco DB Energy Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Spain ETF (NYSEARCA:EWP Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 660,749 shares, a decline of 32.1% from the January 15th total of 973,125 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 714,728 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Currently, 2.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 2.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 714,728 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Spain ETF A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of EWP. BOKF NA acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Spain ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Comerica Bank lifted its position in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 303.9% in the 4th quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 521 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Spain ETF in the 4th quarter worth $44,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 39.2% during the 2nd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,100 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 879.8% in the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,117 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 1,003 shares during the period. 38.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Spain ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Spain ETF Stock Down 1.0% iShares MSCI Spain ETF stock traded down $0.55 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $55.61. 1,359,764 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 767,705. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $54.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $51.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.89 and a beta of 0.86. iShares MSCI Spain ETF has a fifty-two week low of $33.85 and a fifty-two week high of $57.63. About iShares MSCI Spain ETF iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Spain Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Spanish market, as measured by the MSCI Spain Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Spanish equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Spain ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Spain ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metro Inc. (OTCMKTS:MTRAF Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $70.43 and traded as low as $70.19. Metro shares last traded at $70.19, with a volume of 358 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Metro in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Metro in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Metro in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Metro currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Metro alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on MTRAF Metro Price Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $70.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $70.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.15 billion and a P/E ratio of 43.18. Metro (OTCMKTS:MTRAF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $3.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.71 billion. Metro had a net margin of 4.44% and a return on equity of 14.73%. Metro Company Profile (Get Free Report) Metro AG, trading in the United States as an American Depositary Receipt under the symbol MTRAF, is a leading international wholesale company focused on supplying the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Through its METRO Cash & Carry division, the company operates self-service wholesale outlets that offer a broad assortment of food products, fresh perishables, non-food items and hotel and restaurant equipment. Metros business model caters exclusively to professional customershotels, restaurants, caterers and independent retailersenabling them to purchase in bulk at competitive prices. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, Metro has grown its footprint across Europe and Asia, serving customers in more than 30 countries. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Metro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. abrdn Property Income Trust Limited (LON:API Get Free Report) shot up 25% during trading on Saturday . The stock traded as high as GBX 2.35 and last traded at GBX 2.35. 166,845 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 91% from the average session volume of 1,885,938 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1.88. abrdn Property Income Trust Trading Up 25.0% The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 2.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 3.77. The firm has a market cap of 8.96 million, a P/E ratio of -0.27 and a beta of 0.33. About abrdn Property Income Trust (Get Free Report) Actively managing UK real estate looking for higher yield and capital growth See Also Receive News & Ratings for abrdn Property Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for abrdn Property Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Weil Company Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:QGRO Free Report) by 11.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 45,556 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,651 shares during the quarter. American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF makes up 1.3% of Weil Company Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 20th largest position. Weil Company Inc. owned about 0.25% of American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF worth $5,212,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF by 111.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC now owns 73,855 shares of the companys stock worth $8,449,000 after buying an additional 38,985 shares during the period. Savvy Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF by 8.4% in the 3rd quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. now owns 2,297 shares of the companys stock worth $263,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. raised its position in American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF by 29.7% during the third quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 66,851 shares of the companys stock worth $7,648,000 after acquiring an additional 15,305 shares during the period. Stratos Investment Management LLC raised its position in American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF by 27.5% during the third quarter. Stratos Investment Management LLC now owns 111,920 shares of the companys stock worth $12,804,000 after acquiring an additional 24,113 shares during the period. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF by 45.2% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 7,220 shares of the companys stock valued at $826,000 after purchasing an additional 2,247 shares in the last quarter. Get American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF alerts: American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF Stock Up 1.2% QGRO stock opened at $109.03 on Friday. American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF has a 52 week low of $80.25 and a 52 week high of $117.81. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $114.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.09 and a beta of 1.10. About American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF The American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US stocks. Holdings are selected and weighted by growth and quality factors. QGRO was launched on Sep 10, 2018 and is managed by American Century Investments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Upstart, Hut 8, Tempus AI, BigBear.ai, and SoundHound AI are the five Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies whose core business or significant operations involve developing, manufacturing, or providing AI technologies and servicesthis includes software and machine-learning platforms, specialized hardware (GPUs/TPUs), data and cloud services, and AI-driven applications. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to a potentially high-growth, transformative theme, but they also carry heightened valuation, execution and regulatory risks and can be more volatile as markets price in future AI adoption and competition. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Upstart (UPST) Upstart Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform in the United States. Its platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans that connects consumer demand for loans to its to bank and credit unions. Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on BBAI SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN Featured Stories The United States is preparing to send approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria in the coming weeks, where they will train the country's armed forces in their ongoing battle against a growing Islamist insurgency a move that follows a high-profile U.S. airstrike on Christmas night and escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump over the protection of Nigerian Christians. The Deployment The roughly 200 troops will supplement a small team of American military officers already embedded with Nigerian forces. Nigerian officials have been clear that the new American contingent will not be engaging in combat operations. Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a spokesman for Nigeria's Defense Headquarters, described the incoming personnel as "technical and training personnel." The Wall Street Journal first reported on the imminent deployment, which was subsequently confirmed by a U.S. official. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson met with Nigerian Army Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu in Abuja, Nigeria on February 9, underscoring the growing military partnership between the two nations. Background: The Christmas Night Strike The troop deployment comes more than a month after President Trump announced that U.S. forces had bombed what he described as "ISIS Terrorist Scum" in Nigeria on Christmas night. U.S. Africa Command's preliminary assessment indicated that multiple ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State were killed in the strikes. Trump later acknowledged the timing of the operation was largely symbolic, saying he had deliberately delayed it to deliver what he called a "Christmas present" to the insurgents. Trump's Push to Protect Nigerian Christians In the lead-up to the Christmas night operation, Trump took to Truth Social with a series of posts demanding the protection of Christians in Nigeria, whom he claimed are being "mass slaughtered." He threatened that the U.S. military would go "guns-a-blazing" into Africa's most populous country if the violence against Christians was not stopped. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast on Capitol Hill last week, Trump doubled down on his position. "When Christians come under attack, their assailants know they're going to be attacked violently and viciously by President Trump," he declared. "I know it's not a nice thing to say, but that's the way it is." Nigeria Pushes Back on Genocide Claims The Nigerian government has firmly rejected Trump's characterization of the violence as a Christian genocide. Nigerian officials maintain that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, have made no distinction between Christians and Muslims in their attacks with extremists killing thousands at churches, mosques, and villages alike. Beyond religious sectarianism, Nigerian authorities emphasize that the violence also stems from longstanding disputes over land and water resources between farming and herding communities. AFRICOM's Mission Gen. Anderson stressed that the U.S. mission is focused on partnership, not unilateral military action. "U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to ongoing violence and threats against innocent lives," he said in a statement. "Our goal is to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they are." The deployment represents a significant escalation of U.S. military engagement in West Africa at a time when several other African nations including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expelled American forces following military coups and pivoted toward Russia. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, is seen as a critical strategic partner for maintaining U.S. influence in the region. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (NYSE:BLX Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 233,212 shares, a decline of 44.2% from the January 15th total of 417,696 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 158,865 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 0.6% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Approximately 0.6% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 158,865 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on BLX. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior from a buy (b+) rating to a buy (a-) rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior currently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on BLX Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior News Summary Positive Sentiment: Bladex reported record profits: 4Q25 net income of $56.0M (EPS $1.50) and FY25 net income of $226.9M (EPS $6.11). Management highlighted healthy margins and ROE, supporting improved earnings power and shareholder returns. Article Title Bladex reported record profits: 4Q25 net income of $56.0M (EPS $1.50) and FY25 net income of $226.9M (EPS $6.11). Management highlighted healthy margins and ROE, supporting improved earnings power and shareholder returns. Positive Sentiment: The Board raised the quarterly cash dividend to $0.6875 (10% increase) an annualized yield around 5.5% with record date Feb 25 and payment Mar 12. The hike signals confidence in capital and cash flow after a strong year. Article Title The Board raised the quarterly cash dividend to $0.6875 (10% increase) an annualized yield around 5.5% with record date Feb 25 and payment Mar 12. The hike signals confidence in capital and cash flow after a strong year. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings details and management commentary are available investors can review the official press release, slide deck and conference call transcript to check guidance, loan portfolio trends and FX/credit exposure discussed on the call. Slide Deck Call Transcript Earnings details and management commentary are available investors can review the official press release, slide deck and conference call transcript to check guidance, loan portfolio trends and FX/credit exposure discussed on the call. Neutral Sentiment: Market metrics: BLX trades at about a midsingle digit P/E (reported ~8.5), market cap near $1.9B, and is sitting above its 50 and 200day moving averages which may attract income and value investors but also reflect sensitivity to regional trade flows and macro conditions. MarketBeat Earnings Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Here are the key news stories impacting Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior this week: Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BLX. LSV Asset Management grew its holdings in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,213,835 shares of the banks stock valued at $48,918,000 after buying an additional 28,375 shares during the period. EMC Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior in the second quarter worth approximately $273,000. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior by 4.8% in the third quarter. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. now owns 122,864 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,648,000 after purchasing an additional 5,600 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior by 11.5% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 46,968 shares of the banks stock worth $1,893,000 after purchasing an additional 4,843 shares during the period. Finally, Diversified Trust Co. acquired a new position in shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior in the 4th quarter valued at $200,000. 19.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Trading Up 3.1% Shares of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior stock traded up $1.55 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $51.23. 177,609 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 150,155. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.37 and a beta of 0.83. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has a twelve month low of $31.14 and a twelve month high of $51.49. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $45.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $45.30. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (NYSE:BLX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The bank reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $88.80 million for the quarter. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior had a net margin of 27.11% and a return on equity of 15.35%. Equities research analysts forecast that Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior will post 4.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.6875 per share. This represents a $2.75 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.4%. This is a positive change from Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exteriors previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exteriors payout ratio is 40.92%. About Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (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. Read More 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. Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Friday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.703 per share by the utilities provider on Sunday, March 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a 4.0% increase from Black Hillss previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. Black Hills has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 55 consecutive years. Black Hills has a dividend payout ratio of 65.2% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Black Hills to earn $4.36 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.81 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 64.4%. Get Black Hills alerts: Black Hills Price Performance BKH stock opened at $74.03 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 1.35. The companys fifty day moving average price is $71.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $66.11. Black Hills has a one year low of $54.92 and a one year high of $75.87. The company has a market capitalization of $5.59 billion, a PE ratio of 18.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.75. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Black Hills Black Hills ( NYSE:BKH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The utilities provider reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.04. Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.95% and a net margin of 12.62%.During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.37 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Black Hills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.250-4.450 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Black Hills will post 4.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Spire Wealth Management grew its stake in Black Hills by 4,115.4% in the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 548 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 535 shares in the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Black Hills by 132.3% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 576 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 328 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. increased its holdings in Black Hills by 37.8% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 641 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in Black Hills during the 3rd quarter worth $45,000. Institutional investors own 86.71% of the companys stock. About Black Hills (Get Free Report) Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides electricity and natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Through its regulated utility subsidiariesBlack Hills Power, Cheyenne Light & Power, and Black Hills Energythe company delivers reliable energy across Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In addition to its distribution operations, Black Hills owns and operates a generation portfolio that includes natural gasfired plants, coal-fired units, hydroelectric facilities and wind projects. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Free Report) by 8.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 489,570 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 40,028 shares during the period. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC owned 0.14% of Brown & Brown worth $45,917,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BRO. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Brown & Brown by 16.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 35,625,322 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,949,779,000 after acquiring an additional 5,124,203 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Brown & Brown during the 2nd quarter valued at $433,740,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Brown & Brown by 13.4% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 15,416,190 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,445,888,000 after purchasing an additional 1,821,229 shares during the period. Boston Partners purchased a new position in shares of Brown & Brown in the second quarter worth approximately $171,163,000. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in Brown & Brown by 11.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,460,821 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,381,531,000 after purchasing an additional 1,262,139 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.01% of the companys stock. Get Brown & Brown alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes BRO has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Brown & Brown from $82.00 to $78.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on Brown & Brown from $88.00 to $81.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Brown & Brown from $83.00 to $82.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Brown & Brown in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fifteen have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $90.36. Brown & Brown Price Performance Shares of Brown & Brown stock opened at $68.47 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $77.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $85.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 1-year low of $65.68 and a 1-year high of $125.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.40, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.79. Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 26th. The financial services provider reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. Brown & Brown had a return on equity of 12.93% and a net margin of 17.84%.The firms revenue was up 35.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.86 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year. Brown & Brown Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 4th were paid a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 4th. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. Brown & Browns payout ratio is presently 20.63%. Brown & Brown Company Profile (Free Report) Brown & Brown, Inc (NYSE: BRO) is a professional insurance brokerage and risk advisory firm that provides a broad range of property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, and specialty insurance products. The company works with commercial, public sector and individual clients to design and place insurance programs, manage claims and loss control, and deliver risk management consulting. Its services also include wholesale brokerage, program administration and other specialty distribution solutions that connect carriers and intermediaries to niche markets. Brown & Brown operates through a decentralized model of operating units and subsidiaries, enabling local client service with the scale to access national and specialty markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) insider Trevor Wagil sold 14,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$49.96, for a total transaction of C$724,420.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 14,779 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$738,358.84. This represents a 49.52% decrease in their position. Trevor Wagil also recently made the following trade(s): Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: On Wednesday, December 24th, Trevor Wagil sold 2,469 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$45.19, for a total transaction of C$111,574.11. Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance TSE CNQ traded up C$0.96 on Friday, hitting C$55.39. The stock had a trading volume of 3,877,198 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,414,168. The companys 50-day moving average is C$47.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$45.43. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a one year low of C$34.92 and a one year high of C$55.50. The stock has a market cap of C$115.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.79. Analyst Ratings Changes Canadian Natural Resources ( TSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (NYSE:CNQ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.86 EPS for the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 19.14% and a net margin of 21.25%.The firm had revenue of C$9.52 billion for the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 3.833989 earnings per share for the current year. CNQ has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$53.00 to C$54.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. Gerdes Energy Research lowered Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Evercore cut Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to a hold rating and set a C$50.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from C$62.00 to C$61.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, National Bank Financial lifted their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from C$47.00 to C$54.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$54.40. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNQ About Canadian Natural Resources (Get Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources is one of the largest oil and natural gas producers in western Canada, supplemented by operations in the North Sea and Offshore Africa. The companys portfolio includes light and medium oil, heavy oil, bitumen, synthetic oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas. Production averaged 1.16 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, and the company estimates that it holds over 11.5 billion boe of proven and probable crude oil and natural gas reserves. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cochlear (ASX:COH) executives told investors the companys first-half performance was shaped by the global rollout of its Nexa cochlear implant platform, which management described as a very successful launch that nevertheless contributed to a shortfall versus internal expectations due to timing, contracting, and software installation delays. Get alerts: CEO and President Dig Howitt said first-half sales revenue declined 2% in constant currency, with underlying net profit of AUD 195 million. He attributed the miss to the pace of Nexa implementation and the timing of price increases, noting the company does not expect to fully recover the first-half shortfall in the second half. Nexa rollout: strong adoption, but timing weighed on first-half results Howitt said Nexas launch required broad operational changes, including manufacturing process adjustments, distribution changes, and the installation of new software across clinics globally. While approvals in Western Europe and parts of Asia-Pacific enabled shipments early in the half, other regions came later. He said the UK rollout was delayed because the new software got stuck in a queue in the NHS, and the US only began shipping after FDA approval in early July and subsequent contracting, resulting in about four months of Nexa sales during the half. The company pursued price increases in markets where reimbursement systems allow for new-technology pricing, but management said negotiations often occur hospital-by-hospital, including in Germany and the US. Howitt said the company achieved the targeted price increases, though in some cases it took longer than expected. He also noted competitive responses during negotiations, including discounts for bulk purchases by competitors, which contributed to some short-term market share losses on a hospital-by-hospital basis. Despite those challenges, management highlighted several indicators of traction: By December, over 80% of developed market sales were Nexa, with further increases expected as additional country registrations and contracts are completed. In November and December, Cochlear implant unit sales in key developed markets increased 10% year-over-year, which Howitt described as evidence of Nexas impact once installed. The company achieved a low single-digit overall price increase, with Howitt noting that higher increases were sought in certain markets but not achievable everywhere. Howitt said developed markets were a little bit up while emerging markets posted good volume growth but lower revenue due to Chinas volume-based pricing (VBP), resulting in overall cochlear implant sales down 2% in constant currency for the half. Segment performance: services grew in developed markets; acoustics hit by competition Management said the services business performed in line with expectations, with developed markets up 4% in constant currency. Howitt attributed growth to strengthened digital marketing, improved targeting of upgrade-eligible recipients, messaging around Nucleus 8 (including waterproofing), and the launch of Kanso 3. He said the second half is expected to be stronger, driven in part by the retirement of Nucleus 7 in the US, adding that inquiries about upgrades have risen in recent weeks. In acoustics, sales declined 3% in constant currency. Howitt said underlying market growth remained strongparticularly for Osia in Western Europe and Australiabut a competitor product launched about 12 months earlier began to affect share, especially in the US and UK. He said Cochlear remains confident in Osias hearing outcomes and MRI indications and expects to regain share over time, alongside market growth and upgrades supported by the availability of Baha 7. Margins, spending, and balance sheet: mix shift and launch costs pressured gross margin Finance executive Sarah said gross margin declined two points to 73%, which she said was largely expected. She cited three primary drivers: Mix shift toward lower-margin emerging markets, including the ongoing effect of China VBP. toward lower-margin emerging markets, including the ongoing effect of China VBP. Nexa launch costs , with higher initial cost of goods sold expected to improve as volumes rise and the company moves up the experience curve. , with higher initial cost of goods sold expected to improve as volumes rise and the company moves up the experience curve. Chengdu facility ramp-up, which she said will remain a small headwind for another year or so. Operating expenses declined 2% as the company continued to invest in growth initiatives and R&D but deliberately phased some costs into the second half to align with the revenue weighting, and cycled prior-year one-off projects. She reported an underlying net profit margin of 17%. Below the line, Sarah highlighted AUD 24 million of cloud computing-related expenses reported as a significant item, and fair value losses on investments of AUD 9.6 million related to Soluta following its listing in December. On the balance sheet, Sarah said working capital increased AUD 48 million, driven mainly by fairly conservative safety stock during the rollout of Nexa, Kanso 3, and Baha 7, and additional inventory in anticipation of a big second half. She said inventory is expected to moderate in the second half. Net cash decreased AUD 103 million due to working capital, a AUD 34 million cloud investment, higher tax payments due to timing, and first-half bonus payments. Capital expenditure totaled AUD 40 million for expansion in the Leaden Cove and Malaysia facilities. Outlook: guidance shifts to the lower end; FX a key variable Howitt said Cochlear now expects to land at the lower end of its original guidance range of AUD 435 million to AUD 460 million (prior to currency effects), citing the first-half shortfall and the view that it will not be fully made up in the second half. He reiterated expectations for stronger second-half performance across cochlear implants and services and anticipated some lift in acoustics. Foreign exchange remains a significant swing factor. Howitt said if the Australian dollar stays near current spot rates, the impact would be approximately a AUD 30 million net profit hit across the second half. Management provided sensitivity metrics: roughly AUD 3 million per one-cent move against the US dollar and AUD 4 million per one-cent move against the euro for the half, reflecting hedging coverage. Howitt also clarified that the companys hedging program is designed to partially hedge cash flow repatriation rather than fully hedge net profit. Strategy: cloud migration, R&D restructure, and seniors growth efforts Howitt said Cochlear has been undertaking restructuring across the company, with the costs taken through operating expenses rather than treated as separate restructuring charges. He described three strategic focus areas: Cloud transition , including aligned processes and data architecture to improve scalability and enable future AI use cases. , including aligned processes and data architecture to improve scalability and enable future AI use cases. R&D reorganization into a more modular structure to improve accountability and ensure capability concentrations for future technology development. into a more modular structure to improve accountability and ensure capability concentrations for future technology development. Growth programs targeted at adults and seniors, including experiments to expand referrals from the medical channel and new messaging on cognition and hearing loss, supported by independent study results discussed on the call. In Q&A, Howitt said referrals from hearing aids were a little bit softer during the half, potentially consistent with slower hearing aid unit growth, while direct-to-consumer efforts showed good progress. He also said pediatric developed market volumes were broadly flat, with some unexpected declines in certain areas including the US. Howitt added that the companys share losses tied to Nexa contracting were viewed as short-term, and said the company remains focused on driving sustainable market growth over time. About Cochlear (ASX:COH) Cochlear Limited provides implantable hearing solutions for children and adults worldwide. It offers cochlear implant systems, sound processor upgrades, bone conduction systems, accessories, and other products. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Further Reading FX Alliance (OTCMKTS:FXAI Get Free Report) and P10 (NYSE:RPC Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, earnings, dividends and risk. Insider and Institutional Ownership 48.1% of P10 shares are owned by institutional investors. 11.5% of P10 shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get FX Alliance alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for FX Alliance and P10, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score FX Alliance 0 0 0 0 0.00 P10 0 1 1 1 3.00 Valuation & Earnings P10 has a consensus price target of $11.00, indicating a potential upside of 26.44%. Given P10s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe P10 is more favorable than FX Alliance. This table compares FX Alliance and P10s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio FX Alliance N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A P10 $297.35 million 3.22 $18.70 million ($2.89) -3.01 P10 has higher revenue and earnings than FX Alliance. Profitability This table compares FX Alliance and P10s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets FX Alliance N/A N/A N/A P10 6.86% 26.05% 11.01% Summary P10 beats FX Alliance on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About FX Alliance (Get Free Report) FX Alliance Inc. (FX Alliance) is a provider of electronic foreign exchange trading solutions, with over 1,000 institutional clients worldwide. The Company provides institutional clients with around-the-clock direct access, five days per week, to the foreign exchange (FX) market. The Companys technology platform enables it to deliver FX price discovery, trade execution and automation of pre-trade and post-trade transaction workflow. Its suite of electronic FX trading products, including FX spot, FX forwards, FX swaps and non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) are used by asset managers, banks, broker-dealers, corporations, hedge funds, prime brokers and other institutions worldwide. FX Alliances platform supports the over-the-counter (OTC), trading of gold and silver on a spot, forward or swap basis and provides access to bank deposits. About P10 (Get Free Report) P10, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-asset class private market solutions provider in the alternative asset management industry in the United States. The company offers private equity, venture capital, private credit, impact investing, and private credit services, as well as primary fund of funds, secondary investment, and direct and co-investments services. It also provides tax credit transaction and consulting services. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for FX Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FX Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Constellation Software Inc. (OTCMKTS:CNSWF Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. A number of equities research analysts recently commented on CNSWF shares. Desjardins upgraded Constellation Software to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research cut Constellation Software from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce restated an outperform rating on shares of Constellation Software in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Get Constellation Software alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Constellation Software Constellation Software Trading Up 2.7% About Constellation Software Shares of Constellation Software stock opened at $1,737.54 on Tuesday. Constellation Software has a 12-month low of $1,612.70 and a 12-month high of $3,998.72. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $2,166.54 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2,623.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01. (Get Free Report) Constellation Software is a diversified software company that acquires, manages and builds mission-critical software businesses serving a wide range of specialized industries. Its primary focus is on vertical market software, delivering tailored solutions for sectors such as public transit, healthcare, utilities, construction and hospitality. Through its decentralized operating model, Constellation harnesses the expertise of individual business units to develop, implement and support software products that address specific customer needs. Founded in 1995 by Mark Leonard and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Constellation Software has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Donnelley Financial Solutions (NYSE:DFIN Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 817,766 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 227% from the previous sessions volume of 250,047 shares.The stock last traded at $39.07 and had previously closed at $38.41. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on DFIN shares. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $57.00 price objective on shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. CJS Securities upgraded Donnelley Financial Solutions to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Donnelley Financial Solutions from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $61.50. Get Donnelley Financial Solutions alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Donnelley Financial Solutions Donnelley Financial Solutions Trading Up 1.6% Hedge Funds Weigh In On Donnelley Financial Solutions The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $48.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.56. The firm has a market cap of $1.04 billion, a PE ratio of 37.17 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions by 2.7% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,867,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,032,000 after buying an additional 49,875 shares during the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its stake in shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions by 8.0% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 1,237,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,634,000 after buying an additional 91,494 shares in the last quarter. Simcoe Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Donnelley Financial Solutions by 14.4% during the 3rd quarter. Simcoe Capital Management LLC now owns 1,187,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,057,000 after purchasing an additional 149,455 shares during the period. Shapiro Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions by 33.1% in the third quarter. Shapiro Capital Management LLC now owns 711,366 shares of the companys stock worth $36,586,000 after buying an additional 176,720 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Westwood Holdings Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,603,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.84% of the companys stock. Donnelley Financial Solutions Company Profile (Get Free Report) Donnelley Financial Solutions (NYSE:DFIN) offers risk and compliance software and managed services designed to help corporations, financial institutions and legal firms meet regulatory and reporting requirements worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, the company delivers a cloud-based platform for regulatory filings, content automation, virtual data rooms and board communications. Its solutions are tailored to support public companies with SEC, FCA and other global filing obligations, as well as banks, asset managers and credit unions seeking to streamline compliance workflows. Among DFINs flagship products is ActiveDisclosure, a SaaS application that automates the creation, review and filing of disclosure documents. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Donnelley Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Donnelley Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. E.On Se (OTCMKTS:EONGY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Saturday . The stock traded as high as $22.10 and last traded at $22.08, with a volume of 83289 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $21.79. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EONGY has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America cut shares of E.On from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered E.On from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Zacks Research downgraded E.On from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Berenberg Bank lowered E.On from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of E.On in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Get E.On alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on E.On E.On Stock Up 1.3% The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.70 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.67 billion, a PE ratio of 18.10, a P/E/G ratio of 5.78 and a beta of 0.80. E.On (OTCMKTS:EONGY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The utilities provider reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $18.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.43 billion. E.On had a return on equity of 11.86% and a net margin of 3.61%. Analysts forecast that E.On Se will post 1.16 EPS for the current year. E.On Company Profile (Get Free Report) E.ON SE is a Germany-based energy company headquartered in Essen that focuses on energy networks and customer solutions. The company owns and operates electricity and gas distribution networks, supplies energy to residential and commercial customers, and develops services and technologies aimed at energy efficiency, decentralised generation and electrification. E.ONs business model emphasizes regulated network operations and customer-facing services rather than large-scale conventional power generation. Key offerings include grid operation and maintenance, retail supply of electricity and gas, energy contracting and efficiency solutions for business customers, and a range of digital services such as smart metering, energy management and e-mobility charging infrastructure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for E.On Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for E.On and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 9,324,075 shares, a growth of 35.6% from the January 15th total of 6,875,997 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,954,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.9 days. Based on an average daily volume of 4,954,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.9 days. Institutional Trading of Gold Fields Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Gold Fields in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Country Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Gold Fields in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 47.1% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 853 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Gold Fields by 672.1% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,552 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,351 shares during the period. Finally, Archer Investment Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the 3rd quarter worth about $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 24.81% of the companys stock. Get Gold Fields alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Gold Fields in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Gold Fields from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Gold Fields from $50.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Gold Fields from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have given 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 an average price target of $44.00. Gold Fields Stock Up 4.8% Shares of GFI traded up $2.51 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $54.66. The company had a trading volume of 2,740,094 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,031,297. Gold Fields has a 1-year low of $17.64 and a 1-year high of $61.64. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $48.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $41.49. About Gold Fields (Get Free Report) Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) is a Johannesburgbased gold mining company that operates as an international producer of gold. Listed on multiple exchanges and traded in the United States via American Depositary Receipts under the ticker GFI, the company focuses on the exploration, development, extraction and processing of gold-bearing ore and the sale of refined gold products. Its operations span several regions, serving global bullion markets and supplying gold for both investment and industrial uses. The companys core activities include mine development and underground and openpit mining, ore treatment and refining, and ongoing exploration to replace reserves. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Gold Fields Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Fields and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harvia Oyj (OTCMKTS:HRVFF Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 26,326 shares, a drop of 20.0% from the January 15th total of 32,906 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6,581.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6,581.5 days. Harvia Oyj Price Performance OTCMKTS HRVFF opened at C$42.65 on Friday. Harvia Oyj has a 1-year low of C$40.80 and a 1-year high of C$62.00. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$48.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$46.46. Get Harvia Oyj alerts: Harvia Oyj Company Profile (Get Free Report) Harvia Oyj is a Finland-based manufacturer specializing in sauna and spa products. The companys core offerings include electric and wood-fired sauna heaters, control units, sauna rooms, stones and lighting accessories, as well as complementary bathroom heaters. Harvia serves both residential home installations and commercial markets such as hotels, wellness centers and public bathhouses, positioning itself as a full-service provider of sauna solutions. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Muurame, Finland, Harvia has grown into one of the worlds leading sauna specialists. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Harvia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harvia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barings Participation Investors (NYSE:MPV Get Free Report) and Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE:WHG Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation and dividends. Dividends Barings Participation Investors pays an annual dividend of $1.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.7%. Westwood Holdings Group pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. Westwood Holdings Group pays out 75.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Get Barings Participation Investors alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Barings Participation Investors and Westwood Holdings Group, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Barings Participation Investors 0 0 0 0 0.00 Westwood Holdings Group 0 0 1 0 3.00 Insider and Institutional Ownership Profitability 56.6% of Westwood Holdings Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of Barings Participation Investors shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 8.2% of Westwood Holdings Group shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Barings Participation Investors and Westwood Holdings Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Barings Participation Investors N/A N/A N/A Westwood Holdings Group 7.58% 8.74% 7.35% Risk and Volatility Barings Participation Investors has a beta of 0.46, meaning that its share price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Westwood Holdings Group has a beta of 0.76, meaning that its share price is 24% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Barings Participation Investors and Westwood Holdings Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Barings Participation Investors N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Westwood Holdings Group $96.24 million 1.75 $2.21 million $0.79 22.71 Westwood Holdings Group has higher revenue and earnings than Barings Participation Investors. Summary Westwood Holdings Group beats Barings Participation Investors on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Barings Participation Investors (Get Free Report) Barings Participation Investors is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Barings LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in below-investment grade, long-term corporate debt obligations which are directly purchased from its issuers. The fund also seeks to invest in warrants, conversion rights, or other equity related instruments. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against Standard and Poor's Industrials Composite, Russell 2000 Index, Lehman Brothers U.S. High Yield Index, and Lehman Brothers Intermediate U.S. Credit Index. The fund was formerly known as Babson Capital Participation Investors. Barings Participation Investors was formed on April 7, 1988 and is domiciled in the United States. About Westwood Holdings Group (Get Free Report) Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, manages investment assets and provides services for its clients. The company operates in two segments, Advisory and Trust. The Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, individuals, and the Westwood Funds; and investment sub-advisory services to mutual funds, pooled investment vehicles, and its Trust segment. The Trust segment offers trust and custodial services; and participates in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Dallas, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Barings Participation Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barings Participation Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSE:TKO Get Free Report) insider Trevor Thomas sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$11.56, for a total value of C$173,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 120,000 shares in the company, valued at C$1,387,200. This trade represents a 11.11% decrease in their position. Taseko Mines Stock Performance Taseko Mines stock traded up C$0.67 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching C$11.31. 1,004,010 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,533,791. Taseko Mines Ltd. has a twelve month low of C$2.38 and a twelve month high of C$12.47. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$9.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$6.74. The firm has a market cap of C$4.08 billion, a PE ratio of -59.53 and a beta of 2.15. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Taseko Mines (TSE:TKO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C$0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Taseko Mines had a return on equity of 16.33% and a net margin of 12.69%.The business had revenue of C$173.91 million for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Taseko Mines Ltd. will post 0.2801932 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TKO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Securities boosted their price target on shares of Taseko Mines from C$6.50 to C$12.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. National Bank Financial lifted their price objective on Taseko Mines from C$8.50 to C$13.50 in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$10.25. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TKO About Taseko Mines (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines Ltd is a Canadian mining company. It is principally engaged in the production and sale of metals, as well as related activities, including exploration and mine development, within the province of British Columbia, Canada, and the State of Arizona, the United States. The Gibraltar, Aley, New Prosperity, and Harmony properties are located in British Columbia whereas Florence copper is in central Arizona. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (TSE:ITH Get Free Report) (NYSE:THM)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$3.07 and traded as high as C$3.45. International Tower Hill Mines shares last traded at C$3.38, with a volume of 47,913 shares trading hands. International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance The business has a 50 day moving average price of C$3.07 and a 200 day moving average price of C$2.55. The stock has a market capitalization of C$882.44 million, a PE ratio of -112.67 and a beta of 1.48. Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts: International Tower Hill Mines (TSE:ITH Get Free Report) (NYSE:THM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The mining company reported C$0.00 earnings per share for the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. will post -0.02 earnings per share for the current year. About International Tower Hill Mines International Tower Hill Mines Ltd is a mining company. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company holds interests in an advanced stage exploration project namely the Livengood Gold Project. It is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska in the Tolovana mining district within the Tintina gold belt. The project property consists of land leased from the Alaska mental health trust, a number of smaller private mineral leases, Alaska state mining claims purchased or located by the company and patented ground held by the company. Read More Receive News & Ratings for International Tower Hill Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Tower Hill Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mercury General (NYSE:MCY Get Free Report) is expected to be issuing its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Tuesday, February 17th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $2.56 per share and revenue of $1.3743 billion for the quarter. Investors can check the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning summary page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. Mercury General Price Performance Shares of MCY opened at $93.34 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.77 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.45. The businesss 50-day moving average is $91.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is $84.41. Mercury General has a fifty-two week low of $47.06 and a fifty-two week high of $96.50. Get Mercury General alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mercury General Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in Mercury General by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,103,088 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $197,816,000 after acquiring an additional 23,353 shares during the period. Rubric Capital Management LP grew its position in Mercury General by 12.8% in the 2nd quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 2,054,504 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $138,350,000 after buying an additional 232,721 shares during the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. increased its stake in Mercury General by 4.4% in the 4th quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 408,116 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $38,387,000 after buying an additional 17,306 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Mercury General by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 346,343 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $22,917,000 after buying an additional 6,314 shares during the period. Finally, Park West Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mercury General in the 3rd quarter worth $23,953,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.39% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on MCY shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Mercury General in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Zacks Research cut shares of Mercury General from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $100.00. View Our Latest Report on MCY About Mercury General (Get Free Report) Mercury General Corporation is a holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that underwrites and markets property and casualty insurance products through its principal subsidiary, Mercury Insurance Company. Established in 1961, the company has built a reputation for offering a broad range of personal and commercial lines, with a focus on automobile coverage. Mercury General operates in key U.S. markets, deploying a mix of independent agents and direct distribution channels to serve policyholders. The companys product portfolio includes personal automobile insurance, homeowners and renters policies, as well as commercial automobile, business liability and umbrella insurance. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mercury General Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mercury General and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the six analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. OUTKY has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Outokumpu in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research raised Outokumpu from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 1st. Get Outokumpu alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Outokumpu Outokumpu Stock Down 0.2% OUTKY stock opened at $2.94 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $2.63 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.34 and a beta of 0.59. Outokumpu has a fifty-two week low of $1.63 and a fifty-two week high of $2.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 1.76. Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by $0.05. Outokumpu had a negative net margin of 2.55% and a negative return on equity of 3.97%. The company had revenue of $1.35 billion during the quarter. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Outokumpu will post 0.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Outokumpu Company Profile (Get Free Report) Outokumpu Oyj is a Finland-based global producer of stainless steel products and one of Europes leading stainless steel manufacturers. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company traces its roots back to mining operations established in 1910 and has, over decades, transformed into a focused stainless steel specialist. Outokumpus core business encompasses the production of high-grade stainless steel in flat and long product forms, serving a broad range of industries including automotive, construction, energy, and consumer goods. The companys primary product portfolio includes cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils and sheets, plates, strips, bars and wire, as well as tailor-made and value-added solutions such as precision-cut blanks and welded tubes. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Outokumpu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Outokumpu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 4.8% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 914,521 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after buying an additional 42,151 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $315,784,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 3.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,312,182 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $6,624,411,000 after buying an additional 675,075 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $3,837,207,000. Dodge & Cox lifted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% in the 2nd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,729,912,000 after buying an additional 4,730,192 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 6.1% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 7,502,469 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,340,346,000 after buying an additional 432,084 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,904,372,000 after purchasing an additional 1,565,245 shares during the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Key UnitedHealth Group News Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently commented on UNH. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Oppenheimer cut their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $415.00 to $385.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $400.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $408.00 to $361.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $372.13. Read Our Latest Research Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance UNH opened at $293.33 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $265.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $320.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $323.31. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12-month low of $234.60 and a 12-month high of $606.36. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.38 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 2.69% and a return on equity of 14.79%. UnitedHealth Groups revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $6.81 EPS. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 51,364,189 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 70,209 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company makes up approximately 23.8% of PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned approximately 0.05% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $39,190,876,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Steph & Co. increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the period. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 263.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 40 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Key Eli Lilly and Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.2% Shares of LLY stock opened at $1,040.12 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $1,052.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $907.31. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,133.95. The firm has a market cap of $983.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.39. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.48 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $19.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 112.50% and a net margin of 31.66%.The companys revenue was up 42.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $5.32 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.73 per share. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 26.14%. Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,290.00 to $1,313.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. National Bank Financial set a $1,286.00 target price on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, December 1st. HSBC restated a hold rating and issued a $1,070.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Argus lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $930.00 to $1,200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $1,260.00 price objective on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,218.88. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential Public Limited Company (NYSE:PUK Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,467,289 shares, a decline of 20.1% from the January 15th total of 1,836,938 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,024,705 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,024,705 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on PUK shares. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Prudential Public in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Prudential Public in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Prudential Public in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Five 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.com, Prudential Public presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Prudential Public alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Prudential Public Prudential Public Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows PUK opened at $29.51 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $31.51 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.85. Prudential Public has a 1-year low of $17.71 and a 1-year high of $34.03. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Simon Quick Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Prudential Public in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $234,000. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp increased its stake in Prudential Public by 172.1% in the second quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 52,855 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,322,000 after acquiring an additional 33,432 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in Prudential Public by 30.7% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 822,909 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $20,589,000 after purchasing an additional 193,454 shares in the last quarter. Allianz SE lifted its stake in Prudential Public by 85.1% during the second quarter. Allianz SE now owns 7,541 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 3,467 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Prudential Public by 22.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 54,043 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,352,000 after purchasing an additional 9,912 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.90% of the companys stock. Prudential Public Company Profile (Get Free Report) Prudential Public (NYSE: PUK) is the New York listing for Prudential plc, a Londonheadquartered international life insurance and financial services group. The company provides a range of longterm savings, retirement and protection products designed for individual and institutional customers. Its core offerings include life insurance, pensions and annuities, group protection, and wealth and asset management services delivered through both proprietary and thirdparty distribution channels. Prudential operates across multiple regions, with significant focus on fastgrowing markets in Asia and Africa alongside its established businesses in Europe and other international markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:GBOOY 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 21,317 shares, a growth of 37.3% from the January 15th total of 15,525 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 155,175 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 155,175 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV Stock Up 2.4% OTCMKTS GBOOY opened at $59.76 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $51.60 and a 200-day moving average price of $48.70. Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV has a one year low of $32.00 and a one year high of $62.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.23. The company has a market capitalization of $33.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.81. Get Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV alerts: Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:GBOOY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by $0.19. Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV had a net margin of 13.50% and a return on equity of 22.20%. The company had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts predict that Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV will post 4.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV currently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Our Latest Research Report on GBOOY About Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV (Get Free Report) Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, commonly known as Banorte, is a major Mexican financial services holding company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. The group operates a universal banking franchise that serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporate clients across Mexico. Banorte provides a broad suite of banking services through an extensive branch network and digital channels and maintains an international investor presence, including ADRs that trade on the U.S. OTC market under the symbol GBOOY. Banortes core businesses include retail and commercial bankingoffering deposit accounts, payment and cash management services, consumer and mortgage loans, credit and debit cards, and lending to corporate clients. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:ASHS Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 128,521 shares, a drop of 28.5% from the January 15th total of 179,811 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 23,868 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 5.4 days. Currently, 16.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 16.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 23,868 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 5.4 days. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF Price Performance ASHS traded down $0.18 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $43.50. 13,319 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 19,491. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF has a 1-year low of $24.90 and a 1-year high of $44.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.80 million, a PE ratio of 22.00 and a beta of 0.40. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $40.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $37.41. Get Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF stock. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:ASHS Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 9,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $270,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC owned approximately 0.96% of Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period. Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF Company Profile The Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China-A Shares Small Cap ETF (ASHS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the CSI Smallcap 500 index. The fund tracks a market-cap-selected and -weighted index of 500 Chinese small-cap companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. ASHS was launched on May 21, 2014 and is managed by Xtrackers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF (NYSEARCA:TOTL Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 277,824 shares, a growth of 92.1% from the January 15th total of 144,648 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 408,802 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 408,802 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TOTL. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Bare Financial Services Inc acquired a new position in SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Triumph Capital Management bought a new position in shares of SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $39,000. FWL Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC now owns 4,239 shares of the companys stock worth $170,000 after purchasing an additional 495 shares during the period. Finally, Boston Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $201,000. Get SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF alerts: SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF Stock Up 0.3% NYSEARCA:TOTL opened at $40.58 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $40.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $40.39. SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF has a 52 week low of $39.22 and a 52 week high of $40.86. SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF Cuts Dividend About SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were issued a $0.1646 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 2nd. (Get Free Report) The SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (TOTL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond index. The fund is an actively managed, long-only bond fund that invests in a wide array of fixed income instruments of any maturity and credit quality. TOTL was launched on Feb 23, 2015 and is managed by State Street. Read More Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 607,739 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 20,786 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $81,401,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 51,719 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $5,850,000 after purchasing an additional 4,755 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,768 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $648,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 310,456 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $41,921,000 after acquiring an additional 19,282 shares during the last quarter. Huntleigh Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 21.7% during the second quarter. Huntleigh Advisors Inc. now owns 20,454 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,782,000 after purchasing an additional 3,644 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Foster & Motley Inc. lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 10.7% during the second quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. now owns 4,506 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $613,000 after purchasing an additional 435 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have weighed in on ABT shares. Citigroup lowered their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $155.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Evercore cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Argus decreased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $150.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $169.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $152.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.05. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance ABT opened at $112.63 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $119.48 and a 200 day moving average of $126.40. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The stock has a market cap of $195.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.28, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $105.27 and a 52-week high of $141.23. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.50. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.72% and a return on equity of 17.94%. The company had revenue of $11.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.80 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.34 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.120-1.180 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.550-5.800 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th were given a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 67.74%. Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks bought 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $108.73 per share, for a total transaction of $1,087,300.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 6,738,817 shares in the company, valued at approximately $732,711,572.41. The trade was a 0.15% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions. In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lifted its stake in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 4.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 263,677 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 10,125 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Boeing were worth $56,909,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BA. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Davis Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing in the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new stake in shares of Boeing during the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. purchased a new position in Boeing in the 2nd quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Centerpoint Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Boeing by 62.4% during the 3rd quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 164 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.82% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Stock Up 1.5% BA stock opened at $242.96 on Friday. The Boeing Company has a one year low of $128.88 and a one year high of $254.35. The firm has a market cap of $190.80 billion, a PE ratio of 120.87 and a beta of 1.15. The firms 50 day moving average price is $228.92 and its 200-day moving average price is $219.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.19. Insider Buying and Selling Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.40) by $10.32. The business had revenue of $23.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.41 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned ($5.90) EPS. Boeings revenue was up 57.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current year. In related news, SVP Dana S. Deasy bought 554 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The shares were bought at an average price of $178.88 per share, with a total value of $99,099.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 28,442 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,087,704.96. This represents a 1.99% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Uma M. Amuluru sold 2,731 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.00, for a total transaction of $644,516.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 11,925 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,814,300. This represents a 18.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Argus raised shares of Boeing to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Boeing from $290.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Sunday, February 1st. Wolfe Research restated an outperform rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Tigress Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $275.00 price target on shares of Boeing in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Boeing from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $240.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Boeing presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $246.14. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BA Boeing Company Profile (Free Report) Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world. Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 4.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 590,853 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 25,171 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Altria Group were worth $39,032,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. CWA Asset Management Group LLC grew its holdings in Altria Group by 8.6% during the 3rd quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 335,418 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,158,000 after buying an additional 26,624 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 3,522,209 shares of the companys stock worth $232,677,000 after acquiring an additional 44,303 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 159,717,148 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,364,216,000 after acquiring an additional 1,599,923 shares during the last quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 155.4% in the third quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated now owns 31,220 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,062,000 after purchasing an additional 18,997 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter valued at $126,471,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Performance MO opened at $67.23 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $60.42 and its 200-day moving average price is $62.19. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $52.46 and a one year high of $68.60. The stock has a market cap of $112.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.36, a P/E/G ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.47. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.02 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 287.61% and a net margin of 29.84%.Altria Groups revenue was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.30 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared 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 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 103.16%. Altria Group declared that its board has approved a stock repurchase program on Thursday, October 30th that permits the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to purchase up to 1.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Argus raised shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Altria Group from $57.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.67. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO Altria Group Company Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). 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. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D boosted its holdings in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 1.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 438,415 shares of the energy producers stock after buying an additional 8,081 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $41,470,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of COP. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in ConocoPhillips in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips during the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 136.8% in the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 315 shares of the energy producers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 58.0% in the third quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 316 shares of the energy producers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas bought a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips during the second quarter worth $33,000. 82.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other ConocoPhillips news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. The trade was a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.24% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets COP has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wolfe Research boosted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Roth Mkm reissued a buy rating and set a $112.00 price target on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Argus lifted their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $128.00 in a research note on Friday. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $108.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $115.54. Check Out Our Latest Report on COP ConocoPhillips News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting ConocoPhillips this week: ConocoPhillips Price Performance Shares of ConocoPhillips stock opened at $111.51 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $98.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.21. ConocoPhillips has a one year low of $79.88 and a one year high of $112.07. The stock has a market cap of $137.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.59 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.30. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The energy producer reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by ($0.21). ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 11.90% and a net margin of 12.98%.The company had revenue of $13.86 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.35 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.98 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year. ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 18th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is presently 53.00%. ConocoPhillips Company Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 546,056 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,617 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $88,570,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the second quarter valued at $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1,677.8% in the third quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 160 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc grew its position in Philip Morris International by 266.7% during the second quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Estabrook Capital Management purchased a new position in Philip Morris International during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance NYSE PM opened at $187.35 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $142.11 and a fifty-two week high of $190.98. The stocks 50-day moving average is $167.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $162.35. The firm has a market cap of $291.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.39. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.70. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 130.95% and a net margin of 12.09%.The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.55 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Philip Morris International has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.800-1.850 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 8.380-8.530 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 80.88%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC increased their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 17th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $181.50 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $200.00 price target on Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $194.06. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Philip Morris International About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States. PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lifted its position in shares of S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI Free Report) by 3.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 110,591 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 4,059 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in S&P Global were worth $53,826,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of SPGI. Kapstone Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in S&P Global during the third quarter worth about $202,000. Snider Financial Group grew its position in shares of S&P Global by 5.8% during the 3rd quarter. Snider Financial Group now owns 5,856 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,850,000 after purchasing an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Taylor Hoffman Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of S&P Global by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Taylor Hoffman Capital Management LLC now owns 9,829 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,784,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of S&P Global by 15.8% during the third quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc. now owns 12,913 shares of the business services providers stock worth $6,285,000 after purchasing an additional 1,761 shares during the period. Finally, Lafayette Investments Inc. raised its position in shares of S&P Global by 11.2% in the third quarter. Lafayette Investments Inc. now owns 931 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $453,000 after buying an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock. Get S&P Global alerts: S&P Global Price Performance Shares of SPGI stock opened at $410.04 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $507.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $511.27. The company has a market cap of $122.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.99, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. S&P Global Inc. has a twelve month low of $381.61 and a twelve month high of $579.05. S&P Global Increases Dividend S&P Global ( NYSE:SPGI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The business services provider reported $4.30 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.32 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $3.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.89 billion. S&P Global had a return on equity of 16.56% and a net margin of 29.16%.The firms revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.77 EPS. S&P Global has set its FY 2026 guidance at 19.400-19.650 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that S&P Global Inc. will post 17.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a $0.97 dividend. This represents a $3.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. This is a positive change from S&P Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. S&P Globals payout ratio is currently 26.21%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on SPGI shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on S&P Global from $620.00 to $627.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of S&P Global in a research report on Monday, November 17th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on S&P Global from $601.00 to $482.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of S&P Global from $675.00 to $530.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of S&P Global from $657.00 to $551.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and eighteen have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $576.38. Read Our Latest Report on SPGI S&P Global News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting S&P Global this week: S&P Global Profile (Free Report) S&P Global is a leading provider of financial information, analytics and benchmark indices that serve investors, issuers, corporations and public institutions worldwide. The company operates through well-known businesses that include credit ratings, market intelligence and index licensing, as well as commodity and energy information services. Its products and services are used to assess creditworthiness, inform investment decisions, construct and track benchmark portfolios, and support risk and commodity market analysis. S&P Global Ratings provides independent credit ratings, research and data used by fixed income investors and capital market participants to evaluate issuer and transaction risk. See Also Receive News & Ratings for S&P Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for S&P Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lifted its position in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 3.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,503,184 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 83,452 shares during the quarter. Bank of America makes up 0.5% of State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Bank of America were worth $129,139,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hardy Reed LLC grew its holdings in Bank of America by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 8,787 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $453,000 after acquiring an additional 1,075 shares in the last quarter. GenTrust LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. GenTrust LLC now owns 11,339 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $585,000 after purchasing an additional 695 shares in the last quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC now owns 60,279 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,110,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the period. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank of America during the third quarter valued at approximately $232,000. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 6.5% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 6,780,890 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $349,826,000 after purchasing an additional 414,103 shares in the last quarter. 70.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Key Stories Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $56.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Argus lifted their target price on Bank of America from $58.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. HSBC increased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Oppenheimer raised their target price on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Twenty-two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $60.30. Read Our Latest Analysis on Bank of America Bank of America Stock Up 0.0% NYSE:BAC opened at $52.53 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $54.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $52.04. The company has a market cap of $383.59 billion, a PE ratio of 13.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America Corporation has a twelve month low of $33.06 and a twelve month high of $57.55. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a net margin of 16.23% and a return on equity of 11.07%. The business had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is presently 29.24%. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uhlmann Price Securities LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 2,804 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $477,000. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. Highline Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Valero Energy by 70.2% during the third quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 160 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates acquired a new stake in Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Cypress Capital Management LLC WY purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its position in Valero Energy by 145.3% during the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 211 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in Valero Energy by 1,277.8% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the companys stock. Get Valero Energy alerts: Insider Activity at Valero Energy In related news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.02, for a total value of $1,728,540.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 134,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,352,787.92. This trade represents a 6.89% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently weighed in on VLO. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Valero Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Citigroup lifted their target price on Valero Energy from $190.00 to $212.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. TD Cowen upped their price target on Valero Energy from $162.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Valero Energy from $197.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $187.67. View Our Latest Research Report on Valero Energy Valero Energy Price Performance Valero Energy stock opened at $200.16 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $61.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.77. Valero Energy Corporation has a one year low of $99.00 and a one year high of $206.77. The business has a fifty day moving average of $179.42 and a two-hundred day moving average of $167.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.60. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The oil and gas company reported $3.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.27 by $0.55. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 12.34%. The business had revenue of $30.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $28.20 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.64 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Valero Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be given a dividend of $1.20 per share. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 5th. This is a positive change from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Valero Energys payout ratio is 62.83%. About Valero Energy (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation is a San Antonio, Texasbased integrated downstream energy company that manufactures and markets transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks and other industrial products. The companys operations focus on refining crude oil into finished fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as producing asphalt and other refined product streams for commercial and industrial customers. In addition to refining, Valero has significant operations in renewable fuels, including the production of ethanol and other biofuels, and it manages an extensive logistics network of pipelines, terminals, rail and marine assets to move feedstocks and finished products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 88.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,024 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,160 shares during the period. Uniting Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $1,712,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CVX. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Chevron by 197.7% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 439 shares during the period. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Chevron in the third quarter valued at about $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 86.1% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in Chevron by 52.3% during the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 265 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Chevron in the 3rd quarter worth about $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have issued reports on CVX shares. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $174.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Chevron from $174.00 to $189.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Citigroup cut their target price on Chevron from $185.00 to $179.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Chevron from $196.00 to $204.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $212.00 price objective on shares of Chevron in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $175.00. More Chevron News Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Chevron Price Performance Shares of CVX stock opened at $183.65 on Friday. Chevron Corporation has a twelve month low of $132.04 and a twelve month high of $186.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $162.51 and a 200 day simple moving average of $157.43. The company has a market cap of $369.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.58, a P/E/G ratio of 12.35 and a beta of 0.70. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $45.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.23% and a net margin of 6.51%.The businesss quarterly revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.06 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chevron Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a dividend of $1.78 per share. This is a positive change from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $7.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.91%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Michael K. Wirth sold 320,700 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.99, for a total transaction of $52,270,893.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 14,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,355,205.50. This trade represents a 95.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider R. Hewitt Pate sold 41,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.40, for a total value of $7,256,037.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 4,169 shares of the companys stock, valued at $735,411.60. This represents a 90.80% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 793,163 shares of company stock worth $127,920,502. Company insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Chevron Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide. Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in John Hancock Preferred Income ETF (NYSEARCA:JHPI Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 115,213 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,669,000. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC owned approximately 2.17% of John Hancock Preferred Income ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. FFG Retirement Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $3,957,000. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in John Hancock Preferred Income ETF by 9.4% in the third quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC now owns 706,638 shares of the companys stock worth $16,373,000 after buying an additional 60,486 shares during the period. Meridian Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in John Hancock Preferred Income ETF in the third quarter worth about $1,284,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income ETF by 109.7% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 59,760 shares of the companys stock worth $1,347,000 after acquiring an additional 31,264 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income ETF by 261.4% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 35,756 shares of the companys stock worth $801,000 after acquiring an additional 25,861 shares during the period. Get John Hancock Preferred Income ETF alerts: John Hancock Preferred Income ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:JHPI opened at $23.24 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $148.74 million, a P/E ratio of 60.41 and a beta of 0.40. John Hancock Preferred Income ETF has a 52-week low of $21.57 and a 52-week high of $23.56. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $23.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $23.05. John Hancock Preferred Income ETF Cuts Dividend About John Hancock Preferred Income ETF The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 28th were issued a $0.0452 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, January 28th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. (Free Report) The John Hancock Preferred Income ETF (JHPI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is an actively managed fund that attempts to generate income by primarily investing in preferred securities in the US market. JHPI was launched on Dec 14, 2021 and is managed by John Hancock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority FNTA Its wider implications in North East India | Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh On 5th February 2026, the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) signed a tripartite agreement thereby establishing the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)-a special autonomous administrative arrangement for six eastern districts of Nagaland namely Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator. This arrangement devolves legislative, executive and financial powers over 46 subjects to the FNTA, while explicitly preserving Nagalands Constitutional protections under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India. The FNTA represents a significant administrative innovation, aiming to address long-standing grievances relating to socio-economic neglect and political marginalization in Eastern Nagaland. However, its implications extend beyond the territorial boundaries of Nagaland-resonating across North East Indias complex ethno-political landscapes and more connecting with with the ongoing ethnic imbroglio in Manipur. This write-up examines the possible implications, assessing Constitutional, political, ethnic, regional and security manifestations. For over a decade, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) has articulated a demand for either a new State or a significant autonomous arrangement within Nagaland, citing chronic underdevelopment, lack of representation, and deficient governance compared to western districts. The FNTA emerges as a compromise solution as it recognizes ethnic aspirations by giving local autonomy without altering State entity. This approach leverages Article 371(A)-Constitutional provision safeguarding distinct tribal customary laws, social practices, and land ownership regimes in Nagaland-to structure autonomy within the Constitutional framework of the Indian Union. North East India has a history of special Constitutional arrangements- from Hill District Councils to Sixth Schedule protections and Article 371 variants-aimed at accommodating ethnic diversities while preserving territorial integrity. Such protections are central to peace agreements and managements throughout the region. The emergence of FNTA provides multi-layered implications in the neighbouring States, Central governance models, and regional Constitutional paradigm. The FNTA may reinforce demands for greater autonomy in other States where groups feel marginalized or underrepresented. States like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh contain multiple ethnic groups with longstanding autonomy demands under Constitutional provisions such as the Sixth Schedule. The explicit devolution of power in FNTA could galvanize similar call elsewhere, potentially stretching the Centres capacity to balance autonomy with territorial cohesion. The FNTAs structureparticularly its financial autonomy and administrative powersmay shift internal power dynamics in Nagaland and influence other States in negotiating demands for fiscal decentralization and myriad autonomy. For example, States like Assam and Meghalaya, with their own autonomous districts, may observe comparative administrative powers and adjust local governance demands accordingly. Eastern Nagaland borders Myanmar and lies strategically between insurgency prone areas, making security cooperation and stabilization crucial. The FNTAs potential to reduce governance deficits could help limit insurgent movement and illegal trafficking, enhancing border stability. Such stability is significant across the North East, where cross-border insurgent ties and arms flows have already complicated internal security. The FNTA agreement signals a shift in Delhis engagement strategyfrom pure security-led containment toward negotiated political accommodation. This recalibration could influence how other States engage with the Centre on autonomy, peace processes, and development commitments. The ongoing crisis in Manipur, marked by ethno-communal violence since May 2023, remains the most destabilizing manifestation in North East India. Manipurs violencepredominantly between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communitiesprecipitated huge displacement, severe socio- economic disruption, and an extended period of Presidents Rule since February 2025. The FNTAs formal recognition of autonomy within Nagaland could be symbolically potent for groups in Manipur who perceive State structures as insufficient to protect identity or local area development. For Kuki and Naga communities, FNTA may reinforce the idea that Constitutional accommodation is achievablepolitically encouraging demands for similar devolution of power recognizing ethnic and local needs within the State structure. However, such arrangement resonances are double-edged : in an intensely fractured context like Manipur, where communal boundaries have hardened into buffer zones and de-facto borders, any perception of differential Constitutional accommodation risks fuelling competition over political space and rights. This could complicate dialogue between communities and with the Centre. A more complex phenomena may spread throughout the region. The FNTA agreement presents the Centres willingness to negotiate structural arrangements with regional bodies a governance modality that could be adapted in Manipur to bring rival groups into formal dialogue. However, such adaptation would need careful calibration to avoid territorial dissection giving unprecedented edge to one groups agenda at the expense of another. As Nagalands eastern districts assume administrative responsibilities, Central security resources may be redirected towards stabilizing other flashpoints, notably in Manipur. This rebalancing of federal attention could ease the local/regional socio-political strain thereby bringing about equity and fairness. The FNTA underscores the Indian States attempt to balance tribal ethnic autonomy with National integration. In a region where grievances and feeling of neglect often echoe marginalization or step motherly treatment, giving voice and power through structured autonomy can appease emotions often led to revolt and violence. The devolution of 46 subjects including health, education, and infrastructure to the FNTA reflects a belief that localized governance and development are key to long-term peace and communal harmony. If successful, this model could be a blessing for multi-ethnic conflict infested Manipur. Yet, the politics of granting autonomy carries inherent risks because ethnic expectations may escalate; and groups left out of negotiated settlements could resort to agitation for a prospective autonomy. Without a comprehensive regional strategy align with the national perspective fragmentation policy for buying peace among or between the warring ethnic groups may be counterproductive in the long run. The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority represents a historic accommodation of long-standing ethnic communities aspirations within the Constitutional framework of the Indian Union. However, its implications extend beyond Nagaland as it encourages autonomy politics, ethnic security calculation, and novel governance model across North East India. In the context of looming crisis in Manipur, the FNTA highlights the importance of inclusive dialogues, tailored-made administrative arrangements, and peaceful co-existential development model. Yet, the broader challenge remains - to manage ethnic specific expectations and at the same time maintain territorial cohesion in a region where parochialism collides with Constitutional and political edifice of the country. Noting steps taken up after Feb 4 Small but significant moves | Sworn in on February 4 and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand along with his Council of Ministers appear to be taking some small steps to heal Manipur. The recent visit to Jiribam wherein the Chief Minister interacted with displaced persons of both the Meitei and Hmar communities was more than symbolic, and its significance should be seen against the backdrop that this was the first visit by the Chief Minister of Manipur to Jiribam after 2023. A significant step towards taking Manipur to the path of normalcy and an opportunity for the peace makers to capitalise upon. So far no such thing is visible, probably because the focus of Manipur was forced to be on Litan, the settlement which went up in flames following a fisti-cuff between two individuals, two persons who quickly came to be identified as a Kuki and a Tangkhul. The tragedy is, no one knows or are bothered to know the identity of the two persons by name, with everyone more than satisfied with identifying them as either a Kuki or a Tangkhul. The tragedy of Litan lies here. That the State Government was keen on putting Manipur on the track of normalcy was somewhat visible in the very decision of one of the Deputy Chief Ministers, Losii Dikho, to visit Litan the day after the arson started. Significantly the Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by the Ukhrul MLA and Saikul MLA, a Tangkhul and a Kuki incidentally. It was in line with the steps being taken up by the Government that the same Deputy Chief Minister visited Churachandpur, the place where the May 3, 2023 violence started and significant to note too that during the meeting with the Zomi Council, no political demands were put up before the Deputy Chief Minister. This is in line with the overtures taken up by the State Government and it was significant to note that the Deputy Chief Minister too stressed on peace and normalcy as the prerequisite for development to take place in the district. This is what should make the visit of Dikho to Churachandpur all that more significant. How the State Government takes off from this visit remains to be seen, but a beginning has been made. Again it was in this spirit of putting Manipur on the track of normalcy that the Chief Minister himself personally intervened and arranged a special flight at Imphal to take out ailing Vungzagin Valte for further medical treatment. This was a humane gesture and something which would have gone down well with people on either side of the clash divide. Early days yet, but the steps taken up so far is encouraging and one hopes the State Government continues with such initiatives. Small but significant steps and this is what Manipur needs, not some grandiose announcement of over the top initiatives. The interaction with Meitei and Hmar inmates at the relief centre was not the first such step taken by Khemchand, for earlier during the Presidents Rule regime, he had gone to a relief centre sheltering Kuki IDPs at Litan and interacted with them. A move which must have gone down well with the BJP leaders at Delhi and which probably could have tilted the odds in his favour when the time came to announce the next Chief Minister of Manipur. This is now in the past and the Government will now have to think on how to take things further. Visited Jiribam. Deputed the Deputy Chief Minister to visit Churachandpur. Next in line could perhaps be a visit to Moreh and interact with the people there. Now is the time to extend all the possible co-operation to the Government and the initiatives taken so far should be noted and acknowledged. To make the initiatives taken up by the State Government appear credible and noteworthy it is important for Delhi to ensure that the Chief Minister is given a free hand. Such a move can go a long way in giving credibility to the post of the Chief Minister and such a situation can help the initiatives taken up to put the State on the path of normalcy. Give the State Government its due. Dead men tell secrets. But none so loudly and dreadfully as convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His secret files show patterns of celebrity sexual romps, financial improprieties and shady deals. These influencers sought Epsteins advice, favours and freebies, hungering invitations to his Caribbean Island resortnicknamed paedophile island by locals. Like onion, escapades peel to reveal the rotten layers of the global glitterati. Norway reels under new disclosures that compromise its hallowed institutionsthe royal family, Nobel Peace Prize committee and foreign ministry. Prominent members trysted with Epstein well after his first 2008 conviction. Former prime minister Thorbjrn Jagland, who headed the Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, availed of loans, free plane rides and family vacations in Epsteins Palm Beach luxury villa in Floridathe white-painted den of black sin where underaged girls were abused. Star ambassador Mona Juul and her ambitious husband Terje Rd-Larsen helped craft the 1994 Oslo peace accord between Israel and Palestine. Files reveal Epstein gave his chum Terje loans, gifts, Ivy League college admission for his son, donations to his peace foundation. A well-known shipowner disclosed Epstein blackmailed him to sell his Rs28 crore apartment in Oslo at half price to Terje. Epstein bequeathed $5 million each to the couples two children. Epsteins generosity to his powerful friends is self-evident, but what they did for him is cloaked in secrecy. Following these disclosures, Terje suffered multiple strokes. Epstein and princess Mette-Marit | AFP, AP Former Norwegian foreign minister and current head of the Davos-based World Economic Forum, Brge Brende, wined and dined with Epstein. On the menu was replacing the United Nations with the World Economic Forum an idea now replaced by Trumps Board of Peace. Conspiracy theorists claim Trump green-signalled the revelations to punish Norway for denying him the Nobel Prize. Most damaging are secrets involving Epstein and crown princess Mette-Marit, 52, Norways queen-in-waiting, who is mentioned over a thousand times in the files. An unwed mother with a controversial past, Mette-Marits marriage to crown prince Haakon was spun as the modernisation of the monarchy. Its more dysfunctional than modern. Her former lover was among Norways first convicted cocaine traffickers. Her son from this relationship, Marius, 29, is an accused serial sex offender. He is currently in jail, undergoing trial for 38 charges including rape, violence and drug offences. If convicted, he could get 15 years. A common friend, Boris Nikolic, introduced Mette-Marit to Epstein, describing the crown princess as twisted:) not a typical royalty. The files reveal crown princess soliciting Epsteins advice whether it would be appropriate for her to gift her then 15-year-old son wall posters of naked women. She advised Epstein, Paris is for adultery, Scandinavia for finding wives. Exchanging coquettish sms, she addressed Epstein, Dearest, saying, I miss my crazy friend and Are you coming over to see me soon? adding What do you have to do besides seeing me? Holidaying in Epsteins Florida villa, enjoying sushi, shopping and steam baths, Mette-Marit exulted, I havent felt so much peace in a long time. Now she expresses deep regret for her friendship with Epstein, saying their exchange does not represent the person I want to be. Norwegian media gleans that Russian intelligence sought access to Epsteins network. A Russian woman linked to the Federal Security Service, Russias intelligence agency, requested Epstein for two inappropriate photos, shortly after the crown princess vacationed in his villa. Nearly half of Norways population now say Mette-Marit is unfit to be queen. Alive, Epstein was the spider in a dark world-wide-web. In death, his sticky spider web threads that trap prey, curl into nooses, garrotting his high-flying friends. One by one. Pratap is an author and journalist. Across India, families are discovering a simple truth that our hospitals have always known. Recovery does not belong only to the ICU or the ward. It often continues in familiar spaces where people feel safe, supported and seen. Every day, patients ask their physicians the same question: When can I go home? This longing carries emotional comfort and clinical wisdom. Healing gathers strength when people return to their own rhythms and are surrounded by those who give them courage. Yet, conventionally, our health system treated the home as the place where medical care ends. The traditional model assumed that care was confined to hospital walls. India faces a steady rise in non-communicable diseases, a rapidly ageing population, and increasing pressure on hospital capacity. Responding to this reality requires us to recognise the home as a vital part of the continuum of care. The scale of this need is significant. Each year, over three per cent of Indias population is hospitalised. Nearly one-fifth of these patients require continuity of care beyond discharge for safe recovery. Yet, less than one per cent receives structured, formal home-based care. This gap between need and access represents not only a clinical risk, but also a systemic inefficiency that health care policy can no longer overlook. Many health care needs can now be managed safely at home through structured oversight, trained professionals and dependable digital systems. This shift is already visible across the patient journeyfrom home sample collection to specialised physiotherapy sessions, doctor visits at home, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Even patients with acute and chronic illnesses often recover better when supported at home through monitoring, nursing and medical supervision. Families experience less strain. Patients sleep better and regain strength with greater confidence. Hospitals, in turn, can focus more effectively on high-acuity care. Most important, overall health care delivery costs come down, making care more accessible and affordable while improving clinical outcomes. Despite these advantages, Indias home health care ecosystem remains largely fragmented. While the domestic homecare market is among the fastest-growing health care segments, only about two per cent of it is organised. The absence of uniform standards, accreditation pathways and regulatory oversight bears the risk of uneven quality at precisely the moment when demand is accelerating. Across the developed world, health systems have embraced home-based care as a core part of service delivery, as digital innovation has changed what is possible. Remote monitoring, electronic medical records, clinical decision engines and virtual consultations now allow specialists to remain connected with patients regardless of geography. A living room can become a safe extension of a step-down unit when supported by trained nurses and intelligent systems. Families no longer feel alone once discharge papers are signed. They remain connected to care teams who understand their journey and respond quickly to change. This transformation has brought new clarity to our mission, and Apollos Homecare offering has carried this principle into millions of homes. Over more than a decade, it has supported over 10 lakh patients, delivered outcomes aligned with global benchmarks, and demonstrated that structured pathways can achieve consistently low re-admissions and stronger recovery. Each nurse, therapist and clinician who enters a home carries Apollos values of dignity, compassion, and excellence into the heart of a family, supported by a proprietary technology backbone. As India advances toward value-based care and universal health coverage, home health care offers a powerful convergence of affordability, outcomes and patient dignity. The future of Indian health care will not be defined only by hospitals and technology, but by our ability to extend trust, compassion and clinical excellence beyond institutional walls. Hence, strengthening home health care today allows recovery to continue where patients are at ease and supported, transforming the home into a place where healing is not merely supervised, but deeply sustained. Dr Preetha Reddy is Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. After a hiatus of almost fifteen years, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are set to be restarted. This indicates a structural shift in how both India and the GCC states visualise each other in an evolving global economic order. On February 5, 2026, India and the GCC signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in New Delhi to formally initiate the talks, which had been suspended since 2011. Before this, preliminary talks happened in the years, 2006 and 2008, but were deferred. The GCC states represent one of Indias most important economic corridors. The announcement also fits Indias recent shift in its Gulf trade strategy, which already includes a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a newly signed CEPA with Oman. Indias exports to the GCC reached about US$57 billion in the FY 20242025, while imports were about US$122 billion, indicating the GCCs cardinal role in Indias energy, metals, and downstream supply chains. For sure, energy remains central to this trade, with the Gulf fulfilling more than half of Indias crude oil requirements and a substantial portion of its LNG imports. However, what makes this revival of FTA talks significant is that the relationship is no longer limited to hydrocarbons. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The Gulf economies are undergoing profound transformation under sustained diversification programs like Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, UAEs Vision 2071, Qatars National Vision 2030, Omans Vision 2040, Kuwaits New Kuwait 2035 and Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. These plans aim to reduce dependency on income from oil trade by expanding manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, tourism, fintech, and digital services. Amidst all this, India is trying to position itself as a global manufacturing hub and a trusted supply-chain alternative amid geopolitical fragmentation. This convergence points to the fact that while the Gulf states seek markets, skilled human resources, and industrial collaboration, India looks for capital inflows, energy stability, and deeper integration into Middle Eastern production networks. The earlier round of FTA negotiations, initiated in the mid-2000s, stalled primarily over market access concerns, tariff structures, and regulatory standards. In contemporary times, the economic landscape has changed dramatically. India has already concluded comprehensive trade agreements with the UAE and Australia and has expanded negotiations with the UK and the EU. The Gulf states have also initiated deepening of ties with Asian countries, reflecting a pragmatic, trade-first orientation. In this context, reviving the IndiaGCC FTA fits in Indias geoeconomic calculus. Both sides recognise that supply chains are being reconfigured, and waiting on political certainties is no longer viable. This reset also comes at a time when global trade fragmentation is increasing. As supply chains are being reconfigured due to geopolitical contestations, sanctions, and strategic decoupling, states are prioritising trusted trade partners and regional corridors. In this context, closer IndiaGCC economic alignment reflects a pragmatic effort to hedge against uncertainty and secure resilient trade and investment networks. The Gulf states are also exercising a multi-alignment policy by maintaining strategic partnerships with the United States, expanding economic ties with China, and deepening engagement with India. The trade policy has become a balancing tool. The FTA negotiations are also closely linked to connectivity ambitions. The case in point being the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). Even though IMEC is still in early conceptual stages, it reflects a shared vision of trade corridors bypassing the conflict-prone chokepoints. An FTA framework would complement such connectivity projects by harmonising bureaucratic procedures, reducing tariffs, and aligning regulatory standards. However, there are challenges for the successful completion of this FTA. Agriculture, migration of labour, services liberalisation, and investment protection clauses are likely to be contentious. Gulf countries may seek greater labour flexibility and easier capital mobility, while India will push for market access in services and skilled migration pathways. Balancing these interests will require political will beyond technical negotiations. In all of this, the timing is strategic. As Gulf states recalibrate their regional equations that are evident in rapprochement efforts between rival states and a growing emphasis on economic cooperation, trade has emerged as a stabilising mechanism. For India, strengthening economic interdependence with the GCC states also reduces vulnerability to energy shocks and embeds New Delhi more deeply into regional value chains. The revival of FTA talks, therefore, reflects a broader reality. Economic diversification, trade corridors, and investment flows are increasingly shaping alignments. In all of this, geoeconomics is not replacing geopoliticsbut it is moderating it. If successfully concluded, the IndiaGCC FTA could mark a decisive shift from a relationship historically defined by oil and remittances to one anchored in industrial collaboration, supply-chain integration, and strategic economic interdependence. The author is an assistant professor at Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Amity University, NOIDA. The United States has intensified its military campaign against Islamic State targets in Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike, a sustained air offensive aimed at degrading the groups operational capabilities. According to the US Central Command, American forces carried out ten strikes between February 3 and February 12, targeting more than 30 Islamic State locations. The latest operations followed a series of earlier strikes between January 27 and February 2, targeting communication sites and supply nodes. The renewed campaign was launched in response to a deadly ambush on December 13, near Palmyra, in which Islamic State militants attacked American and Syrian forces. Two US soldiers, Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, were killed in the assault, along with a civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat. The attack underscored the groups continued ability to mount lethal operations despite years of territorial losses. Over two months of targeted actions, CENTCOM reports that more than 50 Islamic State operatives have been killed or captured and over 100 infrastructure targets destroyed. The objective, officials say, is not only to eliminate fighters but to disrupt the networks that enable the group to regenerate. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Even as American air power degrades physical assets, concerns are mounting over the Islamic States efforts to destabilise Syrias fragile political transition. A United Nations report released in mid-February disclosed that President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed office in December 2024 following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has survived five attempted assassinations over the past year. The plots also targeted senior cabinet figures, including Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. The report attributes the operations to Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, assessed to be a front organisation for the Islamic State, allowing the group to operate with plausible deniability while preserving operational flexibility. The assassination attempts are aimed at generating political shock, eroding public confidence in the government in Damascus and to claim continued relevance. Although the Islamic State no longer controls much territory, it retains the intent and capability to exploit security gaps through its sleeper cells and covert networks that remain active. These developments coincide with a broader recalibration of US policy in Syria. American forces recently confirmed their withdrawal from the Al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders, a base held for nearly a decade and long regarded as strategically significant. The Syrian Ministry of Defence subsequently announced that government forces had assumed control of the site. It shows the Pentagons changing approach, reducing the reliance on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and towards closer coordination with the central government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly commended Damascus for formally joining the international coalition against the Islamic State in November. Syrian officials have stressed that their participation is political and coordinative rather than an integration into US command structures. While the realignment takes place, the fate of thousands of Islamic State detainees presents a dilemma. The US recently facilitated the transfer of more than 5,700 detainees to Iraq at Baghdads request. The prisoners, originating from 61 countries, are expected to face trial in Iraqi courts. The transfer was intended to prevent a security vacuum that could allow escapes or renewed militant mobilisation. Yet a far larger challenge persists in the detention camps housing families associated with the Islamic State. As of December, the Al-Hol and Roj camps still held over 25,000 individuals, more than 60 per cent of them children. International concern has grown over the conditions in these camps and the risks posed by radicalisation, neglect and potential unrest. Irans ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has warned the Security Council that any security vacuum in these facilities could destabilise the wider region. While expressing support for Syrias sovereignty and the new governments efforts to restore territorial integrity, Tehran has also urged accelerated repatriation of foreign fighters and their families. Despite sustained pressure, around 3,000 Islamic State fighters remain active across Iraq and Syria. Through sporadic attacks on checkpoints and patrols, they continue to remind that insurgency remains a persistent and adaptive threat. Days after the US sent its biggest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, to the Middle Eastern waters, a report has emerged that the US military is preparing for the possibility of prolonged operations, lasting several weeks. This comes as the second round of talks between the US and Iran has been scheduled to start in Geneva on Tuesday. The first round of talks between the US and Iranian diplomats was held in Oman last week in an effort to revive diplomacy over Tehran's nuclear program, after Trump built up military forces in the region, raising fears of new military action. Unlike the previous approach, this time the Trump administration has decided to go in for a large-scale operation that would be carried out if the talks fail. While the past operations focused solely on nuclear assets, the current planning includes possible damage to state institutions and security facilities of the Iranian regime. Though he has been strongly opposed to a long and drawn-out operation like in Afghanistan and Iran, which claimed thousands of US soldiers, Trump believes the Iran situation warrants it. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East According to White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly, President Trump has all options on the table regarding Iran. "He listens to a variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and our national security," Kelly said. Iran too warning of the consequences of a US attack. The Revolutionary Guards declared that any attack on the country's territory would lead to a response against American bases spread throughout the Middle East. Eyal Ofer, an expert on Middle Eastern affairs to Israeli media Maariv" that Washington's recent moves indicate a profound change in thinking in the White House and a real possibility of a large-scale military escalation with Iran. "The transfer of the Ford aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East demonstrates a change in thinking in the White House. Suddenly they introduce a fifth move: Instead of waiting until the USS George H W Bush aircraft carrier to complete the combined final training and postpones its arrival in the region for another month, they ordered the USS Gerard Ford, which has been in operational activity for eight months and was supposed to return to its home port for maintenance and rest, to sail full steam to the Mediterranean, Ofer said. "The Ford will not proceed to the Gulf. To save time, within 12 days it will be positioned south of Cyprus, and within a two-hour flight from Tehran, American air power in the region will be doubled," he added. "Trump can go down in history as a leader who finally broke the grip of Iran's radical theocracy, a regime that has constantly undermined the stability of the region and threatened global security - he must not fall victim to Tehran's classic tactics again: the 'Persian Bazaar,' endless bargaining, continuous negotiations, and deliberate wasting of time," Ofer added. Ofer estimates that the window of time for a decision is shrinking: "The window of opportunity for decisive action is rapidly shrinking. With the midterm elections in the United States scheduled for November 3, 2026, the moment of truth is rapidly approaching not this week, but very likely in the next 2-3 weeks," he added. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Pakistani government for a prisoner swap, in what it called the "second phase of Operation Herof". This comes after the BLA released 10 of the 17 Pakistan Army soldiers that it had allegedly detained, promising to release the remaining seven in exchange for Baloch prisoners. Notably, the 10 released prisoners have been identified as ethnic Baloch men who were working in Islamabad's police forces and were freed after being warned", while the remaining seven were "members of regular units of the Pakistan Army", according to Hakkal (the BLA's media wing) spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch. The BLA's hostages were tried in a Baloch National Court, where they were put on trial for various allegations levelled by the Baloch people against the Pakistan government. This includes involvement in actions against civilians and the genocide of the Baloch people. "During the hearing, the men were allowed to respond to the allegations, evidence was presented, and statements were recorded before a guilty verdict was delivered, the statement added, as per an ANI report. The Pakistan government is yet to respond, despite the BLA warning that the hostages would receive a "court sentence" after seven days of inaction. The Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan administration also killed at least 37 people in the clashes that followed, which are said to be part two of the BLA's 'Operation Herof'. #PakistanNews (baloch liberation army, , , )https://t.co/tyXCdKrSs8 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 31, 2026 The second phase of Operation Herof has been reportedly active over the past few weeks, which have seen intense violence in various parts of BalochistanPakistan's largest provincesuch as the capital Quetta, Nushki, Dalbandin, Pasni, and Gwadar. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Army even claimed that it had killed more than 200 BLA fighters in targeted offensives under Operation Radd Ul Fitna 1. They claimed that the week-long operation from January 29 killed 216 fighters after storming schools, banks, markets and military installations across the region. On the other hand, it had also said that 22 army and police personnel were killed by the BLA, excluding the deaths of 36 civilians. An Indian student at the University of California was found dead on Saturday, days after he was reported missing in Berkeley. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, from Karnataka, had been missing since the morning of February 12. His body was discovered by authorities on Saturday, though further details are still pending. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco extended its condolences, saying in a statement, "We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time." The consulate assured the family of all necessary assistance in repatriating his body to India as soon as possible. Saketh, a post-graduate student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, had last spoken to his father, Sreenivasaiah, on February 9. His roommates later informed the family that Saketh had been missing since February 12. On Saturday, the Karnataka government requested the Ministry of External Affairs to provide all necessary support, coordinate with local law enforcement, and assist the family during this challenging time. Saketh's parents stated that his housemates had searched nearby areas and, after confirming he was untraceable, filed a missing persons report with the Berkeley Police Department. Yashovardhan Singh Thakur, Assistant Section Officer (Community Affairs) at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, said earlier that Saketh's laptop, bag, and passport were recovered near the Anza Lake area. Thakur also confirmed that the consulate was working closely with the Berkeley Police Department to assist in the search and provide updates. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the Indian-origin student from UC Berkeley who went missing near Lake Anza in California, was found dead after a five-day search, which involved the use of sonar, drones and divers working for the Alameda County sheriffs office. The students personal belongings were found close to the lake near Park Hill neighbourhood. Hours after the student was confirmed dead by the Indian consulate in California, Saketh's roommate and friend Baneet Singh took to LinkedIn to write, My Berkeley roommate, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been found dead by suicide in Lake Anza near the Berkeley hills, according to police. Singh also said that he was working with authorities to fly his family to the US from India on an emergency visa. Life as an International student is tough, man," Singh said. Sreenivsaiahs mood had shifted just two weeks earlier, according to the post, and he simply stopped caring. There were no signs of anything until the last 2 weeks, when he started eating less and engaging less, only surviving on chips and cookies. Singh also said that Sreenivasaih had invited him to Lake Anza on January 21, but he was too lazy to go adding, Little did I know that would be the same place hed take his life." I didnt expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me, Singh wrote. He also recalled the last conversation he had with his roommate after saying that he found Sreenivasaiah coming back from class wearing a red bathrobe. When he asked why he was wearing a robe to the class, Sreenivasaih said, Ive stopped caring, man. I'm cold and dont care what anyone thinks of me. "He was always up to something silly," he wrote. "Now I know that he really meant it." He urged readers to connect with the friends and family instead of sitting in sorrow Sreenivasaiah was working toward his masters degree in the chemical and biomolecular engineering department, according to his LinkedIn profile. The case has been handed over to the Contra Costa County coroner's office, the Berkeley scanner reported. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's incoming prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany him, rounding up the senior diplomatic presence from India, sources in the know told PTI. Birla will be replacing PM Narendra Modi at the ceremony, who had been originally invited by Dhaka, but was unable to attend it, as he had a prior commitmenttalks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. "The Honble Speakers participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations," the MEA said in a statement. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, in Dhaka on February 17, 2026: MEA pic.twitter.com/fMHVdOfTRr ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026 "As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people," it added. The Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)which scored a historic win in the 2026 elections with 212 of the 297 announced seatson Saturday thanked PM Modi for his congratulatory message on the party's win in the polls, and said that it looked forward to engaging with India to boost peace and stability in South Asia. Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Mr. Tarique Rahmans leadership in securing the BNPs decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in https://t.co/hJAOguIvKZ Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) February 14, 2026 At a press conference later that day, when asked about ties with India, PM-designate Tarique Rahman simply declared that the "interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy. VIDEO | The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy, says BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in response to a question on ties with India. (Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/olakg8htte Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2026 This is in line with the BNP Chairman's 'Bangladesh First' policy, which mirrors Washington's 'America First' policy, and shows Dhaka's desire to recalibrate its ties with regional neighbours, especially India, Pakistan, and China. Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was obsessed with his ex-girlfriends teenage daughter and wanted to make her his bride, according to the new documents released by the US Department of Justice. According to the files, Epstein met Celina Dubin, a Harvard University-trained NYC doctor, when he began dating Eva Andersson Dubin, former Miss Sweden. Eva is now married to billionaire investor Glenn Dubin. Eva Andersson Dubin dated Epstein for 11 years before she married Glenn Dubin in 1994. The files revealed that Epstein told friends in 2014 that Celina, who was just 19-years-old at the time, was the only person he wanted to marry, according to a Business Insider report. Sources close to Epstein revealed the financier and convicted paedophile told his associates that if he ever married, it would be to Celina, despite her once calling him Uncle Jeff. However, there is no evidence of the duo having had any romantic relationship. The Business Insider says his intent was financial, and he wanted Celina to inherit his fortune, including his private island in the Caribbean and that marrying her would be a way to avoid inheritance taxes. However, a Dubin family spokesperson said they were not aware of any such remarks, which they called an offhand comment. There is no justification for dragging Celina into a public controversy she had nothing to do with, the spokesperson said. However, the files reveal that Eva invited Epstein to her Colorado home while Celina hosted her five friends. Come and visit next week. Celina will have 5 friends over, Eva wrote to Jeffrey on Aug. 14, 2010. This was two years after Epstein was convicted of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. However, the family spokesperson said the friends included four boys and one girl. Another email also showed Eva inviting Epstein to Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn in 2012 to watch Celina, then a senior, play lacrosse for Trinity High School. It was great fun, my first game, Epstein wrote to Celina, according to the new docs. Documents also reveal that Celina was close with Epstein; she exchanged hundreds of messages with him and referred to him as Uncle F. Hey, unc! Youre in the city now, right? What are you up to today? the then-15-year-old girl messaged Epstein in 2010, one year after his release from prison. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon used to discuss plans to oust Pope Francis with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, files from the DOJs Epstein library revealed. In June 2019, Bannon appeared to wto have written Will take down [Pope] Francis, to the paedophile financier. The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU come on, brother," he continues. Steve Bannon, reportedly, identifies as Catholic but was highly critical of Pope Francis due to the latter's progressive agenda. He considered the pope as an opponent to his sovereignist vision, a brand of populism which took over Europe in 2018 and 2019. In a 2018 interview with the Spectator, Bannon had called the pope as beneath contempt and accused him of siding with globalist elites. The files appeared to show that Epstein had been helping Bannon to build his movement, CNN reported. Bannon had also urged Matteo Salvini, now Italys deputy prime minister, to attack the pontiff, according to Source Material. In the text messages to Epstein, Bannon asks whether the financier has read the In the Closet of the Vatican, a 2019 book by French journalist Frederic Martel, which claimed that about 80 per cent of the clergy in the Vatican are gay. He also showed an interest in turning the book into a film after meeting the author in Paris at a five-star hotel. Bannon also suggested that Epstein be the films executive producer. You are now exec producer of ITCOTV (In the closet of the Vatican), Bannon wrote. Epstein, however dosent mention the offer in the exchange and instead asks about Banon filming Noam Chomsky, the philosopher and intellectual. Martel, meanwhile, told the CNN that Bannon wanted to instrumentalise the book in his efforts against Pope Francis. On April 1, 2019, Epstein appears to have sent himself an email, which read in the closet of the Vatican, and then later texted Bannon an article titled Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose. Bannon replies, easy choice. It is not clear whether Bannon was serious about him taking down Pope Francis. Bannon has a history of supporting right-wing Catholic organisation slike the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, which is based in Italy. He had also set up a Rome bureau of his Breitbart News, a right-wing outlet. He also wanted to set up a gladiator school for Judeo-Christian political training near the city. Those plans were blocked by the Italian government in 2021, which made Bannon furious. The text messages between Bannon and Epstein were made when the Vatican was under fire for several sex abuse scandals. Pope Francis, meanwhile, was often at odds with the Trump Administration and was a massive critic of nationalism and anti immigration agenda. Pope Leo, his successor, who was born in the United States, has also continued the criticism of the exclusionary mindset" of nationalist movements and operations by Trumps ICE. Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be moved to a high-security facility for ophthalmic care after he suffered partial loss of vision" in his right eye, according to reports. Khan, who is lodged in Adiala prison, was diagnosed after he developed a blood clot in his right eye, causing severe damage which has left him with limited vision. According to Pakistani media reports, Khan will be moved to Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, which has reserved 10 rooms exclusively for him. There are rooms, which were originally built for juvenile patients, located in the prisons administration block. Authorities will also undertake strict security measures, which include sealing the road leading to the block. No unauthorised entry will be allowed. A dedicated channel has also been prepared to move the patient safely from his room to the operation theatre. The treatment will be undertaken by the Department of Vitreo-retina, which will handle retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular diseases and retinal vascular diseases. A few days ago, Khans lawyer, Salman Safdar had visited his client in prison when Khan complained about experiencing blurred and hazy vision. Though Khan complained about this to the jail authorities, they did not take any action beyond giving him eye drops. But, despite telling the jail superintendent, no action was taken beyond giving him eye drops, Safdar said, adding that Khan had been left "visibly perturbed and deeply distressed by the loss of vision and the absence of timely and specialised medical intervention". After Safdar approached the court, the court ruled that Khan be granted access to his personal physicians in Adiala Jail and be allowed to telephone his sons Kasim and Sulaiman. According to reports, Khans prison cell had basic furniture, 100 books, two dumbbells, a prayer mat and a TV that does not work. The lawyer said that during the summer months, the room gets hot and humid with insects and mosquitoes, and that Khan suffered food poisoning two to three times during the hot months. Khan receives a helper who is also a prisoner, who washes and cleans the cell. Khan can also walk around a 12x30-foot lawn during daytime hours. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new cabinet of BNP chairman Tarique Rahman on February 17 at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza. As BNP secured the majority, India has signalled a "fresh start". Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader to officially congratulate the BNP as they led the elections. Does this signal a significant diplomatic U-turn? Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in Delhi made it clear that India wants to take a different stance on various issues in its diplomatic relations with the new government in Bangladesh. Humayun Kabir, adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, also said that Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India. Tarique Rahman-led BNP won a two-thirds majority, claiming 212 seats in the Parliament. Back in 2001-2006, during the BNP-Jamaat tenure, New Delhi's relations with Rahman were cold and distant. Former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, pointed out that the previous Awami League administration, led by former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who is currently seeking asylum in India, was "very sensitive" about India establishing contact with the BNP. "Her sensitivity is a big reason why this contact did not work out that way," Chakravarty observed. Experts believe that the diplomatic deadlock was finally lifted with the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. In the current situation, with Awami League out of the equation, BNP has emerged as the 'obvious' choice for India to safeguard its security interests and economic stakes. Despite strained ties, India has been encouraged by Rahman's recent tone. While his "Bangladesh First" policy emphasises sovereignty, Rahman has conspicuously avoided the anti-India rhetoric that characterised his earlier career. This perceived gesture, reportedly, prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to congratulate the "future Prime Minister" almost immediately, expressing "warm wishes" and confidence in his leadership. Stability is also another major factor in this new diplomatic chapter. Following the 2024 collapse of the Hasina regime, a rise in communal violenceparticularly targeting the Hindu minorityleft thousands in a state of insecurity. New Delhi now views a stable and inclusive BNP administration under Rahman as the most viable option for restoring order. This shift is underscored by Prime Minister Modis call for a 'progressive and inclusive' Bangladesh, signalling that Indias primary interest has moved from historical political loyalties to the immediate protection of minority rights and regional security. A swearing-in without Modi? Leaders from 13 nations, including India, China and Pakistan, have been invited to attend Rahman's swearing-in ceremony. However, PM Modi may not be able to attend the ceremony as French President Emmanuel Macron will be in India on February 14 for the AI Impact Summit. India is likely to send a high-ranking official, possibly the Vice President or the External Affairs Minister, to ensure New Delhi's representation at the event. There have been growing speculations about what comes next for Muhammad Yunus as his term as the chief advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh comes to an end. Netizens talk about the possibilities of Yunus continuing with politics in a constitutional position, possibly with the support of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Yunus was appointed as the Chief Advisor to the interim government after the fall of the Shiekh Hasinas Awami League government. BNP Chief Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as the country's prime minister on February 17th. Humayun Kabir, a close associate of Rahman, while speaking to NDTV, said, No ones role has been finalised yet. No further decisions have been made regarding Mohamamd Yunus either. He is interested in governing the country inclusively, and he wants to use all the talents available to him if elected to government." "There are many ways in which your expertise, your experience, your distinguished international stature can be utilised for the country. He didn't define any particular role, but post elections, at some convenient point, he is looking to consult some of the eminent citizens of the country, and as part of that, it is a norm that with Professor Yunus can have discussions," Kabir added. Shafiqul Alam, Muhammad Yunus's Press Secretary, meanwhile, completely denied reports that Yunus would take up any role beyond his term as Chief Advisor. His plan is to return to his old job. He would obviously like to spread his vision of three zeros (zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions). He travels across the world and talks about this vision. He is going to set up some new social business enterprises. He talks about it, and he has expressed his interest in working with the young people," he said "He has zero interest in politics. No constitutional role, nothing. He wants to go back. He thought he was given a very important job at a crucial time for the country, and he steered the country towards peace and stability. He has achieved most of the goals that he had set. The power will be handed over to the new government," Shafiqul Alam said. Mohammad Shahabudin is currently the president of Bangladesh. "In politics, nothing is impossible, Kabir said. "So, he (Tarique Rahman) is willing to play his best players and simply doesn't want to restrict his development vision simply serving party purposes. If there is a need and he sees somebody has the expertise, he will bring the person onboard," Kabir said. Columnist David Bergman, posted on X, said that a Yunus presidency could benefit Bangladesh. "Despite domestic criticism from certain groups, he continues to command considerable respect internationally, and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature. A domestic-focused Prime Minister operating with an internationally-minded President could be what the country needs," he said in the post. Bergman also said that there were discussions about the presidency between Tarique and Yunus. However, both Tarique Rahman's team and Muhammad Yunus's Press Secretary have denied that any such conversation has taken place. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tariq Rahman is all set to take oath as the new prime minister of the country on February 17, nearly two years after a students-led uprising dethroned the then government of Sheikh Hasina. In a deviation from tradition, the swearing-in will take place at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza instead of the presidential palace. According to reports, Dhaka has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the ceremony. There is no official word on the invitation yet. Modi is unlikely to travel to Dhaka as he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17, PTI reported. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar or Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to represent India at the ceremony. The BNP on Saturday said it looked forward to constructive engagement with India with a shared commitment to peace and stability in South Asia. Thanking Modi for his congratulatory message on partys win the recent elections, the BNP said in a post on X: "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region. Dhakas invitation to Modi assumes significance given the strained relationship between the two countries following New Delhis decision to shelter ousted prime minister Hasina. Brunos photographic compositions are shot at Long Islands coastlines, Marshlands and woodlands. One of his most recurring nightmares involves three faceless figures. Brunos photographic compositions are shot at Long Islands coastlines, Marshlands and woodlands. One of his most recurring nightmares involves three faceless figures. Nicolas Bruno was just six or seven when he woke from an afternoon nap, conscious but utterly paralysed. From the corner of my eye, a figure entered the bedroom and walked towards the window beside my bed. I tried to turn and face the figure, but my body was completely frozen, recalls the New York-based photographer. It was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with sleep paralysis, one that would terrify him, reshape him, and ultimately become the foundation of his surreal photographic world. In his early teens, sleep paralysis became a nightly affair, and that led to insomnia. Bruno started having difficulty in classes. Each night, I would be terrified to go back to sleep and face the feeling of being paralysed while an ominous figure stood at the foot of my bed, he tells THE WEEK. Sometimes, he felt that these experiences transcended into an astral projection experience, where he could leave his body and travel through his home. Bruno, now 32, thought these experiences were just some horrible nightmares, or some form of haunting. At the time, Bruno had no name for what he was experiencing, and like many people, he didnt know the science behind it. Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability to move or speak while your brain transitions into or out of the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. This stage is known to kick off vivid and dramatic dreams for all people. Mirroring himself: Nicolas Bruno Neuroscientist Dr Adam Haar Horowitz, a researcher at the MIT Media Lab and Harvard Medical School, says sleep paralysis occurs when the brain and body fall out of sync. The motor system switches off to keep us from acting out dreams, but the cognitive system is awake, he explains. That timing mismatch leaves the mind alert while the body remains temporarily paralysed. And, it could go a step beyond thatone could have breathing difficulties and chest pressure, see or hear things that are not there and even feel that they are having an out-of-body experience. It wasnt until Bruno began creating his artwork that he finally realised what he was truly experiencing. When the episodes intensified during high school, he confided in his art teacher, who helped him channel his fear into creativity. He encouraged Bruno to keep a dream journal. Bruno started recording everythingrough sketches, fragmented descriptions and the strange silhouettes that haunted his nights. A month into the journal, the characters from his nightmares began to take shape in his mind. He started experimenting with self-portrait photography, where he could not only depict the terrifying figures but also start taking control of them by creating elaborate costumes and setting up surreal dreamscapes. It became a therapeutic release to create these images and share them with the world, says Bruno. His creative process is not only a technical endeavour, but a deeply personal ritual. It begins with his dream journal, where he logs all of his nightmarish experiences. They become the blueprint for his photography. These entries will directly inform the creation of my surreal concepts, he says. He then picks up an entry and creates a refined sketch that gives an idea of how the final picture would appear. This helps him figure out what costumes he needs to sew and what props he needs to build. The next step is location-hunting, usually across the length and breadth of Long Island, New York. The final spot is fixed to match the mood of the image in the best possible way. When the weather conditions are right, Bruno hauls his camera gear down the coast to set up the scene. He props the camera on a tripod and turns on the interval timer, allowing him to take a photograph every three seconds. He then models in front of the camera in different poses. He changes his costume to become multiple models, and manipulates the environment with fog, fire and water. Once home, he begins stitching together the images to create the final photograph. This process allows me to work as an independent artist without assistants or extra models. By reliving my dreams through my photography, I regain control over each experience and create a tangible artefact that I can share with the world, he says. Brunos most recurring nightmare involves a faceless trio who appears at his bedside and tries to pull him off the bed. I feel an immense pressure on my chest and it feels impossible to breathe. They exude a terrifying negative energy that permeates the room, he recounts. To capture this surreal scene on camera, he placed an antique bed in the middle of a marshland. I submerged myself in the freezing water to become three of the faceless entities that I see in my experiences, says Bruno. Using a layering technique, I combine all the images in the photo-shoot to produce the final image. Everything that is seen in the image happens in front of the camera and no AI is involved. After seeing his works, thousands of sleep paralysis sufferers around the world reached out to him. They could relate to the content within Brunos imagery, seeing their own nightmares reflected back at them. It helped me feel less alone, knowing there were other people in the world experiencing this sleep disorder, he says. His lifes mission emerged naturally: To create surreal artwork that brings awareness about sleep paralysis so that others can learn about the disorder and get the help they need. What once paralysed him now fuels his creativity. Brunos images dont just depict nightmaresthey rewrite them. Masked faces, people in hazmat suits, swarms of bugs, invitations from the deadif any of these images popped up in your sleep back in 2020, you werent alone. People across the world had such dreams during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. The content of our dreams, much like the virus, seemed almost contagious. Harvard professor and dream researcher Deirdre Barrett was among the first to systematically track these pandemic dreams. When terms like quarandreams emerged on social media and hashtags like #covidnightmares and #quarantinedreaming trended online in March-April 2020, she launched a large-scale survey, which was later featured in her book Pandemic Dreams. What she found was a rare glimpse into how nearly everyone on earth was immersed in the same waking reality. It wasnt that our psyches were mystically connected; it was that for once, nearly everyones daily life and emotional tone were synchronised, Barrett tells THE WEEK. A dangerous, invisible virus, combined with a shared set of restrictionslockdowns, masking, social isolationproduced dream themes that were far more globally similar than usual. But why did people have longer, more vivid and more bizarre dreams during the pandemic? Barrett says it is not unusual for big global events to shake up our dreamscapes, making them more intense and emotional. She had seen a similar surge in vivid dreams in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, with people reporting visions of plane crashes, fires and collapsing buildings. During wars, dreams often featured bombs or attacks. People also dreamt of earthquakes, tidal waves, wildfires and hurricanes after the 9/11 attacks and during the pandemic. Barrett says these natural disasters are stand-in metaphors for the crisis the dreamers went through. Also, during the pandemic, as the enemy was invisible to the eye, dreamers imagined monsters, swarms, fogs and dark mistsmetaphors for an unseen virus rather than physical destruction, she says. Deirdre Barrett draws a parallel between the 17th century bubonic plague and the collective trauma of Covid-19. This 2020 artwork was later used as cover art for her book Pandemic Dreams. If you dreamt of creepy bugs crawling out of nowherebedbugs, armies of cockroaches, or perhaps a giant grasshopper with vampire fangsBarretts research suggests your subconscious might have been playing word games. Dreams could represent words metaphorically, like the use of the slang word bugs for virus. Another defining pattern involved the imagery of lockdownbeing trapped, lost or cut off from others, sometimes softened by comic or surreal twists like Zoom nightmares or endless grocery aisles with nothing to buy, says Barrett. Others feared overcrowding, contamination and failing to wear a mask in public. Death was also a common imagery. One dreamer who dreamt of a family picnic realised that the attendees were her deceased relatives. Another woman booked an Uber, but a hearse arrived to pick her up instead in the dream. People usually have trouble staying asleep during wars or disaster, points out Barrett, because of which they may not remember their dreams. But during Covid-19, most people were able to recall their dreams as they had more time to sleep. People also had spare time to journal dreams and share them with their close ones. Kelly Bulkeley was another dream researcher who identified patterns of pandemic dreams at an early stage. People were so scared and confused. Their dreams reflected very clearly these negative emotions, he tells THE WEEK. In dreams of war or terrorism, the threat is external and relatively clear. But Covid dreams reflected a sense of an unknown threat inside our communities. Instead of a foreign enemy, it was our normal daily interactions with family and friends that posed a danger. Some of the dream themes he identified were similar to Barretts. These included fear of catching the virus, worrying about spreading the virus to others, frustration at the masking and social distance requirements and anger at people with different views about how we should respond to the virus. Like the ancient Greek myth of Cassandra, who is cursed to speak truths that no one will heed, these dreams expressed peoples despair about the personal dangers of the pandemic, says Bulkeley. Pandemic dreams didnt just reflect anxieties, they sometimes shifted peoples perspectives. Barrett recounts the story of an Australian woman who had dismissed distancing rules until she dreamt of hosting an overcrowded party. A comically large number of people attendedit was so crowded I didnt realise how risky throwing a party was until later in the dream when Scott Morrison [then Australian prime minister] sent out secret agents to bust people breaking the isolation rules, the woman is cited as saying in Barretts book. Many others had hopeful dreams like discovering a cure for Covid-19. One of them saw leeches being used to cure the disease. Another dreamt that microwave transmitters were able to block the virus from multiplying. A third one saw saliva of house cats being used to treat the infection. Barrett says anecdotes from different countries reflected their specific experience. For example, people in New York City and Italy were struck early and hard by the virus. So people dreamt of invisible killers, contamination and death of loved ones. However, in countries like India, the worst Covid wave came later and these dreams werent seen much till then, she adds. Government policies also seeped into dreams during the pandemic. In the US and the UK, political conflict filtered into dreamsarguments over masks or chaotic government briefings. Chinese dreamers reported more images of surveillance, testing and the bureaucratic machinery of control, points out Barrett. Health care workers across the world shared another layer of horror. Some of their haunting dreams included desperately trying to get malfunctioning breathing tubes into people who couldnt breathe, Swiss cheese masks as protective gear and patients trying to infect them as zombies, says Barrett. For all their uncanny imagery, the pandemic dreams revealed how our inner worlds were quietly resonating with one another: the fear of contagion, the restrictions of confinement and the yearning for connection. In that shared struggle, our dreams became a kind of collective diary of how ordinary people experienced, absorbed and interpreted a global crisis, one night at a time. TwentyFour Income (LON:TFIF Get Free Report)s share price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 113.55 and traded as low as GBX 113. TwentyFour Income shares last traded at GBX 113.20, with a volume of 4,078,747 shares traded. TwentyFour Income Price Performance The firm has a market cap of 951.00 million and a PE ratio of 9.08. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 113.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 112.98. Get TwentyFour Income alerts: TwentyFour Income (LON:TFIF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The company reported GBX 6.18 earnings per share for the quarter. TwentyFour Income had a return on equity of 103.44% and a net margin of 1,552.21%. About TwentyFour Income TwentyFour Income Fund Limited is a London listed closed-ended fund which targets less liquid, higher yielding UK and European asset backed securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TwentyFour Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TwentyFour Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) insider John Kenneth Brooks sold 14,845 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$103.53, for a total value of C$1,536,902.85. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Up 0.2% TSE:CP traded up C$0.26 on Friday, reaching C$114.10. 1,222,454 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,865,318. The firm has a market capitalization of C$102.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.88. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 52-week low of C$94.60 and a 52-week high of C$115.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.64. The business has a fifty day moving average of C$102.70 and a 200-day moving average of C$103.02. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported C$1.33 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$3.92 billion during the quarter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.50% and a return on equity of 8.22%. As a group, analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 4.3438583 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$88.00 to C$86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$121.00 to C$114.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$127.00 to C$124.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. TD Securities reduced their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$116.00 to C$112.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce increased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$122.00 to C$123.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$118.62. View Our Latest Report on Canadian Pacific Kansas City Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Pacific is a CAD 8 billion Class-1 railroads operating on more than 12,500 miles of track across most of Canada and into parts of the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. It is the second-smallest Class I railroad by revenue and route miles. In 2021, CP hauled shipments of grain (22% of freight revenue), intermodal containers (22%), energy products (like crude and frac sand), chemicals, and plastics (20%) coal (8%), fertilizer and potash (10%), automotive products (5%), and a diverse mix of other merchandise. Featured Articles 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. iShares Russell 1000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWB 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 1,263,346 shares, a decline of 29.2% from the January 15th total of 1,783,158 shares. Currently, 1.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,878,215 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,878,215 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Currently, 1.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. REAP Financial Group LLC bought a new position in iShares Russell 1000 ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Highline Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 ETF in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 ETF by 75.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 91 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 ETF Stock Up 0.1% Shares of iShares Russell 1000 ETF stock traded up $0.45 during trading on Friday, reaching $373.74. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,850,748 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,581,515. iShares Russell 1000 ETF has a 52-week low of $264.17 and a 52-week high of $382.34. The firms 50-day moving average is $376.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $367.39. The company has a market cap of $46.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.71 and a beta of 1.01. iShares Russell 1000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 1,000 largest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GSEU Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 2,829 shares, an increase of 104.7% from the January 15th total of 1,382 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 13,640 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 13,640 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Trading of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in GSEU. Betterment LLC raised its position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 1,986,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $86,713,000 after buying an additional 46,922 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF by 50.3% during the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 135,041 shares of the companys stock worth $5,717,000 after acquiring an additional 45,204 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,337,000. LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 189,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,671,000 after purchasing an additional 10,517 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $313,000. Get Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA GSEU traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $48.21. 8,506 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 20,684. The companys 50 day moving average is $46.57 and its 200 day moving average is $44.51. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF has a one year low of $34.09 and a one year high of $49.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $125.35 million, a PE ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 0.91. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF Company Profile The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of developed Europe large- and mid-cap equities, with equal weights to each of four factor buckets and stocks within each bucket weighted by a factor score. GSEU was launched on Mar 2, 2016 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe 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 Europe Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE:PHG Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,674,460 shares, a drop of 37.2% from the January 15th total of 2,667,267 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 700,274 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.4 days. Currently, 0.2% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 0.2% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 700,274 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.4 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of Koninklijke Philips to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Zacks Research raised Koninklijke Philips from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Koninklijke Philips from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Koninklijke Philips from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Koninklijke Philips in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. They issued a sector perform rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Koninklijke Philips alerts: Get Our Latest Report on PHG Koninklijke Philips Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PHG traded down $0.17 on Friday, hitting $31.25. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,088,528 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,170,505. The company has a market capitalization of $30.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.23 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.32. Koninklijke Philips has a 12 month low of $21.48 and a 12 month high of $33.44. The stocks 50-day moving average is $28.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.00. Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The technology company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.20. Koninklijke Philips had a net margin of 5.09% and a return on equity of 13.68%. The business had revenue of $5.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.03 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.63 EPS for the current year. Koninklijke Philips Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 13th will be issued a $1.013 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 13th. This is an increase from Koninklijke Philipss previous annual dividend of $0.89. This represents a dividend yield of 318.0%. Koninklijke Philipss dividend payout ratio is currently 77.36%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PHG. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new position in shares of Koninklijke Philips in the third quarter worth $215,529,000. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,841,880 shares of the technology companys stock worth $76,958,000 after purchasing an additional 282,661 shares during the period. Causeway Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 5.8% in the third quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC now owns 1,958,112 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $53,378,000 after purchasing an additional 107,117 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in Koninklijke Philips by 8.1% during the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,922,551 shares of the technology companys stock worth $52,409,000 after purchasing an additional 143,811 shares during the period. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP boosted its stake in Koninklijke Philips by 6.6% in the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,725,997 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $46,740,000 after buying an additional 107,356 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.67% of the companys stock. Koninklijke Philips Company Profile (Get Free Report) Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG), commonly known as Philips, is a Dutch multinational company focused on health technology. Founded in Eindhoven in 1891, the company evolved from a diversified electronics manufacturer into a specialist in healthcare products, systems and services. Philips is legally registered in the Netherlands and operates globally, supplying equipment and solutions to hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers and consumers across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Philips principal activities center on medical technologies and personal health. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Koninklijke Philips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koninklijke Philips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (NYSEARCA:EBIT Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 934 shares, a growth of 72.0% from the January 15th total of 543 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,257 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,257 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys shares are short sold. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF Trading Up 1.3% Shares of EBIT traded up $0.48 on Friday, reaching $36.78. 34,184 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,276. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $35.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $34.06. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF has a 12 month low of $26.03 and a 12 month high of $37.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.30 million, a P/E ratio of 11.84 and a beta of 1.18. Get Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF stock. Petros Family Wealth LLC lifted its stake in Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (NYSEARCA:EBIT Free Report) by 1.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 37,311 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 629 shares during the period. Petros Family Wealth LLC owned 13.33% of Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF worth $1,253,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF Company Profile The Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (EBIT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners index. The fund tracks an index comprised of small cap companies in the US selected and weighted according to their profitability. EBIT was launched on Jul 9, 2024 and is issued by Harbor. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:CVR Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 3,144 shares, a decline of 47.9% from the January 15th total of 6,037 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,846 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,846 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days. Chicago Rivet & Machine Stock Up 4.7% Chicago Rivet & Machine stock traded up $0.63 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $13.98. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,733 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,343. Chicago Rivet & Machine has a 52-week low of $8.15 and a 52-week high of $15.18. The company has a market cap of $13.56 million, a PE ratio of -3.11 and a beta of 0.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 5.97 and a quick ratio of 3.17. The firms 50 day moving average is $13.59 and its 200 day moving average is $11.36. Get Chicago Rivet & Machine alerts: Chicago Rivet & Machine Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a $0.03 dividend. This represents a $0.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Chicago Rivet & Machines dividend payout ratio is presently -3.27%. Chicago Rivet & Machine Company Profile Chicago Rivet & Machine Co is a Chicago, Illinoisbased manufacturer specializing in the design and production of rivets, fasteners and related metal components. The companys product portfolio includes solid and blind rivets, threaded inserts, screws, bolts, nuts and washers, engineered to meet the requirements of high-precision industrial applications. Serving a diverse customer base, Chicago Rivet & Machine brings expertise in material selection and heat-treatment processes to deliver fasteners that meet stringent specifications for strength, corrosion resistance and durability. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chicago Rivet & Machine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chicago Rivet & Machine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Watsco (NYSE:WSO Get Free Report) will likely be posting its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Tuesday, February 17th. Analysts expect Watsco to post earnings of $1.94 per share and revenue of $1.6219 billion for the quarter. Investors can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET. Watsco Stock Up 1.0% Shares of WSO stock opened at $419.33 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $371.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $379.18. The stock has a market cap of $17.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.76 and a beta of 1.04. Watsco has a fifty-two week low of $323.05 and a fifty-two week high of $535.40. Get Watsco alerts: Watsco Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th were issued a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 16th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. Watscos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 93.75%. Analysts Set New Price Targets WSO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Watsco in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $370.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Watsco from $460.00 to $370.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. KeyCorp reissued a sector weight rating on shares of Watsco in a report on Friday, December 12th. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Watsco from $400.00 to $370.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Watsco from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $404.14. Get Our Latest Analysis on Watsco Institutional Trading of Watsco A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Empowered Funds LLC increased its holdings in shares of Watsco by 4.1% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 5,927 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,013,000 after acquiring an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its stake in shares of Watsco by 95.0% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 1,297 shares of the construction companys stock worth $573,000 after buying an additional 632 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Watsco by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 50,442 shares of the construction companys stock worth $22,275,000 after buying an additional 3,570 shares during the period. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina grew its stake in Watsco by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 16,258 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $7,180,000 after buying an additional 437 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Diversify Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Watsco by 12.0% in the 2nd quarter. Diversify Advisory Services LLC now owns 523 shares of the construction companys stock worth $221,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.71% of the companys stock. About Watsco (Get 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 Stories 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. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price objective increased by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$129.00 to C$136.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. Canaccord Genuity Group currently has a hold rating on the stock. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. National Bank Financial boosted their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$121.00 to C$128.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$123.00 to C$127.00 in a research note on Wednesday. TD Securities boosted their target price on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$134.00 to C$142.00 in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Desjardins increased their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$135.00 to C$139.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$127.00 to C$132.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$133.70. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CM Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Up 0.6% CM opened at C$130.51 on Thursday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of C$76.17 and a 12-month high of C$133.80. The business has a 50 day moving average of C$127.53 and a 200-day moving average of C$117.10. The stock has a market cap of C$120.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.23, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.26. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$7.58 billion during the quarter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 12.61% and a net margin of 27.87%. As a group, analysts expect that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.4127341 earnings per share for the current year. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 28th were issued a $1.07 dividend. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 29th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is 45.27%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Frank Guse sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$127.16, for a total value of C$635,800.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,359 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$172,810.44. This represents a 78.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile (Get Free Report) CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 15 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Valvoline (NYSE:VVV Free Report) from a neutral rating to an underweight rating in a research note released on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has $35.00 price objective on the basic materials companys stock, up from their previous price objective of $30.00. Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price target on shares of Valvoline in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Zacks Research raised Valvoline from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Valvoline from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Valvoline from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Valvoline in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $40.25. Get Valvoline alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Valvoline Valvoline Price Performance VVV opened at $38.52 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 57.49 and a beta of 1.19. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $32.14 and a 200-day moving average of $34.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.31. Valvoline has a 12-month low of $28.50 and a 12-month high of $41.33. Valvoline (NYSE:VVV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The basic materials company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.03. Valvoline had a return on equity of 69.71% and a net margin of 4.91%.The company had revenue of $461.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $466.87 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.32 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. Valvoline has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.600-1.700 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Valvoline will post 1.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other Valvoline news, insider Julie Marie Odaniel sold 3,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.88, for a total transaction of $102,016.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 17,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at $549,961.88. The trade was a 15.65% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Lori Ann Flees bought 4,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $30.82 per share, with a total value of $138,690.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 69,267 shares in the company, valued at $2,134,808.94. The trade was a 6.95% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 0.66% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Valvoline by 298.5% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 253,447 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $8,822,000 after purchasing an additional 189,842 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in Valvoline by 4.6% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 858,584 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $29,887,000 after buying an additional 37,657 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its stake in Valvoline by 4.5% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 487,609 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $16,974,000 after buying an additional 20,947 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in Valvoline by 15.7% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 124,071 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,319,000 after buying an additional 16,865 shares during the period. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS boosted its position in Valvoline by 5.8% during the second quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 25,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $966,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.13% of the companys stock. About Valvoline (Get Free Report) Valvoline (NYSE: VVV) is a leading global producer and distributor of automotive and industrial lubricants. The companys portfolio spans engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, greases, coolants and driveline products, all designed to help improve vehicle performance and longevity. Valvolines products are marketed under the Valvoline, Valvoline NextGen and Valvoline SynPower brand names and are formulated to meet the stringent requirements of passenger cars, light trucks, heavy?duty vehicles and off?road applications. In addition to its core lubricant business, Valvoline operates one of North Americas largest quick?lubricant service networks through Valvoline Instant Oil Change? (VIOC). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Valvoline Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valvoline and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ibstock plc (OTCMKTS:IBJHF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 230,205 shares, an increase of 91.6% from the January 15th total of 120,151 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently ? days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently ? days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group cut Ibstock from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Ibstock to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Two research 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 company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Ibstock alerts: View Our Latest Report on Ibstock Ibstock Stock Performance About Ibstock OTCMKTS IBJHF opened at $1.70 on Friday. Ibstock has a 12 month low of $1.70 and a 12 month high of $2.06. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.70 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.84. (Get Free Report) Ibstock PLC, trading on the OTC Markets under the ticker IBJHF, is a leading manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company designs, produces and distributes a broad portfolio of masonry solutions for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. Its core offerings include facing bricks, engineering bricks and concrete roof tiles, complemented by energy-efficient and sustainable building materials that address modern environmental and performance standards. With a vertically integrated manufacturing model, Ibstock operates more than 45 production facilities across the UK and North America. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ibstock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ibstock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. trimmed its holdings in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 37.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,591 shares of the companys stock after selling 19,334 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble comprises 0.5% of Shell Asset Management Co.s portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $5,008,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Czech National Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock worth $91,409,000 after acquiring an additional 21,825 shares during the last quarter. Westerkirk Capital Inc. acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,796,000. Vega Investment Solutions lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,710,000 after purchasing an additional 8,500 shares during the last quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS boosted its position in Procter & Gamble by 36.2% in the second quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS now owns 17,798 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,836,000 after buying an additional 4,730 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $7,891,000. Institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble In other news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,827 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.31, for a total value of $2,056,296.37. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 12,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,026,158.09. The trade was a 50.37% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 36,093 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.33, for a total value of $5,858,976.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 34,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,680,576.02. The trade was a 50.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 326,091 shares of company stock worth $51,795,360. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance Shares of PG stock opened at $160.11 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $372.09 billion, a PE ratio of 23.72, a PEG ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.38. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $147.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $150.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.51. Procter & Gamble Company has a one year low of $137.62 and a one year high of $179.99. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.21%. The firm had revenue of $22.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.88 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 62.67%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Raymond James Financial dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Piper Sandler started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane lowered their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.67. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Procter & Gamble More Procter & Gamble News Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. decreased its holdings in shares of RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report) by 56.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,610 shares of the companys stock after selling 21,913 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in RTX were worth $2,779,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Riverstone Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of RTX by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Riverstone Advisors LLC now owns 58,161 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,732,000 after buying an additional 1,019 shares in the last quarter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in RTX by 42.9% in the third quarter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,920 shares of the companys stock worth $656,000 after acquiring an additional 1,177 shares in the last quarter. Warner Group LLC purchased a new stake in RTX during the third quarter valued at approximately $892,000. NorthStar Asset Management LLC NJ raised its position in RTX by 6.3% during the third quarter. NorthStar Asset Management LLC NJ now owns 1,517 shares of the companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Finally, Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA boosted its holdings in shares of RTX by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA now owns 18,633 shares of the companys stock worth $3,118,000 after purchasing an additional 520 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.50% of the companys stock. Get RTX alerts: RTX Trading Down 0.6% Shares of RTX opened at $199.90 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $268.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.30, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.80. RTX Corporation has a 1-year low of $112.27 and a 1-year high of $206.48. The company has a 50-day moving average of $190.46 and a 200 day moving average of $173.71. RTX Dividend Announcement RTX ( NYSE:RTX Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. RTX had a net margin of 7.60% and a return on equity of 13.08%. The business had revenue of $24.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.65 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.54 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. RTX has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.600-6.800 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be issued a $0.68 dividend. This represents a $2.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. RTXs dividend payout ratio is currently 54.84%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on RTX. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $235.00 price target on shares of RTX in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Robert W. Baird set a $225.00 target price on shares of RTX in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $225.00 target price on shares of RTX in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of RTX in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of RTX from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have issued 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 Moderate Buy and an average price target of $199.50. View Our Latest Report on RTX More RTX News Here are the key news stories impacting RTX this week: Positive Sentiment: Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longer?term valuation. Read More. Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longer?term valuation. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect short?term headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect short?term headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 (?$1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 (?$1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares at ~$199.16 (~$3.49M). Large insider sales like these can pressure near?term sentiment even if theyre for personal reasons; SEC filing: Read More. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $199.16, for a total transaction of $3,490,677.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.30, for a total transaction of $1,637,776.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 27,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,455,632.60. This trade represents a 23.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. RTX Profile (Free Report) RTX (NYSE: RTX) is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, manufactures and services advanced systems for commercial, military and governmental customers worldwide. The company was created through the 2020 combination of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation and later adopted the RTX name, positioning itself as a diversified provider across the aerospace and defense value chain. RTXs operations span a broad set of capabilities. Its commercial aerospace businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Collins Aerospace systems, which supply propulsion, avionics, aerostructures, interiors and integrated aircraft systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pelham Capital Ltd. bought a new position in Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 123,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,841,000. Planet Fitness comprises approximately 6.4% of Pelham Capital Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Pelham Capital Ltd. owned 0.15% of Planet Fitness as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Planet Fitness by 964.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 266 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Planet Fitness by 184.5% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 330 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Planet Fitness by 6,950.0% in the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 423 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the period. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new stake in shares of Planet Fitness in the 3rd quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Planet Fitness by 131.8% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 445 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the period. 95.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Planet Fitness alerts: Planet Fitness Price Performance NYSE PLNT opened at $90.68 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.01, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.26. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $101.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $102.25. Planet Fitness, Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.44 and a 1-year high of $114.47. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on PLNT shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Planet Fitness from $108.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Guggenheim upgraded shares of Planet Fitness to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price target on shares of Planet Fitness in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Planet Fitness in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Planet Fitness in a report on Friday, January 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $122.27. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PLNT Planet Fitness Company Profile (Free Report) Planet Fitness, Inc is a franchisor and operator of fitness centers based in Hampton, New Hampshire. Established in 1992, the company designs and equips its clubs to offer a non-intimidating workout environment, often marketed under its Judgment Free Zone philosophy. Planet Fitness markets affordable membership plans and a variety of cardio and strength-training equipment, positioning itself to attract casual and first-time gym users. The company operates through a network of franchised and company-owned clubs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Planet Fitness Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Planet Fitness and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:IQI Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of 0.0631 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, February 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 7.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:IQI opened at $10.38 on Friday. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust has a 1 year low of $8.86 and a 1 year high of $10.42. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $10.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.87. Get Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust alerts: Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Company Profile (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. See Also 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. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 11.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 535,449 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 55,056 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned about 0.23% of Lockheed Martin worth $267,302,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Old North State Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Old North State Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,073 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $539,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. GS Investments Inc. raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 1.0% in the third quarter. GS Investments Inc. now owns 2,231 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,114,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc boosted its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 4.2% in the second quarter. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc now owns 567 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $263,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Collective Family Office LLC boosted its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 4.6% in the third quarter. Collective Family Office LLC now owns 527 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $263,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Partners Group Inc increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 4.3% during the third quarter. Financial Partners Group Inc now owns 555 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $277,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. 74.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Key Stories Impacting Lockheed Martin Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week: Lockheed Martin Price Performance NYSE:LMT opened at $652.41 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average is $545.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $494.21. The firm has a market cap of $150.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.36, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.05, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.09. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a one year low of $410.11 and a one year high of $656.34. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The aerospace company reported $5.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $6.33 by ($0.53). Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 6.69% and a return on equity of 108.53%. The company had revenue of $20.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.84 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $7.67 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 27.15 EPS for the current year. Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a dividend of $3.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $13.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is 64.22%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently commented on LMT. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $580.00 to $663.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $600.00 to $670.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and issued a $654.00 target price on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Lockheed Martin from $464.00 to $517.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Lockheed Martin presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $612.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Company Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops and manufactures advanced technology systems for government and commercial customers. Formed through the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and focuses on providing integrated solutions across air, space, land and sea domains. Its primary customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and allied governments around the world. Lockheed Martins product and service portfolio spans military aircraft, missile and fire-control systems, missile defense, space systems and satellite technologies, sensors and precision weapons. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its stake in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 208,469 shares of the railroad operators stock after purchasing an additional 5,572 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Union Pacific were worth $49,276,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of UNP. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new stake in Union Pacific in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in Union Pacific during the second quarter worth $31,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. purchased a new position in Union Pacific in the second quarter worth $31,000. Access Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Union Pacific in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Sagard Holdings Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Union Pacific in the second quarter valued at $33,000. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Stock Performance NYSE UNP opened at $260.55 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. Union Pacific Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $204.66 and a fifty-two week high of $265.37. The business has a fifty day moving average of $236.44 and a 200-day moving average of $228.63. The stock has a market cap of $154.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.98. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.86 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.92 by ($0.06). Union Pacific had a net margin of 29.12% and a return on equity of 40.89%. The company had revenue of $6.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.91 EPS. The firms revenue was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is presently 46.12%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently commented on UNP shares. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. TD Cowen lowered their price target on Union Pacific from $257.00 to $255.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. BMO Capital Markets set a $255.00 price objective on Union Pacific in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 target price on Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Union Pacific from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.32. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on UNP Union Pacific Company Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western two?thirds of the United States. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lifted its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 300,441 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 23,579 shares during the quarter. Mastercard makes up about 0.6% of State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings, making the stock its 19th largest holding. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Mastercard were worth $170,894,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Curio Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 22,400.0% in the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 225 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $126,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares in the last quarter. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in Mastercard by 153.6% in the 3rd quarter. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 2,856 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,625,000 after purchasing an additional 1,730 shares in the last quarter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. grew its position in Mastercard by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. now owns 309,192 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $175,872,000 after purchasing an additional 4,700 shares during the last quarter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 88.9% in the third quarter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. now owns 15,335 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $8,723,000 after buying an additional 7,215 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Global X Japan Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 3,694.7% during the third quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 9,297 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $5,288,000 after buying an additional 9,052 shares during the period. 97.28% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. TD Cowen increased their price objective on Mastercard from $668.00 to $671.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Compass Point upgraded Mastercard from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $620.00 to $735.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Mastercard from $665.00 to $678.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Mastercard has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $669.27. Key Mastercard News Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Positive Sentiment: Quarterly results/revenue beat Mastercard reported revenue and spending trends that topped forecasts, reinforcing the companys exposure to resilient consumer and electronic payments volume. This is the primary fundamental support for shares. Mastercard Incorporated (MA) Revenue Beats Forecasts as Customers Continue to Spend Quarterly results/revenue beat Mastercard reported revenue and spending trends that topped forecasts, reinforcing the companys exposure to resilient consumer and electronic payments volume. This is the primary fundamental support for shares. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades to near-term estimates Zacks raised several near-term EPS estimates (notably FY2026 and some 2026 quarters), implying improved expected earnings momentum into 2026 that can support valuation if sustained. MarketBeat MA overview / Zacks note Analyst upgrades to near-term estimates Zacks raised several near-term EPS estimates (notably FY2026 and some 2026 quarters), implying improved expected earnings momentum into 2026 that can support valuation if sustained. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend payment Mastercard paid its $0.87 quarterly dividend on Feb. 9, reflecting steady shareholder returns but not an unexpected change to the companys capital allocation policy. Carrier Globals Quiet Dividend Strategy Deserves Attention Dividend payment Mastercard paid its $0.87 quarterly dividend on Feb. 9, reflecting steady shareholder returns but not an unexpected change to the companys capital allocation policy. Neutral Sentiment: Investor outreach Mastercard announced participation in investor conferences in March, which provides additional management access for investors but is routine. Mastercard to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences Investor outreach Mastercard announced participation in investor conferences in March, which provides additional management access for investors but is routine. Negative Sentiment: Mixed / trimmed longer?term estimates Zacks also trimmed several 2027 quarterly and FY2027 EPS forecasts even as it raised other near-term/longer-term numbers; the mixed revisions add uncertainty around multi-year growth cadence and may temper enthusiasm. MarketBeat MA overview / Zacks note Mixed / trimmed longer?term estimates Zacks also trimmed several 2027 quarterly and FY2027 EPS forecasts even as it raised other near-term/longer-term numbers; the mixed revisions add uncertainty around multi-year growth cadence and may temper enthusiasm. Negative Sentiment: Profit?taking and valuation pressure after the earnings beat and a multi?month run near all?time highs, investors appear to be taking profits and reacting to any mixed signals from analysts; MAs valuation metrics and distance from moving averages make it vulnerable to short?term pullbacks even on good news. (No external link) Mastercard Stock Down 1.7% Mastercard stock opened at $518.43 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $553.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $563.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. The firm has a market cap of $465.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.83. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52 week low of $465.59 and a 52 week high of $601.77. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. The business had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 203.92% and a net margin of 45.65%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.82 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be given a $0.87 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 9th. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is 21.07%. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Malvern International Plc (LON:MLVN Get Free Report) shares traded down 8% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 22.50 and last traded at GBX 23. 23,240 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 157% from the average session volume of 9,057 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 25. Malvern International Stock Performance The firms fifty day moving average is GBX 25.32 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 22.35. The firm has a market capitalization of 5.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.53 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of -69.48, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.50. About Malvern International (Get Free Report) Malvern International Plc provides educational services in the United Kingdom. The company operates Malvern House London; Malvern House Brighton; Communicate School in Manchester; Language in Action; and International Study Centres. It also offers English language schools, juniors and summer camps programmes; business and management, accounting and finance, humanities and social sciences, and engineering and science; in-sessional and pre-sessional English programs; and international foundation year and programme, international year one, and international graduate diploma. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Malvern International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Malvern International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 3.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 826,698 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 28,692 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble makes up about 0.5% of State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings, making the stock its 29th largest position. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $127,022,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Czech National Bank boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,409,000 after purchasing an additional 21,825 shares during the period. Westerkirk Capital Inc. purchased a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the second quarter valued at about $4,796,000. Vega Investment Solutions increased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock worth $101,710,000 after acquiring an additional 8,500 shares in the last quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 36.2% during the second quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS now owns 17,798 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,836,000 after acquiring an additional 4,730 shares during the period. Finally, Jump Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $7,891,000. Institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble In related news, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 95,903 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.15, for a total transaction of $14,495,738.45. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 182,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,601,048.05. This represents a 34.43% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,827 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.31, for a total transaction of $2,056,296.37. Following the sale, the insider owned 12,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,026,158.09. This trade represents a 50.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders sold 326,091 shares of company stock worth $51,795,360. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on PG shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $158.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. UBS Group lifted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Barclays set a $155.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $167.67. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Procter & Gamble Key Procter & Gamble News Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Procter & Gamble Price Performance Shares of PG opened at $160.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $372.09 billion, a PE ratio of 23.72, a PEG ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.38. Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $137.62 and a twelve month high of $179.99. The firms 50 day moving average price is $147.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $150.42. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.21%. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.88 EPS. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 62.67%. Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Matthey PLC (OTCMKTS:JMPLY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,100 shares, a decline of 38.7% from the January 15th total of 1,795 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,347 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 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 daily volume of 1,347 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently commented on JMPLY. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Johnson Matthey in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Zacks Research lowered Johnson Matthey from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Berenberg Bank upgraded Johnson Matthey from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Johnson Matthey in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Johnson Matthey currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Johnson Matthey alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on JMPLY Johnson Matthey Stock Performance Johnson Matthey Dividend Announcement Shares of Johnson Matthey stock remained flat at $62.82 during trading hours on Friday. 28 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 521. The businesss fifty day moving average is $60.72 and its 200 day moving average is $55.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.65 and a quick ratio of 1.28. Johnson Matthey has a one year low of $29.01 and a one year high of $65.70. The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.5561 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 394.0%. About Johnson Matthey (Get Free Report) Johnson Matthey plc is a UK-based specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies company with a history dating back to 1817. As a public limited company headquartered in London, it has built a global reputation for expertise in platinum group metals (PGMs) and advanced catalytic materials. The company has evolved from its origins in precious metals refining into diversified segments focused on environmental and energy solutions. The companys principal business activities encompass the development and manufacture of emission control catalysts for the automotive and industrial sectors, alongside process technologies for chemical production and refining. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Johnson Matthey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson Matthey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF (NYSEARCA:GMNY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 12,201 shares, a drop of 20.8% from the January 15th total of 15,411 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,946 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.5 days. Currently, 2.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 2.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,946 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.5 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GMNY. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF during the third quarter worth $13,676,000. Magnus Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF during the third quarter valued at $736,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF during the third quarter valued at $296,000. Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $193,000. Finally, Composition Wealth LLC raised its stake in Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Composition Wealth LLC now owns 291,606 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,566,000 after purchasing an additional 16,820 shares during the last quarter. Get Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF Price Performance Shares of Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF stock traded up $0.01 on Friday, hitting $50.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,671 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,732. Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF has a 52-week low of $47.36 and a 52-week high of $50.56. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $50.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $49.77. Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF Cuts Dividend About Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were given a $0.1428 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. (Get Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF (GMNY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund seeks a high level of current income by investing in municipal securities exempt from federal and New York state income tax. The actively managed fund mainly holds investment grade bonds with a two- to eight-year duration. GMNY was launched on Jul 23, 2024 and is issued by Goldman Sachs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ORLA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,569,604 shares, a drop of 21.7% from the January 15th total of 7,111,737 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,250,515 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.7 days. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,250,515 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.7 days. Orla Mining Price Performance Shares of Orla Mining stock traded up $1.29 during trading on Friday, reaching $17.39. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,399,070 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,538,476. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $15.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.52. The company has a market capitalization of $5.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 133.78 and a beta of 0.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Orla Mining has a 12-month low of $6.63 and a 12-month high of $20.05. Get Orla Mining alerts: Orla Mining Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 12th were issued a $0.015 dividend. This represents a $0.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, January 12th. Orla Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -599.40%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Orla Mining by 45.8% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 594,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,555,000 after acquiring an additional 186,714 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Orla Mining by 14.1% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,061,455 shares of the companys stock worth $9,925,000 after acquiring an additional 131,577 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc increased its stake in Orla Mining by 191.6% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 2,616 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its holdings in Orla Mining by 20.4% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 607,000 shares of the companys stock worth $6,102,000 after purchasing an additional 103,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management boosted its position in Orla Mining by 174.0% during the second quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 48,186 shares of the companys stock worth $483,000 after purchasing an additional 30,598 shares in the last quarter. 43.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. A number of analysts have weighed in on ORLA shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Natl Bk Canada upgraded Orla Mining to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Zacks Research raised shares of Orla Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, National Bank Financial initiated coverage on shares of Orla Mining in a research report on Monday, January 12th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and five have given a Buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $27.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ORLA About Orla Mining (Get Free Report) Orla Mining is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing gold and silver projects in the Americas. Its flagship asset is the Cerro Quema oxide gold-silver project in Panama, where the company holds approximately 13,000 hectares of mineral concessions. Through feasibility studies and pilot plant testing, Orla has demonstrated the potential of heap leach processing at Cerro Quema, positioning the asset for transition into construction and production phases. In addition to Cerro Quema, Orla Mining expanded its portfolio in early 2023 with the acquisition of the Gold Springs project located along the UtahNevada border in the United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Orla Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orla Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Butterfly Network (NYSE:BFLY Get Free Report) and American Well (NYSE:AMWL Get Free Report) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, profitability and institutional ownership. Risk & Volatility Butterfly Network has a beta of 2.27, meaning that its stock price is 127% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Well has a beta of 1.36, meaning that its stock price is 36% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Butterfly Network alerts: Insider & Institutional Ownership 37.8% of Butterfly Network shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 56.0% of American Well shares are owned by institutional investors. 25.2% of Butterfly Network shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 11.8% of American Well shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Butterfly Network -90.31% -37.80% -27.13% American Well -38.38% -34.07% -25.32% Analyst Recommendations This table compares Butterfly Network and American Wells net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Butterfly Network and American Well, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Butterfly Network 1 1 3 0 2.40 American Well 1 6 1 0 2.00 Butterfly Network presently has a consensus price target of $5.25, indicating a potential upside of 72.41%. American Well has a consensus price target of $7.42, indicating a potential upside of 37.98%. Given Butterfly Networks stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Butterfly Network is more favorable than American Well. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Butterfly Network and American Wells top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Butterfly Network $88.45 million 8.70 -$72.49 million ($0.33) -9.23 American Well $265.02 million 0.33 -$208.14 million ($5.95) -0.90 Butterfly Network has higher earnings, but lower revenue than American Well. Butterfly Network is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Well, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Butterfly Network beats American Well on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Butterfly Network (Get Free Report) Butterfly Network, Inc. develops, manufactures, and commercializes ultrasound imaging solutions in the United States and internationally. It offers Butterfly iQ, a handheld and single-probe whole body ultrasound system; Butterfly iQ+ and iQ3 ultrasound devices that can perform whole-body imaging in a single handheld probe integrated with the clinical workflow, and accessible on a user's smartphone, tablet, and almost any hospital computer system; and Butterfly iQ+ Vet, a handheld ultrasound system designed for veterinarians. The company also provides Butterfly system, which includes probes, and related accessories and software subscriptions to healthcare systems, physicians, and healthcare providers through a direct sales force, distributors, and eCommerce channel. In addition, it offers cloud-based software solutions to healthcare systems, teleguidance, in-app educational tutorials, and formal education programs through its Butterfly Academy software, as well as professional services for large scale deployments; and ScanLab, an education-only app provides written walkthroughs and reference imagery to guide real-time educational scanning, enhancing the learning process. Butterfly Network, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. About American Well (Get Free Report) American Well Corporation, an enterprise platform and software company, delivers digitally enabling hybrid care in the United States and internationally. The company offers Converge, a cloud-based platform that enables health providers, payers, and innovators to provide in-person, virtual and automated care; and delivers virtual primary care, post-discharge follow-up, chronic condition management, virtual nursing, e-sitting, on-demand and scheduled virtual visits, specialty consults, automated care, and behavioral health, as well as specialty care programs, including dermatology, musculoskeletal care, second opinion, and cardiometabolic care to patients and members. It provides Carepoint devices comprising carts, peripherals, tablets, and TVs, which serve as digital access points in clinical settings. In addition, the company offers Amwell Medical Group network services consisting of primary and urgent care, behavioral health therapy, acute psychiatry, lactation counseling, and nutrition services. Further, it provides professional services to facilitate implementation, workflow design, systems integration, and service expansion for its products, as well as patient and provider engagement services. The company sells its products through field sales professionals, channel partners, and value-added resellers. American Well Corporation was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Butterfly Network Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Butterfly Network and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 15/02/2026 Delegates from Milan have recently been in the city to study the Hill Dickinson Stadium as part of their fact-finding mission for the San Siro project, according to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Hill Dickinson Stadium, which officially opened in 2025, has a capacity of 52,769 spectators. The waterfront venue, built at the Bramley-Moore Dock site over the River Mersey, hosted its first Premier League game on August 24, where Everton beat Brighton 2-0. Both Milan and Inter officially acquired the San Siro site last November, including the famous Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, which was previously owned by the city council. Both clubs are planning to build a new stadium at the same site, although, adjacent to the current Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Construction of the new ground is expected to begin in 2027 with both clubs intending to have a state-of-the-art venue ready to host matches during EURO 2032. Demolition of the current stadium could take place in 2031. Everton is not the only stop for the five-member delegation from Milan. They are also looking to visit other venues, including Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium and Borussia Dortmunds Signal Iduna Park, on their fact-finding mission. Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () How to get rid of these ads and support TW ToffeeWeb This week we shared a word from Preston Smith regarding his concerns over ongoing litigation confronting the courthouse. Now . . . In an ongoing departure from the prior administration, we're thankful to Exec LeVota for sending word back and sharing his perspective. Agree or disagree, there's no denying that this administration is far more accessible and responsive when it comes to constituent concerns. As always, when it comes to serious local issues . . . Our www.TonysKansasCity.com wants to be fair to both sides and that's why we've shared Preston's comments and also want to put this word out there for readers & locals. Response From Jackson County Exec LeVota Its just disappointing that Preston Smith continues to pass on misinformation to people. I really respect how hard he fought for taxpayers over the last decade against an administration that was frankly screwing over Jackson County. But even now Preston is so reckless with his comments and opinions that are incorrect that he continues the divisiveness of taxpayers because they believe him. For example, he makes a comment about ongoing litigation that he is entirely wrong about. The Ken McClain litigation is asking the court to order the county to do what we are already doing. There is no more issue with the lawsuit except for paying attorneys fees. Preston wants to help Ken McClain takes millions in taxpayer money but Im not willing to do that. And then Preston and Ken McClain would want me to go back to the school districts and sue them to get that money back that they were overpaid. Im not willing to do that either. So Preston, a non-lawyer, gives his take on the litigation with incorrect information and it is a disservice to all these people that are following him. Ive had several conversations with him and tried to work with him on getting the truth out there, but hes so ingrained to immediately fight with the county and see conspiracies when there arent any,he cant see the forest for the trees. He gives his opinions like they are facts when he is wrong. To address his specific mistruths, the assessment department is right now calculating what the overages are to make sure we know that number to be able to apply the first one third of the credits this fall. And in the courtroom in the litigation, the county counselors office was not talking about tax policy on what were doing. Theres no secret. Were already moving on tax credits. And its just a blatant lie for him to say that the county counselors office said were not complying with the STC order. Naive Preston is just following along with the private attorney trying to take millions of Jackson County taxpayer dollars. Its just sad. If Preston wants to support Ken McClain in getting millions of dollars of our taxpayer money in attorneys fees thats up to him but I thought he was fighting for the taxpayers not against them. But theres no question he sure shouldnt be making statements that just arent true because unfortunately there are some people that blindly believe his incorrect opinion as facts. ################# Developing . . . Local violence continues to escalate as this week KCMO endures no less than four deadly shootings. Early this morning KCMO recorded the FIRST MASS SHOOTING OF 2026. As police continue to investigate, here is the info they're sharing with local media . . . Homicide 2800 block of SW Boulevard Just after 2am Jackson County Sheriffs deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar. At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business. On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims. Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in. EMS declared one shooting victim deceased here at the scene. Further they transported the other two female victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries. While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition. Homicide detectives are at the scene now and are investigating. They are talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for additional witnesses. Crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence to give detectives a better idea of what led up to the shooting. Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims. There is no information at this time regarding suspect description. If anyone was in the area or inside the business and heard or saw anything or has any information, that has not talked to police 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. ############ KSHB: KCPD investigating fatal shooting at nightclub on Southwest Boulevard KMBC: 2 dead, 2 injured after shooting in Kansas City, MO bar Fox4: 2 dead, 2 injured in Kansas City nightclub shooting Channel 9: Kansas City police name two women killed in bar shooting on Southwest Boulevard Developing . . . Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 15. Footage of President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Germany was posted on his social media accounts, Trend reports. The post reads: "Official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the Federal Republic of Germany (13-15.02.2026)". 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 I will never forget the patient I met in the emergency department who was pale, trembling, and in tears, her family in distress at her side in the trauma bay. She was suffering complications after taking medication to end her pregnancy. While such side effects can occur with medical abortions, they are markedly more likely when patients are forced to use misoprostol alone, a reality in states that restrict access to mifepristone. The experience of the rare, but serious and severe side effects, is becoming more common throughout the U.S. through the uninformed decision-making of lawmakers in a misguided attempt to protect women. During that time, I was a medical scribe, just beginning my journey into medicine. At that point, I believed the field of medicine was purely objective, and I trusted that the reasoning behind which medications are given to patients was grounded in the best science available. As Ive continued throughout medical school, I have come to the realization that politics can often pollute the field, especially when it comes to marginalized groups. Few areas illustrate this more starkly than the politicization of womens reproductive health. The gold standard versus the forced alternative The most effective and safest medical regimen for terminating a pregnancy in the first trimester is a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Together, they can induce a complete abortion with minimal complications in 95 percent to 98 percent of pregnancies. Currently, medical abortions are completely banned in 14 states, and despite evidence of the safety of the dual-drug regimen, access to mifepristone is restricted in an additional 10 states. This raises the critical question: What is the alternative to mifepristone for medically inducing an abortion in those 10 states that still allow abortions? The answer is a higher dose of misoprostol, ranging from three to four times the amount used in dual therapy. This alternative is not only less effective; it is also more dangerous. Patients on misoprostol monotherapy are more likely to experience incomplete terminations, severe cramping, and prolonged bleeding. A recent study published in JAMA analyzed 31,977 patients who experienced an early pregnancy loss on either the dual therapy or misoprostol alone; in the misoprostol-only therapy, there was both a higher rate of subsequent uterine aspiration (14 percent versus 10.5 percent) and a higher rate of emergency department visits (7.9 percent compared to 3.5 percent). A more than doubling in the rate of emergency department visits means there will be more patients like the woman I met who was writhing in pain, confused, terrified, and in tears. It is a harrowing experience: physically painful, emotionally distressing, and psychologically traumatic. What makes this even more troubling is knowing half of these cases could be avoided. Safer, more effective medications exist, yet access is withheld because of political agendas. Politics masquerading as protection Despite clear evidence of the increased safety profile of dual therapy, many legislators continue to justify the restrictions. In one of the states banning mifepristone but allowing a misoprostol-only therapy, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proclaims that the ban on mifepristone prevents harms that women and young girls are experiencing from unsupervised medication use in his challenge against the FDAs approval of the drug. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost declared his states ban reflect not only our commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of children, but also of women. Its one thing for these attorneys general to think they are promoting safety through restrictions, but the FDA has repeatedly affirmed mifepristone has serious complications in less than 0.5 percent of cases. And when looking at the alternative medical therapy, misoprostol monotherapy, it is clear they have just enacted a law that causes harm rather than prevents it. Understandably, many patients seek a medical abortion to avoid an invasive procedure, but in states that dont allow mifepristone, legislators decide to protect women who do not want a surgical alternative by forcing them to endure a less effective and more painful medical treatment. This is clearly no longer protection so much as it is coercion. Dont believe that you are isolated from the effect of these policies; they reach into the lives of the people you love: your mother, sister, wife, partner, or friend. These restrictions dont reduce harm; they enhance it. Lets be clear: These bans are not protection; its a mandate for more suffering, not less. Ultimately, these policies aim to subject women to increased amounts of pain and trauma for no other reason than to hurt them for the sin of wanting a choice. If a state still allows patients to receive an abortion, it should also allow the best available medical care. Anything less than this is not only bad policy; it is a betrayal of the people these laws claim to protect. It is the responsibility of the public and especially medical professionals to demand evidence-based care for those we care about and to hold lawmakers accountable for policies that harm rather than heal. John Finnie-Maloney is a medical student. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. On February 15, an official welcome ceremony was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend's special correspondent reports. A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan. President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic welcomed President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Serbia were played. The chief of the guard of honor reported to the President of Azerbaijan. The two presidents passed along the line of guard of honor. Members of the Serbian delegation were presented to President Ilham Aliyev, while Azerbaijani state and government officials were presented to President Aleksandar Vucic. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 15. A publication about the meetings held by President Ilham Aliyev within the framework of the Munich Security Conference was posted on his official social media accounts, Trend reports. The post reads: "Meetings of President Ilham Aliyev within the framework of the Munich Security Conference. Germany February 13-15, 2026." BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 15. President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people, along with my sincere best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Serbia. I am pleased with the current level of relations with Serbia, a friendly country and our reliable strategic partner. Today, our friendship and cooperation, built on the solid foundations of mutual support and trust, continue to develop comprehensively and are being enriched with new substance. Undoubtedly, regular high-level reciprocal visits and our active political dialogue create favorable conditions for the accelerated development of these ties and the further strengthening of our strategic partnership. I fondly recall our recent meeting in Davos. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, the traditional relations of friendship between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as our mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, will continue to expand in line with the interests of our peoples and that our strategic partnership will deepen even further. On this auspicious day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Serbia," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 15. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Republic of Serbia, Trend reports. On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people, along with my sincere best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Serbia. I am pleased with the current level of relations with Serbia, a friendly country and our reliable strategic partner. Today, our friendship and cooperation, built on the solid foundations of mutual support and trust, continue to develop comprehensively and are being enriched with new substance. Undoubtedly, regular high-level reciprocal visits and our active political dialogue create favorable conditions for the accelerated development of these ties and the further strengthening of our strategic partnership. I fondly recall our recent meeting in Davos. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, the traditional relations of friendship between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as our mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, will continue to expand in line with the interests of our peoples and that our strategic partnership will deepen even further. On this auspicious day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Serbia," the letter reads. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. I would like Azerbaijanis to visit Serbia frequently. Comfort, peace, and complete security are fully ensured, said President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic during his press statement with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend's special correspondent reports. Security in both countries is at the highest level, and our direct contacts with the Azerbaijani people are also very important, the Serbian President added. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. Serbia and Azerbaijan two friendly countries always stand by each other, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his press statement with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Trend's special correspondent reports. The President of Azerbaijan congratulated President Aleksandar Vucic and the friendly people of Serbia on the national holiday being celebrated in the country today. BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about the future plans of the two countries during his press statement with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Trend reports. Statement by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear Mr. President, my dear friend, Dear ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you for the invitation and hospitality. It is your national holiday today, Statehood Day, and yet, you are welcoming the Azerbaijani delegation. We view this as a manifestation of the high level of our relations. Serbia and Azerbaijan are two friendly countries that always stand by each other. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate you and all the friendly people of Serbia on the occasion of Statehood Day. It is not by chance that this holiday is called as such. I am well aware that the Serbian people have always made great efforts and sacrifices to protect and strengthen their state sovereignty. My dear friend, as the President of Serbia, you have always put statehood and state interests above all else. That is why Serbia is developing successfully under your leadership, and your country has gained tremendous respect internationally. At the same time, major reforms have been carried out in the economic and social spheres. As a result, Serbia, a country without natural resources, has been developing economically with great success, relying on its own strength and without receiving assistance from anywhere. In present-day circumstances, especially for a country located in Europe, this should be viewed as a significant factor. I would like to note the very high leadership qualities of President Vucic. As you may know, our contacts have been ongoing for many years. We know each other well, we have sincere conversations, and friendly relations. I know how much President Vucic is committed to the Serbian people, state, and public interests, and it is precisely these factors that underpin the success of any country. Of course, as friends of Serbia, we highly appreciate this and are happy about it. My dear friend has touched upon the issues we discussed, so I do not want to repeat them. Indeed, many issues were discussed at the first meeting of the Serbia-Azerbaijan Strategic Council today. Before that, we reviewed a wide range of issues in our one-on-one meeting. We also have clear plans for the future, which consist of further strengthening our relations in the political, economic, and energy sectors, continuing to support each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty on international platforms and within international organizations, implementing joint investment projects, taking advantage of newly created opportunities in the energy and transport sectors, and creating a very strong synergy by looking further ahead. President Vucic has already touched upon the future of the power plant to be built jointly. As the President has said, we have decided to keep this issue under the presidents oversight. The process of creating this power plant is based on the investment opportunities that exist in Serbia. Because if the investment climate were not positive, Serbia would not be so attractive to foreign investors. It is precisely as a result of the reforms that many countries, including Azerbaijan, are ready to invest substantially in Serbia. The construction and reconstruction of power plants, as well as their rehabilitation, pave the way for the future development of any country. In particular, countries without natural resources often fall into dependence. Therefore, the presence of domestic energy and generation capacities ensures the energy security of each country, and I would like to note the special role of President Vucic in the implementation of this project. In general, our relations in the energy sector are now developing in a diversified manner. Some time ago, we started exporting natural gas to Serbia, and today we decided to increase the volume of our exports. Now Serbia will also convert the gas to be exported into electricity, thereby acquiring clean electricity. This will create opportunities for both the Serbian market and for future exports. Today, Azerbaijan's export potential in the energy sector is 2 gigawatts. This figure will only increase because we are now engaged in the construction of many renewable energy plants and are ready to cooperate with Serbia in this area. We will generate an additional 8 gigawatts of energy capacity by 2032, and a large part of it will be exported. To achieve this, we need new and larger transmission capacities because our main export destination is Europe. As for other issues, let me repeat, my friend has already spoken about them. I do not want to take up too much of your time. I believe that the results of my official visit will not be long in coming. We will meet again in the near future. I have invited President Vucic and members of the Serbian delegation to Azerbaijan. I am sure that we will meet several times this year both in Azerbaijan and, perhaps, again in Serbia. Both I and, I am sure, the rest of the Azerbaijani delegation feel absolutely at home here. I have been to Serbia many times and have witnessed first hand the development taking place in Serbia under the leadership of President Vucic. Therefore, I would like to once again sincerely congratulate our Serbian friends and join President Vucic in his slogan: Long live Serbia! Long live Azerbaijan! Long live Serbian-Azerbaijani friendship. BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. Our relations in the energy sector are now developing in a multifaceted format. A short while ago, we began exporting natural gas to Serbia, and today we have decided that we will increase the volume of those exports, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his press statement with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Trend reports. "By converting the gas to be exported to Serbia into electricity, we will achieve the production of clean electricity. This will create opportunities both for the Serbian market and for future exports," the head of state emphasized. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. Precisely as a result of the reforms carried out, many countries, including Azerbaijan, are ready to invest heavily in Serbia, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his press statement with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic,Trend reports. The head of state noted that the construction and reconstruction of power plants, as well as their rehabilitation, ensure the future development of every country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 15. Serbias military band performed the Azerbaijani song Ay Lachin at the dinner hosted by President Aleksandar Vucic during President Ilham Aliyevs official visit to Serbia, the Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev wrote on his page on X, Trend reports. The diplomat noted that this was a gesture of respect and friendship, reflecting the spirit of AzerbaijanSerbia relations. In modern medicine, we like to believe that geography no longer determines outcomes. Advanced technology, integrated referral systems, and universal health coverage are supposed to ensure timely care for everyone. Yet for one woman in Taiwan, a country often praised for having one of the worlds most efficient universal health care systems, the greatest obstacle to cancer treatment was not distance. It was time. Ms. Li, a retired woman living in rural eastern Taiwan, discovered a palpable breast lump on self-examination shortly before the Lunar New Year. Alarmed, she sought medical attention locally. What she encountered was not immediate diagnostic action, but delay: Scheduling a diagnostic mammogram alone would require a wait of nearly 20 days. This was not routine screening for an asymptomatic patient. She had a lump. She was waiting for a diagnosis. For hospital administrators, the delay was framed as a matter of scheduling capacity and workflow management. For Ms. Li and her family, five adult children and 11 grandchildren, it was a period of paralyzing uncertainty. Cancer does not pause for administrative calendars. Unable to accept the wait, Ms. Li traveled north to Taipei to seek a second opinion. There, at a community hospital located in one of the citys most densely populated and traditional neighborhoods, her experience changed dramatically. Clinical judgment led directly to further evaluation and timely intervention. Decision-making was swift, coordination was direct, and treatment was initiated without prolonged gaps. She was able to complete necessary care and return home before the holidays. This contrast raises an uncomfortable question: Why did the same patient, under the same national insurance system, encounter such vastly different timelines? The answer is not physician competence. It is structural design. In large tertiary medical centers, care has become increasingly fragmented. Diagnostic imaging, specialty consultations, admissions, and procedures are siloed into separate administrative units. Each step requires authorization, scheduling, and risk calculation, often driven by reimbursement concerns, audit exposure, and institutional performance metrics. In systems governed by global budgets, utilization caps, or rigid insurance protocols, speed can paradoxically become a liability. Acting too quickly, deviating from standard queues, or prioritizing urgency over process may trigger administrative scrutiny. Defensive medicine becomes normalized, and delay becomes institutionalized. In this context, delay is no longer an accident. It is a management strategy. By contrast, smaller community hospitals often retain something that highly corporatized systems have gradually eroded: physician autonomy. Decision-making chains are shorter. Clinical judgment can directly mobilize resources without passing through layers of middle management. Physicians are empowered to act based on patient urgency rather than deferring to inflexible scheduling algorithms. This is not because these hospitals possess superior technology. Many do not. It is because their organizational logic still prioritizes the patients time over administrative optimization. Ironically, in an era obsessed with efficiency, the institutions most capable of responding quickly are often those least optimized for volume and profit. This is a warning sign for health systems worldwide, particularly as populations age. Policy incentives that favor consolidation and scale may unintentionally weaken the very institutions that prevent diagnostic delay. Community hospitals, often dismissed as less advanced, frequently serve as the first, and sometimes last, line of defense against bureaucratic inertia. Ms. Li was fortunate. She found a gap in the system and slipped through it in time. Many others will not. When patients with palpable lumps are asked to wait weeks for diagnostic imaging, the issue is not access. It is governance. Not a failure of medicine, but a failure of management. We continue to build hospitals that are larger, more impressive, and more technologically sophisticated. But if our systems cannot move quickly when urgency demands it, we must ask a difficult question: Have we designed health care to treat disease, or to protect institutional workflows? Because in cancer care, time is not just money. Time is life. Gerald Kuo, a doctoral student in the Graduate Institute of Business Administration at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, specializes in health care management, long-term care systems, AI governance in clinical and social care settings, and elder care policy. He is affiliated with the Home Health Care Charity Association and maintains a professional presence on Facebook, where he shares updates on research and community work. Kuo helps operate a day-care center for older adults, working closely with families, nurses, and community physicians. His research and practical efforts focus on reducing administrative strain on clinicians, strengthening continuity and quality of elder care, and developing sustainable service models through data, technology, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. He is particularly interested in how emerging AI tools can support aging clinical workforces, enhance care delivery, and build greater trust between health systems and the public. BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. I'm going to visit Azerbaijan relatively soon again, and before that, we need to deliver many results, said President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic during his speech at the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Serbia, held with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports "I was discussing, Dubravka in particular, the issue of the gas-fired power plant with President Aliyev. And I was begging the President to participate personally in that issue, because I was saying very honestly what we are able to do and what we are not able to deliver on. I got guarantees from Mr. President that he himself will be very helpful on this. After we finish this pre-feasibility study, we need to speed up all the other procedures and everything else," Vucic said. BELGRADE, Serbia, February 15. One of Belgrades most famous buildings, The St. Regis Belgrade, was illuminated in the colors of the Azerbaijani flag in honor of the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Serbia, Trend's special correspondent reports. The St. Regis Belgrade is part of a new business and tourism cluster on the banks of the Sava River. The buildings lighting in the colors of the Azerbaijani tricolor adorned the citys panorama. On February 15, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the Republic of Serbia on an official visit. A formal welcoming ceremony for the head of state was held in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. President Ilham Aliyev and Aleksandar Vucic held a one-on-one meeting, followed by the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between the two countries. Later, the sides exchanged Azerbaijani-Serbian documents. Following the ceremony, the heads of state delivered statements to the press. 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. Irans saffron industry shows export uptick in early 2026 Iran's saffron exports saw a modest increase in the first 10 months of the current Iranian year compared to the same period last year. The country exported a higher amount of saffron during this period. This growth reflects a positive trend in the industry. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran's imports of products from Azerbaijan drop in early 2026 Iran's imports of goods from Azerbaijan saw a significant decline over the last 10 months compared to the previous year. Both the value and volume of imports decreased. The imported goods included equipment, compressed soy, profiles, and other items. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 15. In December 2025, Kazakhstan processed a total of 1,480 outbound money transfers to China through international money transfer systems (IMTS), reflecting a 17.5% increase compared to the 1,260 transactions recorded in November. Data obtained by Trend from the National Bank of Kazakhstan shows that the total value of transfers sent to China amounted to 2.038 billion tenge ($4.12 million), representing a 24.2% increase from 1.641 billion tenge ($3.32 million) in November 2025. In December, China contributed 3.4% to the total value of international remittances sent from Kazakhstan, a slight increase from the 3% share recorded in November. Overall, Kazakhstan processed 159,800 outbound transactions through IMTS in December, with a cumulative value of 59.381 billion tenge ($120.05 million). This marked a 15.7% increase in the number of transactions and a 6.9% rise in the total transaction value compared to November 2025. The currency conversions are based on the official exchange rate of 1 USD = 494.63 tenge, as of February 9, 2026. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Landmark first as pop music festival is honoured as national cultural heritage. Italy's president Sergio Mattarella on Friday held a historic first audience at the Quirinale Palace for the presenters and 30 competing artists of the upcoming Sanremo Music Festival. The event marked the first time in the events nearly eight-decade history that the entire cast has been received by the head of state at his official residence, in an important recognition of Italian pop music as a part of the nation's cultural heritage. The meeting, held less than two weeks before the festival kicks off on 24 February, signals a significant shift in how Italys highest institutions view the annual event at the Ariston Theatre which will celebrate its 76th edition this year. Shared heritage Addressing the 30 contestants, along with artistic director Carlo Conti and co-host Laura Pausini, the president spoke of the festivals enduring power to unite the country, paying tribute to the competing artists for making "a contribution to the cultural life of our country, to society, to the life of our country." Mattarella, who attended the first night of the festival in person in 2023, shared personal memories of the 1951 edition when he was 10 years old, recalling the "unmistakable voice" of the first presenter, Nunzio Filogamo, and the way the country huddled around radios to listen. The atmosphere in the palace was a blend of formal protocol and excitementt, with the artists uniting to sing a chorus of Adriano Celentanos classic Azzurro in front of the president. Looking towards Sanremo 2026 Conti announced that this edition will be entirely dedicated to the legendary TV presenter Pippo Baudo , who hosted a record 13 editions of the event, calling him the creator of the modern festival as it is known today. Conti also revealed that the festival will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic with an important guest on stage: a 106-year-old woman who was among the first women to vote in the landmark referendum on 2 June 1946 when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in favour of a republic. Institutional recognition A visibly moved Pausini told reporters outside the palace: "The most beautiful thing was when Mattarella told us that popular music is an important part of our country's culture", adding: "In 33 years [of my career], I've rarely seen institutions express themselves in this way." Photo Quirinale 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. Speaking about the competition, Minister Heydon said: I strongly encourage women farmers across Ireland to apply to become our female farmer ambassador for 2026. Read More Irish farming remains resilient, but red tape and financial blind spots pose biggest threat "The winner will have a unique opportunity to represent women working in Irish agriculture, promoting existing supports and initiatives, while highlighting issues important to them. "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. The competition is being run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) by the United Nations General Assembly. Applications are open until February 12, 2026, 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 overall winner will be announced by Minister Heydon at a flagship IYWF event in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, on March 5, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to participate in the event, which coincides with International Womens Day. The Department of Agriculture is also currently running a photo competition under the IYWF banner, delivered in association with CAP Network Ireland, with the prizegiving for winners taking place at the event on March 5. The competition seeks photo submissions from the public under the theme Empowered women transforming agri-food systems. 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 and must be submitted by 3pm on Monday, February 16, 2026. Following on from these initiatives, the Department will host information and networking events throughout the year, both nationally and internationally, to celebrate IYWF and highlight Irelands approach to improving gender equality in Irish agriculture. Commenting on the IYWF, Minister Heydon added: Irelands co-sponsorship of the International Year of the Woman Farmer Official Launch Ceremony in December 2025, reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role of women in all areas of agriculture. "Despite their hard work and dedication, women continue to face barriers when accessing land, finance and training and this year provides us with an international platform to highlight the issue of gender equality in agri-food systems. My Department is developing a programme of events for the IYWF to emphasise the importance of equal opportunities for women in farming and the wider agri-food sector in Ireland. This builds on the momentum created by the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture and aligns well with the implementation of our National Women in Agriculture Action Plan and will contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive sector for the future. More information on International Year of the Woman Farmer and the Department's Women in Agriculture initiatives can be found on the Departments website. Sinn Fein MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has expressed concerns about the scale and pace of the proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, warning that farmers could face delayed payments and reduced investment supports. MEP Funchion said: The Common Agricultural Policy was established in 1962 to guarantee food security across the European Union, ensuring we would never again be reliant on imports from the rest of the world. Yet we have seen its budget steadily eroded, from 73% of the total EU budget in 1980 to just 31% today. "The proposal for the next CAP post-2027 points to a further cut of around 20%, and that should concern every farmer and every citizen who values food security. This continual reduction in dedicated CAP funding threatens the ability of Irish and EU farmers to produce food to the highest standards in the world. Food security is fundamental. We have recently seen the dangers associated with imports from outside the EU, including the recall of Brazilian beef containing growth hormones. The EU cannot allow itself to become dependent on food imports from countries where we have little control over production or safety standards, as would be the case under agreements such as Mercosur. Investing in agriculture and food production is more important now than ever. A strong CAP, backed by a robust and protected budget, is essential to safeguarding Europes long-term food security. CAP must continue to operate under its established two-pillar structure, maintaining both direct payments to farmers and rural development supports. We are also concerned about the scale and pace of the proposed changes. This week, concerns raised by the European Court of Auditors suggest that farmers could face delayed payments and reduced investment supports. Farmers cannot operate under uncertainty. Payments must be timely, predictable and clearly allocated. The introduction of a new system within such a short timeframe risks creating further bureaucratic problems and administrative delays. Sinn Fein is calling on the European Commission to safeguard CAP funding, protect LEADER and community-led programmes, simplify administration and provide certainty throughout the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Rural Ireland must remain strong, vibrant and sustainable, and that begins with a properly funded and protected Common Agricultural Policy. Seamus Culleton has been held in an ICE detention facility since September of last year. He is originally from Kilkenny but has lived in the United States for the past 20 years. He is married to a US citizen and was in the process of getting a green card when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents arrested him on his way home from work. His sister, Caroline Culleton, lives in Waterford and has said she wants to see action now from the Irish government to help her brother. Sinn Fein MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has written to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, demanding action which will result in his release. She wrote: His detention by ICE is wholly unacceptable, and not legally sound. As a member of the European Parliament delegation for relations with the US, I will be raising this matter at every opportunity. Ireland's hands are tied Speaking to the Waterford News & Star, former Irish ambassador to the US, Daniel Mulhall, said, The embassy and the government can really only intervene with respect to Seamus Culletons welfare. Mr Culleton has told the media that he has spent the past five months in a tent with 72 others in the ICE detention facility in Texas. On a phone call interview on Liveline, he likened the conditions in the detention facility to a modern-day concentration camp. When asked what his message to Irish politicians would be, he said: Just try to get me out of here and do all you can please. "Its an absolute torture, psychological and physical torture. I just want to get back to my wife. Were so desperate to start a family. Mr Mulhall said Mr Culletons status in the US is not something that the Irish government can get involved in. The ambassador to the US from 2017 to 2022, he said that a situation like this never arose during his time there. He said, ICE did exist, but it was not active in the way it is today; it was not holding large numbers of people. The Taoiseach has told the Dail that there are five or six Irish people currently being held in ICE facilities. Mr Mulhall said that a representation made by the Irish embassy to the US government would be taken seriously". I dont think the Americans would ignore representations from an embassy, but they have to make up their own minds. And it's up to them how they want to respond to our representations. What happens in America is a matter for the American government. Charges It was recently reported by the Irish Times that Mr Culleton was facing drug charges in Ireland when he entered the US as a tourist in 2008. He has a warrant issued in New Ross District Court over the alleged possession of drugs and possession of drugs for sale or supply at Ballyverneen, Glenmore, in May 2008. He was also facing charges of allegedly obstructing a garda during a search by throwing 25 ecstasy tablets on the ground. A further warrant was issued by the same court in September 2009, in relation to an alleged criminal damage charge from September 2007 at Weatherstown, Glenmore. Irelands relationship with the US While Mr Mulhall believes the majority of Irish people are sympathetic to Mr Culletons situation, others are not sympathetic to him. Thats not going to weigh on the relationship between Ireland and the United States, which are much bigger than any single case. He cited tourism and American investment in Ireland as factors that tie the two countries together. I hope it can be resolved, but I dont think it's going to collapse Irish-American relations because theyre too broad and too fundamental to be undermined by a single case like this. Advertisement BusinessEntrepreneurshipSmall business El Jannahs cousin has entered Sydneys chicken shop wars Jessica Yun February 15, 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 James Estephans new Lebanese charcoal chicken shop, nestled on the single shopping strip of Belfield in Sydneys south-west, is surrounded. There are two El Jannah outlets in the neighbouring suburbs of Punchbowl and Burwood. Then there is Anar in Croydon and Awafy in Belmore, not to be confused with Awafi (named for an Arabic saying that loosely means good health), which has locations in Punchbowl and Revesby. This area actually knows what good charcoal chicken is supposed to taste like, Estephan says. James Estephan at his newly opened Chard Lebanese chicken shop in Belfield, Sydney. Sitthixay Ditthavong Then come the fighting words. But like, tasting good charcoal chicken with heaps of flavour I just think thats missing, he says. Advertisement The success of his new chicken shop Chard will come down to its rivals, Estephan believes, not despite them. This is a baptism of fire: the suburbs of western Sydney are full of residents of Lebanese heritage, the top nominated ancestry that comprises 14-17 per cent of the local population on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. It is the same hotspot that gave rise to national chain El Jannah, which was founded in 1998, already has 50 locations and is rapidly expanding towards a goal of 500, aided by an $800 million injection last year from US investment giant General Atlantic. James Estephan serves customers at his newly opened Chard Lebanese chicken shop in Belfield, Sydney. Sitthixay Ditthavong El Jannahs undeniable role in introducing thousands of Australians to Lebanese charcoal chicken for the first time and proving its broad appeal across mainstream Australia has meant it is the standard against which Chard (and any other Lebanese charcoal chicken merchant) will be measured. Then theres the family name: James Estephans grandfather is a cousin of the father of Andre Estephan, co-founder of El Jannah. That makes the two men second cousins once removed. Lineage aside, their respective families have lived largely separate lives. Advertisement I just want to set a new standard, Estephan says. But if the standard is El Jannah and everyone compares me to them, thats pretty fine. Related Article Entrepreneur From Granville to the Australian Open: Inside El Jannahs ascent to cult chicken chain If you cant join em, beat em Prowess with poultry seems to run in the family. After starting his working life at McDonalds at the age of 14, James Estephan spent three years in the digital marketing and brand management team of Red Rooster, one of four chicken chains run by Craveable Brands. At the time, Craveable was headed by chief executive Brett Houldin, who had attempted to acquire El Jannah before he jumped ship to lead the Lebanese chicken shops national rollout. Estephan had in early 2020 tried, at first, to join the family business, and had explored the option of owning an El Jannah franchise, but found the cost (about $1 million) too steep for his budget. In mid-2021, he took over a chicken shop in western Sydneys Eastern Creek called Paradise and another in St Clair that he rebranded to Chard two years later. Advertisement As he eyes expansion, Estephan has little room for error. He is wary of falling into the same pitfalls that some former El Jannah fans often early adopters, or of Lebanese descent are now criticising the growing franchise for, including poorer quality control, often attributed to rapid expansion, accusations of selling out, and dry chicken. Ive [built] the whole brand on the negatives of other places that Ive heard, the 30-year-old says. You jump on Google reviews, Facebook, Instagram, you read comments, and you see what people are lacking, and then you do the opposite. Chard will get compared to El Jannah whether Estephan likes it or not so hes leaned into it. Sitthixay Ditthavong When this masthead visited ahead of the Chard Belfield branchs soft launch last Thursday, at least half a dozen curious passers-by stopped to inquire whether it was open for business. Advertisement El Jannah chief executive Brett Houldin wasnt one of them. Houldin says he hadnt heard of Chard until asked about it by this masthead, but he wishes Estephan well and says that more players will raise awareness of Lebanese cuisine. There [are] copycats in every industry, Houldin says. I think smaller brands are trying to look at how weve done things and why weve been successful, and thats great. The imitation is flattering. Houldin says he is confident of the consistency and quality of El Jannahs product and service standards. All roads dont mean that everyones going to be the best, he says. We have the highest performing fast food brand in the country, and that means there will be others that want to see if they can try and get a piece of that. Advertisement Tim Fawaz, interim chief executive of Craveable Brands, the parent company that operates Oporto, Red Rooster, Chargrill Charlies and Chicken Treat, says the brands are constantly innovating their menus as customers become more adventurous with flavours and range. Competition is healthy, its a sign the category is growing and Australians continue to love chicken, which after a period of uncertainty for the [quickservice restaurant] industry in the years following COVID, is a good thing, Fawaz says. The company, which acquired Chargrill Charlies in May 2023, is not looking at any other acquisitions. Estephan, for his part, is toeing a similar line. He has plenty of praise for what El Jannah has done to expand the appeal of Lebanese cuisine. Honestly, I look up to them. What theyve done is great, he says. [But] our food is 100 per cent better. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Nationals leader David Littleproud used an appearance on Sky News to question the legitimacy of a prayer session held during last weeks Sydney protest against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Littleproud expressed scepticism about the decision to pray in the middle of a protest he characterised as a riot, arguing that worshippers should seek a quiet place of reflection rather than a scene of hostility. He called on imams to publicly condemn radical clerics as well as the men praying at the protest, saying it was time for the Islamic faith to demonstrate they respected Australian institutions and police. Muslim protesters were forcibly moved on after the rally. @beastfromthe_middleeast You dont turn up to a middle of a protest where effectively it was turned into a riot, and think that you can genuinely sit there and go into prayer in the middle of all that hostility, he said. I mean, were not mugs. These people are treating us as mugs. He also criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his perceived condemnation of the NSW Police over their handling of the demonstration. In an interview on this mastheads Inside Politics podcast last week, Albanese took a harder line on police actions at the protest than NSW Premier Chris Minns, who has repeatedly defended police. Nearly 30 people were arrested and 10 were charged. The police watchdog will investigate the actions of officers. Vision showed kneeling worshippers being pulled to their feet and then thrown to the ground. Im concerned at the great deal of hurt which the Muslim community are feeling about the disruption of prayers, Albanese said. I think that is something that needs a full explanation. I know that that has caused a great deal of distress. Australias unique reptiles are the most frequently targeted species, particularly bluetongue skinks, shinglebacks and rare snakes. Hong Kong continues to be the top destination for illegal exports, with most leaving the country via New South Wales. Despite the surge in enforcement, wildlife crime experts mapping the illegal trade have found nine out of 10 animal-smuggling attempts in and out of Australia are successful, earning millions of dollars each year for crime gangs, decimating animal populations and risking the nations biosecurity. Snakes like this one, seized as part of Operatino Django, are being smuggled out of Australia in droves Victorias Conservation Regulator has recorded a 254 per cent rise in wildlife-related crime reports over the past five years, including instances of trafficking and cruelty. A crackdown on wildlife trafficking syndicates has caused the number of smuggled animal seizures to more than double in the past two years. Federal authorities stopped more than 1100 trafficked native animals at the border last year. Australian reptiles worth up to $100,000 each on international black markets are being intercepted in the $32 billion annual global trade the worlds fourth-largest illegal market behind drugs, counterfeiting and human trafficking. Crime gangs are being caught in record numbers smuggling rare Australian animals for global underground networks, but experts say its just the tip of the iceberg in an illegal trade worth billions. Following one of Australias largest animal-smuggling busts, the ringleader of a Sydney-based syndicate on Friday received a record jail sentence. This work is delivering results seizures, prosecutions and deterrence and strengthening Australias broader biosecurity and conservation outcomes by making it harder for offenders to profit from the illegal wildlife trade. Through targeted intelligence analysis, on-ground investigations, and close collaboration with partner agencies, were detecting the methods used to traffic native species and closing the gaps criminals rely on. Illegal trafficking and wildlife crime is fast becoming a threat for many of our species that are already at risk of extinction, Watt said. The growing global trade in native plants and animals is illegal, cruel and threatens the future of many of our beloved plants and animals. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water had set up specialist environmental crime units in Sydney and Melbourne over the past two years as part of an effort to tackle the growing barbaric trade. During a January 22 raid on a Melbourne apartment, federal environmental crime investigators uncovered 800 cartons of illicit tobacco along with native reptiles allegedly being prepared for trafficking. An investigation by this masthead can also reveal that recent busts have shown an overlap with other forms of organised crime. On Friday, the Sydney Downing Centre District Court sentenced Simpson to eight years in jail with a non-parole period of five years and four months. Three lower-level syndicate members were previously convicted for their roles. Under Operations Buckland and Pandora, Commonwealth and NSW investigators teamed up with Australia Post and university-based wildlife crime researchers to track down the traffickers, leading to search warrants that uncovered several hundred more live reptiles shingleback lizards, western blue-tongue lizards, Centralian blue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons, southern pygmy spiny-tail skinks, Eastern Pilbara spiny-tailed skinks, desert skinks, narrow-banded sand swimmers and major skinks as well as the ringleader, Neil Simpson, 61. Between 2018 and 2023, authorities intercepted 15 packages bound for Hong Kong, Romania, South Korea and Sri Lanka, which contained a total of 101 native reptiles hidden in bags of popcorn, biscuit tins and a handbag. But those convicted are often low-level mules, including international students recruited on Chinese e-commerce and social media sites to conceal live animals in everyday goods and send them through the post and courier channels. The Australian convictions include people from China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, while there have also been a handful of convictions in the United States, Hong Kong and Germany over the past six years for smugglers in possession of Australian rusty monitors, spiny-tailed skinks and earless monitor lizards. They follow at least 14 major operations in Australia since 2020, which have brought together a range of agencies including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, state and territory police services and environment agencies, as well as international agencies including Interpol and ended with about 30 people convicted of charges connected to the illegal wildlife trade. This masthead is aware of at least nine alleged wildlife traffickers slated to face courts in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania in the next three months after being identified through a series of ongoing investigations. A 26-year-old Chinese national was arrested and charged with three counts of attempting to export specimens. The raid, codenamed Operation Sam, was launched late last year after 24 live reptiles including 14 shingleback skinks, three eastern bluetongue skinks, three lace monitors and four childrens pythons were uncovered stuffed into toys, table lamps, clothing bags, socks and plastic tubs bound for Hong Kong. Twenty-four reptiles including 14 shingleback skinks, three eastern blue-tongues, three lace monitors, and four childrens pythons were found hidden in toy containers. We are working more closely than ever with national and state agencies to disrupt the illegal trafficking of both protected native species and exotic pest animals, he said. Like counterpart agencies around the country, the Victorian authority had detected high demand in Australia and internationally for native species as pets, and reports of illegal wildlife trafficking were rising, Heppell said. In February 2025, the syndicates ringleader, Zehong Zheng, 21, was fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to 67 charges including importing and exporting wildlife without a permit, while two women in their 20s were also fined for their roles. After raiding properties in Noble Park North and Caroline Springs, the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police seized dozens of illegally sourced native reptiles, including shingleback lizards, blue-tongued lizards and various species of geckos, as part of Operation Pike, which targeted an illegal Victorian syndicate operating with links to other states. Cal Heppell, the director of regulatory operations at the Conservation Regulator, said the Victorian agency was seeing more reptiles being taken from the wild, with shingleback and bluetongue lizards often targeted, driven by their high value in the illicit overseas pet trade. The series of complex operations involving informants, data scraping, postal X-ray and organic scanning has intercepted hundreds of shipments that often include dozens of animals cruelly stuffed into hollowed-out electrical equipment, toys, socks, boots, music boxes, rice cookers and other packages bound for underground markets, most commonly in Hong Kong and Germany. Organisations including Rapiscan technologies, Taronga Zoo and the Australian Museum have also been called in to develop world-leading scanning technology capable of detecting live animals at Australias borders. As a result, the federal wildlife watchdog last year seized 1118 specimens being smuggled out of Australia a huge increase on the 331 live specimens seized in 2024, and the 584 specimens seized in 2023. While the crackdown has made it more difficult for organised criminals to operate, intelligence gathered by the federal wildlife watchdog reveals syndicates are adapting to the increased focus and have moved towards higherrisk, highervolume shipments. This shift is also apparent in detection figures, provided to this masthead, which reveal a decline in the number of illegal parcels detected last year from 151 in 2023 to 75 in 2024, and 102 in 2025 despite a near tripling in the overall number of animals they contained. In response, authorities are undertaking lengthy investigations to trace the source of the shipments. The number of warrants executed by federal Environment Department officials at smuggling headquarters has risen from 11 in 2023 to 16 in 2025. Pet peeves Wildlife Crime Research Hub manager Katie Smith and her colleagues are using wildlife forensics and cyber-crime tracking technology to not only research the illegal markets in Australia, but to uncover those operating within them. Although they have recorded a significant increase in detections, Smith said only 10 per cent of animals being illegally traded were being detected. Since COVID, were seeing almost an exponential increase again in the number of seizures being made, Smith said. Australia, because of its geographic positioning, has a whole heap of unique species found nowhere else. The exotic pet trade, which is the biggest place we see Australian species being laundered into, is driven by rarity. Theyre really highly sought after in the international markets. The scale(s) of the problem Based at the University of Adelaide and backed by the Australian Research Council, the research hub has worked with state and federal agencies to co-ordinate seizures across the country including Operations Buckland and Pandora by tracking poachers in the wild, as well as the networks they use to ship animals out of the country. Using data-scraping technology, the units researchers are tracing purchasing orders, sale offers and smuggler recruitment advertisements on social media, wildlife chat groups and in e-commerce sites dating back to 2019. The results not only provide a map of the illegal international trades, but uncover those who are still operating within it for authorities to target with detections and covert operations. The intelligence also reveals two realities: the escalating prices driving the market, and the fact detection operations are barely making a dent. Illegal sales data shows that a shingleback sold domestically in Australia for $200 to $300 fetches an average $11,000 in Hong Kong. A bearded dragon seized as part of Operation Pike. The reptiles can sell for $5000 on the black market. Conservation Regulator Rarer species, such as the Oenpelli python, found only in Arnhem Land, sell for $100,000. Escalating demand for the snakes from 2017 caused them to become the first species to be listed as vulnerable due to the impact of illegal trade rather than conservation issues. Once out of their native Australia, where they can be laundered and passed off as captive-bred, an animals price jumps further for seemingly legal sales into Asia, Europe and North America. It shows that Australian native species that should never have been leaving the country are everywhere, Smith said. There are huge markets in North America, there are huge markets in Europe Its an exponential price increase. Weve got cases of national movement in Australia where people are moving 90 shinglebacks at once. In Adelaide, you can go on a hike on a sunny day and pick up 10 species, and were then talking $100,000 in Hong Kong, if you can get them there. And the maximum you could be fined for something like this is $3000, so if you can get just one out of the country, youve already covered your costs. Thats just the cost of doing business. Global wildlife trade expert Professor Alice Hughes, of the University of Melbourne, said that once an animal was smuggled out of its native country, a system similar to money laundering made it difficult, or nearly impossible, to track from there. No one cares about lizards The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species or CITES is the global tool to combat wildlife trafficking. It requires nations to list native animals that are targets of wildlife traffickers, so they can then only be traded under a regulated licensing system. But Hughes points to huge gaps in the international treaty, such as the fact only 9.5 per cent of reptile species are listed on CITES despite 45 per cent of species being detected in illegal trade. She said these gaps were being exploited and even promoted on wildlife trading chat pages and social media sites. Crime networks can then smuggle a native species to regional hubs, such as Hong Kong or Germanys massive Hamm reptile market, where they can be recorded as being bred in captivity to sidestep the regulations. Were actually doing another assessment at the moment, which is quite terrifying, just the volumes of species that were finding in trade, Hughes said. When you talk about illegal trade, people talk about ivory, or maybe theyll talk about rhino horn, and then theyll talk about pangolins we never talk about exotic animal trade in the context of the pet trade, and it is booming. They will put radioactive material in rhino horns so they can trace it and so on. There have been all these sting operations, but they have been solely focused on a very small subset of species. Theyre not going to put effort into tracing down your lizard dealer. No one, sadly, cares about it. The whole hedgehog The impact of the gaps in international regulations is clear in the intelligence gathered by the Wildlife Crime Research Hub. As well as monitoring animals being smuggled out, the hub is also scraping data to see what is for sale within our shores, and building a species accumulation curve to plot the number detected in Australia over time. After four years of scraping, the curve is still climbing because the number of species detected as having already been smuggled into the country keeps rising, including animals that are illegal to keep as pets, such as hedgehogs. An African pygmy hedgehog seized during Operation Django coming into Australia. Conservation Regulator Even more concerning, it shows that the global trade moves so fast and wide that one in four of the exotic animals being sold within Australia is not even officially recorded yet by science. When a new species is identified in the wild, it is typically analysed by scientists to confirm its origins before being officially recognised and recorded. But illegal market tracing shows demand to own the rarest animals means species are now being smuggled and sold to pet collectors long before they can even be published in scientific journals. This is not only dangerous for the animals, but fuels organised crime and could be catastrophic for Australias environment and native species. Twenty-five per cent of the species identified are actually not described to science so we know nothing about their potential environmental risk to Australia, or the biosecurity implications, Smith said. TikTok traffic Influencers are one of the biggest drivers of the rare animal market, and the impact of social media is changing the nature of markets that have existed for hundreds of years, according to Hughes. Wildlife investigators cite the impact of a single US-based reptile influencer as almost wiping out a newly detected species of New Caledonia skinks. Although the mans posts focus on captive breeding, investigators believe his huge reach fuelled subsistence poaching for New Caledonians desperate to make a living from collectors who may have no idea where their new pets came from. When jumping spiders began to trend on TikTok in 2021, the tiny and previously unheralded big-eyed creatures suddenly became the second most traded arachnid on the global market, behind ever-popular tarantulas. The increasing lust for rare and small pets has meant space-limited Japan has emerged as a rapidly increasing market for species that have not previously been traded elsewhere, including small and rare Australian reptiles that can be easily housed in small indoor enclosures. While Chinas traditional medicine market has long fuelled the underground trade, Hughes said it was rapidly being overtaken by illegally sourced pets for a new generation. These are tiny little things, but yet, theres this massive diverse market for them, Hughes said. The market in China is growing, and its not regulated at all for these things. These animals are very compatible with the modern lifestyle because they are low maintenance, because they take up less space, because they dont eat as much, and a lot of people will have them just because its easier. In the last month, there have been so many seizures in places like Hong Kong, where theyre starting to check a bit more, because wildlife trade for pets is absolutely huge, and it is under-regulated and totally neglected. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Advertisement InspirationFoodie travel The Vietnamese dish you wont find in Australia (and cant make yourself) Ben Groundwater February 15, 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 The dish: Cao lau The essence of a unique dish cao lau served in a street cafe in Hoi An. Getty Images Plate up You may think its tricky finding specialist ingredients to cook authentic Vietnamese food at home. If you dont live near a good Vietnamese grocer you probably struggle to source, say, sawtooth coriander or banh xeo flour. Just wait until you try making cao lau, a noodle dish unique to Hoi An in central Vietnam. To make noodles for proper cao lau, you will need to mix rice flour with water drawn from the Ba Le well, a source in Hoi An renowned for its calcium-rich purity. Use any other water, and youre not making cao lau. Hmm. Tricky. Advertisement The only thing for it, then, is to travel to Hoi An and sample this truly excellent dish that has a hero component of thick rice noodles made chewy with the addition of an alkaline solution (supposedly using wood ash from the nearby Cham Islands). Those noodles are tossed with pork char sui and crisp crackling, plus bean sprouts and several herbs. With a small amount of broth to bring the dish together, you have a unique, delicious icon of Hoi An. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Related Article Opinion Foodie travel The worlds 14 iconic dishes you must try in their home cities Ben Groundwater Travel writer First serve Hoi An is a historic river port with a long history of influence from China and Japan, among others, which is likely to have contributed to the creation of cao lau. Some theorise that the noodles were introduced by Chinese traders in the 17th century, while others claim the Japanese whose udon and soba noodles bear some resemblance to those used in cao lau were responsible about 100 years later. The finished dish doesnt resemble anything from either of those nations, and so probably developed organically around that same period. Order there Advertisement Youll only find this dish in Hoi An, and one of the best is served at Cao Lau Thanh (no website, 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An). Order here Sadly, you cant order cao lau in Australia. You can, however, enjoy excellent Vietnamese cuisine at An Restaurant in Bankstown (anrestaurant.com.au) and Pho Chu The in Footscray (unclethes.com). One more thing The name cao lau translates to high floor, and is assumed to be a reference to the raised platforms where Hoi An shop owners would traditionally eat their lunch. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Foodie travel Vietnam Asia Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine writing about it, as well as consuming it and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater Connect via email Traveller Guides Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Epstein files reveal scope of Ghislaine Maxwells role in Clinton circle Danny Hakim February 15, 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 New York: Jeffrey Epsteins long-time companion, Ghislaine Maxwell, played a substantial role in supporting the creation of the Clinton Global Initiative, one of former US president Bill Clintons signature post-White House endeavours, new documents released by the Justice Department show. Maxwell took part in budget discussions related to the first Clinton Global Initiative conference; talked through challenges about it with both Clinton aides and Publicis Groupe, the company that produced the inaugural event; and arranged to wire $US1 million to pay Publicis for its work on the Clinton project, according to emails in the massive cache of documents collected as part of the governments investigations of Epstein. Former US president Bill Clinton pictured with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in a photo provided by the Department of Justice. NYT The source of the money is unclear, including whether Epstein provided the funds. However, the emails show he was aware of the payment. Ask him to tell you why i million now and where will it be going, Epstein wrote to Maxwell a few days after she received the wiring instructions from Publicis. Advertisement Maxwells involvement in the launch of the Clinton Global Initiative took place in 2004, before Epsteins 2006 indictment and 2008 guilty plea for solicitation of prostitution with a minor, and long before Maxwell, a daughter of media baron Robert Maxwell, was sentenced in 2022 to two decades in prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually exploit under-age girls. Related Article Epstein fallout Clintons raise white flag after months-long battle to avoid testifying on Epstein The emails support an assertion Maxwell made last year in an interview with the Justice Department that she played a key role in helping set up the global conference. Clinton has said he stopped speaking with Epstein sometime before his 2006 indictment. In a statement, Angel Urena, a spokesperson for the Clintons, said the former president had called for the full release of the Epstein files and has nothing to hide. He knew nothing about Epsteins crimes, Urena said. When it became clear Epstein had no genuine interest in life-saving philanthropic work, there was no reason for further contact. The facts are the facts and the truth is the truth, and theyre both on our side. Advertisement The new documents provide texture about the connections between the Clinton and Epstein circles, which have long generated a swirl of conspiracy theories and unverified allegations. The emails reinforce previous accounts that Clinton and those around him had a more enduring relationship with Maxwell than with Epstein. In addition to her involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative, the records reveal that Maxwell had flirtatious exchanges in the early 2000s with Doug Band, who at the time was Clintons top aide. Maxwell, among guests pictured right, watches Bill Clinton walk his daughter Chelsea down the aisle in 2010. AP She was known to have attended Chelsea Clintons 2010 wedding along with her then-boyfriend, Ted Waitt, a tech billionaire who was a friend of the Clintons and a prolific Clinton Foundation donor. And she remained in the Clinton orbit even after reports began surfacing accusing her of misconduct related to Epsteins abuse of young women. Maxwell told the Justice Department last year that she last saw Bill Clinton sometime between 2016 and 2018, when she said they had dinner together in Los Angeles. In a Justice Department interview last year, Maxwell said president Clinton was my friend, not Epsteins friend. Her lawyer did not return requests for comment. Advertisement A review by The New York Times of references to the Clintons in the recently released files found very little related to former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and limited new information about the former presidents interactions with Epstein, a Democratic donor who supported Bill Clintons 1992 political campaign and donated $US10,000 to help refurbish the White House. He also donated $US20,000 to Hillary Clintons Senate campaign in 1999. Logs that have previously been made public show that Epstein visited the White House a number of times during the Clinton administration and that Bill Clinton took four international trips on Epsteins private jet in 2002 and 2003. Hillary Clinton has said she never flew on Epsteins plane. Clinton and Maxwell in a photograph provided by the US Justice Department. NYT The former president has said he never visited Epsteins private island in the US Virgin Islands, an account supported by emails between Epstein and his associates. (The Secret Service has indicated in the past that its agents have not been to the island, and said in a statement that at this time, we have no new information to provide regarding this matter.) House Republicans have sought to put a spotlight on ties between the Clintons and Epstein, and threatened to hold them both in criminal contempt of Congress if they did not testify in the House oversight committees investigation into the convicted sex offender. Those depositions are scheduled for the end of this month. Advertisement Bill Clinton has tried to downplay his association with Epstein. In a sworn declaration submitted to the House panel last month, Clinton said while Epstein may have visited the White House while he was president, I do not recall encountering Epstein, or any specific interactions with him, while in office. The former president also said that he did not recall when he first met Maxwell, though I believe she was working for Epstein at the time. Clinton said he did not recall his specific interactions with her or when he last saw her, but it was many years ago. US President Donald Trump, who socialised extensively with Epstein and also travelled on his private plane, has expressed misgivings that the Clintons are being forced to testify, despite his repeated attacks on both of them over the years. I think its a shame, to be honest, Trump told reporters this week. I always liked him. Her? Yeah, shes a very capable woman. For his part, Trump had warm words for Maxwell in 2020, after her arrest, saying, I just wish her well, frankly. Both presidents appear to have provided messages for a book put together for Epsteins 50th birthday, though Trumps staff has denied it. Advertisement A behind-the-scenes role The Clinton Global Initiative was conceived in the early 2000s as Clintons version of the annual gathering of the global elite in Davos, Switzerland, with the goal of imbuing it with a more charity-minded mission to shape his post-presidential legacy. Band, who has since had a bitter break with the Clintons, has long been credited with being the driving force behind the project. Maxwells involvement has been largely unknown. Clinton speaks at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York in 2022. Bloomberg But in her Justice Department interview last year, Maxwell said she had a very central role in setting up the Clinton Global Initiative, though she added that the idea was not originally hers. I dont try to elevate myself in any form of importance here, she added. Advertisement Maxwell also indicated that Epstein was engaged in the effort, saying he supported me to help them, but then I think he may have tried to use that to insert himself in some way. Richard Attias, a former top executive at Publicis, said in an interview this past week that Maxwell had played a key role in getting the project going. She was in Davos with president Clinton, and this is when they realised the amazing impact of Davos, and they came up with the idea of creating something similar, but with a different philosophy, he said. Attias said Maxwell sent the $US1 million to Publicis to pay for its work producing the event, which was held in New York in September 2005. He said he was not aware of who provided the funding but believed it likely came from multiple sources. After initially saying he did not believe Epstein was involved, Attias later described Epstein as one of the sponsors, but in follow-up texts to the Times, he also said he didnt really remember, noting the discussions took place more than two decades ago. Advertisement Attias, who left Publicis in 2008 and who has since produced conferences for the Times said in texts and the interview that he was ultimately uncertain about the extent of Epsteins involvement in the Clinton conference. In 2007, when Epsteins lawyers were seeking lenient treatment for their client as he was being investigated for sex trafficking, they asserted in a letter to prosecutors that he was part of the original group that conceived the Clinton Global Initiative. President Clinton was my friend, not Epsteins friend. Ghislaine Maxwell in a Justice Department interview last year The Times identified one 2004 email to Maxwell from Attias in which he appeared to reference Epstein. I trust you and JE at 300 percent, Attias wrote, while pleading for her to call off what appeared to be a lawyer for Epstein who was demanding a wide range of specific budget details early in the planning stages. (We have no idea of what will be the programme, the venue, the hotels, the consultants, the speakers, etc. Attias wrote to Maxwell.) Advertisement In a statement, the Clinton Foundation, which now runs the Clinton Global Initiative, said it accepted only one $US25,000 donation in 2006 from an Epstein-affiliated foundation, which has been previously reported. The foundation said it did not have any record of any other financial contributions to the Clinton Foundation or the Clinton Global Initiative related to Epstein or Maxwell. Publicis funded the development of the event which they were ultimately hired to produce, the foundation said, adding that it was not responsible for raising money for Publicis business. Loading Post-presidential ties Maxwells involvement in the kick-off of the Clinton Global Initiative came during a period when she and Epstein were both socialising with the former president. Advertisement In 2002, less than two years after leaving the White House, Clinton flew on Epsteins plane on a 10-day trip to seven countries, including Ghana and Nigeria. Other passengers on the trip, which has been previously reported, included Maxwell and actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker, according to flight manifests and photos that are among the documents that have been released. Related Article Epstein fallout When Bill met Jeffrey: What was Clinton and Epsteins real relationship? At some point, Clinton appears to have handwritten a thank-you note to Epstein on stationery that Epstein kept on one of his planes. The Times obtained a photo of the undated note, which was framed and recovered from Epsteins estate. In it, the former president thanked the financier for letting him invade your private space and explained that he had been exhausted and had to get away from the crowd. He also wrote that as we forge ahead, ill finally figure out the financial stuff! The newly released files show numerous interactions between Maxwell and the former presidents aides. In November 2002, Maxwell arranged to send Clinton what she described as devil slippers for his birthday, an email shows. The next month, Maxwell and a Clinton aide corresponded about talking points for how to respond to a Vanity Fair reporter who was writing a profile on Epstein. The same day, another Clinton aide, Ira Magaziner, sent Maxwell an email describing a Clinton project to combat AIDS. Advertisement Asked about the contact, Magaziner said in an email to the Times that he had sent the kind of information he shared with potential donors about what would become the Clinton Health Access Initiative, a group that fights disease in dozens of countries. During this period, Maxwell and Band, then a Clinton aide, were also exchanging suggestive emails, the documents show. Maxwell and Epstein with Clinton at the White House in 1993. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library Booboo, Maxwell wrote to him in 2002, are you around? I am very ill and require immediate medical attention I am suffering from boobooitis a very serious condition. Without a booboo fix the symptoms become very pronounced. She referred to cries into the night that sound like Shakespeare sonnets that sound like this Oh Douglas oh Douglas wherefore art though Douglas. Advertisement The same day, Band replied that my boobooitis is also reaching epic poportions, adding, Lots going on but will be In boobooville the second you arrive. Related Article Opinion Jeffrey Epstein Epstein files give weight to conspiracy theories we once dismissed Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist During their exchanges, they facilitated connections between Clinton and Epstein. In an April 2002 message, Band wrote: the pres wanted me to tell you to tell jeffrey he says hello and he misses him. In a statement to the Times, Band said his communication with Maxwell occurred when he was in his late 20s and unmarried. There was absolutely no physical relationship that occurred between us. Ever, he said, calling Maxwell a monster. Advertisement In 2011, Band sent an email to another Clinton aide, directing him to remove Maxwell from all lists giving her access to Clinton-related events as questions about her conduct grew, according to a copy of the email viewed by the Times. Earlier that year, a Daily Mail report had dubbed her Epsteins Girl Friday Fixer. Urena, the Clintons spokesperson, said nothing was communicated broadly across the organisation at the time about banning Maxwell. Maxwell resurfaced at a Clinton Global Initiative event in 2013, after Band left the Clintons employ, and was honoured for an ocean conservation project. 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. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man was taken to the hospital Saturday night after being shot in west Louisville. Louisville Metro Police Officer Adam Sears said authorities responded to a reported shooting in the 500 block of N. 35th Street at 5:46 p.m. That's in the Portland neighborhood. According to LMPD, officers found a man shot in the leg. Police tape was set up around the entrance of a Kroger store in the area. Its unknown at this time exactly where the shooting occurred occurred in relation to the area that was blocked off by police tape. The man was taken to UofL Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Anyone with information in this or any other case is encouraged to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department's online Crime Tip Portal by clicking here. Top stories: JCPS board votes in favor of central office reductions, restructuring plan Investigation underway after woman dies during routine cleanup of Louisville alley Murder in Glitter Ball City | HBO documentary explores 2010 Old Louisville murder 6 people facing more than 100 charges for illegally killing animals in alleged poaching ring Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. > < 23:44 Jamaat challenges Bangladesh poll results, seeks recounting File image The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, which emerged as the main opposition party in the just-concluded Bangladesh polls, on Sunday challenged the results demanding the Election Commission to hold recounting of votes in 32 constituencies where its candidates were unfairly defeated.The party also... Read more > 23:14 Bihar medical student found hanging at hostel in Bengal, probe underway The body of a 21-year-old second-year medical student from Bihar was found hanging in a hostel toilet at a private medical college in West Bengal, a police officer said on Sunday.The deceased, Lavanya Pratap, a resident of Patna, was pursuing an MBBS degree at the institute.His body was... Read more > 22:47 India AI Impact Summit: Restricted access on Day 1, expo open for all from Feb 17 Representative Image/Courtesy @GoI_MeitY/ANI Photo Entry to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 will have some restrictions on the first day of the event, and the expo being organised along with it will open for all from February 17, according to an official advisory issued on Sunday. Preparations are in the final phase and in full swing for... Read more > 22:31 Ramlila to be held in Moscow on Feb 20 File image A Ramlila event will be held on February 20 in Moscow with the support of the Embassy of India in Russia as a people-to-people initiative aimed at deepening bilateral ties, officials said on Sunday.Organisers said elaborate stage design, traditional costumes and music are being prepared for the... Read more > 22:22 Nephews chase uncle, shoot him dead over land dispute in UP A 52-year-old man was allegedly shot dead by one of his nephews after the latter repeatedly rammed his car, sending it off the road, police said on Sunday.Superintendent of police Rajesh Dwivedi said the victim, identified as Veeresh (52), was on his way to a Shiv temple on Sunday afternoon when... Read more > 21:25 Punjab CM Mann taken to hospital for exhaustion; condition stable Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was brought to Fortis Hospital in Mohali for a check-up on Sunday after he experienced exhaustion.The hospital authorities said Mann's condition is stable, and he has been admitted for observation. Earlier, Mann was brought to Mohali from Sangrur where he,... Read more > 21:22 Avalanche hits J-K's Doda; Bhaderwah-Pathankot road blocked File image An avalanche blocked the Bhaderwah-Pathankot inter-state road in Doda district of the Union Territory on Sunday, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded, a police officer said. Bhaderwah superintendent of police Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said the avalanche struck between Thanthera and Guldanda,... Read more > 21:08 I am never fully satisfied; public life demands constructive restlessness: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that by temperament, he is never fully satisfied and believes that public life demands a certain constructive restlessness, a constant urge to do more, to improve faster and to serve better. Modi, however, stressed that it is also important to... Read more > 21:01 Uddhav Thackeray's son Tejas hospitalised in Mumbai with fever Tejas Thackeray (left) with brother Aaditya./File image Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray's younger son Tejas, a zoologist, has been admitted to a hospital here due to fever, a party functionary said on Sunday. Tejas is recovering well and is likely to be discharged soon, he said. He was admitted to the private hospital three days ago due... Read more > 20:51 Balloon with Pak airline mark found at IAF site in Agra; probe on File image A balloon bearing the name of Pakistan International Airlines was found inside an Air Force technical area in Agra, the police said on Sunday. Assistant commissioner of police Gaurav Singh said a case was registered on February 12 at Shahganj police station following a complaint from the... Read more > 20:41 Modi to visit Ajmer on Feb 28, launch projects worth Rs 23,500 cr Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ajmer on February 28 to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 23,500 crore in Rajasthan, an official statement said on Sunday. During the programme, appointment letters will also be distributed to 21,000 youths under a... Read more > 19:55 2 held in Ayodhya for robberies posing as STF, SOG personnel Two members of a gang were arrested on Sunday for their involvement in a series of kidnappings and robberies targeting travellers and traders by posing as fake Special Task Force (STF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) officers in a joint operation by the Cantt Police and the SWAT Surveillance... Read more > 19:37 Dog row: Privilege notice to Cong MP Renuka Chowdhury Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury/ANI on X Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been served a notice for breach of privilege for bringing a stray into the Parliament complex in her car and for allegedly making derogatory remarks against MPs. The Committee of Privileges of the Rajya Sabha has taken up a complaint... Read more > 19:33 Delhi businessman murder: 5 held; Bishnoi gang claim under probe File image Five men have been arrested for the murder of a 35-year-old businessman in Outer North Delhi, with police saying the killing stemmed from a robbery conspiracy, even as a social media post claiming responsibility in the name of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang remains under... Read more > 19:15 Coach of empty passenger train catches fire in Bengal, none injured A coach of an empty passenger train caught fire at Katwa railway station in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district early on Sunday, an Eastern Railway official said. No injuries have been reported in the incident. Fire department officials said the blaze was reported around 4.30 am in a... Read more > 18:54 Priyanka Gandhi to visit Assam on Feb 18, will meet with party officials Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is scheduled to visit Assam on a two-day trip starting February 18 to take part in a series of party meetings ahead of state assembly elections, a state leader said on Sunday. Vadra, a Congress general secretary and parliamentarian, is the chairperson of... Read more > 18:48 2 involved in shooting at migrant workers in Punjab nabbed after encounter File image Two persons, allegedly involved in the shooting at migrant labourers in Punjab's Moga district, were arrested following an exchange of gunfire with the police there on Sunday.Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg following an encounter near Ghalkalan village, while his accomplice,... Read more > 18:04 Jana Nayagan Not Likely Before April 30: Canada-based York Cinemas Canada-based York Cinemas announced the invalidation of all advance tickets for the upcoming film Jana Nayagan, stating that the film is not likely to be released before April 30. In an official statement issued via its social media handles, the cinema management directed affected customers... Read more > 17:52 Om Birla to represent India at Tarique Rahman's oath ceremony Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla/Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17. It is learnt that Bangladesh had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the ceremony to be held in Dhaka.Om Birla, the Lok Sabha Speaker, will... Read more > 17:34 Friend of deceased social media influencer found hanging in Kerala home A 30-year-old man was found dead at his residence in Mannipadi in Kasaragod on Sunday, days after the death of his close friend, social media influencer Chinnupappu, police said. The deceased, identified as Sandesh K, was found hanging in a room at his house in the afternoon. According... Read more > 17:02 Five killed in road accident in Karnataka Five people died in a collision involving a car and a KSRTC bus near Nelamangala on the outskirts of the city, the police said on Sunday.The incident occurred on Saturday midnight when the car, heading towards Bengaluru, allegedly hit the divider and crossed over to the opposite lane before... Read more > 16:42 'Russia's Oppn leader Navalny killed by dart frog poison' Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny/Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Five European states have publicly accused the Russian government of poisoning and killing opposition leader Alexey Navalny with a rare and lethal toxin derived from South American dart frogs, marking a dramatic escalation in international condemnation of Moscow's treatment of its most prominent... Read more > 16:38 Wild elephant damages car in Kerala's Munnar, two escape unhurt File image A car was damaged after a wild elephant attacked vehicles on the Munnar-Marayoor road, forest officials said on Sunday.Officials suspect that a wild elephant bull, popularly known as Padayappa, was involved in the incident, which occurred around 11 pm on Saturday.According to officials, the... Read more > 16:26 5 hurt, 40 two-wheelers destroyed in fire in building basement near Mumbai File image Five persons were injured, and 40 two-wheelers were gutted in a fire at the basement of a building in Maharashtra's Thane district in the early hours of Sunday, civic officials said.The blaze broke out in the basement parking of a residential building in the Sagaon area of Dombivli town around 4... Read more > 15:55 Woman killed in elephant attack in UP's Bahraich File image A 45-year-old woman was killed and her two sons were injured in an attack by a wild elephant on the Mihipurwa-Lakhimpur Road in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, the police said on Sunday. Sujauli police station SHO Prakash Chandra Sharma identified the deceased as Munni Devi of Paras... Read more > 15:39 Shooter held in Delhi for attempting to kill businessman A 22-year-old alleged shooter linked to the Kaushal Chaudhary gang, who police claim was tasked with eliminating a Burari-based businessman as part of an organised extortion conspiracy, was arrested in Delhi's Dwarka, an official said on Sunday.The accused, Kuldeep Singh of Bhalswa Dairy, was... Read more > 15:16 Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand to reopen on April 22 The portals of the revered Kedarnath Temple in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand will reopen for devotees on April 22 after remaining closed for nearly six months during winter, a temple committee official said on Sunday.Harish Gaur, Public Relations Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath... Read more > 15:07 England eye Super Eights spot as fierce football rivals Italy stand in way Two-time champions England will look to seal their Super Eights berth when they take on T20 World Cup debutants and fierce football rivals Italy in their final Group C match Kolkata on Monday. England and Italy share a fierce sporting rivalry on the football pitch, producing some... Read more > 14:46 Explosion in chemical storage tank in Karnataka kills two File image Two people died on Sunday at Kirti Chemicals Industries near Karekate village in Mandya taluk after a storage tank containing chemicals exploded while opening the cap with a gas cutter. The individuals who suffered injuries due to the incident have been sent to Mandya MIMS Hospital for... Read more > 14:43 Indian Navy rescues critically-ill Japanese national The Indian Navy acted swiftly in an operation on Saturday to save a critically-ill Japanese national's life who was on board a ship at Visakhaptnam. In a post on X, PRO & Spokesperson, MoD, wrote, Responding swiftly as a #FirstResponder and trusted GlobalSecurityPartner, #IndianNavy... Read more > 14:34 Australia mull including Smith in crucial game against Sri Lanka Injury-hit Australia could consider bringing in veteran Steve Smith to bolster their stuttering batting as the former champions aim to keep their fate in their own hands when they face Sri Lanka in a crucial T20 World Cup Group B clash in Pallekele on Monday. Australia risk an early exit... Read more > 14:22 T20 World Cup: UAE eye middle-order fix against wounded Afghanistan UAE will look to plug their middle-order frailties, particularly against spin, when they take on a hurting Afghanistan in a must-win Group D clash of the T20 World Cup here on Monday. The two sides head into the contest after contrasting results in their previous outings. UAE scraped... Read more > 13:53 Fire breaks out at multi-storey building in Kolkata, none injured A blaze erupted in a multi-storey building in south Kolkata's Haridevpur area on Sunday, an official said. The fire, which broke out in the apartment complex at 10.40 am, was doused by five fire tenders by noon, he said, adding there are no reports of any injury. Disaster management and... Read more > 13:38 Kerala police body condemns assault on cop by SFI activists File image The Kerala Police Association on Sunday termed the attack on a police officer Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly by Students Federation of India activists, as shocking and an insult to democratic, progressive Kerala. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Association, which represents police... Read more > 13:24 Maha ATS launches major search ops on 21 locations Representational image The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad on Sunday morning initiated a massive search operation across nearly 21 different locations based on specific intelligence regarding extremist activities. The Maharashtra ATS launched extensive searches across the districts of Yavatmal and... Read more > 13:10 Award-winning farmer ends life over debt in Kerala A 62-year-old award-winning farmer allegedly died by suicide due to mounting financial debt at Cherupuzha in this district, the police said.The deceased was identified as Ambattu Elias, a native of Idavaram in Cherupuzha.According to family sources, he allegedly consumed pesticide and was found... Read more > 12:32 Woman from UP murdered over dowry in Jharkhand, body set on fire A 22-year-old woman was allegedly murdered over dowry in Jharkhand's Palamu district, and her body was set on fire, the police said on Sunday. The incident happened in Dalla village in the Pandu police station area, they said. The deceased hailed from Sonbhadra in UP and got married 11... Read more > 12:24 B'desh wants to reset ties with India but...: Tarique aide BNP chairman Tarique Rahman Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power, Humayun Kabir, adviser to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, has said, asserting that the two nations should work together for mutual... Read more > 12:03 Pak enemy country, should be treated that way: Cong MP on India-Pak T20 WC match Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa/ANI Photo Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Sunday called out the high-octane India-Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup, noting that the neighbour had historically been an enemy country to India and should be treated that way only. Speaking ahead of the high-profile clash, set to take place... Read more > 11:49 Imtiaz Ali, Ektaa Kapoor team up for 'Heer Ranjha' Ektaa Kapoor/File image Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is set to reunite with Ektaa Kapoor for another project titled Heer Ranjha following the success of Laila Majnu. Directed by Sajid Ali, the film will be the second installment to the Laila Majnu franchise, carrying forward its love legend and deep-rooted... Read more > 11:18 5 held after encounter in connection with Dalit man's murder in UP File image Five men, including three named accused, were arrested following a police encounter in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old Dalit man in the Rasra area Ballia, officials said on Sunday. Two of the accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire, they... Read more > 11:09 French Prez Macron to meet Modi on Feb 17 in Mumbai French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on February 16 during his upcoming visit, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17, the External Affairs Ministry said.Following their meeting, Modi and the French President will travel to New Delhi to... Read more > 11:03 Man arrested for posting video with 'objectionable remarks' against Modi A 22-year-old man was arrested in Muzaffarnagar for posting a video on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which objectionable remarks were purportedly made against him, police said on Sunday.Charthawal police station SHO Satyanarayan Dahiya told reporters that the accused has been identified as... Read more > 11:00 3 militants, including two women, arrested in Manipur Three militants, including two women, belonging to different banned organisations have been arrested in two districts of Manipur, police said on Sunday.The arrests were made in Tengnoupal and Imphal East districts on Saturday, a police statement said.Security forces arrested two women cadres of... Read more > 10:05 US-Iran likely to hold nuclear deal talks on Feb 17 The United States and Iran are expected to hold the next round of talks over the nuclear deal on Tuesday (local time) in Geneva, Switzerland, CNN reported.According to CNN, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend the meetings.This comes in the backdrop of US... Read more > 10:00 India 'very successful' emerging economy: UN chief India is a 'very successful' emerging economy with a bigger influence in global affairs, and is the 'right place' to host the AI summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.In an exclusive interview with PTI at the UN Headquarters ahead of the India-AI Impact Summit... Read more > 09:21 Upset over not getting bicycle, boy leaves home; cooks up kidnapping story A 12-year-old 'missing' boy who was found on Saturday morning claimed to have been kidnapped by some persons, but police soon established that he had concocted the story to avoid reprimand, a senior official said. The Class 7 student was sulking because his parents had... Read more > 09:17 Situation under control in violence-hit Nagaland village The situation in violence-hit Moava village in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district was under control on Saturday, with no flare-up reported amid tight security arrangements, police said. At least 26 people were injured in a clash triggered by a protracted land dispute in the village under... Read more > 09:14 Bangladesh's new cabinet to take oath on Feb 17 Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new cabinet of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman on February 17 at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza, a deviation from the tradition of the ceremony being held at the... Read more > March Mania Bracketology March Mania 2026 Challenge. Mark Your Calendars for March 15TH bracketology will be here! On Tuesday, the European Parliament voted to revise its Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR) and create a list of safe countries of origin, paving the way for mass migrant deportations. The vote passed by a large majority of 224 (408 in favour, 184 against and 60 abstentions). On the list are multiple countries run by repressive regimes known for massive violations of democratic rights: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, India, Bangladesh, Colombia and Kosovo. European officials will be told to presume that nationals of the designated countries do not qualify for international protection, placing the burden on applicants to prove they would be unsafe. The European Parliament session (screenshot from video) which adopted the establishment of list of safe countries of origin and application of "safe third country" concept, February 10, 2025 [Photo by European Union / CC BY 4.0 Another vote approved, by a majority of 170, was a Return Border Procedure Regulation extending European governments ability to deport migrants to safe third countries. These return hubs are countries which the asylum applicant did not hail from, but to which they can be said to have a connection by one of the following criteria: the presence of members of their family in the country, the previous presence in the country of the applicant, or if there are linguistic, cultural or similar links; the applicant has transited through the third country on the way to the EU and they could have requested effective protection there; an agreement or arrangement exists with the third country at a bilateral, multilateral or EU level for the admission of asylum seekers, with the exception of unaccompanied minors. The passage of the laws is the outcome of the EUs adoption of the Migration and Asylum Pact (CEAS) in 2024. This included 10 articles aimed at establishing a European solution to prevent migration into the continent. It specified prioritising more secure European borders, faster and more efficient procedures for asylum and return and more solidarity with Member States at external borders. Critical to the Pact, and its planned full adoption by June this year, was the adoption this month of a harsher Asylum Procedure Regulation and Return Border Procedure Regulation. The measures adopted last week represent a significant strengthening of the Fortress Europe agenda of the European ruling elite, as they accept, continent-wide, the model established by Georgia Melonis far-right Italian government, under which Albania hosts two detention camps in its territory to hold migrants while their claims for asylum are processed in Italy. Migrants bound for Italy intercepted at sea are transferred to these camps, which are expected to hold up to 3,000 people a month. Alessandro Ciriani, an MEP and member of Melonis Brothers of Italy party, hailed the votes in the European Parliament: This is the beginning of a new phase: migration is no longer endured but governed. Another precedent was set by the Dutch government, which agreed with the Ugandan administration that migrants from neighbouring African countries who could not be deported directly to them from the Netherlands would be held in Uganda in the meantime. A September statement by a Dutch government then led by a right-wing caretaker, which included far-right forces, said the agreement demonstrated that it is a pioneer in Europe when it comes to innovative solutions for getting migration under control. Conservative and far-parties now comprise a majority in the European Parliamentthe result of successive betrayals and social attacks on the working class mounted by social democratic and pseudo-left parties across the continents, including most prominently Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain. Such is the lurch to the right among these centre-left parties that many back anti-immigration policies previously associated only with the far-right. Although the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) blocwith 136 seats in the 720-seat parliamentwas officially opposed, there were significant defections and abstentions. The anti-migrant measures were supported by social-democratic deputies from four countries (Denmark, Malta, Romania and Sweden), with 25 voting in favour. This was only the latest step taken by each in their attacks on migrants and the right to asylum. In Denmark, Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen initiated talks last May with Meloni, backed by seven other (EU) member states, aimed at abandoning key provisions in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In July, Denmark took over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union Council and pushed the anti-immigration agenda culminating in last weeks European Parliament vote. Frederiksen has followed in the footsteps of previous Danish governments who have cracked down on immigration, pioneering policies aimed at deterring asylum seekers, including plans for external processing arrangements outside Europe. Britain is no longer represented in the EU parliament since Brexit but Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer cites Denmark as his model in implementing border control. In Sweden, the Social Democratic Party has presided over a sharp tightening of asylum law following the 2015 refugee crisis, introducing temporary residence permits and border controls. While not in power since 2022, they have continued advocating for harsher migration policies, demanding mandatory Swedish language proficiency for employment in public services or for obtaining citizenship. Another policy the party plans to stand on in the upcoming September legislative elections is to abolish a law allowing migrants to choose where they live. In Romania, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), a continuator of Romanias Stalinist ruling party in the Cold War era, has long functioned as a pro-EU, pro-NATO formation backing austerity policies. It currently governs in coalition with the conservative National Liberal Party (PNL). The PSD stood on an election manifesto in 2024 demanding stronger border security, including stepping up surveillance capabilities at Romanias land borders and in the Black Sea. In Malta, successive Labour governments have overseen aggressive maritime interception practices in the central Mediterranean, working with Libyan forces. This has been implemented as part of the broader Fortress Europe regime aimed at militarising the EUs borders against migrants. In 2022, the Labour Party won a third successive election and has since imposed a raft of anti-immigration policies, including ramped-up immigration raids throughout 2024-25, inspecting vehicles and workplaces to locate and detain irregular migrants and transfer them to detention centres. In November, the party government hosted a meeting of home affairs ministers from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain and Malta aimed at improving relations with countries of origin. Maltese Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri declared, If you deserve asylum, you will get it. If not, then you will be sent back. Thousands of migrants already die at Europes external borders every yearespecially in the Mediterranean, with 2024 the worst year on record for deaths in the sea. Thousands more died in 2025, but this year could be the most horrific yet. In just 40 days to February 10, at least 524 migrants have died or been reported missing attempting the crossing from North Africa to Europe. Speaking to La Monde, an International Organization for Migration spokesman warned, after 53 people died in a sinking off the Libyan coast, This is the worst start to a year we have seen in over a decade Also the deadliest. After seven years of dating, Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael are still going strong. The Next Gen NYC couple dished on their relationship during the February 8 episode of Gias podcast series, Casual Chaos. I still feel the same way about him that I did when I first met him, The Real Housewives of New Jersey daughter said. Me too. I still get butterflies sometimes, Christian admitted, causing Gia to laugh. What? Why is that weird? I get nervous sometimes. Advertisement Advertisement Gia said the admission was cute, as it proved how she and Christian are still smitten over each other. I feel like when you know your spark has faded, its like when you stop caring, she explained. And I havent stopped yet. I hope you never stop, Christian added, to which Gia replied: It wont stop When the sparks there, the sparks there. How did Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael meet? Related: Gia Giudice Just Made a Big Home Change: Unfortunately, the Time Has Come Gia and Christian were introduced in the summer of 2019, right before Gia began her freshman year at Rutgers University. The two shared their romantic origin story in a March 2025 episode of Casual Chaos, saying they met at a Seaside Heights house party. Advertisement Advertisement "I show up to this house. I had the best weekend of my life," Gia recalled. "Out of control. But it was so much fun." The pair went on to attend a country music concert, which led to their first kiss. "And that was it," Christian said. "We hung out the rest of the summer," Gia added. RELATED: Gia Giudice Gives a Tour of Her & Teresa Giudices Forthcoming Restaurant: Lots of Work to Be Done Christian Carmichael explains why he didn't move in with Gia Giudice Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael posing together in front of a step and repeat. The last several months have brought big changes for the longtime couple. In late 2025, Gia moved out of her familys Montville home and into her own apartment in Jersey City, which was significantly further from Christians place. Advertisement Advertisement We didnt move in together because me and my brother started a junk removal company, Christian explained in the February 8 podcast episode. "Right now, its only one truck. Gia admitted that living alone was lonely at times, as she now sees Christian less frequently. Its more easier for you to come, I think, on the weekends, she told her beau. During the week, its definitely hard Were both working; were focusing on what we have to do. Gia Giudice reveals how she & Christian Carmichael stay close However, the pair insisted their communication was solid, as they had daily video calls and tried to make the most of their time together. RELATED: Gia Giudice and Fetty Wap Go Viral with Their Unexpected Hangout (DETAILS) We just sit on FaceTime and dont say anything, Gia told her listeners. I think that keeps you connected in a way I just think communication, talking to each other, and just trying to see each other as much as you can. But then when you actually are seeing each other, I think its very important to make it special, and not do the same thing over and over again make the time youre with each other exciting. Get more with Bravo Insider Sign up for Bravo Insider for FREE and read behind-the-scenes features including: Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day" How to Survive a Real Housewives Dinner Party, According to the Casts Themselves Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired" Summer House Cast Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets (Including Those Mystery Packages) Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, According to the Southern Charm Cast The RHOSLC Cast & Producers Spill on How the Sprinter Van "Makes the Magic" Advertisement Advertisement BravoCon 2025 Behind-the-Scenes Moments with the McBees, Melissa and Teresa, Rachel Zoe, & More Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael discuss starting a family So, whats next for the young lovebirds? Christian said he expected to move in with Gia sometime down the road, preferably into a home they purchased together. He also said he wanted to start a family within the next few years. Ive told you a million times I want to be a young dad, he told Gia. You want to wait until youre 30. Gia told Christian that 30 was not that old, and that she didnt want to have children in her 20s. Listen, buddy, you have to do so many things before you have kids, she said. You need to propose to me, we need to get married, we need to figure out our living situation. Theres a lot more steps. Are Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael engaged? Gia Giudice and Christian Carmichael sitting and posing on a bench together. Gia addressed a potential engagement during a February 11 Q&A episode. The Jersey daughter recalled a recent incident in which her little sister Gabriella Giudice mistakenly believed that Christian had popped the question without telling Gias family. She said it all began when she tried on her mom Teresa Giudices wedding ring a moment that her other sister Milania Giudice captured on camera. Advertisement Advertisement Everyone literally thought I was engaged, Gia said. Gabriella called us because shes abroad right now. Gabriella called my mom and was like, What the [expletive] is going on? Why didnt Christian tell us?... She was like, How didnt he inform us that he was doing this? I was like, Theres no way you thought this was real. Of course, you wouldve known. Gia Giudice's boyfriend, Christian Carmichael, teases his marriage proposal Related: Gia Giudice Reveals When She and Boyfriend Christian Carmichael May Take the Next Step Christian spoke about a potential proposal elsewhere in the Q&A, saying he would like to do it at a beach in front of Gias entire family, including her Bahamas-based dad, Joe Giudice. Everyone would have to be there, he said. The Bahamas would be a good place with, like, fireworks coming up. Advertisement Advertisement Gia then asked Christian what he envisioned for the proposal setup, specifically the floral arrangements. How would you do the flowers? Flowers are a big part of a proposal, she said. Flowers? Christian asked. But then you know its coming. What if it was a surprise [proposal]? I dont want you to know at all. I want the photographer to be hidden. Get more details about Gia's relationship and the ways Christian has supported her career milestones. King Charles has remained largely passive on the front of his younger brothers association with Jeffrey Epstein. While hes fronted the decisions to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles and his eviction from the Royal Lodge, he hasnt publicly called out his brother, but according to new reports from The Sun, he might not be able to stay quiet on the subject for much longer. The British publication is claiming that Charles personally paid around $2M to help silence Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins victims, in 2022. Keep reading for more information. prince andrew jeffrey epstein King Charles Pays Prince Andrew's Accuser Back in 2022, Virginia Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement with Prince Andrew in the civil lawsuit she had filed alleging he sexually abused her when she was a minor as part of Jeffrey Epsteins trafficking network. That settlement was reportedly an expensive one, with many reports estimating a $16M price tag. Where did he get that money from, you may be asking? The Sun is reporting that his relatives may have helped him out. Last week, sources claimed that Charles, back when he was still Prince of Wales, personally contributed $2M toward Prince Andrew's settlement, which he "used to silence" Giuffre by offering in exchange for her to drop the charges against him. Advertisement Advertisement What's worse, is that the bulk of the remaining balance was reportedly funded by the late Queen Elizabeth. If these claims are true, Charles can't claim ignorance any longer. As daily Beast editor Tom Sykes wrote on his Royalist Substack, Charles being guilty here "makes it clear that he and his office were fully involved in covering up Andrew's behavior." "Charles' money was deployed to buy Andrew out of a full public reckoning, to shut down a civil case that could have put a senior royals alleged sexual abuse of a trafficked teenager under the spotlight in a New York courtroom," Sykes continued. "[Charles] was making a hard political calculation about what is in the interests of the Crown." king charles King Charles Plans To Work With Police Last week, King Charles released his first public reaction on the topic of his brother's association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In an official statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King expressed "profound concern" over the continuing allegations involving his brother, including claims that Andrew shared confidential documents with Epstein during his time as the UK's special trade envoy. Advertisement Advertisement Buckingham Palace has stated it would cooperate with authorities if required, with an official statement reading: "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct." The statement continued: "While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect." As ever the Berlin Film Festival is offering viewers a window into stories from across the world -- but what to do when filmmakers face obstacles in working in the countries that their stories come from? At this year's edition of the festival several productions have found creative solutions to the problem. On Thursday the festival opened with a rare offering from Afghan cinema: "No Good Men", the third feature-length film from director Shahrbanoo Sadat. Advertisement Advertisement It tells the story of a young reporter working in Kabul -- played by Sadat herself -- rethinking her scepticism towards men when she strikes up a relationship with a male co-worker. Sadat, who herself has been living in Germany since Taliban authorities retook power in 2021, said that trawling through locations outside Afghanistan was something she had been used to for a long time. For No Good Men, she considered Tajikistan, Jordan and Greece to stand in for Afghanistan. However, Jordan fell through when insurers were spooked by the war in Gaza, with Sadat recalling that "all the work I did went to waste" after location scouting. Advertisement Advertisement The plan to shoot in Greece was scuppered by a lack of funding. "I know that all the filmmakers, including myself, we are running to Middle East for any stories about Afghanistan," Sadat told AFP. However, she made her peace with having a setting that wasn't as physically similar to Kabul. "It's a fiction film. It's not documentary," she said. Sadat told herself that: "I can definitely create it". - 'Fierce desire' - Faced with the alternative of the film not getting made, she embraced the "challenge" of filming in northern Germany, featuring many actors from Germany's large Afghan diaspora. Advertisement Advertisement The film's depiction of the desparate crush at Kabul airport of people escaping approaching Taliban forces made use of a disused German prison. "It was rainy Berlin and we wanted sunny Kabul," Sadat recalled. But the weather played ball on the day of shooting: "It was a beautiful sunny day." Lebanese director Danielle Arbid faced a similar dilemma with her film "Only Rebels Win", which is being shown in the festival's Panorama section, and is set in her hometown of Beirut. As she was preparing to shoot the film in Beirut in late 2024 with French-Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, known for work including her role in the hit HBO series Succession, the Israeli army began a campaign of bombardments in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement "The producers were asking: 'Could we do it in Marseille or Montreuil?'," Arbid told AFP. "I said: 'No, we'll have to do it in a studio.'" The film, which tells the story of an unlikely love story between an older Palestinian Christian woman and a South Sudanese immigrant 40 years her junior, was made in a studio in Saint Denis in the Paris suburbs with "600,000 euros and two walls" said Arbid. To bring Beirut to Paris, she hired a team in the Lebanese capital to shoot street scenes which were then filled in behind the characters in post-production. Advertisement Advertisement Showing the city at a time when it was being heavily bombarded "for me came from a place of anger, a fierce desire" to show Beirut's resilience. - Artistic choice - German director Ilker Catak's film "Yellow Letters", which is in official competition, also indulges in some location-switching, but for a slightly different reason. His film, about a Turkish director and his actor wife suddenly barred from working because of their political opinions, was shot entirely in Germany. Berlin takes on the role of Ankara with Hamburg becoming Istanbul. While producers were confident the film could have been shot in Turkey despite the sensitive subject matter, Germany was chosen to illustrate the fact that threats to artistic freedom are universal. Advertisement Advertisement "We do have to deal with this topic already because there are certain things and certain developments in Germany where we have to be really careful," Catak told a press conference on Friday. "Democracy and freedom of speech needs to be defended every day," he said. "They can be taken away again any time here in Germany, but also in the west -- the west is by no means any better than any other place in the world." bur-jsk-agu/pyv/pt/db/gv Following her justly acclaimed documentaries (The Mole Agent, The Eternal Memory) that play like dramas and a scripted feature inspired by actual events (In Her Place), Chilean director Maite Alberdi continues to blur, smudge and gleefully mess with the lines between fiction and fact in her latest, the by-turns highly comical and then suddenly moving A Child of My Own (Un hijo propio). Revolving around a news story from the early 2000s that brings Alberdi north of the equator for her first Mexican-set feature, Child layers interviews with the actual participants in this strange tale with a scripted and performed re-enactment of the events. But dont worry, this is nothing like the tacky reconstructions one often sees in made-for-TV docs to break up the monotony of talking heads telling the story, thanks in part to Alberdis deft narrative footwork. It helps that the cast is led by the immensely engaging Ana Celeste Montalvo Pena, who stars as Alejandra, a young hospital administrator who fakes a pregnancy and takes drastic measures to assuage her intense maternal longings. And also shut up all the pesky relatives who keep asking her about when she and husband Arturo (Armando Espitia) are going to start a family of their own. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Recalling Kitty Greens darker but similarly genre-tweaking doc Casting JonBenet, this starts with a flurry of edits showing different actors trying out for the role of Alejandra, nicknamed Ale, our complicated protagonist. Montalvo Penas audition gets across in just a few minutes Ales distinctive blend of perk, pluck and pastel-pink girlishness spiked with a generous dollop of disassociated delusionality. From there, the film goes into a mostly straightforwardly chronological account of how Ale and later Arturo get into the desperate situation they eventually find themselves in. As (staged) footage unfurls of Ale and Arturo dancing at their wedding to Unchained Melody (we get to see the real thing later on), Ale explains how even at this, what should have been the happiest moment of her life, she sensed that Arturos mother didnt think Ale was good enough for her son. A sly freeze frame reveals a scowling mother-in-law (Angeles Cruz), looking very grumpy indeed. The confetti has barely settled before the extended family of aunties and cousins start asking when theyre going to produce a child. Unfortunately, poor Ale has two miscarriages in short succession, and eventually an OB-GYN at the hospital where Ale works warns her that she may never carry a child to full term. Just after a third pregnancy also miscarries, Ale meets a young woman named Mayra in a hospital waiting room and the two get talking. A single mother of one child already and due around the time that Ale would have had her baby, Mayra is unhappily pregnant. Shes come to the hospital seeking an abortion, although shed prefer to give [the baby] away rather than throw it away. Ale suggests that Mayra passes over her baby to her when the time comes, and Mayra implausibly agrees. To keep the deception going, Ale starts eating for two, piling on the pounds, fortunately carrying a lot of her new extra weight in her midsection. Concerned that Arturo might figure out shes not knocked up, she puts him off when he tries to get conjugal in bed (it could be bad for the baby, she says) and insists he doesnt have to come to any of her pre-natal check-ups at the hospital. Armed with marabou-feather festooned pens, an in-depth knowledge of the hospitals procedures and familiarity with staff on many wards, she manages to fake a hospital record for herself, obtain a fake ultrasound picture and generally keep the whole deception going until it all falls apart in a matter of days. Advertisement Advertisement To reveal what happens exactly would spoil the films several canny surprises, but its worth noting that we get to spend considerable time in the last half hour with the real Ale and Arturo at least enough time to appreciate how well the actors inhabited the characters. And yet there remains an ineffable quality, especially in Ale a placid dreamy blankness, inimitable, touching in its naivete, and a tragic flaw all at once. DP Sergio Armstrong and his team ensure that the candy-colored palette pops just enough to suggest were not quite in the realm of reality at times, while frequent overhead shots and odd angles enhance the sense of discombobulation. Nevertheless, the documentary footage also has a polished sheen to it, minimizing the separation between fact and fiction in a way that feels respectful of the subjects, putting them on the same level as the dramatis personae. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Austria continues to entice international film, TV and streaming productions with targeted funding, diverse locations and impressive infrastructure, despite the slashing of a key incentive that has rattled the local industry. The countrys film funding programs, while reduced, still offer a wide range of support, particularly for international productions, and it boasts a slew of factors that make it a location hot spot. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Even in the context of recent funding cuts, Austria remains a highly attractive destination for international productions thanks to its modern studios, excellent post-production facilities and highly skilled, internationally experienced film crews, says Nina-Anica Keidies, film commissioner at Film in Austria. Last year the Austrian government, facing soaring debt and a faltering economy, implemented far-reaching budget cuts that hit the Austrian Film Institute (part of the culture ministry) and its OFI Plus location-based automatic funding program. Aimed at Austrian films and co-productions intended for theatrical release, the OFI Plus program has been all but scrapped, with its budget slashed from 44.3 million ($52.7 million) in 2025 to a mere 2.5 million for 2026. At the same time, OFI Classic funding for culturally relevant films was raised from 21 million to 39 million. According to the Austrian Film Institute, a solution is being sought to restart the OFI Plus incentive by next year. Austrias other major incentive program, FISA Plus, is, unlike OFI Plus, part of the economy ministry. While it also saw its annual budget cut, it was by a less severe 30%, from 80 million in 2025 to 55 million this year. FISA Plus supports international film, TV and streaming productions as well as service productions via a 30% rebate plus a 5% green bonus for projects that meet environmental sustainability requirements, with maximum funding at 5 million per film and 7.5 million per series. Advertisement Advertisement Since its launch in 2023, FISA Plus has supported 193 projects with 180 million, generating 485 million in production spending in Austria, including 55 international service productions and 61 international projects that came to Austria only for post production, Keidies stresses. This demonstrates a strong demand for the successful funding program. In 2025, more than 47 film productions in Austria were supported by FISA Plus funding program. Keidies adds: The diversity and quality of the countrys infrastructure from state-of-the-art studios and specialized service providers to sustainable production options are frequently cited by international producers as decisive advantages. These factors ensure that Austria continues to be well positioned in the global market and able to attract ambitious projects. Nevertheless, access to funding remains a crucial factor for many large-scale productions when choosing a location. Austria has in recent years proved a particularly attractive location for streaming and theatrical productions, among them Netflixs German crime show Crooks and black comedy Murder Mindfully as well as its upcoming Spanish series The Map of Longing, Keidies adds. Advertisement Advertisement Leonine Studios Bibi Blocksberg Die Verhexte Zeitreise, the latest installment in its hit big-screen franchise about a precocious girl witch, likewise shot on location in the country last year, securing some 1.9 million from FISA Plus in the process. Other local and international pics that lensed in Austria include Gaston Solnickis The Souffleur, starring Willem Dafoe as a hotel manager grappling with change, which shot in Vienna; and Sven Unterwaldts Woodwalkers 2, which continues the adventures of a shapeshifting cougar attending a school for fellow Woodwalkers. Filmed in the Alpine state of Tyrol, the pic, produced by Germanys Blue Eyes Fiction, Studiocanal, Austrias Dor Film Wien and Filmvergnuegen in Italy, benefitted from nearly 1.66 million in OFI Plus funding. Norbert Lechners The Secret Floor, which follows 12-year-old Karli, who, while in an old hotel in the Alps, is magically transported to 1938, where he befriends a girl and a boy amid the growing menace of Nazi Germany. The film shot on location at the historic Sudbahnhotel in Semmering and at the Grand Hotel de lEurope in Bad Gastein. On the TV front, hit local series from public broadcaster ORF, such as medical drama Pflegeleicht and detective shows Die Toten von Salzburg, Soko Donau and Schnell Ermittelt, have continued to film across the country, Keidies notes. These projects make use of Austrias varied locations from urban settings and historical backdrops to alpine landscapes showcasing multiple regions and contributing to a vibrant year for film production. Advertisement Advertisement Austria has much to offer, she adds. Whether its Alpine mountain roads, remote villages, rich forests, historical and contemporary architecture, or vibrant urban life it is a country of remarkable diversity. Indeed, it is that rich diversity that continues to attract filmmakers. As the national film commission, we frequently receive inquiries for locations featuring majestic mountains, picturesque alpine roads and historic sites, as well as iconic cities like Vienna and Salzburg. These contrasts within short travel distances make Austria an exceptionally versatile filming destination. Despite funding reductions, international producers remain keen to shoot in the country, Keidies says. Advertisement Advertisement We have a strong funding scheme with a fixed annual budget. This naturally limits the number of productions we can support; however, we notice that demand remains consistently high. Due to the shared language, we continue to maintain strong working relations with Germany, but we continue to receive requests from all over the world, including the U.K., the U.S. or Spain. While competition in countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic remains high, Austria has managed to hold its own due to a number of factors. First, Austria has the funding scheme FISA Plus with a location-based incentive of 30% plus an additional 5% green bonus on production costs in Austria, which is highly competitive, Keidies points out. Furthermore, under FISA Plus, it is also possible to apply for funding exclusively for post-production or music recordings carried out in Austria, offering additional flexibility for international projects. Advertisement Advertisement Austria also offers regional funding programs in all of its nine states, including the Vienna Film Fund, the Vienna Film Incentive and the Cine Tirol Production Incentive. Additionally, only a few countries in the world can consider themselves fortunate to be home to Alpine regions, and Austria is one of them, Keidies notes. One of the advantages of a comparatively small country lies also in the relatively short distances and the resulting efficient infrastructure. Moreover, Austria offers, as mentioned, an exceptional variety of locations from breathtaking Alpine landscapes to historic cities, stunning architecture both historical and contemporary, as well as castles and palaces. This diversity makes Austria an outstanding destination for productions seeking unique and versatile settings. Combined with highly skilled film professionals boasting international experience, multilingual capabilities, and solid training, Austria provides an outstanding environment for productions of every scale. Among Austrias latest film productions, six high-profile titles will be premiering at this years Berlin Film Festival: Advertisement Advertisement Rose, Markus Schleinzers competition screener starring Sandra Huller (The Zone of Interest), follows a mysterious soldier in 17th-century Germany who arrives at an isolated Protestant village claiming to be the heir to an abandoned farmstead, arousing suspicions among the locals. The Loneliest Man in Town, by Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, likewise unspooling in competition, centers on a blues musician facing the loss of his home, only for a long-forgotten dream to suddenly resurface. Ulrike Ottingers The Blood Countess, which premieres in Berlinale Special Gala, stars Isabelle Huppert and Birgit Minichmayr as a notorious noblewoman and her maid who embark on a quest for the elixir of life, the buried history of their ancestors and a book that threatens to destroy their kingdom. Adrian Goigingers Four Minus Three, which unspools in Panorama, follows Barbara, a professional clown struggling with a tragic loss that puts her hope and humanity to the ultimate test. Advertisement Advertisement Sebastian Brameshubers London, likewise premiering in Panorama, offers a portrait of todays Europe as it follows Bobby, who drives back and forth between Vienna and Salzburg, picking up strangers along the way and engaging with them in conversations that range from the everyday to the deeply personal. Wax & Gold, Ruth Beckermanns Berlinale Special Presentation entry, looks at a grand hotel in Addis Ababa that was opened at the end of the 1960s by Emperor Haile Selassie and explores Ethiopias past and present, interweaving fact and fiction. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Johnny Knoxville and Jason Flemying are starring in two new thrillers from Vienna-based Pont Pictures that are slated to film in Serbia this year. Knoxville is toplining the psychological thriller Night Sessions, based a script by American writer Christopher Beachum that Pont Pictures Philipp Mair Vargas came across on the Black List database of unproduced screenplays. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Flemyng, meanwhile, stars in Fractal, a time-loop thriller about a toxic relationship that leads to murder, from writer-director Faisal Hashmi, which will likewise lens in Serbia. Pont Pictures is also producing Tunnel Vision, a supernatural thriller from American director Justin P. Lange, whose credits include the 2021 horror drama The Seventh Day, starring Guy Pearce and Stephen Lang, and 2022s Blumhouse Television and MGM+ pic The Visitor, starring Finn Jones and Jessica McNamee. Night Sessions is directed by Austrian filmmaker Gregor Schmidinger, who made a critical splash with his 2019 debut feature Nevrland. Knoxville plays a charismatic psychiatrist from the U.S. living in exile in Berlin, where he hosts a late-night radio show. A rock-star therapist haunted by his past, Dr. Rick Brennan helps lonely and broken callers with their problems on his daily radio show, until his life is upended by a mysterious caller who accuses him of a horrendous crime, leading to a deadly cat and mouse game between the two. Describing Night Sessions as one the best scripts hes read in a long time, Mair Vargas says the part of Brennan is an an actors showcase and ideal for Knoxville. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the Berlin setting, the film will shoot entirely in the Serbian capital. The movie is 90% inside the radio station, notes Mair Vargas. We found a nice location in Belgrade that has a view of the brutalist architecture and the brutalist nature of the city its fantastic, a perfect fit. Fractal, meanwhile, follows, Emily, who has been married to her abusive and alcoholic husband Tom (played by Flemyng) for six years and has finally had enough. She teams up with her ex-convict former boyfriend to kill Tom and bury his body in nearby woods. But what seems like the perfect murder quickly turns into a never-ending nightmare as they find themselves stuck in a terrifying time loop in which Tom keeps coming back. Also attached alongside Flemyng is Gabriela Garcia Vargas. Mair Vargas initially planned to shoot Night Sessions and Fractal in Austria, but after government budget cuts defunded the Austrian Film Institutes OFI Plus funding initiative, he decided to head to Serbia, which offered an ideal alternative and a 25% tax rebate on local production expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Pont Pictures had previously used the OFI Plus subsidy program to finance international co-productions, such as Glenn McQuaids comedy-thriller The Restauration at Grayson Manor, starring Chris Colfer and Alice Krige. Without the support of OFI Plus, shooting in Austria with private equity has become too high-risk under the current conditions, Mair Vargas notes. Austria still offers funding for international productions via its FISA Plus incentive aimed at film, TV and streaming projects and service productions via a 30% rebate, but Pont Pictures had utilized the OFI Plus vehicle, which specifically targeted Austrian films and co-productions. Likewise dealing with supernatural twists and turns is Tunnel Vision, a movie that is ultimately about grief, guilt and the trauma that can make kids turn into monsters, says Mair Vargas. Its such a great, metaphorical piece of art. Advertisement Advertisement Written by Moritz Licht and Jonas Steinacker, both former students of Michael Haneke, the story follows a troubled couple and their young son who, while driving through a tunnel in the Austrian Alps, become trapped in a nightmarish existence after a natural phenomenon suspends the rules of space and time. The team is currently exploring options, and while Austria is the preferred location, in view of the current situation, that may not be feasible, Mair Vargas says. Pont Pictures is also working on Amygdalla, described as an elevated horror pic that plays with hyperrealism, co-directed by Adriana Mrnjavac and Nicole Stigler. The production is being revised following the OFI Plus cuts but the film will likely still shoot in Austria. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Bill Maher eviscerated President Donald Trump over the biggest dick move in American history, following the rolling back of climate change regulations. On the Friday, February 13 episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, the late-night host, 70, took aim at the POTUS, 79, over his remarks and recent actions involving global warming. Trump has always said its a hoax, the whole thing with climate change, Maher explained. He said, scientists, he says, are stupid people. He says, the idea that greenhouse gases cause climate change, theres no basis in fact. Advertisement Advertisement Thats when the stand-up comedian pointed out, He thinks its just some bulls*** that people made up out of nothing to get rich. You know, like crypto. On February 12, the Trump administration rescinded a 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declaration stating that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are a danger to public health. The Associated Press reported that the repeal eliminates all greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles and could result in a larger repeal of climate regulations on things like power plants and oil and gas facilities. Of the move, Maher said, And, yes, his EPA director, Lee Zeldin, said this is the single, this is a quote, single largest deregulatory action in American history.' He then bluntly declared, Probably true. Also the biggest dick move in American history. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2025, Trump slammed the concept of climate change during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. This climate change, its the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion, the POTUS said, per PBS. All of these predictions made by the United Nations and many others, often for bad reasons, were wrong. They were made by stupid people that have cost their countries fortunes and given those same countries no chance for success. If you dont get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail. Real Time With Bill Maher, Fridays at 10/9c, HBO Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. Bill OReilly says theres one reason the Democrats in Washington are stalling on the latest federal spending bill and its based on a misleading statistic. The most recent continuing resolution expires Friday at midnight, and if that date passes without an agreement, the government will have to shut down again. You know, we do this every two months, right? OReilly said on Fridays episode of No Spin News. But heres why theyre holding it up: because Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries really want to gut the Homeland Security apparatus and ICE in a specific way. They want to neutralize it so that Homeland Security will have a far more difficult time controlling undocumented migrants already in this country OK, let me prove it to you. OReilly noted that that Schumer and Jeffries want certain conditions around ICE enforcement before they agree to continue funding the operation, including no masks for officers; judicial warrants for detainees, no enforcement near hospitals, schools or churches; and body cameras for agents. Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that masks have already been adjudicated in California a federal judge says ICE agents can wear masks judicial warrants for 15 million illegal aliens would be impossible and no-go zones means in a city you could not have any enforcement. As for bodycams, thats a little murky that any kind of action against migrants must be shared with local authorities, which of course gives the authorities the opportunity to tip off the migrants or the groups involved, which of course they would in the radical left states. All in all, OReilly said, Its not going to happen. So the rational conclusion about all these demands is the Democratic Party doesnt want any enforcement, OReilly concluded. They just dont. They want amnesty. But that has been the position of the Democratic Party for decades amnesty. Anybody here whos not a criminal should be allowed to stay. But now its violent criminal. This is the big lie. You ready for the big lie? Here it comes. Advertisement Advertisement OReilly noted the Democratic talking point going around is that only 14% of migrants that have been detained by ICE are violent criminals then rolled video examples of operatives, including radio host Leslie Marshall, deploying it. That is misleading in the extreme, OReilly said. And I dont know whether Leslie Marshall knows that or not, but she certainly hasnt done her research. Now, that 14% figure comes from a CBS News report that is totally erroneous. Why? Well, here are the nonviolent crimes that dont fall under the 14%: drug trafficking and use, DWI, all crimes of theft, all crimes of fraud. In addition, child pornography, endangerment and child trafficking are not considered violent crimes. OReilly said that means that migrant gangs who control drug trafficking operations wouldnt be subject to ICE detention. Not violent. Nope, he said. See what the fraud is? You see what the big lie is? When people hear this, they go, Oh, ICE is rounding up just poor farmers, poor hotel workers. Only 14% are violent criminals. What a lie. Advertisement Advertisement OReilly said the federal governments own statistics show that 60% of undocumented people detained by Homeland Security have committed some kind of criminal offense. That is probably true, he added. Now, a criminal offense could be not showing up for a hearing. It could be a lot of things. But if you are here illegally you have snuck in or overstayed your visa and you commit any crime, any crime, out of here. Right? OK. So thats what were dealing with here a massive deception. And the press picks it up and runs. Watch OReillys entire monologue in the video clip above. The post Bill OReilly Says He Can Prove the Real Reason Democrats Want a Government Shutdown: Ready for the Big Lie? | Video appeared first on TheWrap. They managed to sneak through the design and testing stages without all their vulnerabilities being discovered and its left to the crew, and in some cases passengers, to deal with the often tragic fallout. The aircraft listed here were, with one exception, more dangerous than they should have been, but in most cases, this was also a sign of the period in which they were operating. For example, entries 2-10 could have been filled with jet fighters from the 1950s and 60s which probably would have been more statistically accurate, but would also have got a bit predictable. Regardless, here are ten aircraft you probably should avoid flying: 10: Tupolev Tu-104 Entering service during the British Comets awkward pause in operations the Soviet Tu-104 was the worlds only jet airliner for a brief period. What it wasnt was particularly safe. The controls were heavy, it was unstable, and the highly swept wings had adverse handling characteristics approaching the stalling speed. These quirks might be acceptable in a strategic bomber but were not ideal in an airliner. Advertisement Advertisement The tendency to pitch up violently, or enter an uncontrollable dive at the stall led to pilots flying the approach into airports 30mph faster than the intended speed often creating problems that the brake chute couldnt solve. 1958 saw three aircraft lost in accidents with subsequent years seeing a steady drum beat of losses. 10: Tupolev Tu-104 32 aircraft were lost in accidents before the type was withdrawn from commercial use, while another aircraft was hit by a missile after a training exercise went awry. Aeroflot withdrew the Tu-104 in 1979 after a false fire alarm led to an aircraft crashing while returning to Moscow airport, killing 58 of 119 onboard. The Russian military continued using the type until 1981 when a Soviet Navy example crashed due to improper loading of cargo, killing 16 Admirals in the process. With 201 aircraft built the Tu-104 suffered a loss rate of 16%, better than the next entry but substantially worse than just about any other operational jet airliner. 9: de Havilland Comet After years of wartime austerity, the de Havilland Comet showed the world that Britain was still at the cutting edge of civil aviation. The worlds first jet-powered airliner entered service with BOAC in 1952 heralding a golden future. Unfortunately, that never arrived. Advertisement Advertisement On 26 October 1952, a BOAC aircraft ran off the runway at Romes Ciampino airport refusing to leave the ground despite the nose being held in the air. Four months later a Canadian Pacific Airlines Comet taking off from Karachi did the same, killing all 11 onboard. Ultimately a modification to the wing leading edge would solve the problem but much worse was to come. 9: de Havilland Comet In January 1954, Comet G-ALYP disintegrated over the Mediterranean killing all onboard. After a brief investigation, the Comet was returned to flight in March. Two weeks later G-ALYY would disappear near Naples. The Comets Certificate of Airworthiness was revoked, and a thorough investigation began. It was discovered that the crack that caused the first accident began at a rivet hole that had been damaged during build. The thin-gauge metal used to save weight made the early Comets vulnerable to this type of damage and a redesign was required. However the damage was done, the battle lost to the Boeing 707. 114 Comets were built, with 25 being lost. 8: Gloster Meteor The endurance of the Gloster Meteor, the first jet-powered fighter of the Allies, could be measured with an egg timer. Another serious issue was that an engine failure of one of the two engines on take-off could be fatal. The two engines were widely spaced out from each other causing alarmingly asymmetric thrust with one engine out. In some cases, pilots would have their own critical speed recommendation for asymmetric flight based on their leg strength. Other issues included selecting the air brakes with the undercarriage and flaps already down, the resultant blanking of airflow to the tail leading to a dive. Advertisement Advertisement The limited navigation aids available at the time also caused issues, on one occasion in 1951 a flight of three aircraft from 203 Advanced Flying School at RAF Driffield found themselves having to descend over the sea to gain visual flight conditions. 8: Gloster Meteor The full list of Meteor crashes is astonishing and not only was the aircraft ridden with dangerous design features, it was a new type of aeroplane requiring new skills to many pilots more familiar with piston-engined aircraft. 1952 alone saw 150 Meteors lost in RAF service, 30% of losses for that year, the next highest figure being for Vampires with a mere 82 being lost. The following year saw a slight easing off with only 143 Meteors lost. In total the RAF alone lost 890 Meteors, accounting for 22% of the production run. 7: Vought F7U Cutlass The Vought Cutlass still looks like it came from the future today. Unfortunately, its a future with a very relaxed approach to safety. A lack of thrust was one flaw; a complicated high-pressure hydraulic system was another. In the F7U-1 failure of this could leave the pilot with no control for 11 seconds while pressure decreased enough for manual control to be taken. A third weak point was the fragile nose gear. Advertisement Advertisement As if having the cockpit 14 feet off the ground at a 9 degrees attitude wasnt enough for landing and taxiing it was raised to 14 degrees, and in a foreshadowing of the Phantom a full 20 degrees for take-off. Unfortunately, this made the whole spindly assembly liable to collapse on landing, or worse punching up through the cockpit floor into the bottom of the ejection seat causing it to fire. 7: Vought F7U Cutlass As a carrier aircraft, its greatest weakness, of many, was the 23-degree nose-high attitude on approach which essentially guaranteed that if you could see the ship you were doing it wrong. A design flaw meant that while in afterburner the transfer tank that fed fuel to the engines could be drained faster than it was being replenished from the rest of the system. Unsurprisingly the Cutlass was withdrawn from fleet operations by October 1957, only three and a half years after entering service, although some would remain in second-line use until March 1959 primarily for trial work. 78 of 320 Cutlasses were lost in accidents in only 55,000 flying hours making it one of the most dangerous US Navy jets of all time. Still, thats amateur hour compared to the next entry. 6: C-87 Liberator Express The B-24 Liberator was one of the best heavy bombers of the Second World War, and in its Anti Submarine Warfare variants was responsible for sinking more submarines than any other aircraft in history. The C-87 transport version would enjoy none of its siblings success. To make a C-87 the bomb bay was converted into a cargo area along with the fuselage forward of the cockpit. Able to carry up to 25 passengers or 12,000lbs (5455kg) of cargo the Liberator Express was an improvement on the existing C-47. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, due to the priority given to its bomber cousin shortcuts were taken in the C-87s production. 6: C-87 Liberator Express The use of a lower boost supercharger adversely affected its high-altitude performance. The nose gear was prone to breaking, having not been intended for landings with a full internal load. Cargo was also liable to shift throwing the centre of gravity out of limits, causing the aircraft to climb or dive uncontrollably. In the book, Fate is the Hunter author and pilot Ernest K Gann details the C-87s faults, including the time he nearly destroyed the Taj Mahal after taking off in a C-87 with three tonnes more fuel than expected. The C-87s loss rate was over 50% with 152 of 287 lost. In comparison, despite regularly being engaged in air-to-air combat, only around 33% of Liberators were lost. 5: Latecoere 631 The Latecoere 631 was the ultimate in late 30s flying boats with six engines, twin tails, and a bar in the nose, unfortunately, the second world war would delay its service entry to 1946. Before this, the first example had been commandeered by the Luftwaffe, and then sunk at its moorings by the RAF. In October 1945 the second aircraft was flying between Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo when the number 3 propeller broke off. Advertisement Advertisement One blade hit the number 2 engine's propeller and another ripped through the fuselage killing two passengers. Air France continued its operations and it wasnt until February 1948 when a brand new 631 crashed into the English Channel in bad weather. 5: Latecoere 631 August 1948 saw aircraft F-BDRC disappear over the Atlantic. Air France took the opportunity to cancel its orders while the French government created a company to use the remaining examples for cargo. Meanwhile, F-WANU was used to discover what had led to F-BDRCs loss, leading to it too crashing. Another company was now formed to use two of the remaining 631s for cargo operations. When one of these broke up in a thunderstorm over Cameroon in 1955 operations finally stopped. Four of seven Latecoere 631s were lost in accidents with all onboard dying, making it one of the more dangerous airliners ever to fly; a further four 631 planes were never even used. 4: Vought F-8 Crusader The Crusader was a handful, which was painfully apparent when it came to landing, a terrible quality in a carrier aircraft. A terrifying total of 493 Crusader pilots had to exit the aircraft by ejection seat. Overall, 517 of the 1261 Crusaders had been built had been lost. This loss rate of 41% is dismal, and that there is 737 entries in the Aviation Safety Network database is clearly atrocious. 4: Vought F-8 Crusader The high approach speed of 147 knots was a big issue on smaller carriers such as the Essex-class. Consistent speed was also important. To help, an autothrottle (Approach Power Compensator) was added in 1964, but even this caused problems as over-reliance on the APC was equally dangerous. Another peculiarity of the F-8 was its odd relationship between nose attitude and sink rate caused by its oddest design feature, on landing the wing stayed at the same angle of attack as the fuselage tilted (the wing was mounted on a mechanism). Advertisement Advertisement Things were particularly counter-intuitive for the pilot in the final approach stages, which again required attention. The Crusader, fine in many ways, was an extremely dangerous aeroplane. 3: Supermarine Scimitar The Supermarine Scimitar was a twin-jet naval fighter from the manufacturers of the Spitfire. Despite having two engines each producing 11,000lbs of thrust, the overly thick wing, prevented it being supersonic in anything other than a dive. It also suffered a horrendous loss rate. For a naval aircraft surprisingly few of its accidents directly involved an aircraft carrier. Two suffered cable breaks after landing and fell off the front of the ship. A third suffered brake failure while taxiing to the catapult, while a fourth ditched after an aborted landing. A fifth aircraft suffered an engine failure on approach. 3: Supermarine Scimitar Scimitars also suffered nine losses due to hydraulic failures, 5 due to engine failures, a couple each due to bird strikes, fuel leaks, or Controlled Flight into Terrain. There were also 7 losses for unknown reason. In an unusual twist, two of the three surviving Scimitars were involved in a mid-air collision over Malta in April 1964 when 807 squadron was on its way back from the Far East. Advertisement Advertisement Overall of 76 Scimitars built, 39 were lost in accidents - a staggering 51% - all essentially in peacetime: the closest they came to a war was deterring an Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1961. 2: Republic F-105 Thunderchief The Republic F-105 Thunderchief had an auspicious start to life with the first two prototypes breaking their backs in landing accidents. Given the airframe needed a complete redesign to reach the contracted top speed this was probably less of a problem than it at first seemed. However, it wasnt an encouraging sign when after all the modifications to achieve that were done the third prototype very nearly did the same thing. In this case the main gear refused to extend as the engine auxiliary intakes, located in the gear bay, had opened and the suction from the Pratt and Whitney J-75s was holding the doors firmly shut. In a cruel twist with the engine shut down the test pilot was walking away from the aircraft only for it to slowly hoist itself up onto its wheels, the hydraulics being able to overcome gravity if not vacuums. 2: Republic F-105 Thunderchief Aside from the excessive heat and humidity requiring modification to the Thunderchief the single hydraulic system controlling the horizontal stabiliser soon emerged as a weak point. Damage to the system would force the aircraft into an irrecoverable dive - F-105s were also falling to North Vietnamese air defences, primarily guns, at a shocking rate. At least 60 were lost in 1965, 111 in 1966, and a further 97 in 1967. In all 334 Thunderchiefs were lost in combat over Vietnam nearly 20% of USAF losses and 40% of all F-105s produced. Advertisement Advertisement Even in the context of war, this was bad when compared to loss rates for aircraft in WW2. A further 63 were lost in accidents in South East Asia while when other losses are included well over 50% of all Thunderchiefs produced were lost. 1: Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka Built by the Imperial Japanese Navys Yokosuka arsenal, the MXY-7 Ohka suicide bomb was a 20 foot tube with stub wings. The doomed pilot was sandwiched between a 1200kg warhead and a 4500 pound thrust rocket motor. Surprisingly, there was armour plating at the rear of the cockpit to protect the pilot. Despite a top speed of over 500mph, the Ohka was not the highly effective weapon that had been hoped for. Kamikaze attacks in converted fighters had shown limited success but the MXY-7 had an Achilles heel. Its limited range required it to be carried to the target by a converted G4M Betty bomber. 1: Yokosuka MXY-7 Carrying the Ohka compromised the G4Ms speed, and its ceiling was reduced to a dangerously low 16,400 feet. On their first mission on 21 March 1945, all the bombers were intercepted before they were within 50 miles of their target. Although some MXY-7s were released, with a range of only 20 miles it would be to no effect. The Ohkas performance didnt improve, only one ship, the destroyer USS Mannert L Abele was sunk by the MXY-7, with 84 sailors believed killed. Given there were 74 MXY-7 missions, and the Betty itself had a crew of seven, its entirely possible more Japanese lives were lost in Ohka missions than American. Quite how a suicide aircraft could be even more dangerous than it was intended to be is a grim and perplexing question Joe Coles is the author of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 1. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licences: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en ]]> Metro contractor negligence has once again brought the functioning of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) under sharp scrutiny after a fatal collapse at an under-construction metro site in Mulund (West) claimed one life and injured three others on Saturday afternoon. Police have registered a case against the contractor. The incident occurred around 12.15 pm near Pier P196 of Mumbai Metro Line 4 (WadalaKasarvadavali corridor) on Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road, close to the Mulund Fire Station and the Johnson & Johnson premises. A parapet wall segment from the elevated viaduct, measuring about 6 feet by 4 feet, fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car passing below. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the concrete slab struck the autorickshaw and the private car, severely damaging both vehicles and trapping the occupants. Four people were injured and rushed to Upasana Multispeciality Hospital. Ramdhan Yadav was declared brought dead. Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is admitted to the ICU and remains critical, while Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are stable and undergoing treatment, hospital officials said. Emergency teams from the fire brigade, police, metro staff and civic authorities reached the spot and carried out rescue operations. The stretch was cordoned off, disrupting traffic on the busy LBS Road. Witness Gurjot Singh Keer, who was driving a few vehicles behind the autorickshaw, said he saw the concrete block fall directly onto the rickshaw. It happened within seconds. I still cannot believe I escaped unharmed. I was just a few vehicles away. Why should innocent people lose their lives because of someones negligence? The scene was extremely painful something I will never forget, he said. Preliminary information suggests the parapet segment had been installed a day before the accident. Mayor Ritu Tawde said that if fresh work had been undertaken, the area should have been properly barricaded to prevent vehicles from passing beneath the structure. Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha said he had raised repeated complaints about alleged negligence and safety lapses at the metro sites. Despite continuous follow-ups and warnings, no strict corrective action was taken. This tragic incident is a direct result of that negligence. Those responsible must be held accountable, he said. Mulund police have registered a case under Sections 105, 110, 324(5) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is underway. Grief has engulfed Bharthari village in Jaunpur district following the death of Ramdhan Yadav, whom villagers described as a father figure and guiding force. Yadav had travelled to Mumbai four days ago to attend a wedding in Kalwa and was staying with relatives in Bhandup. On Saturday morning, he was heading to the venue in the autorickshaw with two friends when the parapet segment fell, killing him on the spot. His brother-in-law, Shashikant Yadav, said the family is shattered and struggling to inform his immediate family. The entire village is in pain. He was not just a pradhan but like a father to everyone, he said. Ramdhan had taken responsibility for nearly 10 family members after his brothers death and strongly supported the education of girls. He always pushed the girls to study and become independent. Now the karta of our family is gone, Shashikant said. The family has alleged negligence by officials overseeing the metro project and claimed they were being pressured to take custody of the body without written assurances of assistance. They also referred to a previous incident in Bhiwandi in which a falling rod critically injured a youth, alleging attempts were made to quietly settle that case. In a statement, MMRDA said it was deeply anguished by the tragedy and extended condolences to the deceaseds family. Construction at the site has been temporarily suspended and a comprehensive structural and safety audit initiated. A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to determine the cause of the fall. Based on prima facie findings, MMRDA has imposed a Rs 5 crore penalty on the contractor and Rs 1 crore on the general consultant. It said it would bear the full medical expenses of the injured and provide financial assistance to the bereaved family as per policy, adding that further action, including blacklisting, would follow once responsibility is established. Previous incidents In August 2025, 20-year-old Sonu Ali suffered a life-threatening head injury after a metal rod fell from an under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 5 site in Bhiwandi and pierced the roof of the autorickshaw he was travelling in. He remains in a coma. In January 2023, a 37-year-old scrap collector died after a heavy metal plate fell on her at a metro construction site near the Eastern Express Highway in Thane. In January 2025, a 20-foot concrete reinforcement cage from the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 4 collapsed into the premises of Suman Nagar Society in Chembur. No injuries were reported, and MMRDA initiated a probe. Great Britain has produced some of the most potent - and often beautiful - fighter aircraft ever flown. The pivotal moment in the story of the British fighter aircraft was the Battle of Britain in 1940 when the Royal Air Force valiantly deterred the marauding Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany. Narrowing this list down to down to 10 was hard, and given a further ten, I would have loved to have included the Gloster Gladiator (304 victories despite its obsolescence) and the most successful Fleet Air Arm fighter of the second world war, the Fairey Fulmar, a mediocre machine that achieved incredible things. Many more deserve a mention, like the S.E.5 from the first world war. We're not including international joint-ventures like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Here are ten superb British fighter aircraft: 10: Hawker Hunter Hawker Hunter Loved for its great beauty and almost idiot-proof handling, the Hawker Hunter proved immensely popular with pilots and the public alike. Designed by the great Sydney Camm, creator of the Hawker Hurricane, the Hunter was a transonic fighter-bomber that entered service in 1954. Advertisement Advertisement A year before it entered service, it made headlines. On 7 September 1953, a bright red shiny Hunter piloted by Neville Duke snatched the world air speed from the Americans, reaching a cool 727mph (1,171km/h) over the English South coast. The record would stand for nineteen days. 10: Hawker Hunter Hawker Hunter The Hunter was an export success, with orders from twenty-one countries worldwide, from Abu Dhabi to Sweden and Zimbabwe. The type proved capable in combat, seeing service in several air forces but mostly notably in Indian Air Force hands during the Indo-Pakistan Wars, where it tangled with MiGs and Sabres. A total of 1972 Hunters were made, and the type served for a long time, only retiring from the Swiss Air Force in 1994. Incredibly, in 2008, the Lebanese Armed Force reintroduced the aircraft to frontline duties, the ancient warrior finally being retired in 2014, sixty-three years after it had first flown in 1951. 9: English Electric Lightning English Electric Lightning The English Electric Lightning was an ultra-high-performance interceptor fighter. Famous for its scorching climb rate, high top speed and good manoeuvrability, the Lightning was in many ways the best fighter in the world when it entered service in 1960. Advertisement Advertisement The Lightning is unconventional in its use of stacked engines - usually, twin jet engines are side-by-side if mounted in the fuselage. The Lightning was the only operational aircraft to adopt this configuration, though the French did test fly a stacked twin, the Grognard ground attack aircraft of 1950. 9: English Electric Lightning English Electric Lightning Another novel feature was its sharply swept-back wings with ailerons on the wingtips. The Lightning was also famous for its thirst, and had very limited endurance if not air-refuelled. The Lightning could reach extremely high altitudes, and speeds comfortably in excess of Mach 2, if not for very long. The Lightning is included in this list for both its astonishing performance at the top of service entry, but also its importance as a deterrent during the Cold War. The Lightning was retired from Royal Air Force service in 1988. 8: British Aerospace Sea Harrier British Aerospace Sea Harrier Britains Harrier was the first operational vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter-bomber, when it joined the Royal Air Force in 1969. This helicopter-like magic is achieved through the steering of the thrust of its Rolls-Royce (originally Bristol Siddeley) Pegasus engine through four swivelling nozzles. Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the Harriers VTOL abilities, when the UK opted out of large aircraft carriers, this did not rule out fast jets. The Harrier was given a radar, a raised cockpit and adapted for naval use, resulting in the Sea Harrier, which first flew on 20 August 1978. 8: British Aerospace Sea Harrier British Aerospace Sea Harrier When Argentina occupied the Falkland Islands in 1982, the United Kingdom responded with a naval task force with two light aircraft carriers equipped with Sea Harriers. The Sea Harriers, despite their relatively modest top speed, basic radar and limited armament load, proved formidable in air-to-air combat. They racked up 20 air-to-air victories for no air-to-air losses in the war (though several were lost to both groundfire and accidents), becoming the most successful British fighter (in British hands) of the post-war period, a title it still holds today. Following the Falklands War, the Sea Harriers were upgraded to FA2 standard with the excellent Blue Vixen radar and potent AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missiles. 7: Sopwith Camel Sopwith Camel The magnificent Camel biplane was the greatest fighter of Britain and her allies in the First World War. Downing more aircraft than any other of the conflict - a total of 1294 - the Camel is undoubtedly worthy of inclusion. Startlingly, all of these were made in only slightly over a year and a half. Advertisement Advertisement No other fighter type of the war comes close to the Camels score. The Camel had twice the firepower of the aircraft it replaced, and was exceptionally manoeuvrable. But it was far from viceless and had a ferocious reputation, perhaps worse than any peer, for killing student pilots. 7: Sopwith Camel Sopwith Camel The torque of the rotary engine, some 375 lb (170 kg) spinning at the same speed as the propeller, meant the Camel turned right at an unbelievable speed it may well have been the most manoeuvrable fighter of all time, with the possible exception of the Bat Bantam; though how it would fare against a thrust vectoring MiG-29 is an interesting thought experiment Because of its formidable achievements and the difficulty of mastering it, the Camel, and its exceptionally skilled pilots, enjoyed a glamorous mystique. Pilots darkly joked that the Camel offered the choice of a wooden cross, the Red Cross or a Victoria Cross. 6: Hawker Sea Fury Hawker Sea Fury To represent the pinnacle of piston-engined fighters we could consider the ultimate members of the Thunderbolt or Mustang family, we could also look at the final Spitfires, but the true answer is likely the British Sea Fury (with the US Bearcat a joint first). Advertisement Advertisement Hawkers long, painful journey to develop a heavy single-engined fighter saw a great deal of time, expense and human lives expended on the formidable but flawed Typhoon, problematic Tornado, and brilliant Tempest. What became the Sea Fury started as an attempt to make a smaller, lighter fighter based on the Tempest. 6: Hawker Sea Fury Hawker Sea Fury Further refining the Tempest created the masterly Fury and Sea Fury. Outrageously fast and powerful, with massive firepower, but with sweet, forgiving handling, here was a triumphant finale to Hawkers piston fighters. A total of 864 Sea Furies were made. The Sea Fury succeeded in downing at least one MiG-15 jet fighter in the Korean War. In the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Cuban Sea Furies shot down two CIA-operated B-26s. The aircraft served with the air arms of several nations: Australia, Burma, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, West Germany, Iraq, Netherlands, and Pakistan. 5: Gloster Meteor Gloster Meteor The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter, and the worlds second. It first flew on 5 March 1943, mere months after the German Me 262 had first flown with jet engines (18 July 1942). The first operational RAF squadron of Meteors was assembled in some secrecy. Advertisement Advertisement On 12 July 1944, 616 Squadron became the first RAF squadron to receive the Gloster Meteor Mk.I. The first Meteor operational sortie was a mere two weeks later, attempting to intercept German V-1 cruise missiles. The first two V-1 kills were made on 4 August, and Meteors would go on to destroying 14 V-1s in total. 5: Gloster Meteor Gloster Meteor The Meteor arrived too early to benefit from the wealth of aerodynamical research seized from the yet-to-be-defeated Germans, most notably the swept wing. In 1947, the swept-wing F-86 arrived on the scene, and the Meteor was utterly outclassed. Illustrating just how quickly the rate of aircraft development was in this time, it should be noted that in the preceding year the Meteor had achieved absolute world speed records. Between 1950 and 1955, at some of the most dangerous times of the Cold War, the Meteor F8 provided the backbone of Britains air defence capability. RAF Meteors served in every war that Britain took part in this time (apart from Korea) and saw a great deal of action in the 1950s. 4: Bristol Beaufighter Bristol Beaufighter Few successful fighters are developed from bombers, but the Beaufighter (and another aircraft we will meet further up this list) is a notable exception. Based on the Type 152 Beaufort reconnaissance and torpedo bomber, the Beaufighter was a twin-engined fighter that emphasised firepower and flexibility over speed. Advertisement Advertisement Featuring four 20mm cannons, soon supplemented with six Browning .303 (7.7mm) machine guns in the wings and a generous amount of ammunition, the Beaufighter proved itself an excellent machine. Importantly, it was able to carry the latest technology in the form of the Air Interception radar. 4: Bristol Beaufighter Bristol Beaufighter The Beaufighter was the best Allied night fighter until the advent of the Mosquito and operated at the time when the Luftwaffe was most active against the British Isles. It was also adapted as an anti-shipping aircraft, a role in which it excelled. It is likely that the Beaufighter scored more aerial victories than is commonly quoted, and a figure of 965 is credible, a remarkable contribution. For a British aircraft, it was surprisingly easy to escape from in an emergency. Both crew had a large entry hatch in the fuselage floor. When opened it also served as a windbreak. The pilot simply lowered the rear of his seat and could then just drop out backwards, while the observer rotated his seat to the rear and could leap straight down and out. 3: de Havilland Mosquito de Havilland Mosquito The Mosquito was conceived as a bomber that spurned defensive guns in favour of speed. By being as light and fast as possible it could outrun hostile fighters. Key to the Mosquitos speed was its use of lightweight materials, slick aerodynamics and masses of power from its two Merlin engines. Advertisement Advertisement The use of wood in the construction of the Mosquito made it extremely light, as well as lightening the nations burden to source strategically vital aluminium. Thanks to its clever design, the Mosquito also had a relatively small wetted area, the amount of its surface that meets the air, minimising its drag. 3: de Havilland Mosquito de Havilland Mosquito The Mosquito was extremely good at every role that was asked of it, but we shall try to confine ourselves to its fighter role here. As a night fighter, the Mosquito was most outstanding, with a formidable combination of speed, situational awareness (thanks to its radar) and firepower. We initially believed the Mosquito had around 830 aerial victories (more than often quoted), but with the benefit of further information, we think now that even this was too low and it is likely that the Mosquitos aerial victories exceed the Beaufighters, making it the third most deadly British aircraft ever made. 2: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane The first monoplane fighter operated by Britains Royal Air Force, and its first capable of 300mph (483km/h), the Hurricane was the RAFs entry into the generation of aircraft that would soon decide the fate of nations. The Hurricane first flew in 1935 and was built on the experience gained on Hawkers word-beating series of biplanes. Advertisement Advertisement When Britain was threatened with invasion by Germany, Hurricane pilots, proved heroic and the type scored more air-to-air kills than the Spitfire. Across the war, RAF Hurricanes claimed 4540 victories. The Hurricane was used by other air forces, notably the Soviet Union, who preferred it to the Spitfire, which was found too fussy for Eastern Front conditions. 2: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane The Hurricane was easier to build and repair than the Spitfire, and some believe more survivable if hit by enemy fire (though this is a complex claim). The Hurricane proved versatile, and it took to the night fighter and ground attack role with some success, and it also proved formidable in the tank-busting role. The Hurricane combined a sound airframe with the outstanding Merlin engine to create a solid fighter. Most importantly, it was there in numbers right when it was most needed. It was the most common fighter by some margin during the Battle of Britain and scored the bulk of aerial victories in this critical fight. 14,487 Hurricanes were built, making it second only to the Spitfire in the British list of numbers built. 1: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire You knew what was coming in at the number one slot, and it certainly deserves its place. Beautiful, formidable and without question massively significant to the defeat of Germany, the Supermarine Spitfire deserves its fame. The Spitfire was the marriage of the worlds best engine to a superb airframe. The rather petite Spitfire prototype K5054 of 1936, with its Merlin C 990 hp V12 engine, was far from the hulking monsters of 1945, with well over 2000 horsepower, which also held the family name. The Spitfire is the British (and non-US or Soviet) aircraft produced in the most significant number, with 22,685 airframes. 1: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire Serving across the globe in the second world war, it is likely that Spitfire scored more air-to-air victories than any other Allied aircraft, including the oft-quoted Hellcat. The Spitfire likely had 5950 victories in RAF hands-alone, making it a strong claimant not just to be the best British fighter but the best fighter full-stop. The Hurricane may have shot down more aircraft in the Battle of Britain, but it would have had a rough time without the superior Spitfire. The Spitfire remained in production and frontline service from Britains entry into the war until the final days, always relevant. Its high speed, agility and almost telekinetic responsiveness to the pilots commands never went out of fashion. It served long after the war, finally retiring from the RAF in 1954 and, from the air force of Ireland, its last operator, in 1961. Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> Manolo Betancur is the CEO and founder of Manolos Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina. Below. He shares about his inspiring Cake Project and how it's helping everyone celebrate in sweet style. This story is as told to Karla Walsh. Our bakery was founded in 1997 by my kids' grandparents, immigrants from Mexico. They used to drive to Atlanta, Georgia to buy Mexican pastries to sell here in North Carolina. It was a very good business, so he decided to go back to Mexico and learn to bake his own treats. I emigrated to the States from Colombia in 2005, and was blown away when I saw people lining up to buy bread. In Colombia, you buy coffee or hot chocolate and a single pastry. But here, people order $20, $40, or more at once, so I saw the potential in baked goods, too, and was excited to get involved in the family business. Advertisement Advertisement By 2008, we had expanded to three bakeries, but the recession caused us to close two of these locations. We were able to save the third because I started delivering bread to the farm workers in rural North Carolina. Were still delivering to them to this day. They kept us alive! In 2011, my ex-wife and I bought the bakery from her parents. In 2014, we got divorced, and I bought 100 percent of the bakery, which became Manolo's Bakery. Around that time, an employee was giving me a hard time because I wasnt a baker. So I told myself, If it's such a big deal, I'm just gonna learn how to bake. I did just that, training under my employees and learning from friends in the baking department at a local community college, as well as from another pal who works for King Arthur Baking Company. From there, I just practicedand faileda lot. But I got better. The first time I put my hands in dough was really special. Bread is life, bread is love, and bread is God in some religions and cultures. More than 10 years later, weve grown our menu at Manolos to include everything from cheesecakes and flan to pies and cakes. Were well-known for our tres leches cake. Ive spent nearly 20 years perfecting it so that its a little less wet than most other versions, but its still rich. We also make it in 10 different ways, often with fillingslike Caramel, Nutella, Pineapple, Strawberry jelly, or Cheerwine syrup. For instance, we serve it as a naked cake, with less frosting around the sides. Advertisement Advertisement Another specialty is our Mexican cinnamon bread. Whenever it's a cold day, rainy days, winter, or a snow day, that is the bread that I want to eat. We still grind cinnamon sticks by hand, and have been doing so for 29 years. We use 10,000 eggs per week in our bakery! About 14 years ago, I enrolled in a leadership program with the Latin America Chamber of Commerce. An organization called Raise You Up presented its work helping individuals who are homeless. The group helps celebrate their birthdays, which I just thought was amazing. So I approached them, and I asked, Where are you getting the cakes to celebrate their birthdays? They said they couldnt afford to offer cake. But how do you celebrate a birthday without cake?! I told them from now on, you should come to the bakery and get a cakemy treat. I originally thought that meant some slices, but they asked for a full sheet cake. So of course, I said, No problem. At one point, the bakery was struggling financially, and I almost approached the group to suggest switching to cupcakes. But then someone from Raise You Up approached me and asked, Are you the cake guy? When I told her yes, she said, You saved a life yesterday. Apparently, one of the cake recipients started to cry as everyone sang Happy Birthday. Tears were literally falling on the cake. When they asked what brought on the tears, he admitted that this was the first time in his life that he had a birthday cake. He had a gun in his pocket, apparently, and took it out and set it on the table next to the cake. He was going to shoot himself that day, and didnt. So I immediately decided there wouldnt be any limits. Advertisement Advertisement My bookkeeper wasnt happy, but I told them, Come get a cake, any size, any day! Hey, if I run the cash register, no one needs to know! Over time, I made it clear to our customers that anyone who needs a cake should just let me know. I will deliver the cake, and it will be on the house. Weve given cakes to first responders during the pandemic, to folks furloughed during the government shutdown, to religious leaders, and to those who have just fallen on hard times. Because if there is a birthday, there should be a cake. Until 2021, I paid for this out of the bakery's funds. As word got out that I was doing what we call our Cake Project, donations started rolling in from around the country, so in June 2024, I launched a non-profit called By Immigrant Hands. To date, weve probably given away about 5,000 cakes. Besides the cakes, weve cooked and delivered more than 50,000 meals during storms and other tough times, and have traveled to Ukraine to help rebuild bread ovens and work with bakery owners affected by the war there. Ive visited Ukraine three times myself to bake with them on-site. Grant Baldwin Looking ahead, Im excited that were opening another location of our coffee shop, Higher Grounds by Manolos, which we run in partnership with Myers Park United Methodist Church. We employ minorities and people with special abilities, everything is local (well, besides the coffee, which we source directly from a farmer in Colombia), and 100 percent of the profits go back to the community. Advertisement Advertisement I also have a vegan gelato business called Artisen Gelato, which helps balance out our business. In summer, interest in baked goods tends to go down, just as excitement over ice cream goes up. So I bought a gelato shop five years ago, and we now have 100 flavors, all dairy-free, egg-, nut-, and gluten-free. I promise it tastes good! Looking back, Im really proud of the fact that Im walking proof that the American dream is still alive. In these hard times in America, it seems like a lot of people don't like immigrants. But we can make life pretty sweet. Read the original article on Southern Living The sun was out on Valentine's Day, and it was a beautiful day to wear your heart on your sleeve. Hundreds of couples gathered in Times Square to express their love, exchange vows and even renew promises. Alexis and Marvin spent many date nights there - and in the Crossroads of the World, Alexis married the center of his world. Getting married on Duffy Square made sense to them, but not to family members. Advertisement Advertisement "They thought we were crazy. We were crazy, because like, this is like, you know, out in the open," Alexis said. Their love story is one of several unfolding publicly this Valentine's Day. Ben and Kelly Smith have been together since high school. "We were like, what a better place to like, get married than somewhere that we have our best memories," Ben said. Two couples tied the knot, and two others got engaged. "I want to display my love for her in front of the world. I love her so much," said Natasha Marte. Kietra Tillman thought she was just getting brunch in the city. Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't expect this. It's a whole news conference," Tillman said. The couple dated long-distance before Tillman moved to New York City. Deondre Moultrie also didn't suspect a thing. Teon Henderson tells Eyewitness News he met Moultrie five years ago - entering each other's lives at exactly the right time. "We met on our birthday - we've been together ever since," said Henderson. This is the 15th year the Times Square Alliance has made this possible for loved ones, with support from David's Bridal and Sezzle. ---------- * 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. The equivalent of Neil Armstrongs footprints were imprinted on the sands of the Mississippi Gulf Coast 327 years ago. The anniversary of this momentous footfall fell on Tuesday, with the actual date being Feb. 10, 1699. The location of those first footprints will never be known. Historians with an understanding of the Mississippi Sound, islands and mainland believe the site to be the beach in front of the Edgewater Mall in present-day Biloxi. Or thereabout. In my lifetime local debates over the location abound, although the pointing fingers have become less aggressive as modern folk agree to share their founding history. For sure, five ships anchored at Ship Island on February 10 because the water was too shallow to anchor near the mainland. Advertisement Advertisement These Frenchmen were in search of the mouth of the Mississippi River. They also wanted to cement Frances ownership, keep the Spanish and English at bay and build a warmer-weather port on the Gulf as a great trade center, especially for furs. Historians know they first anchored off Ship Island on Feb. 10 because of French-to-English translations of two journals. The one from frigate Le Marin was written by an unknown yeoman. The journal from the 30-gun frigate La Badine belonged to expedition leader, Pierre LeMoyne dIberville. The expedition was commissioned by King Louis XIV, who wanted to expand his New World holdings. Louis sent them to locate the Mississippi, first explored in the 1500s by DeSoto of rival Spain and later claimed for France by LaSalle in 1682. The ships carried an assortment of French-Canadian woodsmen, Caribbean pirates and seasoned French Marines. All were adventurers. Iberville himself was from New France, todays Canada. Advertisement Advertisement The day after anchoring off Ship Island, some of the men set up camp on the island, though many remained aboard. On their third day at the island, they noticed campfires on the mainland shore and fired three cannon shot to alert the Native Americans, whom the Marin yeoman called savages. On the fourth day, which was February 13, Iberville, the expeditions priest, a Native interpreter and 13 men took a biscayenne (longboat with a sail) and a bark-canoe to the mainland four leagues north of their anchored ships. Soon their footprints mixed with those of the Natives. They set up camp after following two trails of Indians, eastward by two leagues, according to Iberville who did not call them savages. They ate oysters and saw turkey tracks. On the fifth day, after seeing more footprints, the Marin journal reports Monsieur dIberville came back to our fire and placed some glass beads, vermilion and two pipes full of tobacco as presents to show them that we meant peace. Advertisement Advertisement Iberville writes of following elusive Natives and finding an old man too sick to walk by the canoes theyd left behind as they rest fled. He made a fire and shelter for him and gave him presents and tobacco before returning to his own camp. That fifth day they also communicated with a frightened old woman who had likely come to help the man left behind. She, too, was given gifts and food, and then went to her people that same evening and gave them a complete account of what had just passed, according to the Marin diary. The sixth day, February 15, is today 327 years later. Iberville went to see the old man and witnessed his death. The day was spent trying to coax other reluctant Natives to interact with them. Food and gifts were exchanged, including freshly pounded dried corn. Iberville recorded that the Natives came along to sing the calumet of peace to me. The gifts he gave were axes, knives, shirts, tobacco, pipes, tinderboxes and glass beads. Advertisement Advertisement The mention of glass beads is humorous because of Mardi Gras. Think about it: The men on these five ships were mostly Catholic and would have observed Mardi Gras in 1699, aboard their ships at Ship Island or in spin-off searches for the Mississippi River. Mobile and New Orleans cities that like to claim the birth of the American Mardi Gras carnival did not exist. In 1699 what would become the vast Louisiana Territory was in its infancy, not yet enclosing the 15 present-day states that would become part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The main characters of this 1699 story are two LeMoyne brothers, the 37-year-old expedition leader Iberville and his 19-year-old bro, Jean Baptiste LeMoyne de Bienville, who would take over when Iberville died of suspected yellow fever in 1706. Bienville would also establish New Orleans. But first came Fort Maurepas on this Coast. By April 1699 the French were busy building a fort as their homeport in an area Iberville named Biloxi after a local tribe. Today we know that first Biloxi as Ocean Springs. Advertisement Advertisement The French deserted Fort Maurepas to move eastward to Mobile, which they also deserted after a bad hurricane and headed back to the original Biloxi. The French decided the original Fort Maurepas site wasnt suitable so they left their renamed Old Biloxi, moved across the bay and built a new Fort Louis in an area they designated as New Biloxi. The location is thought to be on higher ground near the large waterfront cemetery in present-day Biloxi. Old Biloxi and New Biloxi were left to fend for themselves when the French next permanently moved the capital of the colony to a new site they named New Orleans in 1722. Confusing? These historic hopscotch maneuvers no doubt led to the history wrangles between present-day Biloxi, present-day Ocean Springs, a town named DIberville sandwiched between them, and, of course, New Orleans and Mobile. Everyone loves to tout their so-called firsts. Interestingly, Ocean Springs holds an annual pageant they call the Landing of DIberville, plus the city maintained a Fort Maurepas replica before Hurricane Katrina destroyed it. Biloxi, on the other hand, took center stage in planning numerous Tricentennial celebrations in 1999. Advertisement Advertisement For that 300th birthday of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the editors of this newspaper handed me the history reins, expecting me to write a lot of articles and columns. Happy to oblige, was I. One Coast Sense of Place I wrote in February 1999 is titled Ibervilles Influence flavors Coast. I quote most of it here: If you think all this hoopla over Iberville and the Tricentennial is much ado about nothing, think again. Pierre Le Moyne Sieur dIberville is our Neil Armstrong. Just as Astronaut Neil stepped into the unknown, so did our man Pierre. This duo of adventurers represents different times, but the missions were the same to explore the unknown, to look danger square in the eyes and conquer it. Advertisement Advertisement When Iberville stepped on the mainland Feb. 13, 1699, he made one small step for France, one giant step for Coastkind. His first footsteps on the sand of Biloxi signaled a vast French colony and all that followed the Louisiana Purchase that included the present-day states of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and a national expansion that is vital to our growth. Iberville did something else that we seldom credit: he gave this region a unique flavor. Try to imagine what we would be like if the English, who already colonized much of the East, had made it this far. If our man Pierre had not come, wed likely have been settled by British Protestants. Im not saying thats bad, mind you, but wed definitely be different. The mannerisms, attitude and joie de vivre that those early Catholic French left behind are very much a part of the Mississippi Coast and Louisiana psyche. In fact, Ive noticed that this mentalite francais has tentacled to other neighboring Southern states. Advertisement Advertisement Imagine no Mardi Gras parade or for that matter no parades where beaded necklaces and all manner of other trinkets are thrown to spectators. Imagine no gumbo, no jambalaya, no crusty French bread for po-boys. Akkk, wed be eating potatoes instead of rice at every meal. Imagine us void of our colorful Cajun and Creole heritage. The French, for the most part, mingled nicely with the Native Americans, Spanish, African-Americans, Irish, Italians, later-day Cajuns, Slavonians and all those other immigrant groups. Like a good gumbo, this ethnic pot today has distinct flavors but remains highly seasoned with a French file. Merci beaucoup, Iberville! Kat Bergeron, an award-winning veteran reporter and feature writer who specializes in Gulf Coast history and sense of place, is retired from the Sun Herald. She writes this Gulf Coast Chronicles column as a freelance correspondent. Reach her at: BergeronKat@gmail.com Or, at Southern Possum Tales, P.O. Box 33, Barboursville, VA 22923 WEST HARTFORD - A new ethnic grocery store has opened in West Hartford to serve the area's Nepalese community. Namaste opened this month at 440 New Park Ave. The grocery store is in the back of the building. The front of the building houses a new Nepalese restaurant, Curry House. The grocery store offers Nepali spices and food ingredients, as well as products catering to other Asian populations, said Deepak Khatiwada, a real estate agent who worked with the four owners, who are family and friends, in opening the business. Advertisement Advertisement "West Hartford is a major hub of the Nepalese community," he said. "As always, people crave their motherland taste the taste of Nepal is rooted in our tongue." Owner Nibesh Patel said the prime motivation for opening the grocery store was to serve Nepalese and Indian families in the area. Patel, who is from Nepal and has lived in West Hartford since 2006, said it can be hard to find familiar fruits, vegetables and spices. Trying to cook food from home often involves a trip to New York or importing from Nepal, he said. Now, he and his partners are aiming to bridge the gap by purchasing Nepali foods from New York importers to sell in West Hartford, Patel said. The restaurant part of the business will serve popular Indian dishes, like tikka masala and naan. There will also be Nepali food "on the side," Patel said, a purposeful strategy to slowly introduce a new cuisine to the area. Patel said he hopes the restaurant will soon make momos, a type of Nepalese dumpling, a popular menu item. "It takes time for taste buds to catch up with new food," he said. This article originally published at New grocery store and restaurant bring Nepalese flavors to West Hartford. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jeff Mason, 76, who drives for Uber in New Jersey for extra income. Mason and his wife liquidated their savings after his wife's cancer treatment, which she underwent before the Affordable Care Act's restrictions on insurance companies denying coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions. Over the last two decades, the couple has tried to financially recover. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. At age 10 in 1960, I started shoveling sidewalks and mowing lawns. I used to cut a lawn for 25 cents. I worked at a produce market, washed dishes, and worked in retail while growing up. My mother was sick for a few years and died when I was a senior in high school. I went to prep school for a year and then college for a year, but I quit to become a caregiver to my younger siblings. I chauffeured my brothers and sisters around for a few years before going back to college. My father owned a construction company, and I worked summers for him. I moved from being a laborer to working with an engineering crew. I learned how to operate heavy equipment and large trucks, building bridges and highways. I also worked on wastewater treatment facilities and then moved into management. I did estimating and project management for a specialty construction company that worked on warehouses and loading docks. Advertisement Advertisement My wife was a stay-at-home mom, but when our youngest daughter moved out, she decided she needed to do something more. She got a job for an environmental testing company. Business Insider is looking to hear from grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren, as well as other older Americans doing kinship care for younger loved ones. Share your story by filling out this quick form. Additionally, if you drive for a rideshare company in your 60s or above, share your story at nsheidlower@businessinsider.com. Within a year, she started to have abdominal pains and went to the doctor a few times. She went to the family doctor, who determined she had the classic symptoms of a bad gallbladder. She had her first surgery and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. It wasn't until a few months later that the bills started coming in. Advertisement Advertisement Our son was getting married, and my wife's work was by choice instead of necessity. She voluntarily took a leave of absence and started to collect unemployment. We started to pay COBRA a little over $100 monthly to maintain her health insurance. Jeff Mason and his wife worked for decades to rebuild their life after a cancer diagnosis. Rachel Wisniewski for BI A few months after that, she found a lump in her chest. We started to get bills from the doctors and the hospital. They told us we didn't have insurance. I said that we did. We were paying for COBRA, and I had all my canceled checks. She had surgery on her breast, but the hospital flat out told us that we don't have insurance. She was sent home a day after because we couldn't afford it. The easiest way to understand what happened is that hypothetically, there were 300 employees at the company. We were paying 1/300 of a monthly premium. They weren't paying the other 299 parts of it. So even though the insurance company was taking our money, we weren't covered. They wanted me to go from me paying for my insurance and her paying for her insurance to essentially paying for four policies on one income. I had made too much to qualify for government assistance. We went to a few lawyers, and each of them said we had no case because there was no intent on anybody's part to defraud us. As her cancer progressed, we couldn't get insurance for continued coverage. I talked to one of the insurance companies that denied us, and they said we need to secure insurance for any other things that might happen, but she won't be covered for cancer treatments, as cancer is a pre-existing condition. Meanwhile, we didn't have any income coming in. The company said the only way she could get covered is if I divorced her, and she could collect welfare and get coverage. Advertisement Advertisement We decided we were going to liquidate. We cashed in our IRA, sold our car, remortgaged our house, and emptied our savings. After a year, I started making monthly payments to everybody. We eventually ran out of money. It took me 13 years to pay off the second mortgage. I remembered getting a bill in the neighborhood of $246,000 from the hospital that covered the surgery and her recovery in the hospital. We still had a whole road ahead of us for aftercare. By the end of it, the bills totaled about $300,000. This all happened before the Affordable Care Act. The rebuilding process was slow. Our IRA was non-existent. I remember one day I came home and found my wife on the front porch crying because bill collectors were asking for more money. She never cried once through the treatments and the recoveries. The aftermath rolled into the 2000s. Our credit was bad at that point. It took us a while to get a credit card. Our car broke down, and I was trying to work and had no way to get back and forth. I bought an inexpensive motorcycle, which I used to go back and forth on a construction site. Little by little, we built our credit back up. Advertisement Advertisement I worked 12-hour days during the week, a long half day on Saturdays, and pretty much every Sunday night. I also held side jobs. We started to put $10 away out of every paycheck. We lived very sparsely. We didn't spend any money. My wife didn't go to a hairstylist or buy makeup. We bought a home that was less expensive. I was also lucky to never have been laid off. Jeff Mason remains hopeful about his family's future. Rachel Wisniewski for BI We've lived in the same three-bedroom house in New Jersey since 1988. From time to time, family members need a place to stay because of their situation. We've probably had 10 to 15 people live with us for months. This included my father, who spent his last five years here. Our house is known as the sanctuary. People come here to heal, whether mentally or physically. My wife got involved in elder care after she went through that cancer situation, transporting people to and from the hospital. She made connections with people who had older parents or family members, and she started to take care of them on a part-time basis. I really didn't want to retire in my 60s, but we were getting older, and my wife wanted me to be spending more time at home. When I retired, I had some equity in my home and around $300,000 in my IRA. I also started to fund an IRA for my wife, which I built to mid-five figures. This allowed us to travel extensively within the US for the first few years. But a part of me felt like we probably weren't going to live that long anyway because everybody around us was dying. Advertisement Advertisement I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and have had several heart surgeries. I decided to loosen the purse strings and not worry so much about savings. In those years, we probably spent more than we should have. During the pandemic, I noticed that I needed to go back to work. We live on a 20-acre piece of land and are surrounded by nothing but woods. We live an isolated life and don't have many friends. I started driving for Uber to continue the lifestyle that we had while I was last working. I first aimed to make $100 a day. Some weeks now, I can make well above $600. I've had a few weeks over $1,000. I typically work nights and weekends. I haven't had to withdraw any money from an IRA since I started driving for Uber. The money anxiety started to go away. Jeff Mason and his wife hope to live out the rest of their years in peace. Rachel Wisniewski for BI Even with my prostate cancer, pacemaker, and half a lung removed, my physical strength and stamina are remarkably good. As a mental challenge, I try to push myself in every situation I'm in. I find driving at night calming, and I like the aloneness of it. Driving bolsters the self-sufficiency aspect of my life, and I get to meet the denizens of the dark, who are often more interesting. Advertisement Advertisement We both would like to leave something for our children, even though they are pretty well off. We don't know what their lives are going to be in 10 years. I think about how long I'll be able to drive. I know that if I retire today, we'll be able to make it work and could possibly remortgage our house. But everything is getting more expensive. Our children check up on us and want us to move closer, and we know they'll have our back when we get older. But I'm not too worried about our future. Read the original article on Business Insider Saving money in 2026 can feel impossible as rising costs eat into every paycheck. The challenge isnt knowing you should save its figuring out how to do it without feeling squeezed. Enter the invisible money hack. With automated tools and micro-savings apps, you can build savings in the background without changing your lifestyle. Heres how it works, and how its helping more people grow their bank accounts without even trying. How Micro-Savings Apps Work Most micro-savings apps operate on the fact that you wont miss these small amounts, but the deposits add up over time. The most common feature is roundups. For example, say you buy a $4.57 latte, the app rounds it up to $5, moving the spare 43 cents into a savings or investment account. Other features include automatic paycheck transfers, overdraft protection and even the option to invest small sums in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Up Next: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Trending Now: 8 Frugal Habits Americans Are Ridiculed for and Why You Shouldnt Care Many of these apps dont impose minimum fees or withdrawal limits, either, which can make them accessible for low-income families, students and anyone who struggles to save consistently. Why They Matter Americans are so busy trying to stay afloat that they often struggle to save. According to a GOBankingRates survey, half of Americans have less than $500 in savings. Advertisement Advertisement Micro-savings apps can help people who feel like they have little to no room in their budgets make a dent in savings goals. Instead of requiring discipline to stash away cash or force extreme budget cuts, these tools make saving passive and automatic. Who Can Benefit Micro-savings apps are versatile enough for almost anyone: Students and young adults: The earlier you save, the more you can benefit from compound interest for decades if you stick it in a high-yield savings or invest it. Families: Parents can use apps to teach kids about money or even turn savings into a family competition, working toward shared goals like vacations. Busy professionals: For people who dont want to think about saving, automated transfers ensure it happens in the background. The appeal of micro-savings apps is clear: Advertisement Advertisement Theyre easy to use. They take the work out of saving through automation. No or low minimum deposits Motivation from seeing progress build In some cases, FDIC insurance Of course, they arent the only tool people should be using to save. Saving $10 a week wont be enough for retirement or even a robust emergency fund, but theyre a good start in lean times. Long-Term Impact of Small Savings The real magic of these apps lies in consistency. A 25-year-old who saves just $100 per month with a 4% return in a high-yield savings account could accumulate nearly $118,000 by age 65. Invested in higher-yielding financial products or accounts that could net significantly more over time. While micro-savings apps wont make you rich, they can help build a cushion. Some Micro-Savings Apps To Consider A few standout options include: Advertisement Advertisement Acorns: Rounds up purchases and invests spare change. Acorns puts money into a diversified portfolio based on retirement age and risk tolerance. Oportun: Analyzes income and expenses, then automatically withdraws money for savings goals. Goodbudget: A digital envelope budgeting system for families who want structure. Chime: Offers automatic paycheck savings, no fees and early direct deposit. Albert: A full-service app with saving, investing and budgeting tools, though subscriptions cost $11.99 to $29.99 monthly. Rocket Money: Helps manage subscriptions, track spending and negotiate bills. Kick-Starting Good Habits Micro-savings apps wont replace a retirement account or emergency fund, but they can kick-start the habit of saving and help people who might otherwise feel challenged to carve out savings. Whether youre a student, parent or professional, the invisible money hack makes saving less intimidating and more achievable. Try one app for a month, and you might be surprised at how quickly that spare change adds up. Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This Invisible Money Hack Helps You Save Without Even Trying If you have sky-scraping dreams of attending an Ivy League university, maybe reconsider, according to author Malcolm Gladwell. If you want to get a science and math degree, dont go to Harvard, Gladwell said in a Google Zeitgeist talk in 2019. Gladwell clarified in a recent episode of the Hasan Minhaj Doesnt Know podcast the risk of applying for Harvard University to pursue a STEM degree is fine if youre able to compete with the top students in your major. But for many students, matriculating at an elite institution means flailing, increasing the risk of dropping out and finding a dream job. Advertisement Advertisement If youre interested in succeeding in an educational institution, you never want to be in the bottom half of your class. Its too hard, Gladwell told podcast host Minhaj. So you should go to Harvard if you think you can be in the top quarter of your class at Harvard. Thats fine. But dont go there if youre going to be at the bottom of class. Doing STEM? Youre just gonna drop out. Gladwell instead encourages prospective college students to pick their second or third choice school, somewhere they have a shot at being at the top of their class. For all of Gen Zs interest in pursuing trades as they navigate fears of AI displacing entry-level workers, STEM degrees remain a key ticket to secure white-collar employment. According to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York analysis released in July 2025 about job market conditions for recent college graduates, degrees in animal and plant sciences, and earth sciences, as well as civil and aerospace engineering, are among the undergraduate majors with the lowest unemployment rates. To be sure, information systems and management, and computer science degrees, ranked among majors with the highest unemployment rates. Ivy League colleges continue to be among the top-ranked universities based on graduation rates, peer assessment, and other factors, according to U.S. News & World Report data. Gladwells big fish, little pond college application theory Gladwells opposition to most students attending an elite university is based on the relative deprivation theory, or the idea humans base our self-assessments relative to those around us, not based on our position relative to the rest of the world. In his 2013 book David and Goliath, Gladwell also called this the big fish in a little pond phenomenon. Advertisement Advertisement He cites data about two universities: Harvard and Hartwick College, a small liberal arts school in upstate New York. He saw at both schools, despite their differences in size and rigor, both have similar distribution in STEM degrees based on high-scoring and low-scoring SAT results, with lower-scoring students dropping out from STEM programs at a higher rate than higher-scoring students. He concluded ones success is based not on their raw skills, but rather on how they stack up compared to their peers. Persistence in science and math is not simply a function of your cognitive ability, Gladwell said in 2019. Its a function of your relative standing in your class. Its a function of your class rank. Gladwell notes getting a degreemoreso than the institution where the degree is fromis key to building confidence, motivation, and self-efficacy in young graduates. Its not just on the students to succeed, however. According to Gladwell, the benefits a student gets from being at the top of their class warrants a change of paradigm in how workplaces select new hires. He said workplaces should even go so far as to implement a practice of not even asking from which college prospective hires graduated from, but rather where they ranked among their classmates. Advertisement Advertisement When you hear some institution, some fabulous Wall Street investment bank, some universities, say, we only hire from the top schools, you should say: You moron, hire from the top students from any school under the sun. A version of this story was published on Fortune.com on Dec. 27, 2025. More on Gen Z and college: Gen Z are arriving to college unable to even read a sentence professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates Gen Z is snubbing college as a dismal job market and sky-high tuition forces them to weigh ROI: No schools are immune Gen Z has regrets: 1 in 4 say they wish they hadnt gone to college or wouldve picked a higher-paying industry Gen Z is leading a blue-collar revolution as more Americans lose faith in college education This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The most iconic highway in the country reaches its centennial this year and travelers are ready to celebrate with an epic road trip. Also called The Mother Road, Route 66 stretches almost 2,500 miles and spans eight states, beginning in Chicago, Illinois, and ending in Santa Monica, California. Established in 1926 as a way to connect isolated, rural communities, Route 66 captures a nostalgic era of Americana, one filled with neon signs, diners and classic cars. As the country also celebrates its own birthday this year its 250th to be exact many travelers are interested in taking their own Route 66 road trip, with interest in the famous highway on Tripadvisor surging by 20% year-over-year, according to the travel platform. Road trippers can make pitstops at historic sites and quirky landmarks, like the 66-foot-tall soda bottle at Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia, Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement EV road trips sound fun. Until your battery hits 20% To help travelers create their own Route 66 road trip itinerary, Tripadvisor's in-house creative studio Wanderlab partnered with Choice Hotels International to recently launch an interactive guide to the best stops along the famous highway, called Century of Route 66. Landscapes and iconic architecture of Road 66 featuring historic motels gas stations vintage signs abandoned buildings and cars along the roadside reflecting the golden age of the American road trip and the gradual decline of small towns crossed by the former main route in Tucumcari New Mexico United States on April 28, 2019. (Photo by Grichka BEYSSON-LEANDRI / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) "Route 66 is one of the most iconic ways to experience America its small towns, local businesses, classic diners and historic landmarks," said Steve Paganelli, vice president of global media and partnerships at Tripadvisor, in a statement to USA TODAY. Here's how to plan your Route 66 road trip on Tripadvisor and Choice Hotels' new map. More: The ultimate Native American Route 66 road trip Plan your Route 66 road trip The Century of Route 66 map highlights the best pit stops in each of the eight states along the highway, plus nearby Choice Hotels for a seamless travel experience. Travelers can browse Tripadvisor maps, pick which attractions stand out to them, and find nearby accommodations. Advertisement Advertisement "Our team selected points of interest that capture each state's unique Route 66 character from its storied past to its vibrant present," Paganelli said. "Every recommendation, from historic landmarks and those wonderfully quirky roadside stops to iconic diners and convenient stays, earned its place through exceptional Tripadvisor ratings from travelers who've made the journey." A visitor walks up to the Blue Whale, a classic Route 66 landmark and curiosity, in Catoosa, Oklahoma, 04 July 2003. The park closed down long ago and was left to crumble but was recently restored through fundraising efforts. Route 66 travellers bring their children here to visit the whale and recount stories about how they visited the place when they were children themself. AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) Here are the guides for each state: Illinois - Giant roadside attractions like the world's largest ketchup bottle and space-themed Gemini Giant kick the road trip off on a high note. Missouri - Travelers can cross the historic Chain of Rocks bridge over the Mississippi River and explore underground cages. Kansas - This 13-mile-long slice of Route 66 offers a glimpse into history, including 1920s roadside stores and a massive coal-shoveling machine that pays tribute to the state's mining history. Oklahoma - Home to the largest stretch of the highway, Oklahoma has no shortage of museums and attractions, like a round-shaped barn and a giant blue whale. Texas - Some of the most iconic Route 66 stops are located in Texas, like the famous Cadillac Ranch of spray-painted cars. New Mexico - The southwestern state's iconic neon lights, diners and eccentric small towns are almost the epitome of Route 66. Arizona - Vast, natural landscapes of red rocks and pine forests make Arizona one of the most picturesque parts of Route 66. California - Travelers wrap up their trip at the Santa Monica Pier, but not before making some worthy pitstops in the Golden State. 14. The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis saw 2,600,000 visitors in 2024. 13. Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana brought 2,700,00 visitors. 12. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio attracted 2,900,000 visitors. 8. The Olympic National Park is located in the state of Washington and drew 3,717,267 visitors. 7. Maines Acadia National Park saw 3,961,661 visitors. See the top 15 most visited national parks in the US. 1 of 5 14. The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis saw 2,600,000 visitors in 2024. "Our goal was to have something for every type of road tripper, centered on the experiences that travelers consistently rave about," Paganelli added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: America's most iconic highway turns 100. How to road-trip Route 66. Feb. 14BEMIDJI The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a candlelight snowshoe event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Big Bog State Recreation Area. "Our candlelight event is a magical way to experience Big Bog State Recreation Area in the winter," assistant park supervisor Katie Hofschulte said in a release. "It creates a serene escape where snow and candlelight create a peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for connecting with nature and creating memories that will last a lifetime." The 1-mile trail starts at the Northern Unit on the Old Caribou Camp Trail and is suitable for snowshoers of all ages. Visitors can also warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and other refreshments near a crackling fire, the release adds. Advertisement Advertisement Visitors can borrow adult and children's snowshoes at the trailhead. It's recommended to buy vehicle permits in advance on the DNR permit webpage. Permits are also available in person at the Big Bog State Recreation Area office during office hours at the Southern Unit. Additional candelight events can be found at mndnr.gov/candelight. Mumbais hawkers battle has flared into a fresh political and civic showdown, with the citys largest vendors union daring authorities to scrutinise their records while demanding that the long-stalled hawkers policy be implemented without further delay. The confrontation comes as new Mayor Ritu Tawade ordered officials to launch a special verification drive to identify foreign nationals allegedly operating as street vendors. Tawade has directed officials to check Aadhaar cards, licences and residential proof of hawkers across Mumbai, calling the issue both a security concern and a threat to legitimate vendors livelihoods. In recent years, many foreign citizens have illegally resided in Mumbai. We received complaints that these people were involved in the hawking business. This is a security issue, and it has also impacted the business of other hawkers, Tawade said during a meeting with civic officials at BMC headquarters on Friday. The meeting was attended by former MP Kirit Somaiya, corporator Niel Somiya, Prakash Gangadhare and Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Sharma. Tawade had earlier signalled her stance in her first speech after assuming office, stating that removing Bangladeshi hawkers would be among her priority issues. But hawkers representatives say the administration is focusing on verification drives while ignoring the root problem: The non-implementation of the Street Vendors Act. Dayashankar Singh, president of the Azad Hawkers Union, said the union is ready to cooperate fully with any scrutiny and plans to meet the mayor soon. Many times, BMC verified the documents of the hawkers. We are planning to meet the mayor over the issue. If the authority needs to solve the issue, there is a need to implement the hawkers policy, Singh said. The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act was passed by Parliament in 2014 to regulate vending zones and protect licensed hawkers from arbitrary eviction. In Mumbai, the BMC received 99,435 applications from vendors seeking allotment of pitches, but only 22,000 were declared eligible. Despite the large number of applicants, the policy remains stuck in limbo. Officials cite the absence of elected corporators earlier and an ongoing high court case over pitch allotments as reasons for the delay. Meanwhile, following the recent civic election, enforcement action against hawkers has intensified at several places, including Kurla, Borivali and Ghatkopar, signalling a tougher stance even as the policy framework remains unresolved. With the union now challenging the administration, the coming meeting between hawkers representatives and the mayor could determine whether Mumbai moves towards regulation or further confrontation on its streets. Canadian politicians are calling on the federal government to take action against Canadian companies working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S. after the deaths of two protesters in Minnesota in January. The Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has not condemned the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, so far, nor has it indicated it would bar Canadian companies from working with ICE. Theyre cowards, they dont want to do it, NDP MP and party leadership frontrunner Heather McPherson told Yahoo Canada. I would hope we have more courage and moral backbone than [what weve seen]. McPherson submitted a letter to the federal government outlining the companies she says are working with ICE and what the government could do about it. NDP leadership candidate Heather McPherson speaks during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (The Canadian Press) Theyre cowards, they dont want to do it. Those include GardaWorld, which the federal government contracts for security and McPherson says provides security at ICE detention centres; Roshel, which McPherson says is providing armoured vehicles to ICE; as well as tech company JSI Telecom, which she says is providing wiretapping to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement ICE currently has five offices across Canada in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary that McPherson says should be closed. On the agencys website, it says that the offices help protect the U.S. from transnational threats and collaborate with foreign counterparts to further their investigations, initiatives, and operations that have an international connection, including stopping threats from traveling to the U.S. NDP MP Jenny Kwan delivers remarks in the Foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby (The Canadian Press) 'No More Loopholes' bill vote expected this month McPherson supports fellow NDP MP Jenny Kwans private members bill, called the No More Loopholes bill, which aims to close an exemption in the Arms Trade Treaty toward the U.S. That would subject the country to human rights standards and could prevent the sale of Roshel vehicles to ICE, for example. McPherson is also calling on the federal government to revoke export permits for companies sending goods to ICE. Parliament will vote on this bill by the end of February 2026. Avi Lewis, McPhersons rival frontrunner for the federal NDP leadership, told Yahoo Canada that he doesn't believe the federal government has any intention to bar Canadian businesses selling good and services to ICE. Lewis said that perhaps the government is leaving it to protesters to pressure companies, but added: Thats not really my idea of what government is for. The government should really be sending a message to Canadians that Canadian values are going to be upheld in who we do business with. Let the United States know that were our own country and we will stand up for our own values. Thats really important now more than ever. 'Now is not the time' to look away from ICE Both politicians dismissed concerns about angering U.S. President Donald Trump if Canada takes a stand against ICE, which could lead to economy-tanking tariffs or the end of the free trade agreement CUSMA that is being negotiated this year. Trump has already lashed out against Canada for perceived criticisms, including Carney's Davos speech and the province of Ontario's ad slamming tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Fascism is rising in the United States and it is being led by ICE, McPherson said. Now is not the time to say, Well look the other way. With federal action not present, grassroots action has formed to prevent Canadian companies from working with ICE. Emily Lowan, the 25-year-old leader of the Green Party of British Columbia, was one of the first to break the news that Canadian billionaire Jim Pattison was in the process of selling a large facility in Virginia to ICE for processing. Emily Lowan delivers a speech after being voted in as the new B.C. Green Party leader following contest results during an announcement at the Parkside Hotel in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito (The Canadian Press) Lowan told Yahoo Canada that she had been keeping tabs on Pattison, one of Canadas richest citizens and owner of grocery stores across B.C., and received a news alert from a local Virginia news outlet about the sale. That prompted her to make a social media video that since went viral, and she says spurred national media coverage of the sale, including in the U.S. A few days after she heard the news of the sale, Alex Pretti was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, a few weeks after Renee Good was also shot and killed in a nearby neighbourhood. That has sparked widespread protests in the state calling for ICE to leave and, Lowan says, created a desire for Canadians to speak out against the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Lowan called for a boycott of Pattisons grocery stores, run under the Save-on-Foods banner. Just before she planned a protest at company headquarters in Vancouver, Pattison announced that the sale to ICE would be cancelled. [Canadians] feel deeply powerless and vulnerable at this time, Lowan said. People are really searching for a direction and outlet, so [the news of the potential sale] came at the right time. Lowan said boycotts have proven to be an effective way to protest Canadian involvement with ICE, but admitted that the shortened timeline for Pattisons deal with ICE helped accelerate the campaign against it. Its absolutely key that people continue to put on that reputational pressure and damage. Things can change quickly. Hootsuite, another Canadian company under fire for ICE contract Whats not so clear cut is how another Vancouver companys involvement with ICE can be stopped: The social media analytics firm Hootsuite. It has been revealed that the company secured a US$95,000 pilot project with ICE in September that could be the beginning of more work with the agency. CEO Irina Novoselsky said in a letter to employees that what is unfolding with ICE is wrong, but did not mention cancellation of the contract. Advertisement Advertisement Lowan spoke at a protest against Hootsuite at its headquarters in Vancouver the same day Pattison cancelled its contract with ICE, and is encouraging entities that work with the company to break ties. That includes the City of Vancouver, which is the companys landlord for their headquarters and provides a subsidized rate. She admitted, though, that since few people use Hootsuites products on a daily basis, that a boycott may not be as effective as with Pattison, so showing up to protests is important to put pressure on the company and its customers. Its absolutely key that people continue to put on that reputational pressure and damage, she said. Things can change quickly. One person is dead and one person is critically injured after a crash in Lake County Saturday evening. Indiana State Police said troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 northbound, near the 73rd Avenue overpass in Hobart, around 5:15 p.m. Feb. 14. State police said the crash involved a yellow bus towing a passenger car, an SUV and a pickup truck. The bus was a retired school bus that had been converted into a recreational vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Police said preliminary investigation shows that the bus/RV hit the bridge support for the 73rd Avenue overpass. State police said the driver of the bus/RV was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger in the bus/RV was airlifted to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition. Police said the driver of the SUV wasn't "severely injured." State police said the driver of the pickup truck a 48-year-old man from Gary, Indiana displayed signs of alcohol impairment. Police said the man then became "combative" and "resisted troopers" before being taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to an area hospital for a standard blood draw, the results of which are pending. State police said the man was taken to the Lake County Jail, where he is being held on a probable cause hold for operating while intoxicated involving a fatality. Anyone who saw the crash or has dash camera footage of the events leading up to the crash is urged to contact ISP Trooper Hathaway at 219-696-6242. Hobart is approximately 150 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. A person is dead, and another is injured after a shooting on an Ohio party bus on Saturday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers responded to a shooting around 12:40 a.m. on E. 3rd Street in Cincinnati, according to our news partner WCPO. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot and died at the scene. Cincinnati Police identified the victim as Tobias Hood, 29, according to a police spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The shooting reportedly happened on a party bus in Downtown Cincinnati, WXIX TV and WLWT report. WKRC reports that they found Hood on the bus. Officers arrested DeAngelo Robinson, 28, for the deadly shooting. Online jail records show that DeAngelo Robinson is in the Hamilton County Jail, but do not indicate what charges he was booked for. The shooting remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Baltimore Police are investigating two separate homicides after a 15-year-old girl was fatally shot and a man was found dead in a vacant home early Sunday morning. Around 12:36 a.m., officers responded to a vacant home in the 5200 block of Saint Charles Avenue in Northwest Baltimore for a report of a possible deceased person, according to police. Officers located a 36-year-old man suffering from trauma to the body. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two hours later, around 2:08 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 2100 block of Druid Hill Avenue in the Druid Heights neighborhood for a report of a shooting. Police said officers found a 15-year-old girl suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported by medics to an area hospital, where she later died. In a separate incident late Saturday, around 11:37 p.m., Northwest District officers responded to the 3400 block of Bateman Avenue for a report of discharging. Officers canvassed the area and located a 16-year-old boy suffering from an apparent non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Police said the teen was shot while in the 3400 block of Piedmont Avenue. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Homicide detectives ask anyone with information about the fatal shootings to contact them at 410-396-2100. Anyone with information about the nonfatal shooting can contact Northwest District detectives at 410-396-2466 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup. Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@baltsun.com, 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X. Two people were injured, and two were killed in a shooting near an Ohio bar early Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 1:30 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 4000 block of Hamilton Ave in Cincinnati on reports of a shooting, our news partners WCPO-9 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened near the Spotlight Lounge, a local bar. Officers responded and found four victims, WCPO-9 TV reported. All four were taken to UC Medical Center. Two of the victims have died, and two were left with non-life-threatening injuries, WCPO-9 TV reported. Officers say the incident began as an altercation near Spotlight Lounge. Two people have been detained, and two firearms were discovered, WCPO-9 TV reported. It is unclear at this time if the arrest or the weapons are connected to the shooting. We will continue following this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] (The Center Square) An additional 27 members of Venezuelan transnational criminal organizations, Tren de Aragua and its splinter faction, anti-Tren, have been indicted in New York in an ongoing prosecution of groups the Trump administration has designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Last year, several hundred TdA members were federally indicted, including on terrorism charges for the first time in U.S. history, The Center Square reported. Seventy indictments unsealed in December were brought by U.S. attorneys in five states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York and Texas. Last month, 87 more TdA members were indicted in Nebraska for bank and ATM theft being committed nationwide to further their criminal enterprise, The Center Square reported. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in the Southern District of New York, detailed what he called "horrific crimes" allegedly committed against women. A newly unsealed indictment lists 38 charges of racketeering, murder, double murder, murder-for-hire, kidnapping, sex trafficking and other offenses. The majority of the 27 defendants charged, 21, were previously charged in another 12-count indictment. Five of the six newly added defendants are in federal custody; one remains at large. Those charged, all illegally in the U.S., planned and carried out a series of horrific crimes, including gunpoint robberies, murders, and the exploitation of vulnerable young women through sex trafficking, Clayton said. Tren de Aragua is in the business of murder, sex trafficking and intimidation, and they brought that business to New York while being unlawfully present in the United States. Those charged exerted ruthless control over sex trafficking victims through intimidation, brutality, and threats of violence against them and their loved ones leaving lasting trauma in their wake. Anti-Tren is nearly exclusively comprised of former TdA members and associates, the DOJ says. They operate throughout New York City but have a heavy presence in the Bronx and Queens as well as in New Jersey, Illinois and Washington, investigators allege. Advertisement Advertisement To expand their territory, Anti-Tren members and associates commit murder, assault and other acts of violence against their own members and TdA members, the DOJ says. Their criminal enterprise depends on smuggling Venezuelan women and girls, multadas, into the U.S. and forcing them into sex trafficking, authorities allege. Theyre also trafficking controlled substances, including tusi, and committing armed robberies, including of banks, authorities allege. Those charged threatened to kill the multadas and their families if they didnt engage in forced sex acts for TdA and anti-Tren, the indictment alleges. They also assaulted, shot and killed those who didnt comply, and tracked down and kidnapped the women and girls who tried to flee, according to the charges. TdA and Anti-Tren human smuggling and trafficking involves finding real estate to use as stash houses where victims are held. Victims are transported across the country using weapons and intimidation tactics, authorities say. Advertisement Advertisement Anti-Tren members are also helping associates flee prosecution, providing bail for those who are arrested and intimidating and committing violence against potential witnesses, Claytons office says. The charges describe two defendants shooting to death victims in the Bronx; conspiring to kill others in New York and Florida, shooting anti-Tren members in the leg as a form of gang punishment; committing home invasion robberies at gunpoint in Yonkers and the Bronx; kidnapping and sex trafficking crimes, among others. Investigators leading the case are from Homeland Security Investigations New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Portland, and the New York Police Department. Multiple other law enforcement groups are involved in the investigation, including the Arapahoe County District Attorneys Office; Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force; U.S. Customs and Border Protections National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; Immigration and Customs Enforcements New York and Chicago Enforcement and Removal Operations; ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals in Oregon; CBP-New York; New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; NYPD Computer Crimes Unit; King County, Washington Sheriffs Office; and Seattle Police Department. Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didnt have time to bring you all of our panel discussion on 4 the Record. This part of the conversation turned to the federal government and the partisan battle surrounding the Department of Homeland Security. (OurQuadCities.com) Weve seen a lot of fighting on Capitol Hill in recent weeks regarding the actions of immigration and customs enforcement officers, specifically in Minneapolis. Democrats are demanding changes like mandatory body cameras for all agents and to ban officers from wearing masks. Its now become a funding fight for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, but also FEMA, the TSA, the Secret Service and the Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Were talking on Thursday afternoon with the deadline to avoid a shutdown of Homeland Security Friday night at midnight. Some extremists on the left are calling to abolish ICE. This fight and potential shutdown wont do anything about that. Congress already approved funding ICE through the end of President Trumps term. Those other agencies would be hurt. How risky is this for Democrats to play this card right now? Host Jim Niedelman got into that issue with Iowa Republican party chair Jeff Kaufmann and Democratic political consultant Kevin Perkins. You have to take a look at what people really are looking for overwhelmingly, Perkins said. Theyre looking for ICE to not wear masks. Theyre looking for reasonable use of force from ICE. Theyre looking for body cameras. Theyre looking at judicial warrants being required for you to bust down my door. Advertisement Advertisement The so-called Big Beautiful Bill has already funded ICE through 2029, Kaufmann said. Regardless of what happens during this shutdown, theres not going to be a change in the actual funding. To hear more, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 the Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Advocates for nuclear disarmament hope this year will be different. For the last few legislative sessions, a resolution in the Massachusetts State House calling on the federal government make moves to reduce the threat of nuclear war and eventually embrace a treaty prohibiting the weapons died in committee. This time, however, advocates say the bill is before a different committee in the Senate, which may increase its chances of passage to the full legislative body. And state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, who introduced the resolution, said the bill (S.1649) received a favorable report early in the session. Advertisement Advertisement The prospects, I think, are better than weve had, Comerford said. For some advocates of nuclear disarmament, resolutions such as the one pending in the State House are a key strategy to petition the federal government. It creates a national consensus if enough people do it, said Dr. Ira Helfand, a longtime advocate for nuclear disarmament who lives in Northampton. Helfand helped found two groups that won Nobel Peace Prizes over the years for their work to prevent nuclear war. He now volunteers with Back from the Brink, a grassroots campaign started in Northampton and Amherst that has since gone national, Helfand said. Advertisement Advertisement Municipalities from around the country, including 21 in Massachusetts, have issued resolutions that urge the U.S. government to adopt a handful of policies espoused by Back from the Brink, such as limiting the presidents power to order a nuclear attack. Five state legislatures have also issued resolutions of their own. In the case of the Rhode Island Senate, it passed its resolution in 2022 in a matter of days, according to Helfand. In Massachusetts? You would assume that because we have pretty vocal politicians who are very open minded in a lot of ways you would think that it would move quickly, said Anna Linakis, executive director for Great Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement But the wheels of legislation move slowly here. In the past, the resolution calling for nuclear disarmament was sent to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, where it would get bottlenecked, Linakis said. Lawmakers, facing a glut of bills to work through, would never get to the resolution. This time, the resolution was sent to Senate Committee on Rules on Jan. 15. Linakis said shes encountered little opposition to the resolution, only pushback from some saying the state should not weigh in on federal issues. Should nuclear war come to the state, Linakis said, it would quickly become a local concern as hospitals would be overwhelmed. Advertisement Advertisement If there were to be a nuclear war in Massachusetts, Linakis said, wed be talking about thousands upon thousands of burn victims. Theres no way anybody could argue that if a nuclear war or nuclear bomb hit Massachusetts, it wouldnt be the most local problem you can imagine. Michael Moran, who volunteers with Back from the Brink, said the resolution comes at a time of an increased threat of nuclear war. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the hands of the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, nuclear-armed Russia continues its war in Ukraine, and a treaty between the U.S. and Russia that placed limits on their nuclear arsenals expired recently. I think all of us who feel strongly that the bill should be enacted are hoping that just the increasing risk of nuclear war that becomes clearer pretty much every day will change some minds that may have felt differently in the past, Moran said. As for Sen. Comerford, she said recently lawmakers have been navigating a host of issues, from food security to health care, while facing a volatile federal government. Advertisement Advertisement The conversations shes been having with her fellow lawmakers about the resolution have been about why nuclear policy, set by the federal government, is a state issue. She said the resolution is not unlike when a municipality communicates with the legislature about its concerns. Just because we dont set nuclear policy, Comerford said, we absolutely should and can have a voice about what happens at the federal level. This is a way for an organized government, a commonwealth, to speak and to convey, that among many priorities, this is a priority to protect us at this time. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) said she met with aides to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Anna Rathert, a member of the German parliament, told dpa on Sunday that the encounter with Rubio's staff happened "by chance." "They were very constructive, very pleasant, very positive discussions," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Rathert said that she had gathered from her conversation with Rubio's team "that there is still a great deal of interest in meeting and deepening the relationship." Rathert said she had no contact with Rubio himself or with Republican lawmakers in Munich for the defence-focused talks. Germany's AfD has sought to cultivate ties with Washington since President Donald Trump's return to office, with contacts between the administration and the eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party drawing scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic. The AfD was excluded from the previous two editions of the Munich Security Conference, but three of its lawmakers received official invitations this year, a move that stirred debate in the German political establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said he chose to invite AfD policy experts back in part because the party is now the largest opposition force in parliament. In addition to Rathert, lawmakers Rudiger Lucassen and Heinrich Koch were present in Munich. Last year, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel met US Vice President JD Vance in Munich, though the encounter took place outside the conference format. Weidel did not attend this year, and the US delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio rather than Vance. Rubio met Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday. United States Air Force veteran Bob Jeffrey and his wife, Jean Jeffrey, were on a flight home to Phoenix on Sunday after an important trip to Vietnam. Jeffrey went to the country for the first time since he was released as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. While it must have been a powerful trip filled with a variety of emotions, the special moments didn't end there. Before takeoff, American Airlines Captain John Newman took a moment to address the cabin and acknowledge Jeffrey and the important milestone. A video from American Airlines shows Newman's heartfelt speech. Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate you. We stand on your shoulders," Newman said in the video. "Thank you for your service and sacrifice. The moment was a special connection for everyone involved. Newman and his first officer were also veterans. And after seven years of captivity, Jeffrey returned home and joined American Airlines as a pilot before retiring in 1999. Jeffreys trip back to Vietnam will be part of a documentary later this year. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Advertisement Advertisement 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. For over three decades, T M Krishna has occupied a paradoxical position within Indian classical music. He is both insider and insurgent. Trained within one of the countrys most codified artistic traditions, he rose to become one of the most recognisable Carnatic vocalists of his generation. Yet he has also unsettled that world, publicly critiquing caste privilege within the sabha system and questioning the hierarchies that determine who is heard and who remains invisible. In 2016, the Ramon Magsaysay Award recognised him not merely for musical accomplishment but for his commitment to social inclusion and his efforts to confront caste barriers within the Carnatic ecosystem. The citation marked a significant moment. An international jury acknowledged that his artistic practice and his public critique were inseparable. For supporters, it affirmed that dissent was not incidental to his music but integral to it. From sabha to State With We, The People of India: Decoding a Nations Symbols, Krishna extends that scrutiny beyond the concert platform. At the book launch at G5A Warehouse in Mahalaxmi, he describes national symbols not as ceremonial artefacts but as instruments that shape public consciousness. In a political climate where nationalism is increasingly performative and polarised, he argues that these symbols warrant examination rather than reflexive reverence. To me, Jana Gana Mana is a song of resistance against the British Raj, he says, reiterating a view that has already drawn attention. He calls it one of Rabindranath Tagores most exquisite compositions and argues that its invocation of multiple regions reflects the complexity of India. Krishna has a history of reassessing accepted cultural norms within Carnatic music. In 2015 he distanced himself from the December Chennai Music Season, citing caste favouritism in the sabha system. He has been a driving force behind the Urur-Olcott Kuppam Vizha, a festival that brings Carnatic performance to communities beyond elite venues. In A Southern Music: The Karnatik Story he explores how the tradition was shaped by social hierarchies, and in Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mridangam Makers he traces the histories and labour of mridangam makers within those social contexts. His approach to the anthem follows the same pattern. He treats it as a text shaped by history and politics, not as an untouchable object. The book moves from the anthem to the flag, the Preamble, the Constitution and the state emblem. Satyameva Jayate becomes central to his argument. Truth is becoming a very urgent conversation, he says. People forward whatever they see on social media without verifying it. With AI, we cant even differentiate between fake and real. So what does truth mean today? Is your perspective or my perspective the truth? When symbols become battlegrounds The project began during the first lockdown in March 2020. He initially imagined a slim collection of essays. Research altered the scale. For a year, I was just reading and taking notes, he says. Writing followed in uneven phases through 2021. COVID shut you down in strange ways. Sometimes you were functional, sometimes not. His research moved across archives and faith traditions. He filed RTI applications, consulted material at the British Library, read the Quran and the Bible and revisited the Upanishads. Episodes such as Mountbatten consulting the British monarch on flag protocol, or discussions about additional verses to the British anthem for colonial India, reinforce his central claim that national symbols are products of negotiation and power rather than timeless absolutes. In recent years, those symbols have acquired heightened sensitivity. Standing for the anthem, displaying the flag or invoking Bharat Mata often attracts scrutiny beyond formal law. Against this backdrop, Krishna adopts a deliberately uncomfortable stance. He opposes the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1957, which criminalises acts deemed disrespectful towards national symbols. For him, such legislation confuses reverence with democracy. I believe that when a common person attacks the symbol, he is showing protest and resistance. I dont believe India should have a law that prohibits that protest, he says. He says the roots of such transgressions must be explored instead. Why is the person attacking that symbol? He is angry. Hes saying you didnt give him what youre supposed to give. Hes saying that his rights are being compromised. And how can he show it? He can show it on the symbol that represents the nations state or the government in power. To criminalise symbolic protest, he argues, is then to narrow democratic space. Caste, culture and belonging Krishnas interrogation of national symbolism echoes earlier battles within the Carnatic world. Years ago, he unsettled the establishment by speaking openly about caste exclusion in classical music, challenging the sabha ecosystem that enabled his own rise. The whole construction of classical art forms has always been based on social hierarchy, he says. In Western classical music, hierarchy privileges whiteness. In Indian classical music, caste and gender determine status and authority. He describes classical art as a social construct shaped by power as much as by aesthetics. The lower you are in the caste hierarchy, the closer your culture is considered to be nothing. The higher you are in the caste hierarchy, the greater we see in culture. In a way, our culture, art and social caste discrimination match each other. On gender, Krishna turns to one of modern Indias most recognisable images: Bharat Mata. The first Bharat Mata that we know is Abanindranath Tagores image. It seems like a very different kind of Bharat Mata than the one we know today. Shes more like an ascetic, like some kind of a monk, he says. Then at some point in time, Bharat Mata became this goddess, equivalent to Durga. For Krishna, that shift is not aesthetic. It signals a hardening of the idea of nationhood. He questions what it means to elevate the nation as a divine mother. Bharat Mata may be worshiped, but then you have sexual abuse or dowry problems happening every day in society, he says. Deification, he argues, can coexist with everyday inequality. He pushes the question further. Who is India a mother to? Is she the mother to the first person to settle here? Is she mother only to the Hindus? Is she mother to all too? Is she a mother to everybody? That also starts insider-outsider debates. Krishna is clear that We, The People of India is written as a citizens reflection, not as a historian or constitutional expert. More than anything else, this book came from some anxiety in me about the state of affairs in India, the hate, anger, inability to listen to and make accommodations for one another. I think this book came from that anxiety of trying to find myself in todays India. For an artist who has long questioned hierarchy within his own field, the extension feels deliberate. The subject has shifted. The instinct to interrogate power has not. After eight years representing the 34th District in the Illinois General Assembly, Rep. Nick Smith decided he will not seek reelection this year. Instead, Aja Kearney and Cleopatra Cowley are poised to compete in the March 17 Democratic primary. No Republican filed to run for the seat. The district stretches from the South Side neighborhood of Roseland south along the Indiana border and into the Kankakee area. It includes all or parts of Burnham, Calumet City, Chicago, Crete, Ford Heights, Grant Park, Hopkins Park, Kankakee, Lansing, Lynwood, Momence, Sauk Village, South Holland, St. Anne and Sun River Terrace. Aja Kearney Kearneys interest in public service was fostered from a young age. A nearly lifelong South Side resident, she recalls during high school tagging along with her mother, was an assistant to a Chicago alderman, to community events and political meetings. Advertisement Advertisement She received her bachelors degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, she says she grew more active in community organizing, eventually becoming chairman of the Cook County Young Democrats. Kearney worked within several county government departments, including the office of the board president. She said she stepped away to raise her daughter and has owned several small businesses. She most worked for the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church and 33rd District Rep. Marcus Evans. Kearney has sought office once before, in a crowded race for 6th Ward alderman in 2023. William Hall, a pastor at St. James Community Church and the director of faith and community for UCAN, a crime prevention and social service agency, was endorsed by Gov. JB Pritzker and ultimately gained the seat. Kearney said she has fond memories volunteering for former 34th District Rep. Connie Howard and took inspiration from her leadership. Advertisement Advertisement It gave me a view of whats needed in the community, Kearney said. She said she hopes to make the 34th District office as transparent and community focused as possible. A lot of people dont fully understand what certain elected officials offices are for, Kearney said. Its important to educate people about what our office is for, what we can do and how we can help. Kearney said she would focus on building relationships and learning how to best address issues of importance to the district. Priorities include addressing environmental issues, public safety, health care access and economic development, Kearney said. Advertisement Advertisement In the 6th Ward in particular, Kearney said, the lack of a nearby trauma center creates challenges when emergencies arise. Whats most important is preventative measures, Kearney said. But things happen, and when they do, you should have the same access to the same necessities to make sure you are able to survive and thrive. Cleopatra Cowley Cowleys campaign is shaped by tragedy the 2013 South Side shooting death of her 15-year-old daughter, Hadiya Pendleton. Since Hadiyas death, Cowley has been outspoken in calls to end gun violence. My life has been forever changed because of what someone else did, she told the Tribune in 2013. Im not going to be extremely political, but if I can help someone else not go through what weve gone through, then I have to do what I can. Advertisement Advertisement Cowley wants to champion policies that attack the root causes of violence while holding offenders accountable, according to her campaign website. Plans include investing in economic opportunities and mental health support within 34th District communities. Cowleys website states within historically underserved areas, she plans to boost economic development by providing more resources for small businesses and boosting job training opportunities. She also intends to fight for equitable school funding and mentorship programs while improving access to high-quality, affordable health care, including trauma services. Cowley did not respond to repeated requests for an interview. ostevens@chicagotribune.com Feb. 14The Alaska Department of Health is racing to award $272 million by October through a newly created federal program meant to transform health care delivery in rural parts of the U.S. Alaska received the largest-per-capita award late last year in the first phase of a five-year program that is intended to dole out $50 billion divided among all 50 states. The program was created in July by congressional Republicans, with support from Alaska's congressional delegation, as part of a bill that also cut federal spending on Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The Department of Health said this week that it will begin soliciting letters of interest in the program on Tuesday. It must award all $272 million it received by October, and the funding must be spent within a calendar year by October 2027 or else unspent funds could get clawed back by the federal government and the state could receive less funding in subsequent years of the program, Alaska health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement A submission window for letters of interest will open on Tuesday and continue through March 11. The letters will be reviewed by the Alaska Community Foundation, which has been contracted by the Department of Health to oversee the funding application process. Funding will begin going out in April, said Alex McKay, president of the Alaska Community Foundation, in a presentation earlier this week. The tight timeline has the department racing to identify projects eligible for funding that meet restrictions enacted by the federal government, including a prohibition on construction of new health care facilities. "It's very truncated," state Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg said of this year's funding cycle. Advertisement Advertisement "We could have our funding award lowered in the subsequent years because of overcommitment by any one agency," said Hedberg. In a hearing before Alaska House and Senate committees on the project, members of a newly formed advisory council laid out their concerns, including over the prospect of efficiently allocating the $272 million within less than eight months and making sure all of it is spent within less than 20 months. "We have this massive opportunity in front of us in terms of dollars, but it's full of challenges that we have to all be realistic about," said Jared Kosin, director of the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Vice President Monique Martin and Alaska Primary Care Association Chief Executive Nancy Merriman also spoke with lawmakers in the Thursday hearing. Advertisement Advertisement All three said they had provided input to the Department of Health as it crafted its application to federal authorities. They said the advisory council had subsequently been updated to include representatives from the Mental Health Trust and the Alaska Municipal League. Department of Health spokesperson Megan Darrow declined to confirm the current makeup of the council on Friday and said its membership would be finalized "within the coming weeks." 'A poor approach' The quick turnaround and limits imposed by federal officials on how the funding can be used led Alaska health officials to say earlier this week that the first year of the program would focus on projects in which there was a high degree of confidence the money could be spent quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Kosin said that was a flaw in the way the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency overseeing the program, designed its execution. "Regardless of how you feel about all of it, it was a poor approach," he said. "With that said, it's a big opportunity, and we need to seize it." Sen. Forrest Dunbar, an Anchorage Democrat who chairs the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, said it wouldn't be difficult to "waste" the $272 million allocated to the state. "It's hard to spend it smartly," he said. Some lawmakers raised questions about the fact that decision-making on where the money is spent is currently vested in the executive branch. Lawmakers earlier this year authorized the Department of Health to spend up to $200 million of the rural health funding, with few strings attached. Advertisement Advertisement "We're being told, 'Don't worry, you don't have any say in this,' when actually, we believe we do," Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, an Anchorage Republican, said earlier this week. Giessel said Thursday that she and Rep. Genevieve Mina, an Anchorage Democrat, will also serve on the Department of Health's advisory council, representing the Legislature. Kosin agreed the Legislature should be involved in the program "to ensure that transparency exists." "It would be ludicrous for you guys not to be involved," Kosin told lawmakers. "It's too much money and too much at stake to not have involvement." Advertisement Advertisement Kosin, Martin and Merriman underscored the many questions that remain unanswered on how the funding can be spent, even as the state prepares to award it. Federal officials have prohibited the construction of new facilities, but say that renovations are allowed. That has left health care providers asking what qualifies as a renovation project, rather than a construction project. Federal rules also prohibit using the funds to cover services currently paid for through Medicaid, causing health care providers to wonder if projects that provide Medicaid-eligible services but in a more efficient way than what currently exists could be included. Funding for telecommunications, such as broadband and internet service installation, is also prohibited. Providers wonder how innovative technologies can be used in rural Alaska communities that lack reliable internet service. Advertisement Advertisement The limitations have left would-be recipients envisioning esoteric ideas for improving health care delivery, even as they concede that such ideas will not address the underlying causes of Alaska's highest-in-the-nation health care costs. Martin cited ideas like delivering medications to remote communities using drones; updating the tribal health care system's electronic health record system; and replacing old hospital beds. Kosin said to drive down health care costs effectively would require "addressing social determinants of health, socioeconomic factors." "That's really where you need to go," Kosin said. Advertisement Advertisement Alaska health department officials have repeatedly warned that the funds cannot be used to stand up new services that will require additional state spending after the five-year life of the program. Kosin said that facility construction, which is prohibited, would have been a good use of the funds, since it would have allowed health care providers to expand the services they offer with one-time investments that don't require future state support. "To me, the fact that this money can't fully potentially be used for that one-time, up-front costs kind of disadvantages some of the things that I would like to see strategically happen," said Kosin. Lawmakers said that in the context of Alaska's health care needs, the funding is not necessarily enough to transform health care in a state that already spends roughly $3 billion annually on Medicaid, and where the construction of new facilities is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars per building. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Health has listed schools as a possible recipient of funding. Rep. Andrew Gray, an Anchorage Democrat, pointed out that deferred maintenance needs in rural Alaska schools amount to billions of dollars. "If I wanted to transform the health of rural school kids, maybe fixing the roofs so they're not leaking, maybe making it so the toilets flush and maybe getting rid of the mold would transform their health," said Gray. "I think we could eat up this money very fast through that sort of interpretation." By Andrew Gray, John Irish and Sabine Siebold MUNICH, Feb 15 (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reflected a feeling of profound change among European leaders at this weekend's Munich Security Conference when she said: "Some lines have been crossed that cannot be uncrossed anymore". Transatlantic ties have already been strained over the past year by Donald Trumps return to the White House. But the U.S. presidents push to annex Greenland dramatically increased European doubts about Washingtons commitment to protect the continent through the NATO alliance. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered limited reassurance to Europeans in his conference speech. Rubio said the U.S. wanted to work with Europe and used a warmer tone than Vice President JD Vance last year. But he was critical of Europe's recent political course and did not mention NATO, Russia or Moscows war in Ukraine - issues on which a gulf has emerged between the U.S. and its partners in the alliance. With the war about to enter its fifth year and Moscow viewed as an increasing threat by its European neighbours, leaders from the continent declared they would accelerate efforts to boost their own defences and rely less on the U.S. That, in theory, puts them on the same page as Trump. His administration says it expects Europe to take primary responsibility for the conventional defence of the continent in the coming years. In return, Washington will keep its nuclear umbrella over Europe and uphold NATOs mutual defence pact. A 'EUROPEAN PILLAR' OF NATO Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged their commitment in Munich to a stronger European pillar within NATO. But a stronger home-grown defence is also a hedge against Trump or a future U.S. leader deciding not to defend Europe. This new beginning is right under all circumstances. It is right if the United States continues to distance itself. It is right as long as we cannot guarantee our own security on our own, Merz told the conference on Friday. In another sign of the nervousness surrounding U.S. security commitments, Merz said he had begun talks with Macron about a European nuclear deterrence. France holds the only truly independent nuclear deterrent in Europe since Britain's Trident nuclear missiles are made and maintained by the United States. Advertisement Advertisement WILL DEEDS MATCH WORDS? The big question for Europe and its leaders is whether they can match their words with deeds to buy and develop new weapons systems, to fill gaps in their arsenals in areas such as long-range missiles and to coordinate their work. The signs so far are mixed. Driven by fears of Russia and exhortations from Trump, European countries have boosted defence spending. NATO members agreed last year to raise spending on core defence from 2% of GDP to 3.5% of GDP, with a further 1.5% to be spent on other security-related investments. European defence spending has risen nearly 80% since before the war in Ukraine began, von der Leyen told the Munich conference. Advertisement Advertisement European countries are forming consortia to build complex weapons systems. Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden signed a letter of intent on Thursday to advance work on European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA), a project to develop deep strike missiles. On the sidelines of a NATO defence ministers meeting on Thursday, coalitions of European countries agreed to work together on four projects, including ballistic missile defence and air-launched munitions. PROJECTS STRUGGLE DUE TO SQUABBLES But some high-profile pan-European projects have struggled to get off the ground. The future of the FCAS French-German-Spanish fighter jet project has been in the balance for months, with the partners unable to agree on the share of work for the companies involved. Advertisement Advertisement Debates on European Union defence projects have been accompanied by wrangling over whether they should be limited to EU companies or open to others. France has been the strongest advocate to buy European provisions while the likes of Germany and The Netherlands argue for a more open approach. Amid the debates in the swanky Bayerischer Hof hotel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy brought home the reality of modern war, surrounded by giant screens showing images and statistics of Russian attacks. Last month alone, Ukraine was attacked by more than 6,000 drones and 150 missiles. During this war, weapons evolve faster than political decisions meant to stop them, he told the delegates. (Writing by Andrew Gray; Editing by Christina Fincher) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Some of the inscriptions discovered in the rock shelter were written in Nabataean, the language of the people who built the city of Petra. The inscriptions are in the process of being deciphered. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities A rock shelter discovered in the southern Sinai Desert contains designs and inscriptions spanning a period of 10,000 years, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced in two statements . Located on the Umm Arak Plateau, the rock shelter was discovered during an archaeological survey carried out by a team of Egyptologists. They were assisted by a local resident named Sheikh Rabie Barakat, who helped guide them to the site, the statements said. Advertisement Advertisement The rock art is older than the pharaonic kingship in Egypt, which began in about 3100 B.C. , but it appears that artists continued drawing there until medieval times. The shelter is about 330 feet (100 meters) long and 10 feet (3 m) deep, with a ceiling up to 5 feet (1.5 m) high. The oldest rock art, which was dated based on its style, was found near the entrance and dates to between roughly 10000 and 5500 B.C., the statements said. It depicts a variety of scenes, including a hunter who's holding a bow and is accompanied by at least two hunting dogs. Scenes from later time periods include people riding horses and carrying weapons, and there are inscriptions that date to ancient and medieval times. The rock art also includes geometric images made of X's, squares, ovals, crescents and more complex shapes. The archaeological team is in the midst of analyzing the designs. The shelter is near ancient copper and turquoise mines and was likely "used across the ages as a lookout point and a place for gathering and rest," one of the statements said. Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Ancient people in Egypt may have left their mark on the rock shelter while mining the Sinai for resources, noted John Darnell , an Egyptology professor at Yale University who has conducted extensive research in the Sinai but was not involved with the new discovery. Advertisement Advertisement The "Sinai was an important region for ancient Egypt, a source of mineral wealth and a symbolically important region, the home of the goddess Hathor, 'Mistress of Turquoise,'" Darnell said. This discovery "will certainly help us better understand the interactions of the ancient [Egyptians] with the desert environment, and with those people living in and moving through the region." RELATED STORIES 5,000-year-old rock art from ancient Egypt depicts 'terrifying' conquest of the Sinai Peninsula 3,500-year-old Egyptian military fortress with ancient ovens and fossilized dough discovered in Sinai Desert Advertisement Advertisement 3,500-year-old 'rest house' used by ancient Egyptian army discovered in Sinai Desert The images released so far "appear to show material of late antique through perhaps medieval date," or roughly A.D 500 to 1500, Darnell said, noting that the rock art includes camels, humans and Nabataean inscriptions. The Nabataeans were a people who flourished in the region between roughly 400 B.C. and A.D. 200, and are most famous for building the city of Petra in Jordan . Darnell noted that he looks forward to seeing images of the earlier rock art discovered at the site. Live Science contacted the archaeological team but did not hear back by the time of publication. Ancient Egypt quiz: Test your smarts about pyramids, hieroglyphs and King Tut A county-wide call for assistance was issued in Montgomery County early Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 2:32 a.m. Harrison Township crews issued a Signal 99, or a county-wide call for assistance. Deputies were originally called to the area for two males in all black clothing, reportedly breaking into cars, according to a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement A juvenile suspect was found by deputies and attempted to get away. The juvenile was allegedly armed and had begun to fight with deputies. The juvenile was taken into custody and booked into the Juvenile Detention Center after being checked out at the hospital. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An armed man who approached police while they were investigating a disturbance in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday was shot and killed by officers, the citys police chief said. Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 Block of Chateau Park Drive, the police department said in a statement. While on scene, officers were approached by an armed adult male who was not involved in the initial disturbance, Chief Bill Schultz told reporters later Saturday afternoon at the site of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Schultz said an initial review had been conducted. We know the suspect fired his weapon during the encounter with the officers. Three FLPD officers discharged their department-issued firearms at that time, striking the suspect. He said officers performed life-saving efforts until Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue arrived and took the man to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police hadnt released his name or other details as of Sunday afternoon. Schultz said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would investigate the shooting, which he said is the standard process after an officer-involved shooting. Also, under the departments policy, the agency said, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the case is under review. SYDNEY, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Australia said on Sunday it would spend A$3.9 billion ($2.76 billion) to progress construction of a shipyard that will help deliver nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS defence pact with the U.S. and Britain. Announced in 2021, AUKUS is Australia's largest-ever defence investment and will see U.S.-commanded Virginia-class submarines based in Australia from 2027, several Virginia submarines sold to Australia from around 2030, and Britain and Australia building a new class of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the A$3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia state. Advertisement Advertisement "Investing in the submarine construction yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines," Albanese said in a statement. Official projections put the total cost of the build at A$30 billion "over coming decades", he said. Osborne is where Australia's ASC and Britain's BAE Systems will jointly build Australia's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the core component of the AUKUS pact. Until that work begins later this decade, the shipyard is where much of the maintenance is performed on the country's existing Collins-class submarine fleet. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the down payment would be spent on building enabling infrastructure for the shipyard. "This is just the beginning," Malinauskas said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement In December, a Pentagon review of the AUKUS project found areas of opportunity to put the deal on the "strongest possible footing," including ensuring that Australia is moving fast enough to build its nuclear submarine capacity. ($1 = 1.4138 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed) NEED TO KNOW Baby food brand Tippy Toes is recalling a select lot of its Apple Pear Banana fruit puree due to concerns over elevated levels of patulin Patulin is a toxin caused by mold The product is sold in grocery stores in all U.S. states except Alaska, and may also have been distributed in Guam and Puerto Rico A brand of baby food is issuing a nationwide recall over possible contamination concerns. Tippy Toes, owned by California-based Initiative Foods, announced the recall on Friday, Feb. 13, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement Advertisement The specific product in question is a single lot of Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana fruit puree, and the recall is due to elevated levels of patulin, per the announcement. Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana fruit puree fda Patulin is a naturally occurring substance (called a mycotoxin) which is produced by molds that may grow in various fruits, including apples. Long-term exposure resulting from ingestion of patulin can lead to various adverse health consequences, including a potential for immune suppression, nerve damage, headache, fever and nausea, the announcement stated. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The product was distributed nationwide in grocery stores in all U.S. states except Alaska, and it may also have been distributed in the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, per the FDA. Advertisement Advertisement No illnesses or adverse effects have been reported in relation to the recall. The product in question comes packaged in two plastic tubs. It has a lot number of 07174 and a Best By Date (BB) of 07/17/2026. Customers in possession of a Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana fruit puree with the above lot number and best by date are instructed to discontinue use of the product and dispose of it immediately or return to their place of purchase for a refund. 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. The company also said that customers should contact their healthcare provider if concerns arise after consuming the product. Advertisement Advertisement Retailers are instructed to check the lot numbers on all Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana fruit puree tubs on shelves and immediately remove any recalled product. Don Ephgrave, Initiative Foods CEO and president, said the safety of our consumers and their families is our highest priority in a statement from the company, per the FDA announcement. We are cooperating with the FDA to ensure strict review and enhanced safety measures across all our products. We thank our retail partners and customers for their understanding and prompt action on this matter, he added. Initiative Foods did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People Feb 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Board of Peace member states will announce at an upcoming meeting on Thursday a pledge of more than $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote that member states have also committed thousands of personnel toward a U.N.-authorized stabilization force and local police in the Palestinian enclave. The U.S. president said Thursday's gathering, the first official meeting of the group, will take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which the State Department recently renamed after the president. Delegations from more than 20 countries, including heads of state, are expected to attend. Advertisement Advertisement The board's creation was endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution as part of the Trump administration's plan to end the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Israel and Hamas agreed to the plan last year with a ceasefire officially taking effect in October, although both sides have accused each other repeatedly of violating the ceasefire. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the territory since the ceasefire began. Israel has said four of its soldiers have been killed by Palestinian militants in the same period. While regional Middle East powers including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Israel - as well as emerging nations such as Indonesia - have joined the board, global powers and traditional Western U.S. allies have been more cautious. (Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto; Editing by Sergio Non and Matthew Lewis) The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has said it has released all of the files required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but lawmakers have argued the release is insufficient. A letter sent to members of the US Congress on Saturday from US Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy said all documents held by the DoJ had been released. It contained a list of names appearing in the files. Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who co-wrote the law, called for the DoJ to also release internal memos outlining past decisions on whether to charge Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. Advertisement Advertisement Millions of new files relating to the late sex offender Epstein were released by the DoJ earlier this month. At the time, the deputy attorney general said three million pages were not released. This was due to the existence of personal medical files, graphic depictions of child abuse or other material that would jeopardise investigations, said Todd Blanche on the day of the documents dump. In the latest letter, Bondi and Blanche wrote: "In accordance with the requirements of the Act, and as described in various Department submissions to the courts of the Southern District of New York assigned to the Epstein and Maxwell prosecutions and related orders, the Department released all 'records, documents, communications and investigative materials in the possession of the Department' that 'relate to' any of nine different categories." No records were withheld from the DoJ's release "on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity", the letter added. Advertisement Advertisement The individuals listed in the letter include people who "are or were a government official or politically exposed person", and whose name appeared at least once in the files, the letter says. The names appear in the files in a "wide variety of contexts", including some people who had "extensive direct email contact with Epstein or Maxwell" and others who were merely referenced in documents or news articles contained in the files, Blanche and Bondi wrote. Lawmakers Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are calling for justice department to release more Epstein files [Getty Images] Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Bill Clinton - who are included in the list - all had documented past relationships with Epstein and Maxwell. There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents implies any wrongdoing and each has denied any involvement in Epstein's crimes. But the list also includes the names of deceased musicians Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley. Advertisement Advertisement The letter was addressed to the Senate Judiciary Committee's chairman Chuck Grassley and ranking member Dick Durbin, as well as the House Judiciary Committee's chairman Jim Jordan and ranking member Jamie Raskin. In an interview on ABC This Week on Sunday, Massie argued that, even though the DoJ "wants to say they are done with this document production", there are more crucial files that should be released. The DoJ was "signing deliberative process privilege in order not to release some of the documents", he said. "The problem with that is the bill that Ro Khanna and I wrote says that they must release internal memos and notes and emails about their decisions on whether to prosecute or not prosecute, whether to investigate or not investigate." Advertisement Advertisement In response to the letter, California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who co-wrote the Epstein Files Transparency Act, accused the DoJ of "purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email". "To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar, who went to prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of young women and child pornography, with no clarification of how either was mentioned in the files is absurd," Khanna wrote on X on Saturday. "Release the full files," he added. "Stop protecting predators. Redact only the survivor's names." The BBC has contacted the Department of Justice for comment. Advertisement Advertisement US lawmakers previously said files on Epstein were improperly redacted ahead of their release, leading to at least one document being unredacted after their criticism. Lawyers for Epstein's victims have also said the latest tranche of files included email addresses and nude photos in which the names and faces of potential victims could be identified. At the time, the DoJ said mistakes were due to "technical or human error" and they had taken down all the flagged files. [BBC] Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. Night Tales: Lullabies of a Lost World, marked Matija Solces third visit to India and one stop in a career that spans theatre halls, festivals, ashrams and unconventional venues across Europe, Latin America and Asia. Staged at the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Mumbai performance drew on a practice that has travelled widely and been shaped by sustained international collaboration. Solces work reflects the depth of a practice built over time. A 44-year-old Slovenian musician, puppeteer and theatre director, he holds a doctorate in Alternative Theatre and Puppetry from Pragues DAMU academy and has received more than 20 international awards. His performances fuse accordion music, object theatre and live improvisation, drawing equally on discipline and risk. Over two decades, his work has appeared at major international festivals and cultural institutions, often in contexts shaped by political pressure, displacement or restricted speech. At NGMA on January 30, he moved between an accordion and a small set of materials such as wood, bone and cloth. Madhureeta Mukherjee anchored the evening with three original poems that threaded the questions and Solces collaboration with ZARIYA into one seamless narrative arc. Puppets appeared briefly, then withdrew. Rhythm and pause shaped the work. Puppetry is a medium through which we can articulate things and ask the difficult questions we wouldnt be allowed to, if we were speaking as ourselves, Solce explains. In his world, objects take the place of direct speech, absorbing the risk of truth-telling in a world where language has hardened. Dissent through form The performance grew out of Float 2 Gaza, a global response to the systematic destruction of Gazas cultural infrastructure. Since the mid-2000s, the blockade of the Gaza Strip has not only restricted movement but stifled the very tools of expression. The regions libraries, theatres, and universities have suffered repeated damage, turning the act of creation into a form of resistance. Solces project brought together 78 performers from 23 countries to break this isolation. Through our Float 2 Gaza project, we realised just how powerful art can be as a means of binding our shared realities, Solce says. To not shout our dissent, but express it in other ways that are just as powerful. This approach reflects an Eastern European tradition where puppetry circumvented political censorship through metaphor. By using distance to gain clarity, Solce ensures music carries weight without the need for explanation. Mumbai lineage This instinct is familiar to Mumbai. The city has a long history of performers responding to rupture through form rather than polemic. After the 199293 riots, artists like Nalini Malani and Atul Dodiya used fractured imagery and archival reference to deal with memory and fear. Following the 2008 attacks, the citys performers shifted toward restraint. Shubha Mudgals concerts emphasised stillness, while independent theatre-makers produced small-format works that addressed grief without direct reference. This method recognises that direct protest often invites direct suppression. Form, however, is subversive. It allows the audience to process grief and dissent privately within a public setting. It preserves the complexity of the human experience at moments when the world demands we pick a side and simplify how we feel. Solces work enters this lineage through method. He finds a deep affinity for Indian classical musics mathematical patterns and its emphasis on dialogue. Its based on rhythm and patterns we dont acknowledge in the West, he notes. This shared belief in structure over fixed scores allows his performance to respond to the immediate moment of a city that has often had to register solidarity when public assembly itself became contested. The collaborative pulse This Mumbai confluence took shape through Zariya, a platform founded by Sabiha Khan and Indrayanee Mukherjee to support cross-cultural exchange. Khan, who met Solce in 2011, describes him as a magician for his ability to hold difference without flattening it. The ensemblefeaturing Vinayak Netke on tabla, Sridhar Parthasarathy on mridangam, guitarist Neil Mukherjee, and Kathak exponent Indrayanee Mukherjeewove a set that suggested stories of migration and displacement without naming specific conflicts. The sound suggested both absence and persistence. Playing with Matija, Ive learnt that every voice, no matter how small, must stand up for what is right, Khan says. In a period defined by narrowing spaces for exchange, from Gaza to Ukraine, Solces insistence on the material and the moment carries intent. The sustained breath of a held note and the careful animation of a puppet resist the shallow cycles of modern outrage. The performance offers no easy resolutions; it remains with the tension of the present. My hope is that this inspires other such collaborations and encourages artists to use their art for justice, Solce concludes. For it is they who decide how these chapters of history will be remembered. (Photo Credit: Justice Department) The Justice Department said it has released all files tied to dead sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter sent by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche to lawmakers on Saturday night. Bondi and Blanches letter said the DOJ has fulfilled its obligation to release files as part of the Epstein Transparency Act and outlined why it redacted certain portions. Advertisement Advertisement In accordance with the requirements of the Act, and as described in various Department submissions to the courts of the Southern District of New York assigned to the Epstein and [Ghislaine] Maxwell prosecutions and related orders, the Department released all records, documents, communications and investigative materials in the possession of the Department that relate to [Epstein], the letter said. It also included a lengthy list of government officials and politically exposed persons who were named in the files. That list included President Donald Trump, ex-President Joe Biden, Tucker Carlson, Bruce Springsteen, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, California Sen. Adam Schiff (D), Robert De Niro, Alec Baldwin, Barbra Streisand, ex-Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, among many others. Names appear in the files released under the Act in a wide variety of contexts, the letter noted. For example, some individuals had extensive direct email contact with Epstein or Maxwell, while other individuals are mentioned only in a portion of a document (including press reporting) that on its face is unrelated to the Epstein or Maxwell matters. Advertisement Advertisement The letter said No records were withheld or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.' Politico senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein shared the letter on X; you can read the full six-page document by clicking here. JUST IN: DOJ sends Hill a letter purporting to fulfill requirement in Epstein Files Transparency Act for an explanation of all redactions from released files. The six-page letter is a lot less detailed than 1 would get in run-of-the-mill #FOIA case. Doc: https://t.co/5PT7HWgJ0N Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 15, 2026 It was addressed to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). The Justice Department, according to the letter, worked in consultation with victim counsel and victims directly on what should be redacted in the files. That included personally identifiable information of victim or victims personal and medical files, which the letter said would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Saturdays letter comes just days after Bondi was lambasted by a number of Democratic lawmakers and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) over her handling of Epstein-related files. Raskin started the hearing off by accusing Bondi of ignoring victims and leading a massive Epstein cover-up that he said is the biggest failure in Justice Department history. You replace real prosecutors with counterfeit stooges who robotically do the presidents bidding, Raskin said. Nothing in American history comes close to this complete corruption of the justice function and contamination of federal law enforcement. Bondi got her own shots in, branding Raskin a washed-up, loser lawyer who was a political failure. Advertisement Advertisement The Saturday letter also comes after the Justice Department released 3.5 million files on Epstein at the end of January. Trump told reporters those files absolve him of any wrongdoing, and they included an FBI document showing Trump thanked Florida cops and told them to focus on evil Maxwell back in 2006, among many other files. Bondi and Blanche did not mention the letter on their social media accounts on Saturday, and there is no mention of more files or the letter on the Justice Departments website. Other famous names mentioned in the letter include: Massie, George Clooney, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Jared Kushner, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Elon Musk, ex-Vice President Mike Pence, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former President Bill Clinton, and former Attorney General Eric Holder. The DOJ has a dedicated Epstein Library hub where it has been releasing all Epstein-related files, which you can scan for yourself by clicking here. The post Pam Bondi Says DOJ Released All Epstein Files Names Trump, Biden, Zuckerberg, Tucker Carlson Among Politically Exposed Persons first appeared on Mediaite. The Brief A Brookfield man was sentenced to probation with jail time for child abuse. The 49-year-old was one of two doctors charged in the case. The other doctor was sentenced to time served last year. BROOKFIELD, Wis. - A Brookfield man, the second of two doctors charged in a child abuse case, was sentenced to probation with jail time on Friday. In court Court records show 49-year-old Iyad Azzam pleaded no contest to two counts of felony child abuse in December. Four other charges were dismissed. A judge sentenced him to three years of probation. He is to serve the first 30 days of his probation in jail, followed by 45 days in jail with Huber release privileges. Advertisement Advertisement FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android Wiaam Taha pleaded no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct last August, and a child abuse charge was dismissed. She was then sentenced to time served. Dig deeper Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services records show Azzam's license to practice medicine expired in October 2025, as did Taha's. The backstory According to prosecutors, Azzam beat one child for "two hours" inside a Brookfield home. Police said Azzam hit a child with a belt on their "head, back, spine and hands," and Taha watched it happen and tried to cover the bruises with makeup. One child said Taha also hit them. Advertisement Advertisement SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News In another incident, prosecutors said Azzam choked, threatened to shoot and held a child over a railing. At one point, investigators said a child told Azzam they were going to throw up, and Azzam told the child he "would make [them] drink it if [they] did." When Brookfield police officers arrived at the home, they "confirmed signs of physical abuse." FOX6 News is not identifying the victims to protect their identities. The Source FOX6 News referenced information from the Brookfield Police Department, Waukesha County District Attorney's Office, Wisconsin Circuit Court and Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. A mental health advocate was killed by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide earlier this month in Humboldt County, officials said. Celinda Jane Gonzales was 59. On the evening of Feb. 3, Humboldt County sheriff's deputies were called to a home on the 900 block of Lewis Road in Weitchpec, an unincorporated village in the Yurok reservation. Inside the residence, they discovered the bodies of Celinda Gonzales and her husband, Arthur Gutierrez Gonzales, Jr., 52. Their deaths have been classified as a murder-suicide by Humboldt County law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Celinda Gonzales was featured by CalMatters in 2020, when she was interviewed for a piece on a "surge in suicides" in Humboldt County amid the pandemic. Gonzales, a member of the Yurok Tribe, shared that after her 19-year-old son and her brother died by suicide. She received training in suicide intervention and went on to help local fire and police departments with her knowledge. "A devoted mother, primary caregiver for her elderly parents and tribal employee, Celinda advocated for mental health resources and suicide prevention in the Weitchpec area," the Yurok Tribe wrote on Facebook. As an administrative assistant, she "worked tirelessly to connect Yurok people with Tribal services," the post continued. "She was a beloved friend to many Tribal Councilmembers, staff and community members," the memorial said. "This is a tremendous tragedy for the Tribe." More News - Married California fruit farmers found dead in apparent accident - California skier dies at Tahoe ski resort - Weather official warns Tahoe travelers to end holiday weekend early - Skunk mating season becoming a headache for Bay Area residents Sign up for daily SFGATE breaking news alerts here. This article originally published at California mental health advocate killed by her husband, officials say. California is in the cross-hairs of back-to-back storms that are predicted to bring flooding rain, heavy snow, damaging wind, dangerous surf and even a chance of tornadoes to parts of the state. Nearly every inch of California is forecast to receive precipitation this week, with more areas than usual seeing snow rather than just rain. The first storm will begin Sunday in Northern California and along the Central Coast, with moderate to heavy rain showers, while Southern California sees overcast skies and a few sprinkles. By Sunday night, steady snow should move into the Sierra Nevada. Downpours are predicted to hit Southern California on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement A short break between systems Monday night will be quickly followed by a colder storm Tuesday into Wednesday. That one will bring California its coldest air in three years, raising the potential for snow in the Sierra foothills, parts of the Bay Area and the Interstate 5 Grapevine. Another system is expected to hit Thursday, but here's what to expect from the first two storms set to hit the Golden State: Bay Area Sunday will become progressive wetter throughout the day. Morning showers will target Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, but raindrops cannot be ruled out elsewhere. By noon, steady rain should reach San Francisco and Oakland before spreading east through the afternoon and evening. Downpours are most likely from 4 to 10 p.m. Moderate to heavy rain showers are expected across the Bay Area on Sunday afternoon. (Baron/Lynx) Rain chances exist all across the Bay Area on Monday, but the Santa Cruz Mountains, South Bay and East Bay are expected to be under the heaviest swath, totaling between 1 and 3 inches. A slight change in the system's position could move the band of showers farther north toward San Francisco. Minor flooding of roadways and small creeks and streams is possible. Advertisement Advertisement Wind direction and speed will fluctuate Sunday and Monday as a low-pressure system passes to the south. In San Francisco, winds Sunday will gradually shift from southeast to southwest. On Monday, they'll start out of the northeast before turning out of the northwest in the late afternoon. Gusts could exceed 40 mph Monday evening. A cold front Tuesday will bring a renewed chance of precipitation and strengthening winds as it moves north to south. Any showers that linger overnight could fall as snow above 2,500 feet. Sierra Nevada A long-lasting winter storm warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 10 p.m. Wednesday across the entire Sierra. Ski resorts along the crest could pick up 5 to 7 feet of snow. It appears there will be two waves of heavy snow during the focal period. Advertisement Advertisement The first burst comes Monday morning through evening, with snowfall rates peaking at 1 to 2 inches per hour. The snow line will start around 6,000 feet before dropping to 5,000 feet. The National Weather Service warns of major to extreme travel impacts in the Sierra Nevada on Presidents Day. (Baron/Lynx) In the Tahoe area, "snowfall rates will diminish late Monday night into Tuesday morning, then increase again as the stronger, colder wave moves through from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning," the National Weather Service said. That cold second pulse could increase snowfall rates up to 3 inches per hour between Interstate 80 and Yosemite National Park. Blowing snow will become a hazard as wind gusts reach up to 50 mph in Sierra communities and up to 100 mph atop ridges. It'll also drag the rain-snow line below 2,500 feet Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement The cold air will support light, fluffy snow that skiers prefer, but the powder can blow around and drop visibility to near zero at times. Typically, 10 inches of snow melts to 1 inch of rain, but the cold air Tuesday night through Wednesday could increase ratios to 15:1. Central and Southern Coast Monterey to San Diego appears to be in the bull's-eye of Monday's system. A squall line will move west to east throughout the day, bringing numerous hazards with it. The heaviest downpours are expected to drop an inch of rain in an hour and cause flash flooding. Damaging wind gusts could knock down branches and power lines. Waterspouts and a brief tornado also are possible, though the risk is low. A marginal (level 1 out of 5) risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, is forecast along the Central and Southern California coast Monday. (Baron/Lynx) A lull Tuesday will be followed by a cold front that evening. It'll bring snow down to 3,500 or lower by early Wednesday, making for a huge dumping in the mountains, including Big Bear. Elsewhere Accumulating snow is forecast along I-5 passes in Northern and Southern California. More than a foot is forecast at Black Butte Summit (Siskiyou County) near Mount Shasta on Tuesday, with a few inches along the Grapevine early Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Hazardous seas are expected all week. High surf is forecast to peak Tuesday and Wednesday, with breaking waves up to 15 feet on the North Coast, up to 20 feet along the Central Coast and 10 to 15 feet along the South Coast. This article originally published at California storms are about to hit. Here's a timeline of their most severe impacts. CANTON - Facing a crowd worried that Canton could be the next small town to face the buzzing, high-pitched drone of a Bitcoin mining farm, Mayor Zeb Smathers wanted to set a "baseline of truth" during the Feb. 11 public hearing on a data center moratorium. Despite unfounded rumors spreading across social media, there was no proposal to build a data center at the site of the former Canton Paper Mill under consideration, Smathers said. Quite the opposite: the Board of Aldermen was voting on a one-year ban on the development of data centers and Bitcoin farms. Even so, the town took the opportunity to vent about a potential data center anyway. "The reason that this moratorium brings us all here tonight is that this board feels that data centers and the threat that they could cause to our town, our jurisdiction, is something that is dangerous, unpredictable and is disruptive," Smathers said during an opening comment on the moratorium. Advertisement Advertisement "If we do not, in my opinion, move swiftly and quickly, we could regret that for our community," he said. The Canton Paper Mill in downtown Canton, May 5, 2025. About 200 residents attended the Feb. 11 public hearing on the data center moratorium. They came with roughly one message: There should be no data center in Canton, and especially not one on the former mill site. The town's Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a yearlong moratorium on data center development during the meeting. The hearing came after the town received inquiries about a proposal to place a data center on the former Pactiv Evergreen Canton paper mill site, Smathers told the Citizen Times Feb. 11. The moratorium was a proactive action against data centers, Smathers said, describing them as a "threat" to small town life. The town joins a handful of counties and municipalities in North Carolina including Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Madison and McDowell counties that have gone through similar processes. Data centers have been viewed as critical to the buildout of booming artificial intelligence companies, but consumer analysts, including J.D. Power and Pew Research, have pointed to public sentiment turning against data centers as utility costs increase and as more consumers worry about their potential environmental impact. Those shifting sentiments have come to Canton, which has a wide-open, 185-acre former paper mill site that could be redeveloped. Around 200 people attended the Feb. 11 public hearing on a moratorium on data center development in Canton, North Carolina. Attendees began arriving around 5 p.m., an hour before the hearing began. Feb. 11, 2026. More: Buncombe extends moratorium: California Bitcoin mine co. upends Western NC Cherokee County Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers spoke in support of a data center moratorium during the town's Feb. 11 public hearing on a moratorium on data center development in Canton, North Carolina. Feb. 11, 2026. By the time the town hall opened its doors around 5:45 p.m., the small trailer off Sunset Road provided to the town after Tropical Depression Fred flooded Canton's town hall in 2021 hit capacity at 49 people. Advertisement Advertisement For a time, a crowd stood outside beneath the stars, listening to a speaker that blared the audio of the meeting inside. Facilitated by the town fire department, members of the public cycled in and out of the room to comment on the moratorium. One attendee baked banana bread and brought it for those listening outside. Some residents came with long, sharply worded speeches. Some brought their babies, and others brought their neighbors. Some came with little information, believing a formal proposal to build a data center was already being considered. At least one social media influencer brought a phone and a tripod to stream the hearing for the public. Usual attendance at town of Canton meetings is about five people, Smathers said. And as much as the hearing was about potential data center development, it also resurfaced anxieties among community members. Nearly three years since its closure, the future of the 185-acre paper mill is still largely up in the air. Only two people a mother and a son spoke explicitly in favor of a potential data center. "Out of our bedroom you can actually see the paper mill. And I grew up always saying that it smelled like money to us and the smell never bothered me. But I do think that the sound of something like this would," Canton resident Paige Bridges said of a potential data center. Around 200 people attended the Feb. 11 public hearing on a moratorium on data center development in Canton, North Carolina. Feb. 11, 2026. "I would be lying if I said that we didn't worry quite a bit about what is going to go down at the mill," she continued. Advertisement Advertisement More: Canton paper mill wastewater treatment facility to be bought; funded by Helene relief bill The Canton Paper Mill in downtown Canton, May 5, 2025. 'Let us be Canton' When Pactiv Evergreen closed the 115-year-old mill in 2023, Canton lost its largest employer of roughly 1,200, sparking what Western North Carolina leaders called a "regional crisis." The sale of the mill did not go through until late 2025, when it was purchased by Spritas Worldwide, an industrial demolition, environmental remediation and redevelopment firm. The company's leader, Eric Spirtas, floated a variety of potential options for the mill site: commercial redevelopment, housing and industrial space. But final plans are still nebulous. A data center on the mill site could pose a significant hurdle for local businesses, Tia Evans, 37, told the Citizen Times. As the co-owner of Papertown Records in downtown Canton, Evans worried a data center would impact the town's economy and not provide many jobs. Advertisement Advertisement "To have a data center in the middle of downtown it would kill foot traffic," Evans said. The Canton Paper Mill in downtown Canton, May 5, 2025. "Don't let us be the data center town. Just let us be Canton," Evans said. For many, it felt like it was a battle for the "future of not just Canton, but also WNC," said Waynesville resident Cole Bryant. The 28-year-old had made the trip to Canton to express concern about the lack of jobs a data center would bring, the potential environmental impacts it would have and the future of the iconic regional mill. "It's like putting a prison in the middle of a city," Bryant said. Two regional nonprofits also motioned their support for the moratorium. Advertisement Advertisement "While we recognize and appreciate the very real economic hardship caused by the mills closure, we are confident that a data center would not meaningfully address that hardship," representatives from the Southern Environmental Law Center and MountainTrue said in a Feb. 11 letter to the Town of Canton. "To the contrary, such a conversion could foreclose one of Cantons most important opportunities: to reimagine the mill site in a way that honors the towns mill-town heritage, generates sustainable local economic activity, and protects the remarkable biodiversity of the Pigeon River," the organizations letter continued What does the moratorium mean? One of the most far-reaching tools a local government can utilize is under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 160D Section 107, a law which grants local governments the ability to place moratoria on potential types of development. The city of Asheville placed a moratorium on hotel development in 2019 and Buncombe County approved a moratorium on data center development in 2024. In Canton, the moratorium halts development applications for new data centers, town manager Lisa Stinnett said during the meeting. The moratorium would also give the board the opportunity to write new regulations on data center development, Stinnett said. After a year, the issue of data center development would return to the board for further discussion. Advertisement Advertisement More: Asheville passenger rail could bring $1B economic boost. What to know More: More than $100 billion in federal funding coming for Helene recovery and other disasters 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: Canton data center hearing: Residents say 'no' to Bitcoin on mill site Cecil County Sheriffs Office employees, allegedly caught on tape making sexually graphic and lewd comments about a former county official, are still on the job and the official feels unsafe. Although Danielle Robinson, formerly Hornberger, has called for the men to be removed from duty during a state police investigation into the 2023 recording in which they discussed sexually brutalizing her, the sheriffs office has so far declined to do so. The Baltimore Sun broke the story of the recording Feb. 4. As of Feb. 13, three of those identified on the recording remain on active duty, even though state law allows the office to suspend them before the investigation is complete. According to local paper the Cecil Whig, the fourth individual retired before the audio came to light. Advertisement Advertisement Im very uncomfortable with these guys having the power of the badge, their guns and their police vehicles, said Robinson, who served as county executive from 2020 2024. The police are supposed to protect us from individuals who make threats of sexual violence. Not protect the ones who made the threats and allow them to have guns and authority. Its scary, she said. This recording of senior leaders in the Cecil County Sheriffs Office, seemingly while on duty, talking casually about raping and brutalizing me is more than disturbing, Robinson said. Robinson said she will file a complaint with the countys police accountability board, which meets quarterly to address civilian complaints of police misconduct by local law enforcement. Members are chosen by the county executive and must exclude current law enforcement professionals or their friends and family. Advertisement Advertisement She has not yet decided if she will file a civil suit, she told The Sun. Nothing is off the table, she said. Despite Robinsons concern for her safety, a local representative told The Sun the office was handling the investigation appropriately. It is important to allow the Maryland State Police investigation to proceed fully and fairly before any final conclusions or personnel decisions are made, said Maryland Senator Jason Gallion, a Republican who represents Cecil County in the state legislature. A graphic discussion A recording of a 2023 voicemail accidentally left by a Sheriffs office employee who butt-dialed another employee was posted early February to social media by a law group and a local blog, Cecil County News. While their names have been posted to social media, The Sun cannot verify the authenticity of the recording and has decided not to name the employees at this time. Advertisement Advertisement According to the social media posts, four high-ranking Sheriffs Office employees were involved in the conversation, including at least one member of the offices internal affairs and the Fraternal Order of Police union. In the conversation, the employees discussed sexually brutalizing Robinson. Three identified as being on the recording have been reassigned to the administrative unit, sources within the Cecil County Sheriffs Office have told The Sun. The Sun has decided not to use the sources names as they are not authorized to speak on the record. The current sheriff, Scott Adams, plans to retire this year, he previously told The Baltimore Sun. (Cecil County News blog owner Vincent Sammons, is campaign treasurer for and neighbor to a candidate running in the upcoming election for sheriff, he told The Sun.) Advertisement Advertisement Sammons told The Sun his goal was to report to authorities and then use public exposure to force them to do something. The Maryland State Police have taken on the investigation. According to state law, the sheriffs office has the ability to remove employees suspected of inappropriate behavior from duty if it is appropriate. Pending an investigatory, administrative charging committee, and trial board process, the chief may impose an emergency suspension with or without pay if the chief determines that such a suspension is in the best interest of the public, Maryland Code, Public Safety, 3-107(a)(1) reads. County officials declined to answer questions about the officers status. Advertisement Advertisement The Cecil County Sheriffs Office takes all complaints seriously and is dedicated to fair, thorough, and impartial investigations involving members of the agency, a social media statement by the Sheriffs Office read. The Cecil County Sheriffs Office will cooperate fully with this investigation. County Executive Adam Streights office provided a statement in response to questions from The Sun. Streight, having been made aware of disturbing and unprofessional comments alleged to have been made by several sheriffs deputies regarding the former County Executive, agrees with the Sheriff that an independent investigation by an outside agency is appropriate and will have no further comment pending its conclusion. His office declined to answer further questions. Advertisement Advertisement Streight himself worked at the Cecil County Sheriffs Office from 1999 to Nov. 2024, when voters elected him county executive. Public calls for accountability: dont hide the dirt More than 250 members of the public commented on the Sheriffs Offices post. Many of them called for the employees to be pulled from active duty, and questioned why they had not been. You dont hide the dirt when you really want a clean house, one person commented. For MSP to determine an investigation is warranted, there must be some credibility, which means the deputies reported need to be relieved of duty unless/until cleared in the interest of public trust [and] safety. Adams did not respond to questions posed by The Sun by text or email. Advertisement Advertisement However, Gallion told The Sun in a statement that he believed Adams had taken appropriate steps by requesting an outside investigator and reassigning the employees under investigation. The comments that have been publicly reported are wildly inappropriate and do not reflect the standards of professionalism or conduct we expect from public officials, Gallion said in the statement. While the investigation proceeds, assigning individuals to administrative duties during an active investigation is a common practice, Gallion said. The appropriate next steps should be guided by the findings of that review. Were going to . brutalize you In the five-minute recording The Sun reviewed, several men discuss Robinson in graphic detail. Advertisement Advertisement Danielle, I want you to come down to the lodge, and were going to f****** brutalize you, one said. A source identified this speaker to The Sun as an employee within the offices internal affairs unit and a ranking member of the union. Robinson, a Republican, lost a bid for reelection in 2024, losing by less than 1,000 votes in the primary. While in office under the name Hornberger, she was a strong supporter of law enforcement and publicly accused the city council of defunding the police after the council voted not to fund certain bonuses and pay adjustments in 2022. Contact journalist Kate Cimini at 443-842-2621 or kcimini@baltsun.com. A central Connecticut town faces two significant development initiatives over the next month In Cromwell, a Middletown excavating company is looking to establish a rock-crushing operation and a New York-based developer is asking to revise the plan for a 267-unit apartment complex on the former Crowne Plaza site. Gallitto Construction is requesting a permit to allow stone crushing at 150 Sebethe Drive, an industrial property in a relatively remote section of town where it already trucks in large quantities of rock. It would use a 41-foot long mobile crusher along with an excavator. Advertisement Advertisement Residents will get to hear details and then speak about the proposal at a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing Tuesday evening. The company wants to be allowed to use a commercial crusher to process the rock on site, but says it wouldnt be done frequently. The amount of materials and truck traffic for a daily basis would vary due to the materials availability. My estimation of trucked in materials to make a pile may take up to one to two months for crushing, therefore I am not looking to crush on an everyday basis, the company said in a Jan. 11 letter to town officials. Crushing would vary on the availability of supply and demand, it said, estimating that crushing could take about a week each time. Advertisement Advertisement The company said it envisions a similar operation to what Newington-based Paramount construction and General Construction run. Gallitto requested a permit allowing operations Mondays to Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but town zoning officials are considering tightening that significantly. We want to create proposed conditions of approval that protect the neighbors, said Andrew Armstrong, director of planning and development. Armstrong has recommended limiting the company to four one-week periods a year for crushing, and requiring it to meet with commissioners after the first year to evaluate any concerns. He also wants Gallitto to provide an annual report listing operating times and the amount of material crushed. Advertisement Advertisement Zoning Enforcement Officer Bruce Driska this week recommended limiting the schedule to weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and requiring Gallitto to notify his office in writing each time it plans to conduct crushing operations. The typical concerns from such an operation would be noise, dust and the management of the material piles to prevent migration of sediments, Town Engineer Jon Harriman wrote last week. The noise is covered by town ordinance, and the equipment listed appears to include a means of wetting the operation to reduce dust. The commission may wish to explore the material management plan with the applicant. In March, commissioners will hear Alpine Residentials plan for redeveloping the long-abandoned hotel property at 100 Berlin Road. Once a thriving Crowne Plaza, the hotel was downgraded to a Radisson and then a Red Lion before closing abruptly in early 2020 when the state suspended its tax permit. Lexington Partners bought the site with plans for a large-scale apartment complex, but progress stalled and last fall it agreed to sell the property to Alpine. Advertisement Advertisement Alpine has already gotten a special permit for a 267-unit apartment complex on the property, but it will now go to a March 3 hearing for approval to construct mixed-use housing. The company wants to build a one-story, 13,000-square-foot retail building and two five-story apartment buildings between 112,000 square feet and 120,000 square feet. The complex would have a pool and 12,000-square-foot courtyard, along with a total of about 4,900 square feet of indoor amenity space. This area is lined with an associated 2,200 square-foot stand-alone amenity building that is intended to be the central arrival point for visitors and future residents, according to its plan. Town officials have been upbeat about getting the property back into productive use, and are particularly eager to see the vandalized and water-damaged old building demolished. Urban explorers for years have been breaking into the wrecked hotel to take social media videos of the mess. The Brief Hundreds rallied in Chicago as part of a global protest against Irans crackdown on demonstrators seeking regime change. Human rights groups estimate more than 7,000 protesters have been killed in recent weeks. Protesters urged President Trump to increase U.S. pressure on Iran as tensions rise over its nuclear program. CHICAGO - A Global Day of Action brought out thousands of people across the world's major cities, including in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement They're protesting Iran's brutal crackdown that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people demanding regime change. What we know Hundreds of Iranian-Americans and supporters rallied along Michigan Avenue on Saturday, sending a message of support to those facing violent persecution in Iran. "The mass killing and the genocide that's happening there, simply because people are asking for their basic human rights," said Pegah Piri, a rally organizer. Human rights observers estimate more than 7,000 Iranian protesters have been killed in the last several weeks during and following massive rallies demanding a new government. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday's Global Day of Action was called by Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Iranian leader who fled the country in 1979 when religious leaders seized power. Protesters in Chicago called on President Trump to use U.S. pressure to force a regime change. "Our request is for President Trump," Piri said. "People are dying and they're being executed right now. Whoever is being held in the prisons. So we need that action ASAP to save lives." The U.S. is sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East in an attempt to force Iran back to the bargaining table over its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement "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. I'm not looking for that," Trump said. The Source This story contains reporting from Fox Chicago's Dane Placko. TAIPEI, Feb 15 (Reuters) - China is the real threat to security and is hypocritically claiming to uphold U.N. principles of peace, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Sunday in a rebuff to comments by China's top diplomat at the Munich Security Conference. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a view the government in Taipei rejects, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing the annual security conference on Saturday, warned that some countries were "trying to split Taiwan from China", blamed Japan for tensions over the island and underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Charter. Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan's Lin said in a statement that whether viewed from historical facts, objective reality or under international law, Taiwan's sovereignty has never belonged to the People's Republic of China. Lin said that Wang had "boasted" of upholding the purposes of the U.N. Charter and had blamed other countries for regional tensions. "In fact, China has recently engaged in military provocations in surrounding areas and has repeatedly and openly violated U.N. Charter principles on refraining from the use of force or the threat of force," Lin said. This "once again exposes a hegemonic mindset that does not match its words with its actions." China's military, which operates daily around Taiwan, staged its latest round of mass war games near Taiwan in December. Advertisement Advertisement Senior Taiwanese officials like Lin are not invited to attend the Munich conference. China says Taiwan was "returned" to Chinese rule by Japan at the end of World War Two in 1945 and that to challenge that is to challenge the postwar international order and Chinese sovereignty. The government in Taipei says the island was handed over to the Republic of China, not the People's Republic, which did not yet exist, and hence Beijing has no right to claim sovereignty. The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and the Republic of China remains the island's formal name. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by William Mallard) MUNICH, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Saturday against "knee-jerk" calls for the United States to distance itself from China and said that despite some positive recent signs from the White House, some U.S. voices were undermining the relationship. Calling for a "positive and pragmatic" policy from Washington, he told the Munich Security Conference the best outcome for both would be cooperation. Wang Yi met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday in what a U.S. official described as a "positive and constructive" meeting and discussed a planned visit to Beijing in April by U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement After a year of turbulence over trade and tariff policy, the United States and China have been looking to smooth relations and Wang Yi said Beijing had been encouraged by recent remarks from the White House showing "respect for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people". The United States and European countries have been increasingly concerned about their growing reliance on China for raw materials and vital parts of their manufacturing supply chains and there have been widespread calls to reduce their dependence. Wang Yi said some in the United States were "doing everything to attack and smear China" and there were two possible prospects for bilateral relations. The United States could understand China reasonably and objectively and have a positive and pragmatic policy toward China, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "The other prospect is seeking decoupling from China and severing supply chains and to oppose China on everything in a purely emotional, knee-jerk way," he said. He warned that some were "trying to split Taiwan from China and stepping on China's red lines, which would very much likely push China and the United States to a conflict." "China, on our part, wants to see the first prospect, and I believe you share the same way, but China is well prepared to address all kinds of risks," he said. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; editing by Sarah Marsh and Tomasz Janowski) In an unexpected and delightful twist of Indian art history, a previously unknown 1964 painting entitled Spitama Zarathustra has emerged in Goa from the hitherto unexplored archives of the great early Indian modernist Angelo da Fonseca (1902-1967) at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR) in Porvorim. Fonseca was an unusual bridge figure between the Bombay School and Shantinketan, who abandoned his course at the Sir JJ School of Art almost 100 years ago because there was still a European principal, and I wanted to become a sisya of the best Indian artists. After heading to Bengal in the cusp of the 1930s to become a prized student of the Tagores and Nandalal Bose, he became famous for his decolonial Indian Christian iconography, but here is something remarkably different and unique. I was amazed to see this portrait of Zarathushtra, said the outstanding Mumbai-based independent curator, critic and cultural theorist Nancy Adajania, when I shared an image of this still-luminous 62-year-old treasure with her via email. I cant think of too many non-Zoroastrian artists working on this subject, although M.F. Husains Theorama, a magnificent series of paintings and prints representing a plurality of faiths, does come to mind. In one, Husain creates a hybrid image by placing the sacred fire on the horns of the winged bull and depicts Zarathushtra as a spiritual livewire. Adajania says Fonsecas Spitama Zarathushtra painted a few decades before Husain, may look deceptively calm, but here too Zarathushtra is shown as a dynamic man with a mission. It is the portrait of the prophet as a young man eager to spread his message. Fonsecas Zarathushtra seems to be an adaptation of the serene modern image of the prophet painted by the Parsi artist MF Pithawalla in the early twentieth century. Coloured prints of Pithawallas ethereal portrait became very popular in Parsi households, and Fonseca was riffing on this standard modern imagery in his quintessential neo-Bengal style characterised by a gentle radiance. Throughout his long working life in Pune, where he painted in monastic solitude even after getting married in 1951 and becoming a father in 1957, Fonseca drew considerable traditionalist ire for his gorgeous transcultural paintings depicting Biblical scenes in Indian settings, and his Spitama Zarathustra similarly pushes in visionary directions. Adajania says the detail of the prophets hand holding the sacred fire is intriguing. Pithawalla had removed the fire element from his iconography and softened the halo around the prophet, making him look heavenwards. This fire detail is a throwback to an even earlier representation of Zarathushtra in an extant 1900 Dinkardnama lithograph. It is possible that in Fonsecas mind the image of the Zoroastrian sacred fire intersected with the burning bush episode of Moses encounter with God from the Judeo-Christian tradition. His confluential approach to religion is reflected in this symbolism of the fire that is pure, that burns away suffering and oppression, but is unconsumable. Fonsecas work disappeared from public view after his untimely death, but his late widow Ivy held on to her husbands archives in the staunch faith that suitable recognition would eventually come his way. Then, almost two decades ago, she donated the entirety to the Jesuit-run XCHR, where the scholar-priest Delio de Mendonca has made it his lifes work to secure, study and share it with the world. His mission was interrupted by an extended stint in Rome, but has now renewed with even greater energy after returning to Goa last year. Under his direction, the revitalised XCHR has unlocked an astonishing trove of masterpieces, and inaugurated a new museum gallery with an exhibition entitled There Will Be An Answer: Hidden Treasures of the XCHR which includes several works that have never been seen before alongside Spitama Zarathustra. It would be great if we could have more travelling exhibitions to bring greater recognition to this unacknowledged genius, says Adajania, describing the new find rather beautifully as Zoroastrian imagery, processed through a Christian religious consciousness, to form a third thing, as it were. This and his other works display an iconophilia born from a love for devotional imagery. How to catch the shimmer of grace in paint? How to represent the divine with an unimaginable tenderness? Chris Christie who served as a U.S. attorney prior to his stint as governor of New Jersey teed off on President Donald Trumps DOJ following their failed attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers. In a scathing commentary on ABCs This Week, Christie trashed the DOJs bid to charge the six congressional Democrats over a video in which they urged troops to refuse illegal orders as well as the broader effort to go after Trumps political foes. The former New Jersey governor put the DOJs failure to obtain indictments in perspective. In seven years that I was U.S. attorney in New Jersey, we were the third most productive district out of 93 in the country during those seven years, Christie said. So we brought a lot of cases. We never once not once in seven years were no bill by a grand jury. Not once. Advertisement Advertisement He added, This false idea that grand juries, you can indict a ham sandwich, it is not true. And the Trump administration is proving that. Theyre putting a bunch of ham sandwiches up there and the grand juries are not indicting them. Christie went on to declare that the scope of the damage Trump and the DOJ are doing to the credibility of the institution is nothing short of staggering. Previous Justice Departments before this one took very seriously bringing charges to a grand jury and asking to indict a fellow American, Christie said. :And what youre seeing now is absolutely the destruction of the credibility of the Justice Department with our judicial system. Judges are not giving the benefit of the doubt anymore to assistant U.S. attorneys when they come into court. And worse yet with the public. And so, the damage that gets done here by this just pure vendetta prosecution is long term. And its going to be very, very difficult to fix over the course of the next decade. Watch above, via ABC. The post Chris Christie Goes OFF Over Trumps Pure Vendetta Prosecutions: You Are Seeing The Destruction of the Credibility of the DOJ first appeared on Mediaite. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) slammed the Department of Justices efforts to prosecute President Trumps perceived political enemies, saying the common phrase that grand juries would indict a ham sandwich is being proven false by the administration. Theyre putting a bunch of ham sandwiches up there and the grand juries are not indicting them, Christie said on ABCs This Week. The fact is that the previous Justice departments, before this one, took very seriously bringing charges to a grand jury and asking to indict a fellow American, Christie added. And what youre seeing now is absolutely the destruction of the credibility of the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Christie, who served as the chair of Trumps transition team in 2016 but has been a frequent critic of the president in the years since, was referring to most a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., recently refusing to indict six Democratic lawmakers who participated in a November video calling on service members to reject illegal orders. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), one of the videos participants, noted it was a grand jury of anonymous American citizens who upheld the rule of law and determined this case should not proceed. Before this development, grand juries in Norfolk and Alexandria, Va., declined to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) after a judge threw out the initial prosecution over the unlawful appointment of the U.S. attorney who pursued it, Lindsey Halligan. A case against former FBI Director James Comey was also dismissed for the same reason. Both Comey and James are some of the most prominent foes targeted by the president with insults and criticism. Another, former national security adviser John Bolton, was indicted late last year over allegations of mishandling classified material. Advertisement Advertisement The damage that gets done here by this just pure vendetta prosecution is long-term, Christie added on Sunday. And its going to be very, very difficult to fix over the course of the next decade. 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. UPDATE The CLEAR Alert has been canceled after the missing 24-year-old man was found safe. ------------------- The Bexar County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in locating a missing man after a CLEAR Alert was issued through the Texas Alert Network. Deputies are searching for a 24-year-old man who was last seen around 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at an unknown location in San Antonio. He was last seen wearing a black shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said his disappearance is believed to pose a credible threat to his health and safety. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Bexar County Sheriffs Office at (210) 335-6000. Sen. John Cornyns campaign is facing accusations of doxxing U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt after a social media post allegedly published private identifying information during an escalating Republican Senate primary contest. The controversy began after a February 13 post on X by Matt Mackowiak, a senior adviser to Cornyns campaign, accused Hunt of voter fraud and shared documents related to a provisional ballot Hunt attempted to cast in 2016. A report from FOX 26 Houston stated that the original version of the post contained private identifying information before it was deleted and later replaced with a redacted version. The outlet reported it reviewed the unredacted post prior to its removal but did not publicly detail the specific information that was visible. Advertisement Advertisement The redacted version remains visible on X. Hunt: We Will Hold Them Fully Accountable Hunt responded in a [post on X] (LINK TO HUNT POST HERE), accusing Cornyns campaign of endangering his family. According to Team Cornyn, voting for President Trump is now a crime. Meanwhile, theyre committing a real one, doxxing the family of a sitting Member of Congress. We are pursuing every legal remedy available, and we will hold them fully accountable. Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) February 14, 2026 According to Team Cornyn, voting for President Trump is now a crime, Hunt wrote. Meanwhile, theyre committing a real one, doxxing the family of a sitting Member of Congress. We are pursuing every legal remedy available, and we will hold them fully accountable. In a statement to FOX 26 Houston, Hunt said the publication of his information risked his familys safety. In the current political climate that resulted in President Trump being shot, Charlie Kirks assassination, and other elected officials, including myself, receiving hundreds of death threats, the actions of the Cornyn campaign risk the safety of my family, Hunt said. What John Cornyn did, doxing my family and me, is beneath the standards of an elected official, and disqualifying for a candidate for senate. Paxton Weighs In Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also criticized the Cornyn campaign in a post on X, writing: I still cant believe that John Cornyns senior staffer last night doxxed Wesley Hunts family and posted his social security number on X and then Cornyn defended it. Why isnt the national media covering this? https://t.co/CR19M9biu6 Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) February 14, 2026 The first thing that needs to be investigated is why a staffer for John Cornyn is publicly listing the address of a member of Congress and/or his family. Ive seen a lot of pathetic campaigning out of the Cornyn camp, but this reaches an all-time low. Advertisement Advertisement Hunt responded shortly afterward, replying, Thank you Attorney General. Calls for Investigation Rachel Ann Palmer Hooper, a former assistant district attorney and current volunteer general counsel for the Texas GOP, also called for a federal investigation and prosecution in a post on X, writing that Cornyns staffer should be investigated for publishing personal identifying information. We need a permanent SDTX US Attorney to prosecute @JohnCornyns staffer for publishing personal identifying information of Congressman @WesleyHuntTX. I recommend Kim Ogg so we can have a backstop for and check on our Marxist DA. @SenTedCruz @KenPaxtonTX @KennethRWebster Rachel Ann Palmer Hooper (@RAPHOOPTX) February 14, 2026 Cornyn Campaign Defends Post Mackowiak defended the publication of the documents in comments to FOX 26 Houston, stating the affidavit had been provided by Harris County elections and arguing the information was public. This is a clear case of perjury, Mackowiak said, reiterating allegations that Hunt improperly attempted to vote in 2016. The Cornyn campaign has not indicated that it believes any laws were violated in publishing the documents. Escalating GOP Primary The dispute marks a sharp escalation in the 2026 Republican Senate primary, where Cornyn faces a challenge from Hunt. As of publication, no criminal charges have been filed related to either the voter fraud allegations or the publication of the documents. CPS Energy is looking to inject some energy in its struggling community solar program. The San Antonio utility has issued a request for proposals seeking up to 50 megawatts of solar energy for the program - nearly five times as much power what's now available. "Community solar allows us to bring more renewable energy online while maintaining affordability and reliability for our customers," said Jonathan Tijerina, CPS' vice president of corporate development. Advertisement Advertisement But the community solar program, created to provide alternatives for investing in solar, has yet to gain traction. ENERGY NEWS: CPS Energy seeks bids for solar power, boosting its capacity by 60% The program offered two different initiatives. Those who weren't able to put in their own solar systems - such as renters - instead could buy solar panels that would be installed either at a solar facility east of Adkins or on carport rooftops. Participating customers earn credits on their electric bills for the power generated by the panels. The other initiative, Solar Host SA, allowed homeowners and commercial property owners to rent out space on their rooftops in exchange for credits on their monthly electric bills. Both initiatives are closed to new participants. The Kerrville Public Utility Board won recognition from the Department of Energy for its community solar program. (Kerrville Public Utility Board) The community solar program started with 250 customers in 2016 and grew to 1,250 participants. But that's a fraction of the utility's more than 975,000 customers. On top of that, it's created only 11 megawatts of power, 6 megawatts through customer-owned solar panels and 5 megawatts from roof rentals. That's just 0.1% of CPS' total capacity of more than 10,300 megawatts as of April 2025. Seeking proposals for new initiatives The municipally owned utility is seeking to spark another round of initiatives with the request for "scalable solutions that can be deployed in the near term." Advertisement Advertisement CPS said it intentionally left the call for proposals broad to encourage involvement from different entities, from local and small businesses to larger leaders in the solar industry. It's also seeking bids on a range of project approaches - complete community solar programs, innovative approaches leveraging new technology or program models, or solar installation-only solutions. ENERGY NEWS: CPS Energy seeks proposals for adding 500 megawatts of battery storage "This RFP reflects CPS Energy's continued focus on expanding our solar portfolio in ways that are flexible, scalable, and responsive to our community's needs," Tijerina said. The utility is the largest solar energy purchaser in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Those chosen to participate will enter into power purchase agreements that will give the utility ownership of all generated power. The deadline to submit a proposal online at cpsenergy.com/bids is March 19. It said it may end up choosing multiple bidders when it makes its selection later this year. The community solar initiative is part of the utility's five-year, $350 million Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Program that was approved in June 2022. The goal was to create a constellation of initiatives that would reduce energy demand by 410 megawatts, enough to power 82,000 homes. CPS calculates that 1 megawatt can power about 200 homes during peak demand. As of November, STEP had cut energy demand by 280 megawatts, or 68% of its goal. Community solar a challenge' Certain elements of the STEP program - such as the expansion of its weatherization program - have been able to evolve with time. The utility celebrated the weatherization of 30,000 homes in 2023. In October, the utility leveraged that success and started weatherizing apartments, with 856 serviced in the pilot program and 5,000 more units waiting for service in the pipeline as of last fall. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: CPS expands its energy-savings program to include apartment residents Community solar hasn't shared the same natural growth. Tijerina said in November that it's been "a challenge" to get the community solar program running, in part because the utility wanted to "eliminate all of that possible risk that customers have to deal with when wanting to pursue solar options" while offering a fair price point. "We're challenging ourselves here internally to really think of a product offering that in theory would eliminate the majority of those barriers," Tijerina added. Advertisement Advertisement One of the initiatives that CPS was looking at in November was using a subscription model, in which customers would make monthly payments for solar power in return for earning credits on their electric bills for the power generated. Both Austin Energy and the Kerrville Public Utility Board have subscription-based community solar programs. Austin Energy program Austin Energy launched its community solar program in 2018. Solar program manager Tim Harvey said the program has about 4.3 megawatts of solar at three different locations. It's serving more than 400 customers, with half of the slots are dedicated to low-income customers. Advertisement Advertisement SA INC.: Get the week's top local business stories in your inbox Market-rate customers pay a penny and a half premium over the power supply adjustment fee. The power supply adjustment fee is on every customer's bill and is based on kilowatt hours of consumption. An incentive program covers that cost for the utility's low-income customers. In exchange, customers earn credits on their electric bills. "We were careful to select what would be easiest for our customers, so we went with a subscription model," Harvey said. Last year, the utility created a mechanism to enhance its community solar projects by allowing commercial building operators, even those without commercial electric accounts, to take advantage of underutilized space and participate in the program. Advertisement Advertisement "Now those building owners are able to lease out their roof space for a profit with no upfront investment," Harvey said. "Third-party developers come in and lease that roof space from them and develop a solar project to sell that energy to Austin Energy." Plans call for the premiums collected through the utility's community solar program to be reinvested into residential batteries to improve resiliency in low-income communities. ENERGY NEWS: This project promises power grid reliability for Texas. Hill Country residents aren't happy. The first megawatt of that program was brought online in November. Another 13.5 megawatts of the program is in the permitting and developing phase, with 6 megawatts behind that looking for interconnection approval. Altogether, that's nearly five times the energy generation of the initial phase of the commercial solar program. Advertisement Advertisement That growth is why Austin Energy considers its community solar program as "very successful" even though it's still not a significant part of its energy capacity, which was more than 4,600 megawatts as of 2024, the most recent data available. In addition, the community solar program isn't the only way that Austin Energy's customers can invest in renewable energy. They also can invest in wind through a program that's drawn thousands of customers. Customers participating in the utility's Green Choice Program pay three-quarters of a penny as a premium to help pay for both wind and solar power, although wind energy is currently the primary component. More than 20,000 customers are participating in it, about 4% of the utility's customer base of more than 500,000. "We know that works," Harvey said of the utility's Green Choice Program. Kerrville utility's program Like Austin Energy, the Kerrville Public Utility Board has offered its community solar program since 2018. It even was recognized by the Department of Energy for its participation in the Solar In Your Community Challenge in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement ENERGY NEWS: Kerrville's first power plant's price tag could spike $28M due to tariffs The utility currently has four sites, hosted by area nonprofits. The most recent system, at Schreiner University, came online in 2019. All of the energy produced by the sites goes to the utility, which allocates the output as a bill credit to the hosting nonprofits and to low- to moderate-income households in the community. For households, it currently equates to about $100 in savings per year, the utility said. Residents have to qualify for the program, and many are automatically signed up after moving into income-qualified apartments. The four community solar sites account for about 2% of the utility's energy output for the year. There are 400 to 500 customers taking part in the program; the utility has about 24,000 customers. "We have more solar available than we have (low- to moderate-income) customers to subscribe to it," said Allison Bueche, the utility's director of customer and community relations. This article originally published at CPS Energy is ramping up community solar, seeking proposals to spark struggling program. Feb. 15ROCHESTER No one was injured after a kitchen fire in northwest Rochester on Saturday, Feb. 14, according to a news release from the Rochester Fire Department. Crews were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. Saturday to 515 8th St. NW for a report of a fire. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found smoke and fire coming from back of residence. It was also reported that a dog was inside. All other occupants were reported to not be home, RFD said. Advertisement Advertisement The fire was located in the kitchen and extinguished. Additional crews did an interior search of all three floors of the home, finding and safely rescuing one dog while confirming no other people were inside. Ventilation was conducted to remove smoke and toxic gases. There was extensive fire damage to the kitchen with significant smoke damage throughout the structure, according to RFD. There were no injuries reported. Other assisting agencies included: Rochester Police Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, Rochester Fire Marshals Division, Minnesota Energy, Rochester Public Utilities and the American Red Cross. "Kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential fires, most often occurring while cooking. Unattended cooking, overheated grease, and items left too close to stovetops are common contributing factors," RFD said in the release. "RFD would like to remind residents to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and ensure working smoke alarms are installed throughout the home." Cook County Crime Stoppers is searching for answers in two unsolved killings. Kiara Jenkins, was shot to death as she was leaving for church last month in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Police and Crime Stoppers passed out fliers on Saturday near 64th Street and Drexel Avenue, urging anyone with information to come forward. Officers also posted fliers same near 66th Street and Hartwell Avenue. That's where Philip Meadors was shot to death in April of 2023. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood "Someone knows something. Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving these homicides. We urge anyone with information to come forward anonymously and help us bring justice to these families," Executive Director and Chairman of Cook County Crime Stoppers Paul Rutherford said. Five European countries the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have accused Russia of using a toxin from poison dart frogs to kill Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny. The European allies claimed on Saturday that Navalny was poisoned while he was held in an Arctic penal colony two years ago, a claim Moscow rejected as propaganda. Navalny died, aged 47, in an Arctic prison colony in February 2024, after being convicted of extremism and other charges, all of which he denied. Russian authorities said the politician became ill after a walk and died from natural causes. What did the European countries say about Navalnys poisoning? In a joint statement, the five countries said analyses of samples from Navalnys body conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America and not found naturally in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement The UK said on Saturday the poisoning demonstrated an alarming pattern of behaviour. It held a public inquiry into the poisoning in the UK of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018. It concluded last year that Russian President Vladimir Putin must have ordered the Novichok nerve agent attack. Russia claimed that Navalny died of natural causes. But given the toxicity of epibatidine and reported symptoms, poisoning was highly likely the cause of his death, the joint statement said. The joint statement added that the latest findings underlined the need for Russia to be held accountable for its repeated violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention and, in this instance, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how the European allies obtained samples from Navalnys body. What are poison dart frogs? The statement said analysis of samples from Navalnys body confirmed the presence of epibatidine. Epibatidine is a neurotoxin secreted by dart frogs in the wild in South America. These small and brightly coloured frogs are typically found in rainforests. It can also be manufactured in a lab, which European scientists suspect was the case with the substance used on Navalny. It works on the body in a similar way to nerve agents, causing shortness of breath, convulsions, seizures, a slowed heart rate and ultimately death. How did Russia respond? The Russian government, which has repeatedly denied any responsibility for Navalnys death, dismissed the latest allegations as a Western propaganda hoax, according to the state news agency TASS, while the Russian embassy in London said: One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog. Advertisement Advertisement When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by the agency. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues, TASS quoted her as saying. The report also said she described Navalny as a blogger officially designated as a terrorist and extremist in Russia. Who was Alexey Navalny and when did he die? Navalny was a Russian opposition leader. In 2008, he became notorious by alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, he founded RosPil, an anticorruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyses spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. In 2011, he established the Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which became his teams main platform for exposing alleged corruption among Russias top political ranks. Navalny was the target of an earlier poisoning in 2020, with a nerve agent in an attack he blamed on the Kremlin, which always denied involvement. His family and allies fought to have him flown to Germany for treatment and recovery. Five months later, he returned to Russia, where he was immediately arrested and imprisoned for the last three years of his life. He died on February 16, 2024. His death was announced minutes before the opening of the Munich Security Conference in 2024. In response, the conference made a rare schedule adjustment to allow his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, to address the conference, and she called for Putin to be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement I was certain from the first day that my husband had been poisoned, but now there is proof I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years and for uncovering the truth, she said on social media while attending this years Munich conference on Saturday. Navalny was born in 1976 in the western part of the Moscow region. He graduated from Russias RUDN University, where he majored in law. He also earned a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. Placards are seen during a march in support of the people of Iran by members of the American-Iranian community in in Los Angeles on February 14, 2026. (photo credit: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the ongoing protests as unimaginable, urged authorities to treat this disease rather than erase the issue. Chants of anti-government slogans were reported across several Iranian cities on Saturday night, after exiled crown prince and Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi called for a Global Day of Action to support what he has dubbed Irans Lion-and-Sun Revolution. Videos and eyewitness accounts shared by Iran International described chants from rooftops and windows in Tehran and other major cities, hours after large rallies by Iranians abroad voiced support for protesters inside the country. Advertisement Advertisement Residents across Iran were heard chanting slogans including Death to the dictator and Death to Khamenei, Iran International reported, alongside monarchist chants. Iranians living in Cyprus chant slogans during a rally, marking the Global Day of Action for Iran, to support Iran's Lion and Sun Revolution, outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus February 14, 2026 (credit: REUTERS/YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU) The reports came as the Islamic Republic faces renewed scrutiny over its security response to unrest and restrictions on information flows. Detentions, hospitals, and pressure on medical staff The head of Irans Medical Council, Mohammad Raiszadeh, said 33 medical workers had been detained during the protests and that 11 had been released so far, according to Iran International. He described detention of medical staff for performing professional duties as a red line, amid separate allegations of security pressure on health workers and violence against protesters in hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Iran International also quoted President Masoud Pezeshkian as describing the ongoing protests as unimaginable, urging authorities to treat this disease rather than erase the issue. He added that officials had come to solve peoples problems, not to add to their burden, and said the mentality in our society is wounded, according to the outlet. Separately, Iranian lawmaker Hamid Rasaei, a Tehran representative in parliament, called for an investigation into why the Internet was not disconnected before the unrest of January 8 and 9, Iran International reported. A report by the rights organization Article 19 said Irans digital repression reflects more than a decade of technology transfer and adoption of Chinas cyber governance model, according to Iran International. The report alleged Beijing provided surveillance and filtering capabilities and promoted an authoritarian cyber sovereignty framework that has become central to Irans online controls. To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot. Rep. Valerie Foushee and Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam faced off for the second time for Congress. Both want to represent Orange and Durham counties and portions of Chatham and Wake counties in the U.S. House. So does Mary Patterson, a retired human resources director and educator who is running against them both. Advertisement Advertisement The 4th Congressional District race in 202, the first time Allam and Foushee ran against each other, was contentious and expensive. Below are the candidates running for U.S. House District 4 who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo. Mary Patterson Age as of March 3, 2026: 63 Political party: Democrat Campaign website: I do not have one yet. Current occupation: Retired human resources director consultant and educator. Professional experience: Thirty-year human resources director consultant and 15-year educator. Education: Masters degree in computer science and business. Advertisement Advertisement Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: N/A What would be your top priority if elected? Affordable housing, clean and fair housing with mold inspections, equal employment and fair wages, terminating the at will clause for employment. Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Fair wages for educators and public school employees, free health care, more funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Maintain the programs already in place for the poor; eliminate unnecessary politician raises; review and revise the budget as needed according to pertinent itemized programs running according to change. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I support keeping Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies because without them many people and families could not afford to be seen by providers for medical emergencies improving health care. Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. As a checks and balance decision across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization board. Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? Yes. To remove illegal criminals and persons in America unlawfully. No, when ICE agents kill people unmercifully. Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No. When the state makes a budget cut it is almost always to reduce the teachers paycheck. Unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? No comment at this time. N/A Nida Allam Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam (Contributed) Age as of March 3, 2026: 33 Political party: Democrat Campaign website: nidaallam.com Current occupation: Vice chair of the Durham County commissioners. Professional experience: See below. Education: Bachelor of science from N.C. State. Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Vice chair of the Board of Commissioners; Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Votes board of directors; former chair of the Durham Mayors Council for Women; former vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party; former political director, Bernie Sanders 2016. Advertisement Advertisement What would be your top priority if elected? Across the district, families are being squeezed by low wages, rising prices and corporate greed. My top priority is making sure working people can afford to live with dignity. That means raising the federal minimum wage, strengthening the right to unionize through the PRO (Protecting the Right to Organize) Act, taking on price gouging by corporations and reining in the outsized influence of billionaires who rig the economy in their favor. Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? We are staring down one of the worst economic crises for working families since the 2008 financial crisis, and Trumps MAGA agenda is only exacerbating its severity. Unfortunately, many folks in my own party fail to offer a compelling solution to the American people because they remain beholden to corporate interests, lobbyists and their own stock portfolios, leaving working people out to dry. We need to address the crisis from the ground up, with improved services and debt relief. In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? This past year, Congress caved to the catastrophic Trump agenda, threatening millions of children who rely on SNAP to eat every day, and effectively skyrocketing health care premiums via the end of ACA subsidies. The longest government shutdown in history became a pointless show of helplessness. Its time to show political savvy. Because I have a labor background, I think of it like union negotiations. If we are actually prepared to hold the line, then future negotiations get stronger. Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? Its time to finally pass Medicare for All a promise that too many politicians have broken and turned on over the past two decades. Whats more, Medicare for All is one of the most popular policies in America across party lines, with two-thirds of Americans saying theyre in favor. Advertisement Advertisement Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? President Trump has flagrantly defied the Constitution countless times one of the most dangerous cases being in Venezuela. Only Congress has the power to declare war and the War Powers Act of 1973 legislates that every president go before Congress to alert them of military action of any kind. In violation of these laws, President Trump has escalated conflict in Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Congress must restrain him millions of lives are at stake. Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I am the daughter of Indian and Pakistani immigrants and an immigrant myself nothing could be closer to my heart than making sure that every immigrant has a place in North Carolina. I know the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for those with legal status, including naturalized citizens, because its had collateral effects on me the hateful rhetoric that fills my notifications and direct messages gets worse every day. Its time to stand against the Trump agenda wherever it rears its ugly head. Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? As a lifelong product of North Carolina public schools, I could not be more committed to their growth, development and sustained success. With that in mind, I support policies like strong funding for the Department of Education, which has suffered baseless attacks and cuts under the Trump administration. It means opposing the unchecked expansion of charter schools and voucher systems that drain public education of funds. And it means raises and debt relief for our teachers, who deserve so much more support. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Campaign finance and anti-corruption reforms are among the most important issues facing our country today, and not enough Democrats including my opponent are willing to face them head-on. When I went up against Rep. (Valerie) Foushee in 2022, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee dumped over $2 million into our district making it the most expensive primary in state history. I am determined to end this corrupt system once and for all, even as others in the party choose complacency. Valerie Foushee Rep. Valerie Foushee (Courtesy of the Valerie Foushee campaign.) Age as of March 3, 2026: 69 Advertisement Advertisement Political party: Democrat Campaign website: https://valeriefoushee.com Current occupation: U.S. representative (N.C.-04) Professional experience: Congresswoman N.C.-04 (2023-present). North Carolina General Assembly (2012-2022). Orange County Board of Commissioners (2004-2012). Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education (1997-2004). Chapel Hill Police Department administrator. Education: Bachelor of arts from UNC-Chapel Hill in political science and Afro-American studies. Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and Progressive Caucus, chair of the North Carolina Black Alliance, chair of the Board of Directors of the Marian Cheek Jackson Center for Saving and Making History, member of First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill, member of The Links Incorporated, Triangle Park Chapter, member of Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; member of Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP, Order of the Eastern Star, Randolph Chapter #185, PWM. Advertisement Advertisement What would be your top priority if elected? Donald Trump is the biggest threat to democracy our nation has ever faced. He is taking away rights, weaponizing the government against his enemies and lining his own pockets and no one is holding him accountable. I have signed on to nine amicus briefs challenging Trumps policies in court, supported impeachment legislation, and exposed his illegal access to confidential data. I will continue to fight to hold Trump responsible and do everything in my power to stop his attack on our democracy. Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I believe that residents of N.C. 04 are currently facing an affordability crisis. The price of groceries, housing, utilities and property taxes have gotten out of control. In Congress, I am standing up to Trumps tariffs and taking on corporate price gouging that drives up costs. I am also pushing for legislation that would force developers to build housing people can actually afford and stop hedge fund speculators from buying up housing in our area that increases prices. In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Passing a budget every year is one of the most important things Congress must do. The effects of a government shutdown are catastrophic, as we witnessed first hand in 2025, but continuing resolutions are also harmful. Members of Congress must work to pass all 12 appropriations bills before the end of the fiscal year so government agencies and critical programs can continue to operate without interruption. Peoples lives are not a political bargaining chip, which is why Congress must pass a budget. Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? One of my top priorities in Congress is to defend health care. In the state Senate, I helped expand Medicaid. In Congress, I am fighting to defend it from Republican cuts. The Republican Big, Ugly Bill caused health care costs to skyrocket for millions of Americans. The House Democrats bill to extend the ACA tax credits passed the House, but now the Senate needs to get this legislation to the presidents desk immediately. I do support a single-payer health care system, Medicare for All. Advertisement Advertisement Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The president does not have the authority to unilaterally launch military actions without congressional approval. I do not support Trumps illegal war in Venezuela, and I am a cosponsor of the War Powers Resolution to end these illegal hostilities. I was proud to vote to stop the war and will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable and to stop him from putting service members in harms way for his illegal regime-change war. Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? The deployment of ICE in our community is a deliberate effort by the Trump administration to target Black, Brown, and immigrant residents. I have introduced legislation to prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE and co-sponsored bills that would ban ICE agents from wearing masks and crack down on agents who violate peoples rights. I have also introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary Kristi Noem and voted against the Department of Homeland Security funding bill that included funding for ICE. Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I believe that the federal government must lead the oversight of public education to ensure all students are receiving a quality education. Reducing federal involvement would lead to unequal education opportunities and funding cuts. The U.S. Department of Education provides accountability by creating systems for student performance and acts as a crucial safety net for vulnerable students. I will oppose any efforts to dismantle this crucial federal agency. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? In March 2025, I boycotted Trumps joint address to Congress. A very small number of members of Congress joined me in the boycott. I knew Trump and House Republicans had no plan to address the real concerns of the American people but were instead focused on passing their extreme budget that leaves working families behind. I thought the speech was an insult to the American people and I knew in my heart of hearts I could not be there in support of it. Across the country and abroad, thousands demonstrated on Saturday against the Iranian Islamic Republic government, which has killed thousands of protesters since January. Dozens of people in Boise joined in to show unity with Iranian people. The demonstrations came in response to a recent call to action from the countrys exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to increase international pressure on the country. Iranian communities across the globe were called to gather in Toronto, Los Angeles and Munich, and all three cities saw thousands of people in attendance. Local Iranian community member Farnoush Davis told the Idaho Statesman that the Iranian community here wanted to show support from Boise. The crowd of about 40 people gathered at Grove Plaza holding photos of people killed in protest in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement It is important wherever we are to show our support, show our unity, Davis told the Idaho Statesman prior to the demonstration. Waving the green, white and red flag with lion and sun emblems on it, used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that resulted in the ousting of the Pahlavi dynasty, the group called for regime change, international support to dismantle the Islamic Republic government, expulsion of the governments diplomats and the release of political prisoners. The demonstrators held photos of people killed during protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the last few weeks. (Shannon Tyler) Speaking at the demonstration, Esmaeil Fallahi, a professor at the University of Idaho, said the world is witnessing the unity of Iranians against one of the longest brutalities. We are witnessing a brutality of a regime that came in the name of making Iran and Iranian people better, but instead they put us in war with all countries around the world, with religions around the world, and gave us a label of terrorism, Fallahi said. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Associated Press, this past month Iran has seen the worst and deadliest crackdown on protesters since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Authorities have largely cut off the country from the internet, making it difficult to know the scope of the violence. According to the AP, some 7,005 people have been killed. Davis told the crowd during the demonstration that dissent is not just about basic human rights, But, she said, it is a call for an end to a government that has destabilized the region and harmed people around the world. Iranians, inside and outside the country, are more united than ever, Davis said. We stand under one national flag, we are calling one name, and we are demanding one thing, change. The Islamic Republic must go. Washington A partial government shutdown centered on the Department of Homeland Security began Saturday amid a stalemate over the Trump administration's controversial immigration enforcement policies. It's the second time in as many weeks that funding has lapsed for part of the government as Democrats and the White House remain at odds on restraints for federal immigration agents. DHS oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, whose conduct has been increasingly scrutinized since federal agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Though the impasse has revolved around immigration enforcement, the shutdown will impact other agencies under DHS' umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Republicans have noted that ICE and CBP received an infusion of $140 billion in last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enough to carry them through the rest of President Trump's term. Advertisement Advertisement Disagreements over DHS funding led to a four-day partial shutdown that ended earlier this month with an agreement to fund most of the government, except DHS, through September. Funding for DHS, which employs more than 260,000 people, was instead extended at current levels for two weeks, expiring Friday. On Thursday, Senate Democrats stood firm in opposing legislation to fund DHS through September without additional reforms to ICE and CBP. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans in favor of advancing the legislation. Democrats also blocked an effort to extend DHS funding for another two weeks while negotiations continue. "Our caucus is passionate about this. If you sat in on our caucus meetings, you'd see how strongly people feel," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, told reporters after the vote. "And you know who are among the strongest? Some of the very people who didn't vote with us last time." Congress left town Thursday without any agreement on DHS funding and isn't expected to return until Feb. 23, a day before Mr. Trump is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address. Leaders could call back members before then if a deal is reached. Advertisement Advertisement But it's unclear how close negotiators are to ending the impasse. Mr. Trump said Thursday afternoon that some of the Democrats' demands are "very, very hard to approve." Requiring immigration agents to wear body cameras and identification, banning them from wearing masks and mandating judicial warrants for arrests on private property are among Democrats' demands. Schumer said Thursday that Democratic negotiators "will be available 24/7" to continue discussions once the White House and Republicans are ready to "get serious." The White House sent a legislative proposal for full-year funding to Democrats late Wednesday, days after Democrats sent their own draft bill. But Democratic leaders have dismissed the White House's offer as insufficient, though specifics of the proposal have not been disclosed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said Friday afternoon that Democrats planned to respond to the White House's plan. Advertisement Advertisement "It's my expectation that at some point, Democrats in the House and the Senate, jointly, will respond to the latest unserious offer formally, and then it will once again be in the hands of Donald Trump and Republicans to decide what's next," Jeffries said. Earlier Friday, Mr. Trump said negotiations are ongoing, while adding that his goal is to "protect our law enforcement." "We'll see what happens," he said of cutting a deal with Democrats. Before Thursday's Senate vote, Mr. Trump's border czar Tom Homan announced a surge in federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota would come to an end, one step that Democrats have demanded. But Schumer said Thursday on the Senate floor that "ICE's abuses cannot be solved merely through executive fiat alone." Advertisement Advertisement "We first and foremost need legislation," Schumer said, noting that Mr. Trump could decide to reverse course without legislative guardrails. In a memo Friday directing DHS to "execute plans for an orderly shutdown," Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the Trump administration "is currently engaged in good faith negotiations with Congress to address recently raised concerns." "The Administration will continue to seek good-faith, bipartisan solutions to complete the appropriations process and avoid another damaging government shutdown," Vought wrote. New details from FBI on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation Pool maintenance at Nancy Guthrie's home Investigators search second home in Nancy Guthrie case For those watching the turmoil at Springfield Public Schools closely, Superintendent Todd Hamilton's resignation may not have come as a surprise. Over the past eight months, the board failed to renew Hamilton's contract on time, complaints have been flying between school administrators and board members and, most recently, Hamilton gave notice he plans to sue the board. Board members Jonathan Light and Ken Kohl have been at odds with district leaders for even longer. Ultimately, Hamilton is the only district employee the school board has direct control over. His resignation goes into effect on Feb. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything that led up to the Feb. 9 meeting that confirmed Hamilton is seeking a resignation agreement. Todd Hamilton, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, during a school board meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. Why was Superintendent Hamilton's contract delayed? Superintendent Todd Hamilton was first hired by SPS in March 2019. He took the district helm in July 2019. Before coming to SPS, he spent eight years as superintendent of Creswell School District. Springfield School District Superintendent Todd Hamilton after taking the job in 2019. Historically, the school board renewed Hamilton's contract nearly a full year before its expiration. He started off with a three-year contract set to expire in June 2022, which was renewed until June 2024. It was most recently renewed in 2023, extending his contract to this year. Summer 2025 came and went without action from the board to extend his contract. Advertisement Advertisement SPS Director of Human Resources Dustin Reese told The Register-Guard in December if the board didn't extend Hamilton's contract, he would be the first SPS superintendent to not be kept on after having only positive evaluations. During a May 12 board meeting, Light said he felt the superintendent's evaluation summary did not reflect the feelings of all board members. In the end, he and the other board members approved the evaluation. The Springfield Public Schools board voted to cut teacher positions mid-way through the year on Jan. 12, 2026. The reductions went into effect at the end of January. None of the current members were on the board when Hamilton was hired in 2019. What led up to delays in renewing superintendent's contract? Renewal of Hamilton's contract was listed as a consent agenda item in May 2025, but board member Ken Kohl pulled it for further discussion. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, SPS was negotiating with the Springfield Education Association licensed union and the Springfield Chapter Oregon School Employees Association classified union and Hamilton indicated he wanted to delay discussion about his compensation until after collective bargaining was complete. Kohl was apprehensive about renewing the contract, saying he preferred to approve all modifications to Hamilton's contract in one go, not return to compensation later. "I know there's some conversations potentially that'll happen in an (executive session) or somewhere later on this, but you have no directive to the superintendent stating anything negative," Reese told the board May 12. "You have no non-renewal, you have no non-extension I would recommend you extend the contract." Reese, a staunch supporter of Hamilton, said the licensed and classified employees already had their contracts extended, despite not having a compensation agreement. He said the board's delay would make Hamilton the only employee in the district without confirmation of renewal or non-renewal. This was months before 27 mid-year layoffs rocked the district. Advertisement Advertisement "For us it's a singular decision," Light said, pushing back. "To me, it seems like it should be inclusive of all elements within the contract It seems a little bit presumptive to vote on something that could change." The board tabled the discussion until June. Contract renewal was originally on the June 9, 2025, agenda. Public records obtained by The Register-Guard show hours before the meeting, Kohl sought to move the discussion from the consent agenda to the main agenda and De Graff asked to remove the item entirely. That was the last time Hamilton's contract was scheduled to be brought before the board. Advertisement Advertisement Prior to her resignation, former board chair Heather Quaas-Annsa was hopeful Hamilton's contract would be renewed. She told The Register-Guard she intended to put it on the agenda in January or February. Springfield superintendent, assistant superintendent to file lawsuit Hamilton's resignation comes two months after he gave notice of an impending lawsuit against the district and school board. On Dec. 16, Hamilton and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction David Collins filed a tort claims notice that they intend to file a joint lawsuit against the district and school board, claiming retaliation, defamation and unlawful employment practices. Collins submitted his own resignation to the district on Aug. 25, 2025, effective at the end of June. The lawsuit comes after a series of complaints filed by district leaders against school board members, namely Light, but also Kohl and Amber Langworthy. Hamilton and Collins both filed complaints about policy violations, which were confirmed by a $35,000 investigation. Advertisement Advertisement "These actions stem from a broader continuing pattern of retaliation that began in 2021 when Jonathan Light returned to the board," the tort notice states. As of Feb. 11, no lawsuit had been filed. The conflict can be traced back to a different complaint, this one from a teacher about SPS adherence to Division 22 Standards for Oregon education. Mikell Harshbarger, a fourth-grade teacher at Elizabeth Page Elementary, submitted a formal complaint to the district in 2023 claiming its elementary schools were not meeting state requirements for teaching science, social studies, art, physical education and other subjects in favor of spending most classroom time on English and math. Advertisement Advertisement A brief summary: Harshbarger escalated his complaint to the Oregon Department of Education in 2024 after the district found his claims unsubstantiated. Over a year later, Light reached out to ODE asking for an update. That kicked off a series of policy complaints filed by district leaders against board members. On Aug. 6, 2025, Hamilton and Collins filed a formal complaint against Light for contacting ODE. On Aug. 25, Collins filed another complaint against Light for leaking confidential information to the Community Alliance for Public Education's (CAPE). That day, Collins also submitted his resignation. "After bringing forward concerns in good faith, I feel that I am being subjected to intentional retaliation and intimidation tactics through a board member's action to disseminate privileged and confidential information prior to school board action," Collins stated in his resignation. He has been an SPS employee for 29 years. Harshbarger's appeal to ODE has now been pending for 19 months. Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of public comments expressed concerns about a "well-rounded education" and a petition calling for change has nearly 800 signatures. Community members called out SPS leadership for their complaints against Light. During a board meeting on Sept. 8, SPS parent Ingrid Nordstrom called the complaints against Light a "misuse of time." "(It's) a distraction from the more important issues on the table," Nordstrom said. "I don't care about the politics of the board, I care about our kids' education. Over and over again, the community is asking questions, but we aren't getting answers." On Oct. 10, SPS parent Shana Stolarczyk submitted a formal complaint against Hamilton and the district, voicing concerns about elementary education and claiming the district is out of alignment with ODE standards. Advertisement Advertisement Light wasn't the only one in conflict with district leadership. On Aug. 27, SPS Chief Operations Officer Brett Yancey filed a formal complaint against Kohl, claiming inappropriate contact with ODE about a different issue. Yancey also claimed Kohl had created a hostile work environment, repeatedly targeting Yancey with questions and inquiries. A change in board leadership After an outside investigation found the complaints against Light and Kohl were valid, both were stripped of their chair and vice chair roles in November 2025, replaced by Quaas-Annsa and Langworthy. But the complaining didn't stop. Reese complained about Light, Kohl and Langworthy on Nov. 18, claiming retaliation against Hamilton and more policy violations. Reese stated Light and Langworthy publicly disparaged Hamilton for his complaint during board meetings while minimizing Light's misconduct. Reese called it "coordinated retaliation by attempting to reframe a clear policy violation as a mutual disagreement rather than misconduct by a single board member." The board dismissed his complaint on Dec. 6. Reese pushed back on Quaas-Annsa's response, which didn't mention the retaliation claims at all. Heather Quaas-Annsa, left, takes the oath of office for Springfield Public Schools' Board of Directors administered by Superintendent Todd Hamilton during a board meeting on Sept. 9, 2024. Quaas-Annsa's response did acknowledge non-compliance with board policy for seeking legal consultations, despite the board's dismissal in open session. She stated the dismissal was to avoid designating additional district resources to another investigation. Reese emailed Quaas-Annsa, criticizing the complaint dismissal, questioning whether the board considered the merit of his allegations. Reese told The Register-Guard that he felt, as director of HR, it was his responsibility to ensure SPS is an environment free from retaliation. This is what led to Hamilton and Collins to file their tort claims notice on Dec. 16, citing retaliation for "protected activity," meaning filing their formal complaints. The district then had a rocky start to 2026 with 27 mid-year educator layoffs to address a budget shortfall. The cuts were highly criticized by community members, teachers and students. Discourse online called for downsizing district administration and other alternatives to avoid teacher layoffs. Less than a month later, Hamilton is now officially stepping away from the district. As of Feb. 13, Hamilton is still working as superintendent, with his resignation going into effect on Feb. 28. He did not respond to an interview request. Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on X @mirandabcyr. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: How Springfield's superintendent ended up resigning By John Irish and Andrew Gray MUNICH, Feb 15 (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday she felt that EU governments were not ready to give Ukraine a date for membership despite a demand to do so from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy repeated on Saturday that he needed a date as part of security guarantees for a final peace package with Russia. "My feeling is that the member states are not ready to give a concrete date," Kallas told a panel at the Munich Security Conference. "There's a lot of work to be done." Advertisement Advertisement UKRAINE PUSHING FOR 2027 MEMBERSHIP Ukrainian EU membership in 2027 was pencilled into a 20-point peace plan discussed between the United States, Ukraine and the European Union, diplomats have said, as a measure to ensure Ukraine's economic prosperity after the war ends. But many EU governments believe that date, or any other fixed date, is completely unrealistic because EU accession is a merit-based process, moving forward only when there is progress in adjusting a country's laws to EU standards. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics echoed the Kallas comments but held out little hope of an imminent peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, we understand that we need Ukraine in the European Union and, yes, when talking with many heads of state I get the feeling there is no readiness to accept a date," he said. Rinkevics said that the EU had always been creative when there was a real need and could probably find a formula that suited the bloc, but it would also need to assuage Western Balkan states and Moldova, which have long been vying for membership. "Like it or not it is very much tied to the peace deal. Will there be a peace deal or not? I don't see that Russia is going to move, and if Russia is not moving, then we are not going to have a deal," he said. Ukraine applied to join the EU days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, seeking to anchor itself politically and economically to the West. Advertisement Advertisement It has been pushing to make progress on its bid, despite the challenges of the war and opposition from EU member Hungary, which is blocking the start of detailed membership talks. (Reporting by John Irish and Andrew GrayEditing by Philippa Fletcher and David Goodman) A suspect is in custody following a double homicide investigation on Saturday morning in Moore County. Deputies responded at 7:45 a.m. to a shooting report at a residence on Daphne Lane in Woodlake and found two people dead inside. One victim was identified as 28-year old Matthew Wade, an active duty Army soldier stationed at Fort Bragg and originally from Mississippi. The other victim is 21-year old Katerina Tovmash, a Ukrainian refugee who had been caring for her younger sisters. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities identified the suspect as Kate's ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Caleb Hayden Fosnaugh. ABC11/Patrick Priest The suspect left the scene before authorities arrived. Warrants were issued on charges of breaking and entering and two counts of murder. Investigators say he left the county after the shooting. MCSO Maj. Galloway told ABC11 that Fosnaugh was found and arrested in Ohio later Saturday. Sheriff Ronnie Fields later said Fosnaugh was arrested after continued coordination between Moore County investigators and authorities in Ohio. Caleb Hayden Fosnaugh Moore County Sheriff's Office "This is a tragic and senseless loss of life. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time," Fields said. "We are grateful for the swift coordination and assistance from our law enforcement partners in bringing this individual into custody." Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said this was an isolated incident, with all involved believed to know each other, and there was no ongoing threat to the Woodlake community. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App The Coshocton County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation all assisted, Fields said. Detectives continue to actively investigate, Fields said. ABC11/ Patrick Priest Indiana State Police are investigating a deadly three-vehicle crash. The crash happened on Saturday at about 5:15 p.m. on I-65 near 73rd Avenue in Hobart. Troopers said a retired school bus, which had been converted into an RV, slammed into a bridge support under the 73rd Avenue overpass. The driver was killed in the crash, which also involved an SUV and a pickup truck. The Lake County, Indiana Coroner's Office identified the man as 60-year-old William Binkley of Waukegan. Advertisement Advertisement A passenger of the RV was taken to the University of Chicago hospital with life threatening injuries. Investigators said the pickup driver showed signs of being under the influence and was taken into custody at the Lake County, Indiana jail. Bloomberg / Getty Images To understand today's disgruntled Trump voter, first, allow me to take you back to the 2024 presidential election. During a debate, Trump was asked whether he after 10 years of anticipation finally had a plan on how to replace the Affordable Care Act. His response? "I have concepts of a plan." Related: We Need To Bring Back Public Shaming For These 43 Insufferable Main Character Types Who Clearly Thought The World Revolved Around Them This Month Well, his "concepts of a plan" were apparently enough for the millions of supporters to trust in his vague vision. Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images (Some even saw their healthcare premiums double.) One disgruntled voter includes this anonymous Facebook poster who wrote , "I voted for Trump hoping that by getting rid of all the illegals, it would finally make our Healthcare system better now that they are not leaching off the system." Advertisement Advertisement Related: I Just Spit Out My Diet Coke Cackling At These Complete Strangers Who Materialized Out Of Nowhere With The Funniest Reply To A Random Comment "Now that 2.5 million illegal aliens have been deported, why is our insurance higher than ever? The cost of my prescription drugs have skyrocketed and the quality of care seems worse than ever." "When will things start turning around? I mite not be able to afford Health Insurance this year with how bads its gotten." "I'm losing faith Mr. Trump!" they concluded. Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images Um, a couple of fact-checking notes: 1. The Affordable Care Act prohibited undocumented immigrants from obtaining health insurance through the ACA marketplaces. As of 2025, many lawfully present immigrants have been barred from the marketplace as well. So, we're not sure about the anonymous poster's misspelled "leaching off our system" comment. And; 2. Insurance tends to get cheaper as more people join, so this thinking is already skewed. Related: 41 Of The Most Cartoonishly Silly Ways People Have Actually Injured Themselves People who read the anonymous post were also confused. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Netizens suggested that the hike in premiums should show Trump voters that, perhaps, it was not undocumented immigrants who were driving up prices. "Undocumented immigrants were never the problem, but they were easy to exploit as a boogeyman," Reddit user 0zzm0s1s said. "Trump supporters don't like to hear that our problems are complicated and require elaborate policy, investments, and compromise to solve. They like to hear the angry man talk loudly about how all their problems can be solved by building walls, deporting immigrants, and making other countries pay tariffs. It didn't matter that none of that stuff was never going to work, it just sounded good and all he needed was their vote. Now that he's back in the White House, he couldn't care less about their problems." Similarly, user Protoman had advice for anyone wondering why deportations aren't lowering costs: "The same reason kicking yourself in the balls doesn't lower health care costs. Because those two things are not related, dumbass," they said. The internet is like, "Maybe the leeches are someone else..." "Couldn't be that the leeches, this entire time, were... the rich? DUN DUN DUUUUN," user ThoughtfulLlama commented. Related: 15 Photos With Perspectives So Mind-Boggling You'll Need To Lie Down After Looking At Them Overall, commenters questioned what research the anonymous poster may have done before casting their vote. "He thought that having fewer people around who might pay into his health insurance plan would make it cheaper?" user janthon567 posed. And they left one final piece of advice: "According to Trump [insurance prices] are better than ever. Maybe if you don't like the US you can just leave?" user Yivanna said. YIKES. What are your thoughts? Share your views on this regretful MAGA supporter in the comments. I neeeed to know what you're thinking. Want to know if Trump's economy is actually doing as well as he promised? Subscribe to the Economy Hate Watch newsletter and never miss our monthly update. BuzzFeed Also in Internet Finds: "And The Next Morning, He Was Dead": People Are Anonymously Sharing Their Worst F*ck-Up They Won't Admit Publicly Until On Their Deathbed, And Wow, It's Intense Also in Internet Finds: People Are Revealing Experiences That Are Actually Way More Traumatic Than Others Realize Also in Internet Finds: I'm Gonna Have To Log Off For A Bit After Learning About These Terrible, Shocking, And Horrifying Things Read it on BuzzFeed.com Hundreds of people marched Saturday in the East Bay against ICE and Flock cameras. In Concord, the march was called "Love Your Neighbor." In Oakland, it was "No Love for ICE. No Love for Flock." ABC7 Eyewitness News attended both events. Hundreds of people -- dressed in white, red and pink -- had a message on Valentine's Day in Concord: love your neighbor. "Our message is simple. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe," Concord Mayor Laura Nakamura told the crowd. MORE: Is Border Patrol using license plate cameras to monitor drivers in Bay Area? Here's what we know She was among those marching in solidarity with immigrant families facing heightened fears over immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Organizers claim the City of Concord could come under more pressure, since many cases from the San Francisco Immigration Court are being redirected to the Concord Immigration Court. Some residents are concerned that could result in increased ICE presence and detentions in the area. "We have been watching the national news and seeing what is happening in other cities. And this is a community that is getting prepared to take care of each other," Nakamura said. United States Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-10), whose district includes most of Contra Costa County, also took part, saying that he encourages more people to come out and make their voices heard. "We have to change the laws. Remember, slavery used to be legal. So, immigration right now is being used to divide people based on racism," DeSaulnier said. "We have been through this over and over again in this country." MORE: Surveillance, privacy concerns raised in debate over Flock cameras in Oakland Saturday afternoon in Oakland, more than 100 people marched near Lake Merritt over concerns with ICE and surveillance, marching through intersections with cameras. Advertisement Advertisement "Yeah, I don't like being watched," says David Flyn, an Oakland resident. Protesters condemned the city for renewing its Flock Safety License Plate Reader contract -- even though many Oakland residents support the technology, saying it's another tool for the understaffed Oakland Police Department. Cody Dadiw says she is concerned that more people in the Bay Area are not speaking out. "California is so liberal and progressive in a lot of ways. And I think that feels like insulation to a lot of folks and creates a sense of detachment from what's happening across the country," said Dadiw, an Oakland resident. Oakland organizers are planning more events for March. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live A yearly tradition of generous gift-giving by Des Moines Register readers has resulted in a final fundraising total of $353,387.60, ready to be dispersed to worthy low-income applicants across all 99 Iowa counties. Known as Embrace Iowa, the annual charitable program is overseen by the Iowa Community Action Association and administered by 16 agencies that welcome, without judgment, individuals and families who might benefit from individual grants valued up to $750. After a short two-month campaign, the 2025-26 Embrace Iowa drive ended in January, receiving funds from 880 donors, and is now on target to make a difference in as many as 471 households. Advertisement Advertisement Anne Bacon is the chief executive officer of IMPACT Community Action Partnership, the local agency that administers applications across Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk and Warren counties. We love Embrace Iowa. Embrace creates a situation to address needs we wouldn't be able to in any other way, she said. We've never had a problem with finding the people in need. It's finding those warm-hearted, generous folks to help us. Separate from any federal or state programs, each agency uses its discretion and local knowledge to dispense grants to aid with very specific economic difficulties. Bacon has discovered that her agency can make a meaningful difference with a focus on an essential, but unexpected hardship. Advertisement Advertisement There are no other resources to assist people when they can't pay their water bill, she explained. We saw the need over and over and over again of families who were struggling with those bills, and so we can focus those Embrace dollars there, whereas other agencies might see other things that they would like to focus on. This year, portions of the money raised will provide relief for a broad range of problems, including paying overdue rent and utility bills, medical expenses, funding essential vehicle repairs, and enabling further education. Cassie Lowe from Ames, recipient of Embrace Iowa, poses at the Inis Grove Park in Ames, Iowa. It's no easy task in our culture to ask for help or to need help or to appear like you can't take care of yourself, Bacon added. The best thing our staff can do is make it so that people leave feeling better than when they walk in and not worry. The partnership with the Des Moines Register is now in its fourth decade and continues its support of a bureaucracy-free process, designed to simplify the grant-receiving process and pinpoint immediate needs with practical solutions. Advertisement Advertisement There's not a lot of hoops that we make people jump through, Bacon said. One of the things our agencies love about Embrace is that it's not heavy-handed in compliance or paperwork. It's a pretty rapid response vehicle for assistance. To discourage any fraud, financial relief is available to any Iowa resident who can demonstrate a gross annual income of 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. And all money is distributed directly to third-party creditors, like landlords, doctors' offices, and home repair contractors. None of the $750 is deposited into an applicants bank account. When we can keep someone's water on, or keep their car running, or make sure their children have a bed those are joyful moments, Bacon said. But we always run out of money. And at some point, we have to tell people, No. And those are the most heartbreaking stories, of folks who could really use the assistance. During the most recent fund-raising campaign, Iowans shared their diverse and personal stories with the Register and their experiences as first-time applicants. Katisha Knight, Embrace Iowa recipient and small business owner, poses for a portrait in her massage therapy studio in Ames. Jennifer Hunter was able to fix her furnace, relieve one pressing financial burden and help place her life back on track. Advertisement Advertisement Mother of two Adessa Mier urgently turned to the program to repair her familys only means of transport. Embrace Iowa made all the difference between the demise of Katisha Knights small business dreams and helping her new company grow. And dangerous electrical circuits put Diane Ohrtmans house at serious risk until the project funded a timely overhaul of the homes wiring and fuse box. We do assist single-person households, but the vast majority of families we help have multiple children and other household members. And so, these dollars touch hundreds and hundreds of people's lives, Bacon said. How you can help The 2025-26 campaign has ended, but the crucial work of the Embrace Iowa program continues, reliant on the donations of Des Moines Register readers. Funds are collected throughout the year, with every cent allocated to helping Iowans, and none of the funding is diverted to paying for staff or administration costs. Advertisement Advertisement There is no donation that's too small, Bacon concluded. What we want is for people to remember that all year long we have people in central Iowa struggling, and that every time one of our neighbors decides to invest in Embrace Iowa, they're helping another one of their neighbors. Tax-deductible pledges can be made online at secure.qgiv.com/for/embrace26-27. Checks can also be mailed and are warmly received at Embrace Iowa, P.O. Box 10611, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0611. Richard Lane is a freelance writer based in Des Moines. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Embrace Iowa raises $353K to help Iowa families with essential needs CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) A bill requiring legal work status verification has continued to make its way through the West Virginia Legislature. Critical road repair announced for Wyoming County House Bill 4198 passed the House of Delegates and moved onto the West Virginia Senate for consideration. The bill would require all potential employees in the state to be screened through the E-Verify system to confirm they can legally work in the state. U.S. Senator from West Virginia, Shelley Moore Capito said people doing business illegally are a threat to the livelihood of those doing things by the book. We need to figure out whos here, why theyre here; alleviate the violent criminals, send them home, said Senator Capito. Theres a whole host of other people that are here legally and have legal status. Since moving to the Senate, House Bill 4198 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Lawmaker in support of the bill said it will provide further protection for West Virginia business owners. 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 WVNS. As the first home rolled off the factory floor in Kalamazoo, Michigan like a boxcar with picture windows, according to a journalist on the scene the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development proclaimed it the coming of a real revolution in housing. For decades engineers, architects, futurists, industrialists, investors and politicians have been pining for a better, faster and cheaper way to build homes. Now, amid a national housing shortage, the question felt as pressing as ever: What if construction could harness the speed, efficiency, quality control and cost-savings of the assembly line? What if, rather than building homes on-site from the ground up, they were cranked out of factories, one unit after another, shipped to where they were needed and dropped into place? What if the United States could mass-produce its way out of a housing crisis? In Kalamazoo, that vision finally seemed a reality. The HUD chief predicted that within a decade two-thirds of all housing construction across the United States would be industrialized. The year was 1971, the HUD Secretary was George Romney (father of future Utah senator, Mitt), and the prediction was wildly off. Within five years, Operation Breakthrough, the ambitious, but ultimately costly, delay-ridden and politically unpopular federal initiative that had propped up the Kalamazoo factory and eight others like it across the country, ran out of money. The dream of the factory-built house was dead not for the first time, nor the last. By some definitions, the first prefabricated house was built, shipped and re-assembled in the 1620s. Factory-built homes made of wood and iron were a mainstay of the colonialenterprises of the 19th Century. Housing and construction-worker shortages during the Second World War prompted a wave of (ultimately unsuccessful) attempts to mass-produce starter homes in the United States. The modern era is full of those predicting that the industrialization of the housing industry is just a few years away, only to be proven wrong. This year, state legislators in California believe the turning-point might actually be here. With a little state assistance, they want to make 2026 the Year of the Housing Factory. At long last. California gets modular-curious Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat and one of the legislatures most influential policy makers on housing issues, is leading the charge. Since the beginning of the year, she has organized two select committee hearings under the general banner of housing construction innovation. The bulk of the committees attention has been on factory-based building why it might be a fix worth promoting and what the state could do to actually make it work this time. The hearings are ostensibly intended to gather information, all of which will be summarized in a white paper being written by researchers at the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley. But theyre also meant to build political momentum and legislative buy-in for a coming package of bills. Both the paper and bills are due to be released in the coming weeks. Wicks has select committeed her way to major policy change before. In late 2024, she cobbled together a series of state-spanning meetings on permitting reform. Those provided the fodder for nearly two dozen bills the following year, all written with the goal of making it easier to build things in California, especially homes. The most significant of the bunch: Legislation exempting most urban apartment buildings from environmental litigation. Gov. Gavin Newsom enthusiastically signed it into law last summer. Now comes phase two. Last years blitz of bills, capping off years of gradual legislative efforts to remove regulatory barriers to building dense housing across California, has, in Wicks view, teed up this next big swing. Over the last eight to 10 years or so the Legislature and the governor have really taken a bulldozer to a lot of the bureaucratic hurdles when it comes to housing, said Wicks. But one of the issues that we havent fundamentally tackled is the cost of construction. Factory-built housing can arrive on a construction site in varying levels of completeness. There are prefabricated panels (imagine the baked slabs of a gingerbread house) and fully three-dimensional modules (think, Legos). Interest in the use of both for apartment buildings has been steadily growing in California over the last decade. Investors have poured billions of dollars into the nascent sector, albeit with famously mixed results. In Californias major urban areas, but especially in the San Francisco Bay Area, cranes delicately assembling factory-built modules into apartment blocks has become a more familiar feature of the skyline. Randall Thompson, who runs the prefabrication division of Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, said hes seen attitudes shift radically just in the last couple of years. Not long ago, pitching a developer on factory-built construction was a tough sell. But a few years ago he noted a growing number of modular-curious clients willing to run the numbers. Now many are coming to him committed to the idea from the get-go. Policymakers are interested too, debating whether public policy and taxpayer money should be used to propel off-site construction from niche application to a regular, if not dominant, feature of the industry. Evidence from abroad is fueling that optimism: In Sweden, where Wicks and a gaggle of other lawmakers visited last fall, nearly half of residential construction takes place in a factory. The renewed national interest is part of a back to the drawingboard energy that has pervaded policy circles at every level of government in the face of a national affordability crisis, said Chad Maisel, a Center for American Progress fellow and a former Biden administration housing policy advisor. Yes, the country has tried and failed at this before, most notably with Operation Breakthrough. Yes, individual companies have gone bust trying to make off-site happen at scale. But we havent really given it our all, Maisel said. Henry Ford, but for housing If the goal is to bring down building costs, rethinking the basics of the construction process is an obvious place to start. Over the last century, economic sectors across the United States have seen explosions in labor productivity, with industries using technological innovation, fine-tuned production processes and globe-spanning supply chains to squeeze ever more stuff out of the same number of workers. Construction has been a stagnant outlier. Since the 1970s, labor productivity has actually declined sector-wide, according to official government statistics. In 2023 the average American construction worker added about as much value on a construction site as one in 1948. Thus the appeal of giving residential construction the Henry Ford assembly line treatment. When you go to buy a car, you dont get 6,000 parts shipped to your house and then someone comes and builds it for you, said Ryan Cassidy, vice president of real estate development at Mutual Housing California, an affordable housing developer based in Sacramento that committed last year to build its next five projects with factory-built units. In theory, breaking down the building process into a series of discrete, repeatable tasks can mean fewer highly trained workers are needed per unit. Standardized panels and modules allow factories to buy materials in bulk at discount. The work can be done faster, because its centralized, tightly choreographed, closely monitored and possibly automated but also because multiple things can happen at the same time. Framers dont have to wait for a foundation to set before getting started on the bedrooms. Off-site construction reliably cuts construction timelines by 10 to 30 percent, according to an analysis by the Terner Center. Some even rosier estimates have put the figure closer to 50%. That can translate into real savings. Factory-built housing has the potential to reduce hard (labor, material and equipment) costs by 10 to 25% at least under the right conditions, Terners director, Ben Metcalf, said at the select committees first hearing in early January. But historically, its been very hard to get those conditions right. The ghost of Katerra The main hitch is an obvious one: Factories are hugely expensive to set up and run. Off-site construction companies only stand to make up those costs if they can run continuously and at full capacity. Mass production only pencils out if it massively produces. That means factory production isnt especially well-suited to industries that boom and bust, in which surplus production cant be stockpiled in a warehouse and everything is made to order and where local variations in climate, topography and regulation require bespoke products of varying materials, designs, configurations and sizes. All of which describes the current real estate sector. In a world in which housing projects are approved one at a time under various local rules and designs and sometimes after years of piecing together financing sources, its hard to build out that pipeline for a factory, said Metcalf at the early January hearing. The particular financial needs of a factory also upend business as usual for developers and real estate funders. Industrial construction costs less overall but costs more in the short term. Everything is frontloaded, said Jan Lindenthal-Cox, chief investment officer at the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund. All design, engineering and material decisions have to be finalized long before the factory gears start turning. Real estate investors and lenders tend to be wary of putting up quite so much money so early in the process. The Accelerator Fund, a privately-backed non-profit, is hoping to ease some of those concerns by providing short-term, low-cost loans to developers in order to cover those higher-than-usual early costs. The hope is that traditional funders namely, banks and investors will eventually feel confident enough to take over that role once this is a more proven approach, said Lindenthal-Cox. Such skittishness pervades every step of the off-site development process, said Apoorva Pasricha, chief operation officer at Cloud Apartments, a San Francisco-based start-up. A subcontractor unfamiliar with modular construction might bid a project higher than they otherwise would to compensate for the uncertainty. Building code officials might be extra cautious or extra slow in approving a project for the same reason. As the industry grows, creating familiarity with the process helps drive that risk down, said Pasricha. The question is, who is going to be willing to pay the price to learn? Some would-be pioneers have paid it. In 2021, the Silicon Valley-based modular start up Katerra went spectacularly bankrupt after spending $2 billion in a hyperambitious gambit to disrupt the building industry. Katerra still hangs over the industry like a specter. Brian Potter, a former Katerra engineer who now writes the widely-read Construction Physics newsletter, said he too was once wooed by the idea that well just move this into a factory and we will yield enormous improvements. These days, he strenuously avoids terms like impossible and doomed to fail when asked about the potential of off-site construction. But he does stress that its a very hard nut to crack with limited upside. Beyond just the regulatory issues, which are real, there are just fundamental nature of the market, nature of the process, things that you have to cope with, said Potter, whose recent book, The Origins of Efficiency, digs into how and why modern society has succeeded at making certain things much faster and cheaper and not others. Certain markets in California could be a good fit for factory-built construction, he added, but not for the reasons that off-site boosters typically lead with. Construction costs in the Bay Area, specifically, are notoriously expensive. Many of the regions most productive housing factories are located in Idaho. That arrangement might make financial sense, said Potter, not because of anything inherently cost-saving in the industrialized process, but because wages in the Boise area are just a lotlower. That raises another potential impediment for state lawmakers hoping to goose the factory-built model: Organized labor. In a familiar political split, while Californias carpenters union has historically been open to the idea of off-site construction, the influential State Building & Construction Trades Council has been hostile. Will the state step in? Neither Wicks, nor any other legislator, has released legislative language yet aimed at supporting the industry. But in committee hearings, developers, labor leaders, academics and other off-site construction supporters have repeatedly pitched lawmakers on the same three themes. Building out the pipeline is one. The state, supporters say, could keep the factories humming either by nudging affordable developers that way when they apply for state subsidies or by out-and-out requiring public entities, like state universities, to at least consider off-site when they build, say, student housing. Insuring factories against the risk of a developer going bankrupt (and vice versa) is another common proposal. Developers and investors are hesitant to schedule a spot on a factory line if that factorys bankruptcy will leave them in the lurch. Likewise, factories tend to charge high deposits to make up for the fact that developers go out of business or get hit with months-long delays. One solution could involve the taxpayer playing the role of insurer. Third: Standardizing building code requirements. The states Housing and Community Development department already regulates factory-built housing units. But once a module is shipped to a site, local inspectors will often do their own once-over. Some of these proposed fixes are specific to the industry. But some are regulatory changes that would make it easier to build more generally. That might suggest that policy should ideally focus on making it easier to build stuff more generally, not on a specific goal, said Stephen Smith, director of the Center for Building in North America, which advocates for cost-cutting changes to building codes. For all the emphasis on building entire studio apartments inside factories, he noted that plenty of steps in the construction process have entered the modern era. You find walls built in factories, you see elevators, you see escalators, said Smith. You need to consider the small victories and think of it as a general process of (regulatory) hygiene. Wicks has heard all of the arguments for why emphasizing factory-based construction wont work. I dont think factory-built housing is going to solve all of our problems. I think its a piece of the solution, she said. Were not talking about actually funding the building of factories. Were talking about creating a streamlined environment for these types of housing units to be built. In other words, it cant hurt to try again. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By BEN CHRISTOPHER/CalMatters CalMatters The Trump administration this week revoked a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule that served as the foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. What that could mean for New Mexico and whether the decision will hold up under court challenges is still unclear. Today, the federal government destroyed decades of established policies grounded in hard science recognized by the American and global scientific community, New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said in a statement Thursday, when the change was announced. As a science-based organization working to help New Mexicans breathe cleaner air and drink cleaner water, we are in a moment of mourning and an ever-greater need for bold state action. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration will continue working on climate solutions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The endangerment finding was a 2009 EPA rule that six greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are a threat to public health and the welfare of future generations and that emissions of those greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles contribute to greenhouse gas pollution. President Donald Trump said the original rule has nothing to do with public health. This is all a scam, a giant scam. The scientific consensus that human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases are causing climate change has only grown stronger since 2009, said New Mexico State Climatologist Dave DuBois. Many peer-reviewed scientific studies have connected climate change to human health, including a study published in Nature Climate Change last year that calculated health costs from climate change are at least $10 billion annually. The endangerment finding has been the source of 16 years of consumer choice restrictions and trillions of dollars in hidden costs for Americans, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The EPA touted the change as a way to restore consumer choice, make more affordable vehicles available and decrease the cost of living on all products by lowering the cost of trucks, in a news release. This is the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history and will save Americans over $1.3 trillion, the EPA said in announcing the recision. From an auto dealer standpoint, revoking the endangerment finding doesnt change whats on lots tomorrow, but it does create uncertainty long-term, Adelina Torres Arreola, the New Mexico Automotive Industry Alliances chief communications officer, said in a statement. The auto industry needs stable rules so manufacturers can plan and consumers can shop with confidence and still have options, Torres Arreola said. The endangerment finding was spurred by a 2007 Supreme Court decision that found greenhouse gases are air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act and that the EPA has authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources, like cars, trains and airplanes. Advertisement Advertisement It's really important for things like fuel efficiency, said University of New Mexico law professor Clifford Villa. Anyone who drives a car has probably already benefited from the endangerment finding. If the change stays in place its definitely going to cost people money, he said. States and environmental groups are planning to sue over the rule change. The rule itself was released Friday and does not appear to question that greenhouse gases and burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change or that climate change is happening. It really seems that EPAs argument is that no matter what we do, all is lost, Villa said. That we can't make any regulations that will have any difference in the global climate. It's sort of a defeatist argument. Advertisement Advertisement The new EPA rule also argues that Congress did not give the agency authority to regulate greenhouse gases in the first place, something there are good legal arguments against, Villa said. The Supreme Court would have to reverse its own 2007 decision that the EPA has authority to regulate greenhouse gases, which isnt easy to do, he said. It's going to be a really difficult argument to explain why three presidents and the U.S. Supreme Court were all wrong when they have already decided this question, Villa said. States can and do set their own air pollution regulations, including in New Mexico. The New Mexico Environment Department is still working to identify any gaps in emissions enforcement or data gathering the repeal could open. NMED has not confirmed how many, if any, exist, according to department spokesman Drew Goretzka. The rule change came at an already painful political moment for New Mexico environmental advocates, as a bill that wouldve placed greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in state law died in the state Senate on Wednesday. To receive the news about the endangerment finding was a huge blow, because now it's going to be up to us to try again and get some policy over the finish line, said Demis Foster, chief executive officer of Conservation Voters New Mexico. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spoke to a Libyan contact to help arrange a meeting for Jeffrey Epstein with Colonel Gaddafi in Tripoli, emails appear to show. Messages within the latest release by the US Department of Justice of its Epstein files, from autumn 2010, show that the disgraced financier contacted royal aide David Stern, saying [sic] i want to go to tripoli lets organize with pa. The paedophile then appears to have sent another email to Mr Stern, writing: 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 as opposed to what to do with it, currencies etc, I wondered if Pa should make the intro instead. Advertisement Advertisement The emails were first unearthed from the Epstein files by Channel 4 News, which reported that the father refers to the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, to distinguish him from his well-known son Saif. The initials PA are believed to refer to the then Prince Andrew, and this is how Mr Stern and Epstein appear to refer to him in multiple emails. Police have held discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service about allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports with Epstein (PA) It appears that Mr Stern then consulted Andrew, in a reply dated the following day, 8 October 2010, writing: He is thinking about the best approach and will discuss with me when I see him next on 17th Oct in Hong Kong (he is leaving today for Asia). The former Duke of York made an official visit to China in October 2010, and was the UKs trade envoy at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Later emails from The Duke, signed A, to Epsteins address, say: I will call you later this evening after I have had my chat with my Libyan contact to see what we can arrange for you in Tripoli. On the same day, 4 November 2010, A follows up to Epstein, writing: Libya fixed. Call me whenever. It comes after Thames Valley Police said on Wednesday that they had held discussions with specialists from the Crown Prosecution Service about allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UKs trade envoy with Epstein. It appears that the planned meeting between Epstein and Gaddafi did not go ahead, as Epstein did not end up flying to the Libyan capital, Channel 4 News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, in emails from June and July 2010, it appears that A discussed a loan from Libya to Dubai with an investment banker called Terence Allen. Mr Allen wrote: In light of our conversation last week in relation to Dubai, is there anything I can do there for you?? The Duke replied: Good question! I know that the only person who can make this decision is the Colonel himself. I will just ask our Libyan friend Tareq to see where he is on the subject, as he has the ear of the private office of Brother Leader. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been contacted for comment. Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly emphasized his connections to the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee when communicating with elites such as Richard Branson, Larry Summers, Bill Gates and Steve Bannon, according to the newly released Epstein files. Thorbjrn Jagland, who led the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, appears hundreds of times in the millions of documents about Epstein, released last month by the U.S. Justice Department. Since the release, the 75-year-old Jagland has been charged in Norway with aggravated corruption, the economic crime unit of Norwegian police kokrim said. The investigation is examining whether gifts, travel or loans were linked to Jaglands position. kokrim searched his Oslo residence on Thursday, along with properties in Risr and Rauland. Advertisement Advertisement His attorneys at Elden law firm in Norway said Jagland denies the charges, and was questioned by the police unit on Thursday. While there is no evidence in the documents seen so far of any outright lobbying for the Nobel Peace Prize, Epstein repeatedly played up hosting Jagland at his properties in New York and Paris in the 2010s. (Heiko Junge/NTB Scanpix via AP) While there is no evidence in the documents seen so far of any outright lobbying for the Nobel Peace Prize, Epstein repeatedly played up hosting Jagland at his properties in New York and Paris in the 2010s. From an interesting guest to subject of banter with Bannon In September 2018, during Trumps first term and in an apparent allusion to his interest in the peace prize, Epstein had a varied text-message exchange with Bannon, at one point writing in one of many messages with untidy grammar: donalds head would explode if he knew you were now buds with the guy who on monday will decide the nobel peace prize. I told him next year it should be you when we settle china, he added, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement In one email from 2013, mixing in investment tips and praise for PR tips, Epstein told British entrepreneur and magnate Richard Branson that Jagland would be staying with Epstein in September that year, adding: if you are there, you might find him interesting. A year after she left a job as White House counsel to President Barack Obama, in 2015, Kathy Ruemmler got an email from Epstein saying: "head of nobel peace prize coming to visit, want to join?" In 2012, Epstein wrote former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president Larry Summers about Jagland, saying head of the nobel peace prize staying with me, if you have any interest. In that exchange, Epstein referred to Jagland also a former Norwegian prime minister and former head of the Council of Europe, a human rights body as not bright but someone who offered a unique perspective. Advertisement Advertisement The financier wrote Bill Gates in 2014, saying that Jagland had been reelected as head of the Council of Europe. That is good, the Microsoft co-founder and the world's former richest man, wrote. I guess his peace prize committee job is also up in the air? During Jagland's tenure as chair of the committee, it gave the peace prize to Obama in 2009 and the European Union in 2012. Jagland was brought into Epsteins orbit by Terje Rd Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat who helped broker the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinians. Larsen and wife are also facing corruption charges in Norway due to their association with Epstein. Nearly four years after Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has launched a new platform for dialogue with exiled Russian forces. The move is a major shift in how Europe engages with Russian opposition figures at a time when Moscow remains isolated from the continent's main human rights body and the war in Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight. The 15 participants of the Russian PACE platform published their first joint statement on Feb. 6, which focused primarily on the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement In the statement, they place responsibility for launching the war on Russia and describe their home country as "fascist." They call for continued military support for Ukraine, accountability for aggression and other alleged crimes, and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's recovery. Yet alongside declarations of solidarity and institutional backing, fundamental questions remain about how much the platform can achieve and who, exactly, it represents. The Kyiv Independent spoke with several participants to understand how the platform came into being and what its broader political significance might be. Sign up for our newsletter Advertisement Advertisement WTF is wrong with Russia? Sign up What is PACE? PACE is an advisory body of the Council of Europe, which brings together 46 countries, including EU member states as well as non-EU countries such as Turkey, Ukraine, and Georgia. The Assembly works to promote human rights and democracy across member states. Unlike the European Parliament, PACE does not pass laws, and its resolutions are not legally binding. Even so, the political weight it carries often shapes policy debates. Russia joined the Council of Europe in 1996 and took an active part in PACE for more than two decades. After Moscow's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014, PACE stripped Russia of its voting rights, and the Russian delegation stopped attending sessions. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the Assembly restored Russia's powers, a decision that was controversial at the time. For years, the Russian delegation led by lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy included representatives from all of the country's parliamentary factions. None of the permitted factions were opposed to the regime. That arrangement ended in 2022. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council of Europe expelled Russia, automatically terminating its participation in PACE. The newly-created platform, however, is not a replacement for that delegation a distinction that has already caused confusion. A platform, not a delegation In September 2025, PACE's Political Affairs Committee proposed establishing a platform inside the Assembly for dialogue with "Russian democratic forces in exile." Advertisement Advertisement The Assembly set out strict criteria: delegates must be individuals "of the highest moral standing" who unconditionally recognize Ukraine's territorial integrity and commit to working toward "regime change" in Russia. Delegates will serve one-year terms and may attend committee meetings and discuss "issues of common concern" with Assembly members, but they will not be able to vote on PACE resolutions or hold the formal status once granted to Russia's official delegation. The platform includes 15 members, though PACE has not publicly detailed how it selected the candidates a lack of transparency that has fueled debate about the body's legitimacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a concert in Luzhniki Stadium on Feb. 22, 2023 in Moscow, Russia. Thousands of people gathered at the Moscow stadium for a pro-Putin rally marking 'Defender of the Fatherland Day' as well as the first anniversary of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine. (Contributor/Getty Images) Among the selected participants are Dmitry Gudkov, a former member of the Russian parliament; Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition politician and vice president of the Free Russia Foundation; Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and co-founder of the Free Russia Forum; and Nadya Tolokonnikova, co-founder of the feminist group Pussy Riot. Advertisement Advertisement Five seats are reserved for representatives of Russia's indigenous and minority communities. Among them are Ruslan Kutaev, a Chechen opposition figure; Ekaterina Kuznetsova, an artist and founder of Ingria House, a project focused on Finno-Ugric cultures; and Lana Pylaeva, an indigenous rights consultant and founder of the Komi Daily media outlet. The remaining participants also include Russian opposition politicians, independent journalists, civil society activists, and other public figures. Unprecedented advocacy, questions of legitimacy For representatives of Russia's indigenous peoples and minority communities, participation in the PACE platform offers a rare opportunity to circumvent the federal authorities and entrenched institutions that have long monopolized Russian political discourse. "I believe that strategically, representatives of Russia's indigenous peoples and Ukrainians are allies," Pylaeva told the Kyiv Independent. "We face a common challenge and a common misfortune: the imperial and colonial nature of Russia." Advertisement Advertisement "As a result, indigenous and regional perspectives are marginalized and effectively ignored," she said. "This platform is the result of serious international efforts and gives indigenous peoples the opportunity to speak directly." The wide range of perspectives included among the PACE platform's participants, each reflecting different priorities, is generally seen by them as a source of strength for the work that lies ahead. "It was very important to us that the platform is not dominated by just one or two (opposition) groups. Instead, it brings in a wider range of people and organizations, ensuring there's no monopoly," Natalia Arno, president of the Free Russia Foundation, told the Kyiv Independent. "We oppose Putin's monopoly in Russia, and we didn't want to see anything similar in such an important international, pan-European institution like PACE." Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the composition of the platform raises a delicate question: by what authority do these 15 individuals claim to represent Russia's democratic opposition? While Belarus's opposition can point to the 2020 presidential election, which demonstrated strong support for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Russian democratic opposition figures have no recent electoral mandate to establish a comparable claim to legitimacy. Nadya Tolokonnikova (R), an activist and co-founder of the feminist protest and performance art group Pussy Riot, seen during a session at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). (Vasily Krestyaninov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The Belarusian opposition also benefits from formalized recognition. In 2022, the Council of Europe created a "Contact Group on Belarus," where representatives of Tikhanovskaya's team participated. Russian opposition leaders, by contrast, have thus far lacked any comparable institutional platform. Advertisement Advertisement However, Pylaeva explained that the PACE forum is not a national delegation, but a provisional space for dialogue otherwise unavailable within Russia. "This is a platform for dialogue, created in a situation where Russia is waging an aggressive war," she said. "PACE is establishing a format for communication with representatives of the opposition and civil society." She acknowledged the criticism but framed it against the stark political realities within Russia, where independent institutions are weak, dissent is suppressed, and meaningful channels for representation especially for indigenous and regional communities are virtually nonexistent. "I see the first year and format of this platform as an experiment," Pylaeva said. "It is a tool, and I believe it is important to use it." Advertisement Advertisement Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the exiled businessman and opposition activist who also joined the platform, described the formation process as foundational rather than final. "It must subsequently be revised using a procedure of elections among anti-war Russians," he said. "The main thing now is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new institution in representing the interests of this segment of Russian society." Notable absence of Navalny's allies Strikingly absent from the list of PACE platform participants are any allies of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose network of activists and political operatives has long challenged the Kremlin's authority and shaped Russia's opposition landscape. Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) continues to operate after his death under the leadership of his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and his close associates. With a robust online footprint, the organization commands YouTube channels and social media platforms that reach millions across Russia and around the world. A senior FBK representative told the Kyiv Independent that the group received multiple invitations to join the PACE platform but decided, for now, to decline. People stand in front of a cordon of police officers at Borisovskoye cemetery where the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is taking place. Alexei Navalny was buried at the Borisov Cemetery in Moscow. The funeral service took place at the "Quench My Sorrows" Church in Maryino. (Artem Priakhin/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) "We were indeed invited several times to take part in the work of the platform," the representative said. "We discussed this issue extensively within our organization and decided, at this stage, to refrain from participating." "Our priority is working with anti-Putin and anti-war forces within the country," the representative added. According to FBK, PACE officials said they would monitor the platform's performance for a year before deciding whether any adjustments were needed. "We will also be watching," the representative said, leaving open the possibility of reconsidering the organization's involvement. "I do not exclude at all that in a year, for example, we may revise our decision." Read also: Russia likely killed opposition leader Navalny with dart frog poison, 5 European states say Support for Ukraine As Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine enters its fourth year, one of the questions surrounding the Russian democratic opposition is how effectively and to what extent they might use the PACE platform to call for increased military aid to Ukraine. Tolokonnikova is among those calling for support that goes beyond mere statements of solidarity, urging concrete action to provide Ukraine with more weapons. "I think it's very important to represent the voices of those fighting Putin not just with words but with actions, including with weapons for the Russian partisan movement inside Russia, as well as people who left to fight on Ukraine's side," Tolokonnikova told the Kyiv Independent. "These are some of the brightest representatives of the anti-war movement, and yes, their voices are important." Arno emphasized that Ukraine has "every right to defend itself by all available means" and said that the Free Russia Foundation provides legal support to pro-democracy Russians residing and working in Ukraine as volunteers and soldiers. The Free Russian Foundation's Kyiv branch is also actively aiding in the search to locate Ukrainian POWs and civilians kept in Russian shadow prisons, she added. "Unfortunately, we know Russian prisons all too well. We understand the system, and far too many of our people including our Vice President Vladimir Kara-Murza have experienced it firsthand," Arno said. "We have submitted numerous reports to the ICC, the UN mechanisms, and the OSCE. We also bring delegations of Ukrainian families both those whose loved ones are still imprisoned and those who have been released so they can share their personal stories." "Additionally, we document the methods used by Russian authorities, such as the widespread practice of charging Ukrainians with terrorism. Monitoring and exposing these abuses is one of our organization's top priorities." A long-standing criticism of the Russian democratic opposition has been that some of its leaders frequently invoke the vision of a "beautiful Russia of the future," yet offer little clarity on the practical realities of a post-Putin transition. Self-proclaimed pessimist Tolokonnikova told the Kyiv Independent that imagining the so-called beautiful Russia of the future is becoming "harder and harder each year" and that it's important for the Russian democratic opposition to convey the threat posed by Russia not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe. "I can't guarantee to anyone that after Putin's departure, Russia will necessarily become democratic," she said. "That's why I think it's necessary to contain Russia as a dangerous neighbor to Europe on all possible levels. What's needed is the language of strength and coercion, not the language of requests." Read also: Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame heres what Moscow actually wants Read also: The hidden cost of Putins war: A more dependent Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Florida's orange harvest is expected to be the smallest since 1930 because of major declines in healthy trees, affecting both farmers and consumers across the United States and Canada. What's happening? According to Insurance Journal, which cited data from the Department of Agriculture, the state will have an estimated output of 12 million boxes of oranges this season a 2% decline compared to last season. Since around 2000, Florida's orange groves have been shrinking because of a devastating, incurable bacterial infection called citrus greening disease, which kills tree roots and stunts growth. The disease causes fruits to be smaller, greener, and bitter, making them essentially unsellable. Advertisement Advertisement Rapid urban development has also led to the removal of many orange groves, and damage from intense hurricanes for example, Ian, Nicole, and Milton since 2022 has further destroyed trees. Insurance Journal reported that treatments have helped some trees recover, but that hasn't been enough to restore yields to their former levels. "It'll be a process to see the overall fruit count increase," Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, told the news outlet. "That's going to take a number of years to get that broader number up." Why are smaller orange harvests concerning? Farmers depend on healthy crops for their livelihoods, but the financial strain from poor harvests has forced many out of business, according to WUSF. Remaining farmers are frustrated by the lack of breakthroughs in research to combat the disease as well as by other losses due to worsening storms and erratic weather. Advertisement Advertisement Food and Wine reported that hurricanes have been especially brutal in the Sunshine State since 2020, reflecting the impact of rising global temperatures on orange yields. "It can take up to three to five years for a damaged tree to recover from an extreme weather event (if it survives at all) and return to peak production," Marisa Zansler, the Florida Department of Citrus' director of economic and market research, told the magazine. Smaller harvests usually mean more expensive grocery prices, though Insurance Journal reported that orange juice futures have dropped significantly as Brazil, the world's top orange exporter, expects a major boost in production. Recent cold snaps and hurricanes have also resulted in millions of dollars in losses for vegetable, potato, melon, and strawberry farmers throughout Florida. What's being done to help orange trees recover? According to WUSF, Florida lawmakers are working to pass a bill that would reduce the minimum sugar content required for orange juice, the end product for much of the state's harvests. Fresh oranges in grocery stores are more likely to come from California, and the USDA predicts a high output from the state this year, which should stabilize prices. Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have also been experimenting with genetically modified orange trees that can withstand or resist citrus greening. They say it could be the breakthrough the industry needs to stay afloat amid rising production costs and increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather. Keeping tabs on how the climate impacts orange harvests will help you know what to expect at the grocery store and shop smarter. 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. By Herbert Villarraga and Steve Gorman TUCSON, Arizona, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Investigators have obtained a DNA sample from a glove that was found near Nancy Guthrie's Arizona home and appears to match the pair worn by a masked prowler seen in doorbell camera footage before she was abducted two weeks ago, the FBI said on Sunday. Results from the glove could potentially lead to what forensic experts call a "hit" as early as Monday after they have conducted a national database search on the DNA specimen, the FBI indicated in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary findings from a private crime laboratory in Florida were received by the FBI on Saturday and were awaiting "quality control and official confirmation" on Sunday before the results are submitted for comparison with known DNA profiles taken from individuals and crime scenes and stored in the national database, the FBI said. The process of running a specimen through CODIS, short for the Combined DNA Index System, typically takes 24 hours from when the Federal Bureau of Investigation receives a DNA sample. The glove is one of roughly 16 collected by investigators in recent days in a roadside field about two miles from the Tucson-area residence of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of U.S. television journalist Savannah Guthrie. Most of the gloves recovered by investigators turned out to have been dropped on the ground by searchers in the vicinity, the FBI said. But the one submitted for DNA analysis is "different and appears to match the gloves" worn by the man in a ski mask seen trying to disable Guthrie's door camera in the early morning hours shortly before she was abducted, according to the FBI statement. Advertisement Advertisement Hours after the DNA announcement, Savannah Guthrie posted a video message on social media saying, "we still have hope" and urging whoever has her mother or knows her location "to do the right thing." Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Friday he was certain the person in the video, who was also wearing a gun in a holster and an over-stuffed backpack, was the primary suspect investigators were looking for to solve the high-profile case. SEARCH ENTERS THIRD WEEK Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family dropped her off at her home near Tucson after she had dined with them, and relatives reported her missing the following day, authorities have said. Advertisement Advertisement Nanos has said the elder Guthrie was extremely limited in her physical mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she had been taken against her will. At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since she vanished, both of them delivered initially to news media outlets. But there has been no known direct contact between Guthrie's presumed captors and her family, or with authorities. 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. She also had a pacemaker. The sheriff said on Friday that DNA not from Nancy Guthrie or anyone close to her had also been collected from her property, but there has been no official word on any lab findings from those samples. Advertisement Advertisement 'DO THE RIGHT THING' Savannah Guthrie, 54, co-anchor of the popular NBC News morning show "Today," has posted several video messages, along with her brother Camron Guthrie and sister Annie Guthrie, pleading for their mother's return and appealing for the public's help in solving the case. In one video, they expressed a willingness to meet ransom demands. In her latest Instagram video, two weeks to the day after her mother was reported missing and directed to "whoever has her or knows where she is," the broadcast journalist said, "We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and it's never too late." Nanos told Reuters on Friday no proof of life had surfaced since the abduction but added: "There's not been any proof of death either." Advertisement Advertisement Acting on a federal court-ordered warrant in connection with the Guthrie case on Friday night, sheriff's deputies and FBI agents searched another house in an affluent neighborhood less than two miles from her home, authorities confirmed over the weekend. The sheriff's office also said a person was questioned that night in a related traffic stop, but no arrests resulted from either incident. The presumed kidnapping has drawn intense media attention as well as expressions of sympathy and support from President Donald Trump. (Reporting by Herbert Villarraga in Tucson, Arizona; Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Sergio Non, Alistair Bell, Chris Reese and Kate Mayberry) Williamson County is planning a lot of changes in the coming year. From new businesses and restaurants to larger than life community members leaving, here's what residents can expect in the coming months. Restaurants Char (late 2026) With roots beginning in 2001 in Jackson, Mississippi, and locations in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, Char specializes in meat, fresh seafood and New Orleans-style jazz brunches. They offer unique dining experiences that span from morning coffee to post-work happy hour and vibrant culinary concepts. Additionally, Char hosts local jazz musicians nightly in its signature piano bar in conjunction with the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Advertisement Advertisement In-N-Out (2026) In late 2025, California-based In-N-Out Burger has updated its website to reflect a "coming soon" status for the new Williamson County eatery in the Berry Farms area. The change comes a little more than two years after state officials first announced the chain's eastward expansion with a new corporate hub in Tennessee. While an opening date has not been confirmed for Franklin, the restaurant has already begun the hiring process for crew members. Pelato (early 2026) Created in 2023 by Theresa Scotto, Anthony Scotto Jr. and their son Anthony Scotto III, Pelato is described as a modern take on the familys Brooklyn Italian heritage. There will be seating for 280 guests across the main dining room, private dining space, bar seating and a 2,000-square-foot fully enclosed patio with drop-down walls, heaters and fans, plans note. The Franklin Butchery (January 2026) The family-owned butcher shop coming to downtown Franklin at 129 2nd Ave. will focus on hand-cut meats, dry-aged steaks, and fresh seafood shipped directly from Maine, with all products trimmed and prepared in-house. They announced they are opening in January 2026 but an exact date has yet to be announced. Paris Baguette (early 2026) Known as a neighborhood bakery cafe, guests can indulge in a variety of pastries, artisan breads, signature cakes and expertly brewed drinks at this newly announced establishment. They will open at McEwen Northsides Block E. The districts newest 300,000-square-foot building celebrated its grand opening in September and is now fully leased, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Truce (Spring 2026) Truce is a "fine food fast concept focused on organic, chef-created dishes founded by Williamson County resident Matt Frauenshu. The 4,530-square-foot eatery will feature a comfortable, designed dining room, large community-centered patio, convenient drive-thru and a dedicated mobile app with its own pick-up lane. The flagship restaurant plans to open at 1809 Mallory Lane. Hawkers (early 2026) Inspired by the open-air markets of Asia, this new restaurant brings bold flavors and shareable small plates with staples like Korean twice-fried wings, five-spice green beans and roti canai served with rich curry dipping sauce. Hawkers opened its first Tennessee location in East Nashville in 2020. It's known for craft cocktails and sake alongside its pan-Asian menu. Businesses The Raven A one of a kind bookstore-bar is coming to Brentwood this year. Guests will find a curated selection of books alongside cocktails, mocktails, and small plates. They also plan to host book clubs, poetry readings, trivia nights, and more. They will be located at 300 Franklin Road. An opening date has not been announced. Crush Yard The 33,400-square-foot indoor pickleball and dining space is coming to Brentwood. In addition to open play and court rentals, Crush Yard will also offer leagues, lessons, camps, and open play sessions. They are located at 300 Franklin Road and are expected to open in early 2026. Advertisement Advertisement L.L. Bean Tennessee will receive its first L.L. Bean storefront at Cool Springs Galleria. It is expected to open in July 2026. In-N-Out Headquarters Along with a restaurant, In-N-Out is opening a new regional headquarters in the Berry Farms area. The 100,000-square-foot corporate office is currently being built and is scheduled to open sometime in 2026. Elections County mayor election After 22 years as the countys mayor, Rogers Anderson announced in 2025 that he will not seek reelection. Current contenders for the seat include restaurant entrepreneur Andy Marshall, former County Commissioner Todd Kaestner, County Commissioner Mary Smith, B.K. Muvvala and former state Rep. Brandon Ogles. People Rogers Anderson After serving the community for 22 years and becoming its longest-serving mayor in the process, Anderson has announced that he plans to step down and not seek reelection in 2026. He was first elected to the County Commission in 1986. He served 16 years as a commissioner and he was the group's chairman for eight years before he was elected as county mayor in 2002. In this role, Im not a king and this is not a dictatorship. This is listening to the people working in your community and trying to find solutions to their demands, he said. " It won't come overnight and it takes time to figure all that out, but it is incredibly rewarding." Advertisement Advertisement Carol Birdsong After serving the community for close to 29 years, she announced in December 2025 she was retiring in January. Birdsong first moved to the Williamson County area in 1997 and helped to grow the communications department from the ground up. Her famous "Carol Calls" to alert students and their families about weather related school delays or cancellations have made her the district's very own celebrity. "Williamson County Schools has brought so much joy to me," she said. "It's been a grand adventure, and my heart is full. I just hope that I have been able to also bring some joy to them. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Williamson County is expected to undergo a lot of changes in 2026 Firefighters continue to extinguish a large industrial fire after an explosion early Sunday that led to a four-hour shelter-in-place order. Two people were burned after the fire at the Koch Foods Plant B on Commerce Center Drive in Fairfield overnight Feb. 15. Multiple area fire departments, along with the Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit, were called to battle the fire, which engulfed the $220 million chicken processing and packaging plant. Advertisement Advertisement As of noon Sunday, many firefighters are still at the plant as they continue to douse the building with water, according to an Enquirer reporter on scene. There is also a pungent odor of rotten eggs in the air. Roads leading to the plant remain closed off as of 3 p.m. Several workers at the plant trying to retrieve their cars from the night before were turned away by police. Firefighters were initially called to the plant shortly before 1 a.m. Early reports indicated the fire was contained, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office. By 3:30 a.m., hazardous materials crews were called in as the roof of the plant collapsed with ammonia tanks inside. Advertisement Advertisement Ammonia is a chemical commonly used as a refrigerant in industrial settings, but it can be highly toxic if released into the air. The roof of the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield collapsed after a large fire Feb. 15, 2026. A shelter-in-place order was issued for two miles surrounding the plant, which has since been lifted. The sheriff's office says the ammonia source was shut off to the building and air quality readings were determined to be safe. The two people brought to the hospital are believed to have been released, firefighters told Enquirer media partner Fox19. One person was unaccounted for, according to Fox19. It is unclear the status of that person. Red Cross arrived at the scene around 2 p.m. Firefighters say ammonia tanks inside the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield were isolated and secured after a large fire Feb. 15, 2026. (Provided by the Lockland Fire Department) Shelter-in-place lifted after four hours Officials had issued an emergency shelter-in-place order for anyone within a two-mile radius of the facility at 3:30 a.m. The action was lifted at 7:41 a.m., according to Fairfield police. Advertisement Advertisement People in the shelter-in-place area were told to go and stay indoors, close and lock windows and doors, and turn off HVAC and air-conditioning systems, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office. Around 100 firefighters responded to the scene, according to Fox19. Fire crews from Sharonville and Lockland were on site to assist with the fire, according to posts on the departments' social media accounts. Police on the scene hours after a large fire broke out at the Kock Foods facility on Port Union Road in Fairfield early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2026. (Cara Owsley/The Enquirer) Fairfield's largest industrial employer The two-building operation on Port Union Road and Commerce Center Drive are chicken processing and packaging plants for Koch Foods. In 2021, Fairfield city officials said Chicago-based Koch Foods was the city's largest industrial employer. It was also reported to be Butler County's ninth largest employer, employing about 2,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement The second manufacturing building on Commerce Center Drive, whose roof collapsed in the fire, opened recently after being announced in 2021. The new building is larger than the existing plant and has freezer space, dry storage and other amenities. It was a $220 million project that added more than 600 jobs to the region. The Enquirer has reached out to Koch Foods for more information. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Firefighters continue to extinguish fire at Fairfield Koch Foods plant NEEDMORE, Pa. (WHTM) A 12-year-old escaped from a fatal Fulton County house fire that claimed the lives of three others early Sunday morning. Crews were called just before 1 a.m. to the 1700 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Belfast Township, near Needmore, for a reported house fire with entrapment, according to State Police at McConnellsburg. First responders found the home engulfed in flames. A 12-year-old managed to escape to a neighbors house and three people were unaccounted for, trooper said. Advertisement Advertisement Those three people were found inside the home and pronounced dead by the Fulton County Coroners Office just before 8 a.m. The cause of death for the three victims, the Coroners Office said, was smoke inhalation. Crews from multiple counties in Pennsylvania, as well as neighboring counties in Maryland, assisted with the fire. Get traffic alerts from the abc27 mobile app for the latest local delays and road closures The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no foul play is suspected, state troopers said. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available. 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 ABC27. Miami-Dade County may make noisy nautical nightlife a no-no. Proposed county legislation would make it easier to ticket boat owners for playing their music too loud well after the sun goes down, the latest attempt to crack down on floating festivities. We have zoning rules for a reason, said Rachel Streitfeld, mayor of the island community of North Bay Village. Just because our residents live next to the water doesnt mean they shouldnt be protected from what are effectively nightclubs in their backyards. Advertisement Advertisement Miami-Dades current law sets a 100-foot limit for loud music outside buildings, cars and boats between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. If a police officer can hear music beyond that zone, the person playing it can get a $500 ticket and up to 60 days in jail. That zone would shrink to 25 feet for boats under legislation being proposed by the Miami-Dade commissioner who represents North Bay Village and other island enclaves off of Biscayne Bay. This is a quality of life issue for people who live on county waters, said Micky Steinberg, a former Miami Beach commissioner. This is to give law enforcement another tool in their tool box. Steinbergs legislation faces a preliminary vote on Wednesday, Feb. 18, by the County Commission before heading to a committee hearing later in the year. While the current proposed language would apply the new 25-foot restriction on late-night loud music to homes and businesses, too, Steinberg said shes already requested that county lawyers strike that wording in order to have the proposed stricter noise rules only apply to boats. Advertisement Advertisement The popularity of Miamis sea-faring party scene regularly causes friction with authorities and their constituents ashore. A decade ago, the County Commission voted to limit boat raft-ups to only five vessels in an effort to discourage daytime floating bashes. In 2024, Miami temporarily closed four uninhabited picnic islands off the city because people on boats were leaving so much trash there during daytime visits. Currently, two island communities north of Miami Beach are trying to tamp down the noise offshore from a boating party that drifted their way after the dredging of the nearby Haulover Sandbar several years ago. Once that shallow-water anchoring spot went away, the boats that used to drop anchor there migrated south to the knee-deep part of the bay between Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands. You can easily get 150 boats out there, said Jorge Gonzalez, village manager at Bal Harbour, adding that police patrols dont seem to encourage a quieter good time on the water. Theyre blaring their stereos. We show up and have them turn it down. 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 The field of candidates for Florida 2nd Congressional District now has grown to eight the most candidates ever in the modern era, according to records dating to 1978 and posted online by the Florida Department of State's Division of Elections. Tallahassee land broker and Iraq War veteran Luke Murphy entered the race Feb. 12 to succeed retiring Congressman Neal Dunn, R-Panama City. Murphy promises to engage in bipartisan collaboration and focus on constituent service. Im the kind of guy that will listen to everyone. I have a lot of people in my family that do not agree with my politics, and a lot that do. But I will always listen to everybody and I will always be objective, Murphy said. Belle Mae, Luke, and Stephanie Murphy - Luke an Iraq War veteran is a candidate for Florida Second Congressional District Murphy joins four other Republicans and three Democrats, all under the age of 50, that want to represent a section of north Florida that takes in Tallahassee and Panama City as it sprawls from the Alabama border to the Gulf and around the Big Bend to the Steinhatchee River. Advertisement Advertisement Dunn has represented the district for 10 years and has been a loyal ally to President Donald Trump. His retirement comes at a time when the U.S. House is nearly evenly divided with the GOP holding a one-vote majority - the smallest since 1930. All of the GOP contenders pledge to follow in Dunns footsteps and support the Presidents agenda while the three Democrats want to be part of a new majority that wrestles control from the Republicans and block Trumps policies. Ill work hand in hand with President Trump to usher in a new golden age of economic opportunity. Ill fight to make America safe again and will battle every day to take care of our veterans, Murphy said. Two tours in Iraq and a Purple Heart An Iraqi combat veteran, Murphy lost a leg in Baghdad during a reconnaissance mission in 2006 and was awarded a Purple Heart. Advertisement Advertisement During a 2015 inauguration speech, then-Gov. Rick Scott gave a shout out to Murphy for the entrepreneurial spirit he displayed when, after the injury, he moved to Tallahassee, earned a degree at Florida State University and started a realty business selling working farms and recreational lands. Murphys competition for the Republican nomination is Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida; Panama City businessman Keith Gross; Austin Rogers, a former general counsel to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, and Jefferson County farmer Nick Lewis. The Democratic candidates include attorney Yen Bailey, data consultant Nic Zateslo and former grants administrator Amanda Green. Political oddsmakers like the Cook Report give the GOP an eight-point advantage in the district. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on him X: @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida's CD 2 race: Record 8 candidates, Purple Heart veteran joins A former Millersville police officer has been indicted and charged with misconduct following an investigation launched last summer. In a Feb. 15 news release, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that agents had been investigating misconduct allegations leveled at former Millersville Police Department officer Michael Singleton since June 26, 2025. Per the release, agents subsequently determined that earlier that month, Singleton had purportedly engaged in inappropriate contact with a resident at her home, during which he failed to notify dispatch of his whereabouts, document the contact properly and did not activate his body worn camera. Advertisement Advertisement A Sumner County grand jury returned an indictment against Singelton on Feb. 3, charging him with one count of official misconduct. He turned himself into the Sumner County Jail on Feb. 14, where he was booked on a $5,000 bond. The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence, the release reads. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. Singleton was terminated from his position in Millersville, about 15 miles north of Nashville, as a result of the June 2025 incident. According to the Millersville Police Department, he was fired after the department launched an internal investigation into his alleged inappropriate conduct, which purportedly took place on June 22, 2025. He was fired a day later, after a year and a half with the department. Advertisement Advertisement The action of this one officer does not reflect the hard work and dedication of other employees of the Millersville Police Department, Millersville Police Chief Stephen Hale said in a statement on the departments Facebook page. We are committed to integrity, service, commitment, quality and respect of all residents of the City of Millersville. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Former Millersville police officer indicted on misconduct charge U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to reporters at a Sept. 3, 2025, news conference at Louisiana State Penitentiary. She was joined by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to announce the opening of Camp 57, a facility at the prison that will house immigrant detainees. (Photo by Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator) Four immigrant men held inside Camp 57, a recently opened federal immigration lockup located at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, were released from the facility to rejoin their families after a federal judge found their continued incarceration unconstitutional. The men three from Cuba and one from Ethiopia were ordered released Feb. 6 after U.S. District Judge John deGravelles of Baton Rouge determined that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had unlawfully detained them indefinitely, without any plans for their deportations in the reasonably foreseeable future. Advertisement Advertisement Between their months at Camp 57 and prior stints in immigration detention, each of the men had been detained for more than six months, which is generally the limit under federal law, deGravelles ruled. Noncitizens, even those who have been ordered removed from the country, are protected by the constitution, Judge John W. deGravelles said in a written order issued Friday granting the men release under the writ of habeas corpus. The Government may not execute removal proceedings in violation of due process. Nor may it execute removals in violation of its own regulations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The four men released were some of the first to be detained at Camp 57, also known as Louisiana Lockup, a former solitary confinement unit at Angola reopened in September to house federal immigration detainees under the orders of Gov. Jeff Landry, an immigration hardliner and ally of President Donald Trump. Landry opened the unit several months after conservative Gov. Ron DeSantis opened his own state-run immigration detention facility, called Alligator Alcatraz, in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement The men ordered released from Camp 57 had been publicly identified by ICE in a press release as being among the worst of the worst among the agencys immigrant targets, meaning they had previous criminal convictions. In at least three of the four cases, the ICE press release overstated the seriousness of their criminal convictions. Though its true that all four had served time in prison, they had all previously been determined, after ICE screenings, to present no danger to their communities. They had all been released under orders of supervision (OSUP) that required them to check in with ICE at designated times. ICE agents picked up three of the four at the very check-in meetings they were ordered to attend, according to court filings. Since Trumps second term began last year, the administration has pressured immigration agents to drastically increase the number of people they detained, with a reported goal of 3,000 daily immigration arrests across the country, nearly 10 times the number arrested during 2024, former President Joe Bidens last year in office. As a result, ICE agents have made arrests in places and at times including during ICE check-ins they had generally avoided in the past. A persons most fundamental individual right In a court petition filed in December, attorneys at the National Immigration Project and Rights Behind Bars, who are representing the men, argued that ICE violated their due process rights when the agency revoked their supervision orders, and ICE violated its own policies by arresting them without providing a reason or giving them an opportunity to argue against their detention. Advertisement Advertisement According to the petition, all four remained in good standing with the federal government and with their orders of supervision and that it remained unlikely that ICE would be able to deport them. The petition named U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Director ICE Todd Lyons and New Orleans ICE Field Office Director Scott Ladwig as the defendants in the case. The OSUP revocation regulations bear on a persons most fundamental individual right, liberty, which can only be taken away in compliance with procedural due process. the mens attorneys wrote in a court filing in the case. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin assailed deGravelles ruling, calling it inexcusably reckless and noting that the judge was an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama. President Trump and Secretary Noem are now enforcing the law and arresting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. We are applying the law as written. If an immigration judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period. Advertisement Advertisement Three of the men had previously spent time in ICE detention, one of them for more than two years. 72-year-old Francisco Rodriguez Romero, a Cuban national who livesPuerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 1990 and released in 1995. Upon his release from prison, Rodriguez was transferred to federal immigration custody and soon ordered removed from the country. Over the next two years, however, he remained in immigration detention while the government attempted to arrange for his deportation to Cuba, which would not accept him, or elsewhere. Unsuccessful in finding a willing country, he was released in 1997 on OSUP. Rodriquez Romero, who worked for two decades as an addiction counselor after his release, faithfully attended his check-ins with ICE for 28-years, court documents said. His criminal conviction was expunged in 2013. ICE agents arrested him at an immigration check-in meeting in August, informing him that his release order had been revoked. Rodriguez Romero, along with the three other men, ended up in Camp 57 among the first people to be housed in the new facility. On Sept. 5, shortly after Camp 57 opened, ICE published a press release with information about detainees being held there, calling the men the worst of the worst. Advertisement Advertisement According to the press release, all three Cuban men Rodriguez Romero, Ricardo Blanco Chomat and Luis Gaston Sanchez had been convicted of murder. In fact, none of them had. Rodriguez Romero was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Blanco Chomat and Gaston Sanchezs most serious convictions were for attempted murder. Blanco Chomat was released from prison after completing his full five-year sentence in 2003. Gaston Sanchez served 19 years and was released on good behavior in 2023. All four men declined to be interviewed via their attorney, saying they did not want more press after being misrepresented by ICE. Let us know what you think... Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, center, walks with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers down Canal Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans on Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America) Detention cant be indefinite In his decision to release the men from detention, Judge deGravelles addressed the federal governments argument that each of the men was a criminal. This is exactly right each was convicted of a crime, and each served his sentence, DeGravelles said in a footnote. And then ICE itself determined that each should be released into regular, free civilian life. Petitioners criminal histories are not at issue here [the] assertion that Petitioners were criminals is irrelevant to the analysis here. Advertisement Advertisement In court filings, attorneys for the federal government argued that they needed to re-detain the men in order to ensure their deportations. However, months later, all remained in ICE lockup at Angola prisonan ostensibly civil detention center on the grounds of the states only maximum-security prison, deGravelles noted in his ruling. In all four cases, it was found that the men were not likely to be deported within the reasonably foreseeable future. A lack of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba made the deportation to the Caribbean island unlikely. The country has rejected all three of the Cuban plaintiffs in the suit. Advertisement Advertisement The government has not been successful in convincing any third-party countries to accept the men. In his decision, deGravelles noted that Mexico has not agreed to accept the Cuban men from the United States, possibly because they are all over age 60 and one, Rodriguez-Romero, has two age-related degenerative diseases. The Ethiopian man received protection against deportation to his birth country under an international treaty commonly referred to as the Convention Against Torture. But the federal government cannot keep the men detained while they find a country to accept them because, between their time at Camp 57 and their previous stints in immigration detention, they have all been held beyond a six-month legal limit. In a 2001 case, the Supreme Court found six months or less to be a reasonable timeline for ICE to facilitate deportation. If after several months it doesnt seem like ICE is going to be able to deport someone, that person should be released under an order of supervision, except in extreme cases when they are deemed to be dangerous or to be flight risks. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez Romero had spent the most time in immigration detention of the four. But they had all been detained for a total of more than six months. Even Gaston Sanchez, the only one of the four who had not been held in detention prior to last year, was over the limit. He was arrested in late June, meaning that by the time deGravelles ordered him released, he had been detained for more than seven months. The government has continued to look for potential host countries for the men, but that doesnt mean there is a reasonable chance they will be accepted in the near future, deGravelles found. Even with the intent to remove Petitioners to third countries, Respondents cannot give an estimated time for removal. The mere possibility of removal does not demonstrate a significant likelihood of removal, he wrote in his ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Lydia Wright, legal director for Rights Behind Bars, said that deGravelles decision could prove foundational for other aging detainees at Camp 57 with criminal histories and no likelihood of deportation any time soon. This order means that the people who are detained at Camp 57 many of whom are advanced in age and in ill health have a path out, Wright said. Indefinite detention is unlawful and what is happening at Camp 57 one of the many horrid things that are happening there is indefinite detention of immigrants. After deGravelles ruling on Friday, which ordered ICE to release the men within three hours, Wright and Bridget Pranzatelli, an attorney at the National Immigration Project, drove from Baton Rouge to Angola to greet the men all of whom were waiting at the prison gate with excitement, Pranzatelli said in a phone interview with Verite News on Sunday. Pranzatelli said she and Wright drove the men to New Orleans where they were able to shop for toiletries and take warm showers and watch the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. It was the best day of my life, Pranzatelli said of securing the mens release on Friday. They were placed on flights to their homes the next day. Everybody woke up this morning in their own beds with their families where they belong. This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Macron's comments come as tensions between Paris and Niamey continue to simmer following Nigers 2023 coup and as fresh accusations and counterclaims underscore a deepening diplomatic rift between the two countries. On Friday evening, Nigers junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, renewed allegations that France was behind the 29 January attack on Niamey airport, an assault claimed by Islamic State in the Sahel. He described the incident as part of a sick agenda of destabilisation, while maintaining that its apparent objective to cripple Nigers air capabilities had ultimately failed. Advertisement Advertisement Paris has repeatedly denied any involvement, with French armed forces spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet calling the accusations clearly information warfare. Macrons stance has reinforced that position, signalling Frances continued refusal to be drawn into what it sees as politically motivated claims. Niger accuses France, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire of sponsoring airport attack Security tensions and shifting alliances General Tiani, who seized power in July 2023, has frequently criticised France, accusing the former colonial power of financing jihadist groups active in the Sahel a charge Paris strongly refutes. France, which previously led counterterrorism efforts in the region, was forced to withdraw troops following a wave of coups across West Africa. Advertisement Advertisement The January airport attack has become a focal point in this dispute. Tiani said it was meant to be followed by seven simultaneous assaults in the Tillaberi region, a long-troubled area near Nigers western border. While he acknowledged a flaw in airport security, he praised the response of Nigerien forces, saying the attack had been valiantly repelled. Notably, Russian soldiers reflecting Nigers shift towards Moscow as a key partner reportedly assisted in countering the assault. This growing relationship highlights a broader geopolitical shift, as Niger seeks new alliances after cutting ties with France. Despite the heated rhetoric, there are signs of resilience within Nigers security apparatus. Tiani emphasised that defence and security forces are ready to take on any challenge, projecting confidence in the countrys ability to manage ongoing threats. Niger to float its uranium on international market in break with France's Orano Uranium dispute adds economic dimension Beyond security concerns, the standoff between Niger and France has taken on a significant economic dimension particularly over uranium, one of Nigers most valuable resources. Advertisement Advertisement The junta has moved to assert control over the sector, nationalising Somair, a subsidiary of French nuclear fuel company Orano. The decision is part of a broader push to reclaim sovereignty over natural resources, which Nigers leaders say have long been exploited. Tiani struck a somewhat conciliatory note on Friday, stating he was prepared to send France its share of uranium extracted from Somair at the time of the coup estimated at around 100 tonnes. However, he was unequivocal about future production, insisting that everything that has been produced since then is Nigerien and will remain Nigerien. The issue has tangible consequences on the ground. Around 1,000 tonnes of yellow cake uranium concentrate has been sitting at Niamey airport for weeks, awaiting export. Its fate remains uncertain, symbolising the broader stalemate between the two countries. France has challenged the move in court, with Orano launching legal proceedings against the nationalisation. For Nigers leaders, however, it is a step towards greater economic independence and a key part of their post-coup agenda. (With newswires) The freedom to read is like the freedom to think, and libraries are guardians of that freedom. But when access to information is restricted, by policy or fear, we lose one of the most important elements of our free society: the right to make up our own minds. From far left, reporters Kelly Powers, Ben Mace and Shane Brennan engage with a visitor to the Delaware Online/The News Journal's mobile newsroom at the Duck Creek Regional Library in Smyrna on Aug. 20, 2025. Last year Delaware lawmakers took a significant step to protect that right. The Freedom to Read Act (House Bill 119) was signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer in September, establishing clear protections for public and school libraries: requiring that all libraries adopt written policies to ensure books and other materials cannot be removed solely because someone disagrees with the views they contain. So important is this topic to the librarians of the First State, that the keynote speaker at our Library Town Meeting in December was Allison Jennings-Roche from EveryLibrary. The EveryLibrary Institute was deeply involved in the passage of the legislation in partnership with the Delaware Library Association and the Friends of Delaware Libraries and our discussions on the Freedom To Read and Literacy were vital to our continued role in providing a space for free of expression, personal enrichment and its impact on Delaware literacy across the lifespan. Advertisement Advertisement The passage of HB 119 is no small achievement because, according to the American Library Association, more than 5,800 books were challenged in 2024. In some states, proposals seek to criminalize librarians or impose jail time for providing certain books to the public. Suddenly, we have been thrust into the national spotlight, and the centuries old profession of librarianship has evolved from curation of books to the defense of them. Erica Jones-Wilson is director of the Duck Creek Regional Library and the former principal librarian or the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library. Almost in defiance of national events, the interest in banned books and censorship has grown. At Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, a Banned Book Club formed by patrons began in November to explore these very ideas: freedom, access and choice. Across Delaware, just in the month of January alone, there are over 150 book clubs that are meeting to share in the exchange of free thought that we cherish. So, I invite you to join us or begin a club of your own! You can read the titles that have been challenged, talk with others about what they say, and why they matter because to disagree should not be dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement More Open Call: Music transforms Wilmingtons children. They must keep singing At public libraries across our home state our shelves contain the stories of human experience joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat. And if you view each book as a voice, when a book is banned, its silenced. And when enough voices are silenced, the conversation dies. So, visit your local library, keep the conversation going, discover the place where your freedom to read and to think is always welcome. Erica Jones-Wilson, M.L.I.S., is director of the Duck Creek Regional Library and the former principal librarian or the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library. Open Call Open Call is hosted by regional arts and cultural groups on Sundays. If you know a group that would like to be included, please email Tammy Paolino at tpaolino@usatodayco.com for details. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: The Freedom to Read, in defense of your librarys bookshelf The "ultra-left" in France was behind the deadly beating of a French youth aligned with the far right whose death has inflamed political tensions in the country, the justice minister said on Sunday. Gerald Darmanin also accused hard-left politicians, including from the France Unbowed (LFI) party, the largest left-wing faction in parliament, of fuelling violence with their language. The victim, identified only as Quentin, aged 23, had been hospitalised and placed into a coma on Thursday after being attacked in the southeastern city of Lyon. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters said he was providing security at a protest against an appearance by Rima Hassan, an LFI member of the European Parliament, at the Lyon branch of the Sciences Po university when he was assaulted by a gang of rival activists. The office of the Lyon prosecutor on Saturday told AFP he had died of his wounds. An investigation has been opened into suspected aggravated manslaughter, it added. "It was clearly the ultra left that killed him," Darmanin told RTL television. "There are indeed speeches, particularly from France Unbowed and the ultra-left, which unfortunately lead to unbridled violence on social networks and then in the physical world," he said. Advertisement Advertisement "Words can kill," Darmanin added, accusing Hassan and LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon of "not having a word to say for the family of the young man". - Calls for calm - Lyon prosecutors have yet to give details on the circumstances of the killing. According to the Nemesis collective, which is close to the far right, Quentin was providing security for its protesters and was assaulted by "anti-fascist" activists. The family's lawyer said in a statement that Quentin appeared to have been ambushed by "organised and trained individuals, vastly superior in number and armed, some with their faces masked". Advertisement Advertisement LFI lawmaker Eric Coquerel, speaking to Franceinfo, condemned "all political violence" but said the activists responsible for Hassan's security "were in no way involved in what happened". He pointed instead to a particular "context" in the southeastern city marked by violence from "far-right groups". Three-time presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, who is still hoping to stand in 2027 despite a graft conviction, said on X that the "barbarians responsible for this lynching" should be brought to justice. With tensions between France's far right and hard left intensifying ahead of the 2027 presidential election, centrist President Emmanuel Macron has called for "calm" and "restraint". edy-sl-sjw/sbk Feb. 15The fishers slipped into the Cabinet Mountains on New Year's Day 1989. Moving quietly and stealthily, their elongated bodies hardly more than a shadow against the bright winter snowscape. It was their first taste of freedom in months. The fishers had been live captured from Minnesota forests back in November and transported via pickup truck to a research facility in Northwest Montana. There, biologists prepared the small, weasel-like creatures for release back into the wild. They examined each animal for signs of injury or disease, drew vials of blood and affixed radio collars around scruffy, brown-colored necks. The final step was a five-day acclimation period, in which the fishers lived in wire cages on the outskirts of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Every step of the journey had been painstakingly recorded by researchers, but when it finally came time to open the cage doors and release the fishers, the scientists turned away. They wanted the fishers to have the best chance for a stress-free reintroduction. "On the morning of the release date, the cage doors were opened and all humans immediately left the area," wrote Kevin Roy, a graduate student who worked on the project. There were no witnesses to the fishers' first moments back in the wild. They were ghosts, dissolving seamlessly into the forest shadows. More than 100 fishers would be translocated to the Cabinet Mountains between 1989 and 1991. Radio tags helped biologists keep track of a handful of the transplants, but most vanished from the scientific record as soon as they set foot outside their cages. Their fates remained a mystery until a few years ago, when Alex Fraik began scouring the archives of state and federal wildlife agencies. A trained geneticist with the U.S. Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fraik wasn't looking for paper documents. She was far more interested in the scraps of fur, scat and tissue that various agencies had collected and preserved over the years. Stored in each sample was a wealth of genetic information that Fraik could use to reconstruct the long-term results of a suite of fisher translocations that occurred in western Montana and northern Idaho during the 20th century. The analysis would also provide an unprecedented look into the region's current fisher population, enabling land managers to make more informed decisions about the conservation of one of the region's most enigmatic creatures. "The main function of this study was to see how all of these translocations and movements of fishers are impacting contemporary genetic diversity and what we call population structure, or essentially our way of measuring how well these populations of animals are connected and how much they're reproducing together," said Fraik. FISHERS ARE native to boreal forests throughout Canada and the northern United States, but the rampant fur trade of the 1800s extirpated much of the population in western Montana and northern Idaho. Weighing from 5 to 10 pounds, they were once commonly called "fisher cats" likely because of their cat-like scream, partially retractable claws and ability to climb trees. The tides turned back in favor of the fisher in the early 1900s, when timber overtook trapping as the region's industry of choice. Loggers shipped fishers from British Columbia in the hopes that the mustelids would hunt down the bark-loving porcupines that regularly girdled prime timber prospects. State and federal wildlife agencies supplemented early informal translocations with their own projects throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Fishers were captured in British Columbia and released into the Kootenai, Flathead, Bitterroot and Nez Perce-Clearwater national forests. The reintroduction to the Cabinet Mountains between 1989 and 1991 represented the final fisher translocation project in the region. Nathan Kluge, the furbearer coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the state spearheaded some initiatives to research fishers in the intervening years, including two occupancy studies. But that research provided only a broad overview of where fishers were in western Montana, with little information on overall population numbers and even fewer insights into factors like genetic diversity. "We didn't have a really good understanding of our fisher population in Montana," said Kluge. What the state wildlife agency did have was a wealth of fur samples. While completing the first occupancy study in the winter of 2018-19, biologists had erected hair snares at 344 locations across Montana, Idaho and eastern Washington. Another 132 monitoring stations were deployed in the winter of 2023-2024. The contraptions consisted of a piece of metal pocked with wire coils designed to snag onto the fisher's fur. Front country monitoring stations were regularly supplied with slabs of roadkill to entice the fishers, while more remote locations utilized scent pumps that had been set to automatically drip what biologists called "a liquid lure" onto a piece of bone once per day. Back at the Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fraik tweezered the hairs that researchers had gathered into sterile plastic tubes and set the samples spinning in a centrifuge. Several cycles of rapid rotation and heat amplified strands of DNA in the hair, making it possible for researchers to study the genetics of the animals in detail. In the samples from the Cabinet Mountains, Fraik saw clear evidence that at least some of the translocated fishers had survived long enough to reproduce. "[The Cabinet Mountains samples] have genetic markers that are uniquely found in the Midwest, and so, it made it pretty easy to go, 'Oh yes,'" said Fraik. "We know for sure that their ancestors are Midwestern fishers." More puzzling to Fraik was the fact that the Midwestern genetics were completely absent from samples taken outside the Cabinet Mountains. The finding fit within the historical context of fisher translocations. Most biologists sourced fishers from British Columbia. The translocation to the Cabinet Mountains, which used fishers captured in Minnesota and Wisconsin, was an outlier. In theory, the Midwestern transplants would have dispersed from the transplant site in the following years. Some would have mated with native fishers or transplants from British Columbia. Generation by generation, they would have spread their Midwestern genetics throughout the entire region. In reality, Fraik's genetic analysis suggested that the Midwestern fishers and their offspring had stayed within the confines of the Cabinet Mountains. "We expect when we translocate animals, they're going to move and take advantage of these resources, but in some cases, it seems like they kind of stay put and we don't really know why," said Fraik. She suggested that I-90 could be a barrier for fishers attempting to move south from the Cabinet Mountains, but more studies would need to be done to confirm that hunch. In Idaho, a project is already underway to improve the connectivity of fishers in the Cabinet Mountains with more southerly populations in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The two populations are currently separated by the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, which officials say "contain extensive modeled fisher habitat with limited documented fisher observations." Over the next two to three years, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans to translocate up to 15 fishers each year from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest to the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. "If successful, this effort will establish a third population center, provide genetic connectivity and improve our understanding of fisher ecology in Idaho," reads a handout on the program from a January 2026 commission meeting. There are currently no plans to translocate fishers in Montana, but Kluge said the recent genetic study would prove useful if officials decide to follow Idaho's lead in the future. With the information supplied by Fraik's analysis, biologists would be able to ensure any translocated fishers have genetic signatures similar to the native population something that Kluge said biologists are already doing with pine marten translocations in Southwest Montana. For now, he said the agency is conducting research to better ascertain why the Cabinet Mountains continue to host fewer fishers than other areas of Northwest Montana. The running hunch for several years was that the extensive history of timber extraction had left few old growth trees for fishers to den. Biologists distributed man-made den boxes throughout the Cabinet Mountains to test the theory. Game cameras recorded fishers visiting several of the boxes between 2019 and 2025, but none lingered long enough to give birth and raise their kits. Despite the less-than-inspiring results, Kluge said the venture expanded biologists' understanding of fishers and put the agency one step closer to its goal of conserving Montana's native wildlife species. "All of this is an effort to ensure that we have a sustainable fisher population for the foreseeable future," he said. Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected]. Nathan Kluge affixes a scent pump to a tree. (Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) A fisher investigates a hair snare set by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. (Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks set up a site to monitor fishers. (Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) A fisher is captured on camera traps set by the U.S Forest Service. A hair snare can be seen in the foreground. (Courtesy of USDA Forest Service) Sean Xavier Ross, 37, of Tifton, was sentenced Feb. 13 to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus an additional 25 years for the 2024 murder of Brendan Burns. The sentencing follows Ross conviction for the Jan. 29, 2024, shooting of Burns in a car wash parking lot. During the shooting near the intersection of 17th Street and South Central Avenue in Tifton, bullets fired by Ross also struck passing vehicles. One bullet was mere inches from where a 2-year-old child was sitting in a car seat. Advertisement Advertisement Ross had approached Burns from behind before firing the shots in the parking lot of the car. The Tifton Police Department requested help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to lead the case on the day of the shooting. GBI agents worked alongside local detectives throughout the investigation into Burns death. On Nov. 20, 2025, a Tift County jury returned guilty verdicts against Ross for malice murder, felony murder, five counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime. District Attorney Patrick Warren and Chief DA Investigator Melissa Luke prosecuted the case. Chief Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt presided over the sentencing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Japanese plastic manufacturer is aiming to create up to 300 jobs with a nearly $40 million plant on the South Side, which is fast becoming an industrial hub. Sanko Texas Corp. is seeking a tax break from the county for the facility that will be its first plant in the U.S. The site also will serve as its U.S. headquarters. The facility is still in the design phase, although operations are expected to begin in early 2028 - around the time that the Japanese company will hire about 100 people. But the goal is to build up to 300 workers, Sanko President and CEO Toshihiko Goto said at a groundbreaking ceremony for the plant last week. Advertisement Advertisement Goto said the company wants to build its reputation in the U.S. "step by step," with the first step being the San Antonio plant going in on a 43.7-acre site at 16472 Watson Road. READ MORE: Japanese, San Antonio firms teaming up to build $39.8M plant by Toyota Sanko, which bills itself as "pioneers in the plastic injection molding industry," produces plastic products and containers, primarily for other manufacturing companies - like those in the automotive industries. In Japan, it's already established itself as one of the country's top manufacturers, he said, producing more than 70% of the plastic palettes and containers in Japan. Texas is fundamental' For now, the goal is to focus on Texas and build up that market before eventually expanding its U.S. footprint, Goto said. Currently, the company's only presence in the U.S. is an office in San Diego, Calif. Advertisement Advertisement Texas "will be fundamental for future growth for Sanko," he said. Sanko is seeking approval for a 10-year, 75% tax abatement of the county's ad valorem taxes on qualified real and personal property. The tax abatement would be worth $824,848 for the plant. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on it Tuesday. In the documentation for the tax break, Sanko says it will be spending $39.8 million on the manufacturing plant and hiring at least 50 people through 2029, with 36 of those jobs created in 2026. Forty-two of those positions would pay $53,400 to $80,099 annually, and the rest would come with higher salaries. Goto didn't address pay or positions for the additional people that Sanko plans to hire. Those positions weren't addressed in the filing to the county. Advertisement Advertisement MANUFACTURING NEWS: Fortune 500 company secures 25 acres within industrial mega-site' on San Antonio's South Side Sanko will be the latest addition to a growing manufacturing hub on the South Side. Across the road from where the plastic manufacturing plant will stand is the entrance to the Toyota Motor Corp.'s South Side manufacturing plant. The Japanese automaker currently is developing a 500,000-square-foot rear axle plant that will add more than 400 jobs to the area. Down the street, construction on the 1 million-square-foot, British-owned JCB plant continues. The $500 million project will bring 1,500 jobs to its South Side site. Advertisement Advertisement "This is what makes America great - the communities that come together internationally, all ethnic backgrounds," Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores said at the groundbreaking ceremony, which began with a blessing of the land. "Regardless of what's going on at the federal and state levels, we will continue to fight to make sure that we keep America great." The Toyota connection The two Japanese manufacturers already are business partners in their home country. Sanko and Toyota have done a "huge amount of transactions" in Japan, Goto said. The automaker uses Sanko's plastic containers for its assembly lines in Japan. MANUFACTURING NEWS: Toyota begins hiring at new San Antonio plant; will add 400+ employees this year Advertisement Advertisement Goto said the plastics manufacturer hopes to develop a similar relationship with Toyota at the South Side plant and across the U.S. It also wants to build business connections with other manufacturers, he said, pointing out that its plastic palettes and containers could be used by retail companies and logistics facilities. "We continue to see the benefits of Toyota's presence in our community," Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said at the groundbreaking. "This is really a spin-off of that." Business on the South Side is booming as companies come to San Antonio to take advantage of the city's location, which helps facilitate international trade with Mexico and South America, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said. Jones spoke of San Antonio having the talent and infrastructure to support businesses locating here, noting that there are 99,000 residents with an advanced manufacturing background. Advertisement Advertisement The cost to do business in San Antonio doesn't hurt, either, she said. "The numbers don't lie," Jones said. "It costs 15% more on average to do business in Austin, for example. It's 10% less in San Antonio. Not only are we a great community, but the numbers just make sense to be in San Antonio." Jones also emphasized the need to be strategic about what kind of businesses are brought in to the metro area. "This is the type of economic development and the types of jobs our community needs - not ICE detention facilities," Jones said. This article originally published at Global manufacturer sets target of bringing up to 300 jobs to San Antonio. Israel will build a new international airport in southern Israel at Ziklag, alongside a northern airport, as officials warn Ben Gurion is nearing capacity. The government approved the establishment of a new international airport in southern Israel on Sunday, designating the Ziklag area in the Negev as its location. This new airport in the South will be developed alongside an additional international airport in northern Ramat David. The government cited the main factor behind the development of the two new airports as growing congestion at Ben-Gurion Airport. It also said that the new airports would encourage economic growth in the countrys peripheral areas. Advertisement Advertisement The governments decision calls for accelerating planning of the airport in the South to match the pace of the progressing airport in the North, so the two can be developed simultaneously. According to the proposal, the existing Ben-Gurion Airport in central Israel is approaching its maximum capacity of approximately 40 million passengers per year. Without additional international civilian airports, the government said, Israel faces a serious risk of an aviation crisis. This would lead to a shortage of available flights relative to demand and potential pressure to increase ticket prices. An Israeli flag is seen on the first of Israel's El Al Airlines order of 16 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, as it lands at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv (credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN) The government underscored the importance of advancing both the northern and southern airports in parallel. It added that the development of both air hubs would enable balanced economic growth across the North and South, creating numerous jobs in those areas. Strategic importance Further, the government noted the airports strategic importance in emergency scenarios, citing lessons learned during the war and Operation Rising Lion against Iran in June. Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was part of a broader national vision. This is part of our vision, a real vision for developing and settling the Negev and eliminating the periphery, Netanyahu remarked at the government meeting. I have always said, Government infrastructure combined with private initiative. This is the classic connection in the case of this enormous anchor project. Only in this way will we be able to provide a real response to the growing demand from tourists and the air traffic of many millions who arrive in Israel each year, and many more who will arrive, as well as Israeli citizens who travel abroad, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Minister Miri Regev (Likud) said Israel must already prepare for the heavy congestion expected at Ben-Gurion Airport until the additional airports are operational. Establishing two complementary international airports is an urgent national, economic, and security necessity, she said. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) echoed Regevs remarks, adding that the state would allocate the necessary resources to execute both projects in the South and the North. Ahead of Sundays decision, protesters demonstrated in northern Israel against the advancement of the airport in Ramat David. Demonstrators expressed concern that the plan could ultimately result in the construction of an international airport in the northern Jezreel Valley. Advertisement Advertisement They argued such a move would severely harm vital agricultural land, Israels food security, the environment, agriculture, and public health. Protest leaders instead called on the government to develop the airport only in southern Israel. The governments decision on Sunday finalized the southern airports location in the Ziklag area rather than Nevatim, which had initially been considered. Although the Ziklag site had previously been considered, it was originally rejected due to its proximity to Gaza-area flight paths frequently used by the Israel Air Force. Officials had raised concerns about its closeness to the Gaza border and potential security risks. However, the defense establishment ultimately concluded that the risk was not substantial enough to halt the project. Advertisement Advertisement Aviation industry sources have reported that the site could still pose logistical challenges, including potential strain on Israels air traffic control networks. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. CHICAGO (AP) A Chicago teen who spoke out for her fathers release after he was detained last fall by immigration officials in a deportation case has died after battling a rare form of cancer. Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo, 16, died Friday from stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the family said in a statement. Funeral arrangements are private. The teenager had been diagnosed in December 2024 with the aggressive form of soft tissue cancer and had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. An immigration judge in Chicago ruled three days before Ofelias death that her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was conditionally entitled to receive cancellation of removal due to the hardships his deportation would cause his children who were born in the United States and are U.S. citizens, according to the statement sent by an attorney representing Torres Maldonado. The ruling provides Torres Maldonado with a path to becoming a lawful permanent resident and eventual U.S. citizenship, the statement said. Ofelia was present via Zoom at last weeks hearing. Ofelia was heroic and brave in the face of ICEs detention and threatened deportation of her father, said Kalman Resnick, Torres Maldonados attorney. We mourn Ofelias passing, and we hope that she will serve as a model for us all for how to be courageous and to fight for whats right to our last breaths. Torres Maldonado, a painter and home renovator, was detained Oct. 18 at a Home Depot store in suburban Chicago as the area was at the center of a major immigration crackdown dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, which began in early September. Ofelia was undergoing treatment when she appeared in October in a video posted on a GoFundMe page set up for the family. My dad, like many other fathers, is a hard-working person who wakes up early in the morning and goes to work without complaining, thinking about his family, she said in the video. I find it so unfair that hardworking immigrant families are being targeted just because they were not born here. In a wheelchair, she attended a hearing for her father in October. The familys attorneys told a judge at that time that she was released from the hospital just a day before her fathers arrest so that she could see family and friends. They added that Ofelia had been unable to continue treatment because of the stress and disruption. Torres Maldonados attorneys petitioned for his release as his deportation case went through the system. A judge ordered a bond hearing after ruling in October that his detention was illegal and violated Torres Maldonados due process rights. A judge later cited Torres Maldonados lack of criminal history while allowing his release on a $2,000 bond. Lawyers said Torres Maldonado entered the U.S. in 2003. He and his partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, also have a younger son. The Department of Homeland Security had alleged he had been living illegally in the U.S. for years and has a history of driving offenses, including driving without a valid license, without insurance and speeding. Spurred by a fight with Boulder County over the minimum wage and ongoing concerns about deteriorating neighborhood roads, a grassroots group is seeking to make Niwot the newest town in Boulder County. Nick Little speaks during a rally in opposition to changes to the minimum wages for unincorporated Boulder County businesses on Aug. 12, 2025 in Niwot. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer) Its defensive, said Niwot resident and business owner Nick Little, who is president of the Niwot Incorporation Committee. We want to be governed by ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Little said incorporating will give Niwot direct control over its economic and land use policies, as well as the ability to raise money for road repairs, apply for municipal grants and protect its small-town character. While the town is surrounded by Boulder County open space and conservation easements, he said, theres a concern a conservation easement could be terminated for housing, as recently happened near Longmont. He and the other commission organizers hosted their first town hall in December, then a second in January, attended by about 300 people in person and another 150 online. A survey of about 200 attendees found about 60% in favor, or leaning toward yes, on incorporation. About 17% were undecided, while 23% were leaning no or were opposed. Were hoping to get a broad level of support, Little said. Volunteers now are working to finalize ballot language before starting a petition drive. Along with Little, the Niwot Incorporation Committees leadership includes resident Steve Lehan, resident Paula Hemenway and incoming Niwot Business Association president Deborah Fowler. Advertisement Advertisement Lehan was part of a different group that advocated for incorporation in 2019. He said the effort lost steam during the pandemic, but was driven both by the need for road rehabilitation and concerns over a two-year, county-imposed moratorium on new development in Niwots downtown. His interest originated in trying to address the road issues as an HOA member. In all aspects, were a town, Lehan said. We just dont have a town government. A multi-step process The small community of roughly 4,100 residents off Colo. 119 between Boulder and Longmont is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Niwot was platted but not incorporated in 1875, two years after the Colorado Central Railroad extended its tracks northeast from Boulder to link farmers to markets in Denver and Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement The Niwot sign is seen near Diagonal Highway on Feb. Supporters of an initiative to incorporate the community hope to see the proposal make the November ballot. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer) If Niwot becomes a town, it would be the fifth smallest in Boulder County. The smallest four, based on population, are Lyons with about 2,500 residents, Nederland with approximately 2,000 residents, Jamestown with about 250 residents and Ward with roughly 200 residents. Communities that remain unincorporated include Allenspark, Gunbarrel, Hygiene and Gold Hill. Looking statewide, supporters said, Niwot would be the 86th largest municipality out of 273 total. The most recent Colorado community to incorporate was Keystone, where residents voted in 2023 to become a town. Residents then voted on a town charter, with Keystone officially incorporating as a home-rule municipality in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Incorporating requires multiple ballot measures and three separate elections. First, the Niwot group needs to secure enough signatures, about 150 registered voters who own property within the proposed town boundary, to get an incorporation measure on the November ballot. The ballot also needs to include the election of nine commission members to write a home rule charter and measures to authorize sales tax and property tax increases. Along with signatures for those measures, organizers need to submit incorporation documents to a district court judge for approval, with a goal of filing that information by the end of March. If voters approve the incorporation measures in November, Niwot residents next would vote on the charter, with a target date of May 2027. If the charter is approved, the last step is for residents to elect town council members, with a target date of August 2027. The goal, organizers said, is for Niwot to start collecting sales tax revenue in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Like Lehan, Hemenway first got involved as an HOA member trying to find a way to fix the roads. Boulder County has had a policy since the mid-1990s that, while it will cover routine maintenance for subdivision roads plowing snow and sealing cracks and potholes, for example paying the expenses of major rehabilitation and repaving work is primarily the responsibility of the owners of properties served by those subdivision roads. Hemenway said if the HOA paid to repair neighborhood roads, the HOA also would have to take on 100% of the liability for those roads something the HOA wasnt willing to do, given they would continue to be owned by the county. So last summer, a group of residents looked into creating a Niwot Public Improvement District to assess a community-wide tax for the repairs. But, she said, the property tax hike was high and community support limited. Thats when she began to explore incorporation. Along with a better revenue model to solve the road issue, she said, incorporation creates more predictability for businesses considering investing in Niwot. A town would also wield more power with which to negotiate and lobby. When Xcel Energy recently decided to shut off power during high winds, she said, there was no Niwot government to negotiate where that would happen. She also pointed to Niwot being overlooked during the planning for a new Colo. 119 bike path. Advertisement Advertisement It all boils down to local control and who makes decisions, she said. Most communities our size are incorporated. The entrance to the Niwot Emporium is seen on Second Avenue in Niwot on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer) She said she and the other organizers are setting up workshops so residents can delve into the details about the big issues, including the proposed town budget, roads, and fire and emergency services. Another town hall is likely in the spring. Reduced fire service cost a goal The documents that need to be approved by a district court judge include a proposed multi-year town budget that lays out estimated revenues and expenses. Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is to create a 2.5% sales and use tax and add 4 mills to property taxes to fund town expenses, including public safety, public works, staff and administrative costs, and repayment of a bond issue for major repairs to the roads. For the owner of a home valued at $1 million, the organizers estimate the property tax cost as $250 more a year. The organizers, who contend Niwot is overpaying for fire services in comparison to surrounding communities, also say the best-case scenario is to negotiate a better deal with the Mountain View Fire Protection District or switch to a different district. Mountain Views cost for the Niwot community, at about $3.4 million a year, is proportional to property values and equals about $830 per resident, according to numbers compiled by the organizers. The cost per resident for the Boulder Rural and Lyons fire protection districts, is about $450 per resident, they found. Theyre hoping to negotiate a similar per-resident cost. Once the town is incorporated, organizers suggest the new town council consider replacing Niwots roughly 16-mill property tax that goes directly to the Mountain View Fire Protection District with an eight-mill property tax that would go to the town to pay for fire and emergency services. The eight-mill property tax would only be imposed if the town negotiated its own fire services contract, either with Mountain View or a different district. Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say their analysis shows that the same level of fire and emergency services can be provided at a lower total cost, which would allow for a net reduction of about 4 mills in property taxes, largely offsetting the sales tax increase. For road repairs, theyre estimating it will cost $13 million to $15 million to bring all 29 miles of roads up to excellent condition, including reconstructing about seven miles, adding an overlay to about five miles and chip sealing another five miles. For town services, the plan is to contract out as much as humanly possible, including contracting with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office for a full-time deputy, contracting for routine road maintenance and snow removal, and contracting with a judge for municipal court. The town would add a manager, clerk, mayor and council. Concerns raised by residents have included not wanting to pay more for roads that they believe the county has a responsibility to repair, that adding another layer of government is unnecessary, that incorporating creates too much financial risk, and that it could lead to urbanization of Niwot. Organizers emphasized that no developers or outside interests are involved. Advertisement Advertisement This is coming from residents who care about Niwot and want to make it better, Hemenway said. The time is right. Related Articles * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009CU Boulder researchers find brain circuit is contributing to chronic pain\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009CU Boulder program seeks donations to continue supporting former foster care students\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Rochat, Can You See?: Impossible dreams, on and off the diamond\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009From the archives: Train derailment near First Avenue and Emery Street\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009St. Vrain Valley volunteer Peg Brown shares stories with elementary children (Five Questions)\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 Gunmen on motorcycles have rampaged through three villages in northern Nigeria, killing at least 46 people and abducting several more, according to witnesses and local police. The raids by gunmen happened in villages in the Borgu local government area in Niger State, on the border with Kwara and Katsina states, a humanitarian source told AFP news agency on Saturday. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bloodiest attack happened in the village of Konkoso, where at least 38 people were shot dead or had their throats slit. Advertisement Advertisement Most of the homes in the village were burned down and apart from those already counted as dead, other bodies are being recovered, the source added. A resident of Konkoso told AFP the gunmen first attacked the nearby village of Tungar Makeri before heading to his village. The raids come amid a complex security crisis in northern Nigeria, featuring armed groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS) as well as gangs that abduct people for ransom money. Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State police spokesperson, confirmed the attack in one of the villages. Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village, he said. Six persons lost their lives, some houses were also set ablaze, and a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were abducted. Advertisement Advertisement He added that the assailants moved on to Konkoso village, while details of other attacks remained unclear. Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso, told the Reuters news agency the attackers entered the village around 6am (05:00 GMT) on Saturday, shooting indiscriminately. He said residents heard military jets flying overhead. They were operating freely without the presence of any security, Abdullahi Adamu, another resident of Konkoso, told The Associated Press news agency. The border between Niger and Kwara states is home to the Kainji Forest, a known haven for bandits and fighters, including from the armed group Boko Haram. Advertisement Advertisement Last October, the al-Qaeda affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) also claimed responsibility for its first attack on Nigerian soil, near Woro, in Kwara State. Religious and community leaders from the Borgu area in Niger State last week called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in the area to put an end to the recurring attacks, Nigerian media reported. An employee at a Hanford bar has been hospitalized following a shooting. Police say officers responded to the Sequoia Club, located on Irwin Street near West 7th Street, just before 1 a.m. Saturday. When officers arrived, they found the employee as well as damage to nearby vehicles and buildings. The victim was taken to the hospital and is expected to be okay. Investigators say the suspect or suspects fled the scene before officers arrived. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact the Hanford Police Department. The Rogers County Health Department broke ground Monday on a central storage facility for the eight-county northeast region. In Oklahoma, county health departments fall under districts overseen by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Rogers County belongs to District 4, which encompasses the northeast corner of the state: Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Wagoner and Washington counties. David Chissoe, regional administrative director for District 4, said the eight health departments under his purview store supplies at their individual sites. Chissoe said this scheme works under normal circumstances, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, it posed major logistical problems. Advertisement Advertisement "It was a struggle, to say the least," Chissoe said. "As so many things that we did during COVID, it was figuring it out on the fly. This is definitely a lesson learned from COVID of how to better be prepared for those kinds of events." The warehouse will cover about 8,000 square feet, Chissoe said, and the department hopes to open it by October or November. Hunter & Millard Architects designed the structure, and Crossland Construction will build it. Chissoe said his agency will use the warehouse to store materials for its community outreach and education programs, clinical services and emergency response. "Also, when we get supplies delivered, we can just have them delivered to a central location," Chissoe said. "It just makes distribution that much faster." Advertisement Advertisement Chissoe said the department chose Rogers County for its distribution warehouse because it is relatively centrally located in the district and has the best highway access to the other seven counties. Although the health department is paying for the warehouse from its own operating budget, it got prior approval from the Rogers County Commissioners in September to start the project. District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows, also a member of the health department's board, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. Burrows said the health department rose up to the challenge of COVID-19, especially administering tests and vaccines, despite the limitations of its facility. "Post-COVID, made the investment into the main building, did some beautiful renovations to both the main building and the annex, and now this," Burrows said. "Hopefully we never experience anything like that ever again, but it did teach us we better be prepared. ... When you have the right tools, you're able to perform at a higher level. That's what all this is going to do." Advertisement Advertisement Burrows noted the building on the health department's concept drawing doesn't resemble a typical warehouse. Long awnings flank it on three sides, and asphalt markings show two drive-thru lanes and dedicated parking spots. Chissoe said the health department is designing it that way because it also plans to use the building for community events and emergency preparedness exercises. Burrows said it should look like a great place of business. Chissoe said it's exciting to think about how the new building will serve both his department and the community. "I think it's going to be a big breath of fresh air," Chissoe said. "[People should know] their tax dollars are being used for something to serve the community and to serve it more efficiently, and to get health resources to them in the most efficient way possible." Top justices issue a conditional order, saying judge shortages are harming the public. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has been ordered by the High Court of Justice to explain why he has not convened the Judicial Selection Committee to begin judicial appointments - a move petitioners say has left Israels courts dangerously understaffed and the publics access to justice in peril. In a tense hearing last week before Justices Ofer Grosskopf, Alex Stein, and Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, the court indicated it would issue a conditional order requiring Levin to state under oath why he has not exercised his authority to bring the committee together to vote on judicial nominations for the purpose of filling the missing judge posts in all jurisdictions of the judicial branch. Advertisement Advertisement Under the courts timetable, Levin must submit a sworn affidavit by March 8 explaining his position. The Attorney-General and the petitioners - including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), which filed the petition - have until March 15 to file their principal arguments. A hearing opposing the conditional order is expected to be scheduled in late March, the justices said. MQG said in response, For over a year and a half, the judicial system has been paralyzed, with dozens of judge positions vacant in all instances - from the magistrate courts to the Supreme Court, where four judicial seats remain empty. The Israeli public is paying the price through delays, accumulating cases, and severe harm to the right of access to justice. ustice Minister Yariv Levin attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 14, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) It added, Levin has turned himself, on his own authority and contrary to the law, into a veto player over judicial appointments, a power that is not granted to him by law. It must not be allowed for the minister to continue holding the committee hostage for political purposes. 'We are releasing defendants accused of murder' At last weeks hearing, justices did not mince words. Advertisement Advertisement We are releasing defendants accused of murder, Stein said, warning that severe shortages of judges have hamstrung the courts, delayed criminal proceedings, and forced the release of serious offenders due to lack of available panels. That means something is not working. Grosskopf pressed Levins attorney, Zion Amir, asking how prolonged inaction could be squared with the public interest: How can the minister claim to be acting for the publics benefit, when court presidents are saying criminal proceedings cannot even be opened because there are no judges? he asked. Under Israeli law, the Justice Minister chairs the Judicial Selection Committee and is responsible for convening it when judicial vacancies arise. Petitioners argue that Levins long refusal to convene the panel - with the committees last meeting held on January 26, 2025 - has left dozens of judicial posts unfilled, hurting the systems ability to function. According to the Attorney-Generals Office, roughly 44 judicial positions are currently vacant, with another 21 expected to open by the end of 2026, bringing the total to around 65 - not including new positions to be created under recent budgets. Without appointments, cases accumulate, hearings are delayed, and litigants wait longer for justice. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has sharply criticized Levins strategy as illegal and harmful to the public interest, asserting that he has effectively created a veto over judicial appointments that is not grounded in statute. Miara says the law requires only a simple majority vote for lower and district court appointments and that conditioning meetings on broad consensus is contrary to both the letter and purpose of the law. Levin maintains that until there is sufficient agreement among committee members - including representatives of the judiciary, the Israel Bar Association, and the Knesset - the committee should not be convened. His legal team says past practices show that the committee has sometimes gone long periods without meeting, and that seeking broad consensus is a legitimate exercise of his discretionary authority. His argument echoes debates that have accompanied the governments broader judicial reform agenda, which has placed the composition and role of the Judicial Selection Committee at the center of systemic change. Critics say that the ministers restraint in convening the panel has, in practice, amounted to a prolonged freeze on appointments. In issuing the conditional order, the High Court directed him to explain why he has refrained from exercising his statutory authority to convene the committee and address the ongoing judicial vacancies. If the court finds his reasons insufficient, it could convert the conditional order into an absolute one. An area high school secretary was arrested after police say she had a sexual relationship with a student. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Union City Police Department arrested 31-year-old Alicia Hughes following an investigation into allegations involving inappropriate conduct with a minor. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Hughes was an employee of the Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Randolph County, Indiana, according to police. Law enforcement was initially notified of an alleged battery that occurred overnight. During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Hughes husband had discovered her with an 18-year-old student of the Randolph Eastern School Corporation and confronted them. Hughes was allegedly battered during the altercation. The alleged battery is being investigated by the Randolph County Sheriffs Office. As the investigation progressed, Union City Police Department investigators uncovered evidence that Hughes had also engaged in a sexual relationship with a separate high school student who was 17 years old at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators determined that Hughes and the minor engaged in sexual intercourse on at least five occasions. Based on the obtained evidence, Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of Child Seduction related to the sexual relationship with the minor student. She was transported to Randolph County Jail, where she is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. The investigation remains ongoing at this time. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Lebanons historic town square will undergo a renovation Monday that includes the removal of the Neddy Jacobs cabin. The cabin sits near the roundabout off the historic square in a parking lot. Construction is set to begin Monday on the northwest quadrant park, which will be home to a new green space, a concert staging area and seating. News 2 On Tour | Explore the communities that shape Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanon City Council approved the new development in December. (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) The Neddy Jacobs cabin has reportedly been around since Lebanon was chosen as the Wilson County seat in 1801. When the town was founded and lots were sold on 1802, the Jacobs family were the only ones living in a cabin near the spring from which the town was centered, according to the cabins historical marker. Edward (Neddy) Jacobs and his Lumbee Indian wife, Layula, moved to Tennessee from North Carolina. After Jacobs death, Layula moved west with some Cherokee who passed through on the Trail of Tears. State report shows Wilson Countys infrastructure needs are in the billions Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell said for a long time, the square was made up of antique stores and the cabin, which sits on the northwest quadrant. Historic downtown, its a place we want preserved, Bell said. We have a lot of families on the square now; we have several restaurants. Rendering of new portion of Lebanon town square Bell added the cabin is in disrepair, and the city decided to turn the property into a useable green space. Thats what a square is all about. Squares historically are places people can gather, this park is somewhere people can gather. They can eat there. They can hang out there, play music there, play games there, he said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com A petition has been launched to help save the cabin, citing it as a symbol of our communitys heritage, reminding us of the resilience and courage of the early settlers. Advertisement Advertisement The sidewalk will be blocked during construction, which is expected to last around six months. 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. Wa Chi Minh Vang spent nine years in jail in Vietnam, where he ran afoul of government operatives for preaching Christianity within the countrys tight-knit Hmong community. His father, he said, died in jail, but Wa Chi Minh Vang never stopped advocating for greater religious freedom through his Hmong United for Justice YouTube channel, which he ran for years from Minnesota in an attempt to rally fellow refugees to the cause. After seven years in a refugee camp in Thailand, his sister Thi Dua Vang, her husband and five other members of their family were finally able to join him in St. Paul in December 2023, when eight Hmong-Vietnamese families arrived together in the Twin Cities. The areas Hmong-Vietnamese Christian community had suddenly nearly doubled in size. Were very, very small, said Wa Chi Minh Vang, sitting with his sister, her husband and their granddaughter, who remain in hiding together in Minnesota following Thi Dua Vangs two-week detention last month by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Were just 20 families. Advertisement Advertisement Thi Dua Vangs life changed on the morning of Jan. 8, and not for the better. At 7:40 a.m., federal agents knocked on the door of her St. Paul rental home. Thi Dua Vang, a grocery worker, had put in late hours the night before and was still in bed, but her 11-year-old son opened the door. Do you know this guy? they asked him, showing him a name. Oh, thats my mom! her son replied. Wheres your mom? they pressed. My moms still sleeping, he said. Within minutes, the federal agents had roused Thi Dua Vang from bed. Two years after relocating to Minnesota, praying for a better life, the 49-year-olds next ordeal began. She and her husband are in the U.S. legally and in the process of acquiring green cards. Advertisement Advertisement In the month since, her experience has underscored the scope of both Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, two federal efforts that claim to focus on detaining the worst of the worst while re-interviewing lawful refugees whose permanent residency applications are still in the pipeline. Critics, from civil rights advocates to federal judges, have pointed to detentions like Vangs as they question why the federal governments tactics have aggressively detained unwitting, everyday workers who have no criminal history and face no criminal charges. In a written statement, a media office for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said of Thi Dua Vang: This individual was in the United States without legal status and was arrested by ICE. They have been released on bond and will have their day in court. A two-week ordeal Meanwhile, in Thi Dua Vangs St. Paul home, the federal agents explained they needed to check paperwork related to her application for a permanent residency credential known as a green card. The agents collected all of the papers she showed them, including her personal I.D. and her Social Security card, in a bag. Then they quickly collected her and transported her to the Bishop Henry Whipple Building, a federal office building at Fort Snelling that has doubled as a detention facility during Operation Metro Surge, the Department of Homeland Securitys weeks-long immigration enforcement action. Advertisement Advertisement The next day, she was boarded onto a plane to El Paso, Texas, where she was held for about a week in a chilly, prison-like setting, surrounded by other women, most of them Spanish-speakers. Unable to speak English or Spanish, Thi Dua Vang said she was at a loss to communicate with others around her. On Jan. 12, she was boarded onto yet another plane, where she was the only woman among a large group of Latin men. From her best understanding of the situation, she recalled, she thought she was headed back to Vietnam alone. She has no criminal history, said Wa Chi Minh Vang, at a loss to understand why the government would attempt to deport her, while translating questions from a reporter to her and her husband during a recent interview. She has no criminal anything. She works in a grocery store and comes home. Shes been here just two years. The airplane taxied out toward the runway, and then taxied back, she said. Her name was called. She was taken off the plane and placed back in detention, with little understanding of why. Within three days, she was transported to another federal facility, this one in Houston, Texas, where she shared another chilly detention cell with 20 other women, most of them Spanish speakers. Advertisement Advertisement During her two weeks in detention, food consisted of a light soup for breakfast, a potato for lunch and another for dinner. She was never offered the opportunity to go outside for fresh air, to stretch her legs or see the sun. A court appearance on Jan. 20 resulted in an offer: she could get out of detention on a $3,500 bond. Her family, through an attorney, agreed to pay the sum, though it was unclear why she would be considered a flight risk or on what charges she was being held on. Wa Chi Minh Vang and her husband drove for the better part of two days, spending the night in Oklahoma City. At 3 p.m. on Jan. 21, they received an email indicating Thi Dua Vang would be freed within three hours. Even driving as fast as they could without getting pulled over, they were still at least seven hours away. Released, and then hounded Released from the federal detention facility in Houston near 8 p.m. with her cell phone but no documents, Thi Dua Vang made a plaintive call to her family. She had nowhere to go but to linger outside the federal buildings, which would not allow her to stay in the lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Are you guys coming? she asked. They released me outside. Her husband and brother were still almost four hours away, they said. They asked her to use her phone to take pictures of her whereabouts so they could use the surroundings as landmarks to find her. At 11 p.m., the three were tearfully reunited, having overcome just the first two-week hurdle in whats become an ongoing immigration nightmare. Once back in Minnesota, Thi Dua Vang found she had lost her job at the grocery store as someone had already taken her place. She checked in with ICE officials, who told her to make annual visits to their office from now on. Her husband and brother brought her to Driver and Vehicle Services to see about replacing her missing I.D. and other documents confiscated but never returned by ICE. Then, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 27, came another knock on her door. It was federal agents again. This time, she knew not to open up for them. They returned on the afternoon of Jan. 31, but again walked away empty-handed, though it did not appear they walked far. Relatives spotted two large Black vehicles parked on either side of her home until 2 a.m. the next morning. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, shes gone into hiding with her husband, praying that ICE will finally leave her alone. Shes very, very scared, Wa Chi Minh Vang said. Her husband is equally apprehensive but also optimistic. America is supposed to be the land of the free, he said. For two years, for his family, it had been. Hes scared of driving, Wa Chi Minh Vang said. He says, Were not angry. We suffered persecution in Vietnam and went to Thailand, and we came to this country. We trust God. We dont have the power to do anything, but we trust God.' As of Wednesday afternoon, an online fundraiser on GoFundMe.com tinyurl.com/ThiDuaFund had raised more than $30,000 for Thi Dua Vangs family from more than 770 donations. Related Articles White House border czar Tom Homan on Sunday offered up praise for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, saying the three have been able to work together to crack down on illegal immigration in the state. Speaking with CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union, Homan said many have questioned his meetings with the two Democratic leaders but added that he believes, You can't fix problems talking in an echo chamber; you got to talk to the people that you may disagree with." Ive gotten agreements in Minnesota I never thought we'd be able to get, Homan said. And I got to give credit to the governor, we had a good conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Homan added that with Walzs cooperation, the state prisons are now helping immigration officers, such as sharing information related to non-citizen incarcerated people. And Mayor Frey and me will never agree on much, but you know what? His officers did respond to take down illegal roadblocks that made it unsafe for not only the citizens of Minnesota, but our officers, Homan continued. Homans praise for the Minnesota leaders is a stark contrast to previous rhetoric from other administration officials, including President Donald Trump, in the wake of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Trump had previously accused Frey of violating the law, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had accused both Walz and Frey of inciting violence in Minneapolis. She also said the two needed to grow up." Advertisement Advertisement Homan on Sunday addressed the difference between his and Noems approach, saying: Do me and secretary Noem agree on everything? No, We have discussions and we have different opinions. That's what makes it a strong team. We bring different ideas to the table." Homan, who was sent to Minneapolis following the killings of Good and Pretti and subsequent protests, announced on Friday a significant drawdown of federal agents in the city was underway, achieving a goal sought by Walz and Frey. He said the drawback indicated the administrations immigration crackdown is working. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Georgia homeowners have struggled with insurance companies that drop coverage out of the blue, according to 13WMAZ. What's happening? In Houston County, Georgia, an insurance company informed one homeowner that if she did not replace her roof which was only six years old and in perfect condition they would drop coverage. The homeowner, Autumn Stylianou, told 13WMAZ, "At the time, it was very scary when it happened. I was a new homeowner. I'd never had that happen before." Advertisement Advertisement Stylianou isn't the only one. Senator Larry Walker III informed 13WMAZ that some homeowners have received only two weeks' notice before their coverage was removed. Why does this wave of sudden insurance cancellations matter? This troubling trend isn't exclusive to Georgia. Those living in areas prone to extreme weather are being dropped from insurance companies that don't want to foot the bill. And in a world where storms and other extreme weather events are intensifying, more homeowners are deemed at-risk. In Oklahoma, 1,300 homeowners were left without coverage after Farmers Insurance dropped them due to wildfire risk. This has forced people to turn to state-sponsored insurance plans, where premiums are soaring. In the face of rising costs, many families have no choice but to remain uninsured, leaving them prone to damage from extreme weather events. Advertisement Advertisement For example, uninsured California families' homes have burned down in wildfires, leaving them with nothing. How are Georgia lawmakers addressing this issue? Georgian insurance companies are now required to provide 60 days' notice to homeowners before dropping them, according to 13WMAZ. This new law took effect at the start of January 2026. Another law creates catastrophe savings accounts for storm damage. Contributing to these accounts gives homeowners a state tax deduction. They are also not required to pay taxes when taking money out. Of the new laws, Stylianou told 13WMAZ, "I think that it's really good. I think they should go further also." 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. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) A glove containing DNA found a couple of miles from the Arizona home of Today show host Savannah Guthrie s missing mother appears to match those worn by a masked person outside her house the night she disappeared, the FBI said Sunday. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence in the search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, which heads into its third week. Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed. Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthries health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriffs dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com. Heres what to know about her disappearance and the search to find her: Video of masked man and discovery of a glove The FBI on Tuesday released surveillance videos of a person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthries front door the night she vanished. A porch camera recorded video of the person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, jacket and gloves. On Thursday, the FBI called the person a suspect. It described him as a man about 5 feet, 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall with a medium build. The agency said he was carrying a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. On Sunday, the FBI said in a statement that a glove, found in a field near the side of a road about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the home, had been sent off for DNA testing. The agency said that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. Late Friday, law enforcement agents sealed off a road about two miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthries home as part of their investigation. A series of sheriffs and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock. Investigators also tagged and towed a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking lot. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said the activity was part of the Guthrie investigation. Studying DNA Investigators collected DNA from Guthries property which doesnt belong to Guthrie or those in close contact with her, the sheriffs department said. Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. Evidence requiring forensic analysis is being sent to the same out-of-state lab that has been used since the beginning of the case, the department said. The FBI has said approximately 16 gloves were found in various spots near the house, most of which were searchers gloves that had been discarded. Sorting through tips The Pima County sheriff and the FBI announced phone numbers and a website to offer tips. Several hundred detectives and agents have been assigned to the case, the sheriffs department said. The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1. The sheriffs department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls. The sheriffs department has not said whether any tips have advanced the investigation. On Tuesday, sheriff deputies detained a person for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Authorities didnt say what led them to stop the man but confirmed he was released. The same day, deputies and FBI agents conducted a court-authorized search in Rio Rico, about an hours drive south of the city. Family pleas Savannah Guthrie, her sister and her brother have gone on social media and shared multiple video messages to their mothers purported captor. The familys Instagram videos have shifted in tone from impassioned pleas to whoever may have their mom, saying they want to talk and are even willing to pay a ransom, to bleaker and more desperate requests for the publics help. A video on Thursday was simply a home video of their mother and a promise to never give up on her. And on Sunday night, Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video in which she issued an appeal to whoever abducted her mother or anyone who knows where she is being kept. It is never too late to do the right thing, Guthrie said. And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that its never too late. A quiet neighborhood Nancy Guthrie lived alone in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where houses are spaced far apart and set back from the street by long driveways, gates and dense desert vegetation. Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona and once worked at a television station in the city, where her parents settled in the 1970s. She joined Today in 2011. In a video, she described her mother as a loving woman of goodness and light. She has credited her mom with holding their family together after her father died of a heart attack in 1988 at age 49, when Savannah Guthrie the youngest of three siblings was just 16. By The Associated Press The Brief FOX 26 Storm Alert - Saturday Evening Strong to severe storms expected Big Impacts to Mardi Gras and Valentines Plans expected Crisp mornings and beautiful days beginning Sunday HOUSTON - Valentine's Day plans might have to be altered as a line of severe storms are rolling in this evening bringing heavy rain. Tornado watch canceled | 8 p.m. Around 8 p.m., the tornado watch was canceled for much of the Greater Houston Area. The watch remained in place until 9 p.m. for the counties of Chambers and Galveston. Advertisement Advertisement The counties released from the watch were Brazoria, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, Wharton, Fort Bend, Matagorda and San Jacinto. The Galveston area also began to clear up around this time, viewers reported. Weather damage was reported in the Pearland area, as well as in Montgomery County. Tornado warning | 7 p.m. A tornado warning was issued for parts of the counties of Brazoria, Harris and Galveston from 6:50 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The NWE said around 6:50 p.m. severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located along a line extending from near South Belt and Ellington to six miles northeast of Bonney, moving east at 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Two particular areas of concern were listed near Pearland and Rosharon. This tornado warning replaces the severe thunderstorm warning issued for the same area. Tornado watch A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in the Houston-area. The National Weather Service says the following counties are under a tornado watch until 9 p.m.: Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Marion, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton. Severe thunderstorm warning The National Weather Service has been issuing severe thunderstorm warnings for several counties until various points of the evening. Advertisement Advertisement A warning is in place for Northeastern Wharton County, Fort Bend County, Northwestern Brazoria County, Southwestern Liberty County, Southeastern Waller County, and Harris County until 6:45 p.m. Wind gusts of 60 mph have been reported, possibly causing damage to roofs, siding, and trees. FOX 26 Storm Alert Saturday evening Strong to severe storms and heavy rain are likely Saturday evening as a strong system rolls into southeast Texas. Houston has been placed under a higher 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms bringing the potential for heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, small hail and even a tornado or two. The main window for the strongest storms appears to begin around 5 p.m. northwest of Houston and sweep into the Gulf by 10 p.m. Impacts on Valentine's and Mardi Gras plans There will be a high chance of showers much of Saturday midday for Mardi Gras in Galveston and Valentine's plans. The threat of storms increases on Saturday night, between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Houston and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Galveston. Mardi Gras parades, concerts and parties could be impacted. So plan on delays and make sure to have a way to get alerts in case you need to get inside quickly. Crisp and clear afterward Advertisement Advertisement Behind the front, cooler and much drier air settles in. Expect crisp mornings and clear, pleasant afternoons beginning Sunday and carrying into early next week a refreshing return to more comfortable conditions. But plan on the more intense heat returning as we climb to the mid 80s by Thursday afternoon. The Source Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations around the world against the Iranian government, following calls from the exiled son of the late shah for a "global day of action". Addressing an estimated 250,000 people in Munich, Reza Pahlavi - who has called for the overthrow of the Iranian government - denounced the crackdown on recent protests. Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto saw the largest crowds on Saturday, with smaller protests in cities including Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Sydney and London. Advertisement Advertisement It is estimated that more than 6,000 people have been killed after joining demonstrations against Iran's rising cost of living, and which transformed into a wider anti-government movement. Reza Pahlavi and his wife Yasmine Pahlavi in Munich on Saturday [EPA] Pahlavi told the crowd: "My first message is to our brave and fighting compatriots inside the country. "Know that you are not alone, and today the world stands with you in this struggle." Criticising Iran's leadership, he said: "In contrast to this corrupt, repressive, child-killing regime, you represent a great culture and civilisation, and in a free Iran of tomorrow you will prove to the world what a great nation we are." Advertisement Advertisement Pahlavi's daughter, Noor Pahlavi, addressed a crowd in Los Angeles. The BBC's US partner CBS News reported her as saying Iranians had "never been this close to freeing up themselves from this Islamic regime". She called on US President Donald Trump to end ongoing nuclear talks with Iran's leadership, describing it as "negotiation with murderers". On Friday, Trump told reporters a change in Iran's government would be the "best thing that could happen," although it was unclear whether his comments were in reference to Pahlavi, who is seeking a role in Iran. Speaking to the Reuters news agency last month, Trump said Pahlavi seemed "very nice" but expressed uncertainty over whether he could muster enough support within Iran to eventually lead it. Advertisement Advertisement In Toronto, where an estimated 350,000 joined a demonstration, participants told BBC Persian they were there to speak out on behalf of friends and family inside Iran. Street protests broke out on 28 December, initially sparked by economic turmoil and fuelled by long-running discontent with the country's leaders. Demonstrations spread to more than 100 cities and towns across all of Iran's provinces. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the deaths of 6,872 protesters, including more than 150 children. Iranian authorities have acknowledged that at least 3,000 people were killed, but have claimed some were members of the country's security forces. Advertisement Advertisement Many demonstrators in Iran have chanted Pahlavi's name and called for his return to political leadership. Groomed from birth to inherit the throne, Pahlavi was 18 years old when the 1979 Islamic revolution swept away his father's monarchy. Almost 50 years later, Pahlavi is once again seeking a role in shaping his country's future. But critics question whether his vision for Iran would ultimately lead to a democratic republic or risk restoring a monarchy, an accusation he has repeatedly denied. More on this story Hundreds of people walked 50 miles from Wilson to Raleigh as part of the "Love Forward Together" movement, demonstrating physical and moral endurance. "I had to be here on the last day. I've been here for three days; the people are beautiful," said Susan Cortiled-Jones, an attendee. "We are here to mobilize unity in our community so that we can come together and be as one," added Linda and Terry Bristowe, also attendees. Advertisement Advertisement The group, accompanied by civil rights leader Bishop William J. Barber II, walked to the Capitol to highlight the power of love and its ability to drive change. They protested what they described as relentless policy violence against poor and low-income people. "Everything can be conquered through love. I loved the message. So many things we are fighting for like voting, education, citizenship," said Teresa Ashe, an attendee. Presenters also emphasized the importance of voting in the 2026 North Carolina primary elections. "We should all be emailing our local and state and federal people. But we also have to come together in public so say we are united together. We are not in this alone," Ashe said. "I hope people will be inspired to get out. Be active and be creative," Cortiled-Jones added. Idaho doesnt have to choose between a balanced budget and meeting the needs of its people. We can do both. But that requires that the Legislature stops defaulting to cuts and starts making choices that strengthen our state. Idaho Democrats are offering a better path, one that keeps people working, supports kids and families, and protects the investments that drive our economy. One place to start is relief that actually reaches families who feel every price increase. Democrats want to reinstate Idahos child tax credit, which Republicans decided to sunset. Created in 2018 after federal changes increased tax bills for families with children, the credit helped cover groceries, rent, utilities and other basics. Bringing it back would deliver targeted relief to families feeling the squeeze of rising costs. Advertisement Advertisement The same logic applies to child care. Idahos workforce doesnt function if parents cant find or afford a safe place for their kids. Democrats are pushing to increase investment in the Idaho Child Care Program so more parents can stay on the job, pick up more hours or take a better job when its offered. Thats good for families, and its good for employers who are tired of trying to staff shifts in a state where child care is out of reach. And Idaho should be protecting the workforce pipeline, not shrinking it. Idaho LAUNCH connects graduates to training and education for in-demand careers. Families and businesses support it because its practical and grows our economy. Yet lawmakers have already moved money out of the LAUNCH fund. This means fewer scholarships to build the workforce of the next generation. Right when employers are already short, we will produce fewer welders, nurses, and other skilled professionals. These ideas only pencil out if lawmakers curb expensive giveaways while squeezing everything else. The $50 million voucher-style private school tax credit is an indulgence we cant afford in a tight budget year. Pausing or repealing it would free up real dollars for shared priorities that are on the chopping block. Tax policy needs the same honesty. Estimates put the cost of the tax conformity package at roughly $155 million this year and $175 million next year. That kind of revenue loss reduces funds for schools, public safety and health care. Democrats have been clear about the direction we need: targeted relief for working people and small businesses, not choices that force cuts to backfill the loss Advertisement Advertisement Idaho also has a responsible bridge option. The state has around $1.4 billion in reserves. Using a portion strategically can prevent long-term damage while lawmakers unwind unaffordable choices and stabilize the budget. Idaho can balance the books without balancing them on the backs of working families. The Legislature just has to decide who this budget is for. Lauren Necochea is chair of the Idaho Democratic Party. Nasser Hospital was used as a command center by Hamas, the IDF said, following MSFs decision to halt noncritical medical activity due to armed presence. The Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, which Doctors Without Borders has left, is not just a weapons storage spot for terror, but a full-fledged Hamas headquarters, the IDF said on Sunday. "For over two years, the IDF and the defense establishment have warned about the cynical use by terrorist organizations in Gaza of hospitals and humanitarian shelters as human shields to conceal terrorist activity," stated the military. Advertisement Advertisement Following the statement made by Doctors Without Borders, "regarding the reduction of its operations due to the presence of armed individuals, the IDF indeed possesses intelligence indicating that Nasser Hospital is being used as a headquarters and military post for senior Hamas commanders and operatives in southern Gaza." "This is an important decision, but one that comes too late. This is further proof that reinforces the necessity for the disarmament of the Hamas terror organization," concluded the IDF. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Saturday announced the suspension of all noncritical medical operations in Nasser Hospital after reports emerged of armed men using the facility to move weapons and interrogate patients. In recent months, in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, patients and MSF personnel have seen armed men, some masked, in different areas of the large compound of the hospital, the nonprofit organization said in a statement published on its website. Advertisement Advertisement It also specified that these situations occurred in parts of the medical compound where the MSF is not conducting activities. With an uptick since the ceasefire, MSF teams have reported a pattern of unacceptable acts including the presence of armed men, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and a recent situation of suspicion of movement of weapons, MSF said, adding that these incidents pose serious security threats to our teams and patients. The organization said that MSF formally expressed our strong concern to the relevant authorities, and emphasized the incompatibility of such violations with MSFs medical mission. Hospitals must remain neutral, civilian spaces, free from military presence or activity, to ensure the safe and impartial delivery of medical care. According to a Reuters report, this directive was also applied to several other hospitals in southern Gaza where armed men were spotted. The Post visits Shifa Hospital In November 2023, The Jerusalem Post visited Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza up close and saw the extensive, heavy, and regular weapons Hamas had been hiding there. Advertisement Advertisement The stash included rocket-propelled grenades, large offensive drones capable of dropping grenades on soldiers, heavy rifles, and other weapons. In addition, thePost entered the tunnel network Hamas had been using under Shifa Hospital, which included extensive rooms for various functions and branched in multiple directions to connect the area to other parts of northern Gaza and southern Gaza. A group in Illinois is launching a state campaign against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. It is being launched during the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Summit. On Saturday, advocates for immigrant rights launch a statewide policy campaign in response to continued ICE enforcement activities in communities of color. "The power is in our hands that we are the ones that have to step up, get up and defend your rights," ICIRR summit attendee Sugeira Tellez said. Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago area resident was among those attending this year's Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Summit. The event entitled "Radical Love, Resistance and Resilience" has a clear purpose. "Over the past year, we've seen how the Trump administration attacks our communities on a daily basis, whether in Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina or in cities and towns across the country," ICIRR executive director Lawrence Benito said. The ICIRR kicked off their 2026 policy platform during their annual gathering held at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Over 400 people attend the summit and rally, supported by dozens of neighborhood and advocacy groups to demand change. SEE ALSO | Partial shutdown hits DHS: What to know about negotiations, potential impacts Advertisement Advertisement "HANA students share videos of ice goose stepping down the same streets they take to school," said Andrew De Las Alas, HANA Center suburban youth program coordinator. "Their parents carry passports so they can prove their citizenship. And nearly every week, I hear about a neighbor or a student who has been taken or forced to self deport." Members and their supporters once again called on elected officials and legislators to support policies that "Fund immigrant services," "Protect Illinoisans' data from ICE and other federal agencies" and "Strengthen the Illinois TRUST Act," the state law which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration actions, among other things. "We know that Black and brown communities will be hit first and hardest," District 85 Democrat State Rep. Dagmara Avelar said. "That's not an accident. That's the design. But here's what we know, Illinois is not Washington." Organizers say their rally reaffirms their commitment to fight to abolish ICE and defeat the Trump administration's agenda. Graham claimed that the Iranian regime is currently at its weakest point and that the time has come for US military intervention. Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed frustration with Gulf leaders during an interview with Christiane Amanpour at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, saying, "I'm tired of this c***." Graham was interviewed alongside Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Advertisement Advertisement Graham claimed that the Iranian regime is currently at its weakest point and that the time has come for US military intervention promised in US President Donald Trump's January statement that "help is on the way." He also likened Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameini to Adolf Hitler, saying: "Hitler wrote a book [saying that] he wanted to kill all the Jews. Nobody believed him. I believe the Ayatollah and his regime - not the Iranian people - are religious fanatics, religious Nazis. Hitler wanted a master race; they want a master religion." He then compared Trump's "help is on the way" post to Ronald Reagan's address at the Berlin Wall in 1987, in which he famously said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Advertisement Advertisement He clarified that both he and Trump would prefer a diplomatic solution, but the Iranian regime - which he referred to as "the mothership of terrorism" - must fall one way or another. Asked about the possibility of someone worse than Khameini taking over Iran in the power vacuum which could result from the US dismantling the regime, Graham assured Amanpour that the likelihood of that outcome was "pretty low." "The risk associated with a regime change is real," he admitted, "but we have troops in the region... we're still the United States... We have incredible capability. I know we would win a conflict." If Iran's regime remains standing, Graham argued, it would be a disaster for the region, with all Iranian dissidents being killed off, and Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis growing stronger over time. Advertisement Advertisement He added that he is planning to visit Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE this coming week, with the following message: "If we can [take down the Iranian regime] through diplomacy, fine. But we've had it with this regime. Think big...Don't let this moment pass." US Senator Lindsey Graham speaks with Christiane Amanpour at a Townhall panel on the future of Iran at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (credit: SEAN GALLUP/GETTY IMAGES) Graham then addressed the rift between Saudi and Emirati leaders, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. "Knock it off, Saudi Arabia, I'm tired of this c***. MBZ is not a Zionist, and you're emboldening Iran by having this conflict. I know they've got differences in Yemen and Sudan, but we've got to think big picture." Why are UAE and Saudi Arabia at odds? The two Gulf powers have both been highly involved in the power struggle in nearby Yemen, each backing opposing factions. Advertisement Advertisement The dispute broke into the open last year when UAE-backed separatist fighters pushed Saudi-backed forces aligned with the internationally-recognized Yemeni government out of key provinces. In late December, Saudi Arabia struck what it said was an Emirati shipment of weapons and equipment destined for the STC, Yemen's main separatist group, at the port of Mukalla, before backing an offensive that saw the STC collapse and the UAE withdraw after nearly a decade as the main force on the ground in Yemen. Disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi span the region and range across topics from geopolitics to oil output. The two countries are also engaged in fierce economic competition, including over who can attract more foreign capital and visitors and take the biggest share of the global AI boom. Reuters contributed to this report. Iowa state lawmakers will decide several pieces of legislation to address Iowas problem with a high rate of cancer cases. We start with Iowas serious problem with cancer. Statistics show 87 of Iowas 99 counties have rates higher than the national average. It ranks second behind Kentucky in terms of the rate of new cancer cases, not exactly the kind of thing that will attract people to move to the state. (OurQuadCities.com) Here are some of Gov. Kim Reynolds proposals to try to improve those statistics: Advertisement Advertisement She proposes raising the cigarette tax by 65 to $2.01 a pack. The Iowa Health Initiative wants an increase of a $1.50 a pack. Reynolds also wants to impose a 15% tax on vaping. Another proposal would remove some dyes and additives from school lunch programs considered to be linked to cancer. Some lawmakers are addressing environmental factors like radon exposure. Its a leading cause of lung cancer and a known problem in Iowa. There are proposals to provide money to pay for 30,000 radon tests and to support mitigation work for 500 homes. There are also proposals to support early screening and more. Advertisement Advertisement Would these be effective? Is this enough or too little, too late? Host Jim Niedelman got into that issue with Iowa Republican party chair Jeff Kaufmann and Democratic political consultant Kevin Perkins. When you raise the tobacco tax making sure that the revenue that comes from that increase, actually goes into the cancer research, Kaufmann said. I think its good to have the conversation, Perkins said. The tax dollars should go for research and funding pediatric. To hear more, click on the video above. Question of the Week That brings us to our question of the week: What do you think Iowa state lawmakers should do to address the high rate of cancer cases? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. or respond to this post on Facebook here or here. Advertisement Advertisement Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. The next round of talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Sunday. The Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew out on Sunday, it said. This is the second round of negotiations after both countries resumed talks on February 6. Like last time, Oman is set to mediate. The talks will centre on Iran's controversial nuclear programme, with the US intent on preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's leadership has signalled that it is willing to limit its nuclear programme, but is demanding that harsh economic sanctions are lifted in return. Tehran has ruled out negotiations on other topics such as its missile programme or support for anti-Israeli groups. According to IRNA, Araghchi is also planning to hold talks in Switzerland with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. In January, Iran brutally suppressed mass protests. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says more than 7,000 people died in the crackdown. US President Donald Trump threatened to intervene militarily in the country and increased the US military presence around Iran. Washington has now sent a second aircraft carrier to the region as an additional threat. Advertisement Advertisement Concerns are growing that the talks could fail, triggering a fresh war. Switzerland is seen as a neutral mediator by the Iranian leadership and some Gulf states. The country also represents Washington's interests in Iran, as the US has no diplomatic representation in the Islamic Republic. The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces. The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRG) held high-level meetings at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. This matters because the European conference has become a place for countries to meet and discuss various trends. It also matters more this year because the KRG has become a major player in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces. It also maintains amicable ties with Turkey, Iran, the Gulf, and many other countries, placing the KRG at the crossroads of the Middle East. It is a geopolitical hinge on which the region turns. Amid tensions in Iran, changes in Syria, and many concerns about regional integration and stability, the KRG is a symbol of success. This is interesting because the KRG is a regional autonomous government. However, its profile is often larger than that of Iraq, the state in which the KRG is located. This is unusual in the Middle East and the world. There are not very many powerful autonomous regions in the world. Usually, autonomous regions are backwaters or dont have much clout. The KRG is unique. Nechirvan Barzani, the regional president of Iraqi Kurdistan, delivers a speech after casting his ballot in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi's northern autonomous Kurdish region, on November 11, 2025. (credit: SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images) Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Advertisement Advertisement They discussed US-KRG cooperation and also Syria. The Kurdish leadership in the KRG, particularly the Barzanis, has been closely following developments in eastern Syria. The Kurdish leadership of the other major party in the KRG, the PUK, is also involved. The two leading Kurdish parties are dominated by two large families, the Barzanis and Talibanis. Barzani said his talks focused on US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the prospects for mutual cooperation, a report in the Kurdish media outlet Rudaw noted. Barzani also reiterated his thanks and appreciation for US support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Rubio was also positive about the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of Kurds and all communities within a united Syria, Barzanis office stated, according to Rudaw Kurdish media in Erbil. Other issues are being examined closely. Syrias foreign minister said in Munich that there are no demands for Kurdish autonomy in Syria. This is a sensitive issue for Damascus. Syrias leadership has rejected the kind of KRG model in Iraq being applied to Syria. This means that Kurdish rights will be secured, but that autonomy or decentralization apparently will not. Barzani reportedly met with France, US congressional delegation According to the reports, Barzani also held talks in Munich with a US congressional delegation. During the meeting, US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the development of joint cooperation between them, were discussed, Barzanis office said, according to Rudaw. Advertisement Advertisement The report went on to say that the US delegation emphasized the importance of the Kurdistan Region's role as a factor of stability in the region. Barzani also met with Frances President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has been a key supporter of Kurdish rights in the region.France also played an important role in the war against ISIS. France was also a former colonial power in Syria. The Kurdistan region sees the Barzani meetings as important. The region places a major emphasis on attending events such as Munich or Davos. It believes this helps the region secure the financial and geopolitical policies important to Erbil. Today, Erbil continues to play a key role in the region and is developing economically, becoming one of the major success stories in the Middle East. Its work at brokering deals in Syria and other countries is important. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar launched his partys election campaign in Budapest on Sunday, vowing to restore Hungarys Western orientation just eight weeks before he faces Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a pivotal vote. Magyar, a former insider in Orbans nationalist Fidesz party, burst onto Hungarys political scene in 2024 after breaking with his political community and quickly forming the center-right Tisza party. After taking around 30% of the vote in European Parliament elections in June 2024, he has grown Tisza into the most formidable political force Orban has faced during his 16 years at Hungarys helm. Most independent polls show Tisza with a significant lead before the April 12 vote, an advantage which has held steady for more than a year. Were standing on the threshold of victory with 56 days left to go, he told supporters during his speech at an exposition center in Budapest on Sunday. Tisza stands ready to govern. Magyar has vigorously campaigned across Hungarys rural, conservative heartland traditionally an Orban stronghold holding rallies and town hall events in scores of villages and towns. He has focused on bread and butter issues such as low wages and rapidly rising living costs that have made Hungary one of the poorest countries in the European Union. Magyar accuses Orban and his government of mismanaging Hungarys economy and social services, and overseeing unchecked corruption he says has led to the accumulation of extreme wealth within a small circle of well-connected insiders while leaving ordinary Hungarians behind. He has also criticized Orban for conducting a combative foreign policy with the EU while maintaining close ties to Russia despite its war in neighboring Ukraine. On Sunday, Magyar pointed to meetings he held with numerous European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Germany over the weekend, and said he would put an end to Hungary drifting out of the European Union under Orban. Hungarys place is in Europe, not only because Hungary needs Europe, but also because Europe needs Hungary, he said. Magyars comments contrasted starkly with statements Orban made a day earlier at his own campaign launch, where he said the real threat facing Hungary was not military aggression from Russia, but the European Union. Tiszas program In a 239-page program released last week, Tisza outlined its plans for how it would govern Hungary if it wins Aprils elections. Fidesz has not released a program, arguing that after governing for 16 years, its voters know what kinds of policies to expect. On Sunday, Magyar reiterated that his party plans to retain a fence Orbans government built along the countrys southern border in 2015, and said he would maintain Fideszs policies of opposing illegal immigration and any accelerated procedure for Ukraine to join the EU. However, Magyar has vowed to bring home billions in funding the EU has suspended to Hungary over its concerns that Orban has eroded democratic institutions, reduced judicial independence and failed to tackle corruption. The program also pledges to fulfill conditions for adopting the euro currency by 2030, and to invest in Hungarys faltering state health care and public transportation sectors. Tisza also plans to crack down on corruption and recover public funds it argues have been funneled into the hands of government-connected oligarchs. It is time to call corruption what it is: theft, Magyar said Sunday. Tiszas candidates For its candidates in each of Hungarys 106 individual voting constituencies, Tisza has largely drawn on political neophytes locally active as entrepreneurs, doctors, economists, educators and other professionals. Leading the ticket alongside Magyar are international energy expert Anita Orban (no relation to the prime minister), whom the party tapped as its prospective foreign policy chief, and former Shell executive Istvan Kapitany, who would fill a senior economy position in a future Tisza government. Such candidates, Magyar has argued, will provide sectoral expertise he says is lacking under Orbans government, and will help rebuild relations with Western partners and end Hungarys international isolation. I am proud that our experts are once again showing what it means to take the countrys fundamental issues seriously and to plan our shared future, he said Sunday. We dont plan to dominate this country, but to serve it. By JUSTIN SPIKE Associated Press The current head of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Wolfgang Ischinger, will remain in his job for a bit longer, he said on Sunday, as his chosen successor - former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg - is not quite ready to take over. Ischinger said in his speech at the conclusion of this year's MSC at the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich that his "good friend Jens Stoltenberg" would only serve as the next chairman "when he believes he can actually do it." According to the MSC leadership, it is expected that Stoltenberg will have taken over the leadership by the time the next MSC comes around in early 2027. Advertisement Advertisement He was originally supposed to lead the MSC this year. Instead, he participated as a speaker in a panel discussion. Ischinger had already led the MSC between 2008 and 2022 and stepped in again for this year's event. Stoltenberg remains Norwegian finance minister for now Stoltenberg was actually supposed to take over the top position from his predecessor Christoph Heusgen after the 2025 conference. However, he stepped back from this plan at short notice after Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre asked him to become finance minister in his Cabinet. In October, Stoltenberg joined the MSC foundation's advisory board and stated that he would take over the chairmanship once his "public duties in Norway are completed." However, he has not yet specified a date for this. Over 20 arrested as haredi parties condemn violence, stress it does not reflect the broader haredi community. Two female soldiers were rescued from a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mob in Bnei Brak by Israel Police, police said in a Sunday afternoon statement. A report was received about a gathering of a small group of lawbreakers on Hagai Street in Bnei Brak, who had surrounded two female soldiers after they arrived to conduct a welfare activity as part of their service in the IDF, the police said. Advertisement Advertisement Officers from the Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan stations arrived on scene to escort the soldiers to safety, police said, noting that as forces arrived on scene, the mob began confronting the officers and throwing trash bins into the path of the patrol vehicle. According to footage circulating on social media, the mob flipped over a car during its chase, and continued to follow the soldiers as police escorted them further away and around a corner to safety. Haredi protesters against draft law in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026. (CREDIT: DAVID KESHET) Police are working to restore public order in Bnei Brak using various measures, a police statement read, adding that some 26 rioters were arrested. Reports in Israeli media suggested a police helicopter was en route to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Three police officers sustained minor head injuries while confronting rioters and were evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, police said. Later on Sunday, female soldiers traveling from Tel Aviv to Petah Tikva were escorted off a bus for safety reasons because the buss intended route would pass near Bnei Brak. Officials condemn the incident Israeli officials from across the political spectrum condemned the Bnei Brak riots, stressing that assaulting soldiers and police officers was unacceptable. I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and officers of the Israeli Police, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, calling the incident serious and unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement This is an extremist minority that does not represent haredi society as a whole, he went on, adding, We will not allow anarchy, and we will not tolerate any attack on IDF personnel and security forces who carry out their mission with devotion and determination. The prime minister urged leaders of the haredi public to denounce the riot, and urged law enforcement authorities to act with determination and fully prosecute everyone who took part. The State of Israel will not allow harm to the security forces and will not move on from violence of any kind, he said. Leader of the haredi party Shas, Aryeh Deri, also condemned the riot, saying it did not reflect the broader haredi community. Advertisement Advertisement The Shas movement strongly condemns the acts of violence, vandalism, and rioting by a small group of extremists in Bnei Brak. These actions are completely contrary to the path of the Torah, harm the entire haredi public, cause a desecration of Gods name, and inflict serious damage on the just struggle for the world of Torah, Deri said in a statement. Leave our camp! he added. United Torah Judaism (UTJ) leader Yitzhak Goldknopf also condemned the violent protest, saying he was shocked by the footage coming out of Bnei Brak and strongly condemning the violence against security forces. Footage shows the aftermath of a riot in Bnei Brak that saw over 20 arrests, February 15, 2026. (Credit: Israel Police) Advertisement Advertisement Former prime minister Naftali Bennett shared the video in an X/Twitter post, condemning the incident as anarchy. A bright red line has been crossed here. We will not lend a hand to harm our female soldiers, Bennetts post read. We will restore governance to Israel. These shocking photos were taken now in Bnei Brak and not in Gaza. This is what a loss of governance looks like: The state simply does not exist, MK Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beytenu) said in response to the footage, slamming the incident as part of a smear campaign against women in the public sphere and in the IDF. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot (Yashar), MK Meirav Cohen (Yesh Atid), and the Reservists party also shared statements condemning the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Israel 2026: Israel Police are required to rescue two IDF soldiers from the crowd in Bnei Brak, Eisenkot said. The side that evades [the draft] attacks the side that serves. Eisenkot added that during COVID-19, IDF soldiers helped the residents of Bnei Brak when needed, and that it was sad and painful that the lesson of mutual guarantee has not been learned. Whoever raises their hand in favor of the draft evasion law that is on the table betrays the public that serves and harms the security of the state, he said. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the anarchist and violent group that attacked female soldiers, injured police officers, and set a police motorcycle on fire in Bnei Brak, adding that anyone who lays a hand on soldiers or police officers will pay a heavy price. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, it is important for me to clarify that this does not represent the entire haredi public, Ben-Gvir went on. The vast majority of the haredi public is law-abiding, respects security forces, and is not a partner to this violence. We must not allow an extremist minority to stain an entire community. A severe crossing of a red line IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir echoed the sentiment in a statement released by the military, affirming that any harm to IDF soldiers carried out by Israeli civilians constitutes a severe crossing of a red line, and the attackers must be dealt with firmly. Zamir said he expected the attackers to face the full force of the law. Speaking with the two assaulted soldiers later on Sunday, Zamir vowed unequivocal support. Advertisement Advertisement I asked to speak with you in order to tell you that the IDF and I stand fully and unequivocally behind you. No one is permitted to harm your dignity, he said. A reality in which IDF soldiers, male and female, cannot move freely within the State of Israel is an intolerable reality that must be addressed, he said, adding that the IDF will investigate the incident to ensure it does not happen again. Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy said the riot constituted an attack on symbols of the rule of law. He added, We will hold everyone involved to account. We are a state governed by the rule of law, and we will not allow thuggish behavior in our country. Tensions between security forces and the haredi community have been rising recently, with several demonstrations held in recent weeks against a proposed law that aims to incrementally increase haredi integration into the military. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel will begin a contentious land regulation process in a large part of the occupied West Bank, which could result in Israel gaining control over wide swaths of the area for future development, according to a government decision on Sunday. It paves the way for the resumption of settlement of land title processes, which had been frozen in the West Bank since the Mideast War in 1967. It means that when Israel begins the land registration process for a certain area, anyone with a claim to the land must submit documents proving ownership. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now said the process likely amounts to a mega land grab from Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement This move is very dramatic and allows the state to gain control of almost all of Area C, said Hagit Ofran, the director of Peace Now's Settlement Watch program. Area C refers to the 60% of the West Bank that is under full Israeli military control, according to agreements reached in the 1990s with the Palestinians. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas office in a statement called the decision a grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law, which amounts to de facto annexation. It called on the international community, especially the U.N. Security Council and the United States, to intervene immediately. Israeli steps in recent months The decision is the latest step to deepen Israeli control over the West Bank. In recent months, Israel has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory to strengthen its hold and weaken the Palestinian Authority. Israel's Foreign Ministry said Palestinian Authority civil planning maps show that the authority has been advancing land registration procedures in Area C for years in violation of agreements that give Israel civil and military control over the area. It said Sunday's decision was made for greater transparency. Advertisement Advertisement The decision was first announced last May but required further development before it was approved in this weeks Cabinet meeting. Under the decision, Israeli authorities will announce certain areas to undergo registration, which will force anyone who has a claim to the land to prove their ownership. Ofran said the process for proving ownership can be draconian and is rarely transparent, meaning any land that undergoes the registration process in areas currently owned by Palestinians is likely to revert to Israeli state control. Palestinians will be sent to prove ownership in a way that they will never be able to do, Ofran told The Associated Press. "And this way Israel might take over 83% of the Area C, which is about half of the West Bank. The registration process could start as soon as this year, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The proposal had been put forward by some of Israels far-right members of the ruling coalition, including the Minister of Justice Yariv Levin. The government of Israel is committed to strengthening its grip on all its parts, and this decision is an expression of that commitment, he said. A dangerous escalation Jordans Foreign Ministry in a statement called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, and to compel Israel, the occupying power, to stop its dangerous escalation. Qatars foreign ministry said it considered Israels decision an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights. Previous U.S. administrations have sharply condemned an expansion of Israeli activity and control in the West Bank, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a particularly close relationship with President Donald Trump. The two met last week in Washington, their seventh meeting in the past year. Advertisement Advertisement And yet Trump has opposed annexation, Ofran noted. Palestinians are not permitted to sell land privately to Israelis, though measures announced last week aim to nullify this. Currently, settlers can buy homes on land controlled by Israels government. Last week's decision also aimed to expand Israeli enforcement of several aspects of in the West Bank, including environmental and archaeological matters in Palestinian-administered areas. More than 700,000 Israelis live in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 from Jordan and sought by the Palestinians for a future state. The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in these areas to be illegal and an obstacle to peace. Over 300,000 Palestinians are estimated to live in Area C of the West Bank, with many more in surrounding communities dependent on its agricultural and grazing lands, including plots for which families retain land deeds or tax records dating back decades. ___ Associated Press journalist Areej Hazboum in Jerusalem contributed to this report. The Israeli military on Saturday said it had killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The military said that "several armed terrorists" were identified on the Israeli side of the so-called yellow line in the northern Gaza Strip. The line marks the Israeli army's withdrawal position as part of the ceasefire with the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas. The military said the "terrorists" had emerged from underground infrastructure and taken cover under debris close to Israeli forces, posing what it called an "imminent threat." Advertisement Advertisement Two were killed and others were likely killed as well, the military said. The information could not initially be independently verified. Israeli forces were searching the area "to locate and eliminate the remaining terrorists," the military said, adding that their crossing behind the yellow line was a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement." There have been repeated deadly incidents in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. According to various sources, Israel controls slightly more than half of the Gaza Strip, which is around 41 kilometres long and between 6 and 12 kilometres wide. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Steven Scheer CAIRO/JERUSALEM, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Israel fired airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing at least 11 Palestinians, Palestinian officials said, in what the military called a response to ceasefire violations by Palestinian militant group Hamas. Gaza medics said an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment housing displaced families killed at least four people, while health officials said another strike killed five in Khan Younis in the south and another person was shot dead in the north. Advertisement Advertisement Airstrikes also targeted what was thought to be a commander of the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas, in the Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood in Gaza City. Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, accused Israel of committing a new "massacre" against displaced Palestinians, calling it a serious breach of the ceasefire days before the first meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. An Israeli military official called Sunday's strikes "precise" and in line with international law, and said the Palestinian militant group had repeatedly violated an October ceasefire. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly traded blame for violations of the ceasefire deal, a key element of Trump's plan to end the Gaza war, the deadliest and most destructive in the generations-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Advertisement Advertisement The war started with the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed more than 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's air and ground war in Gaza has killed more than 72,000 people since then, according to Palestinian health ministry data. TRUMP'S 'BOARD OF PEACE' TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ON THURSDAY "In recent hours, the IDF (Israeli military) has begun striking in response to Hamas's blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement yesterday in the Beit Hanoun area," an Israeli military official said. The official said militants had emerged from a tunnel on the Israeli side of the "Yellow Line" agreed under the ceasefire to demarcate Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas. Advertisement Advertisement "Crossing the Yellow Line in the vicinity of IDF troops, while armed, is an explicit ceasefire violation - and demonstrates how Hamas systematically violates the ceasefire agreement with intent to harm IDF troops," the official said. Israel has unilaterally moved the yellow line deeper into Gaza even though Israeli withdrawals are part of the ceasefire deal, and Hamas has so far rejected demands to lay down its weapons, also envisaged in the plan. Israel has said it will have to force Hamas to disarm if it does not do so. Qassem urged those attending the first meeting of Trump's new international Board of Peace for Gaza on Thursday to pressure Israel to stop violating the truce and implement the agreement without delay. U.S. officials told Reuters last week that Trump will announce a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and detail plans for a U.N.-authorized stabilization force for the Palestinian enclave at the meeting in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said it continued to destroy underground tunnels in the northern Gaza Strip in accordance with the agreement and that its aircraft had attacked a building east of the Yellow line after seeing militants emerging from a tunnel and killed at least two of them. Gaza officials had no information on those reported casualties. The Gaza health ministry says that at least 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the Gaza deal began. Israel says four soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza over the same period. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Steven Scheer; Editing by William Mallard and Philippa Fletcher) Israeli forces have killed at least nine Palestinians in new attacks across Gaza, in yet another violation of the United States-brokered ceasefire in October, according to medical sources. The attacks on Sunday came as the Israeli military launched several attacks on southern Lebanon, targeting what it called warehouses used by the Hezbollah armed group. In Gaza, a source at the Nasser Hospital told Al Jazeera Israeli forces killed at least five Palestinians in the southern city of Khan Younis. Advertisement Advertisement The attack took place beyond the so-called yellow line, where Israeli troops are stationed in Gaza, the source added. The other four Palestinians were killed when Israeli forces attacked a tent for displaced people in the al-Faluja area of northern Gaza, a source at al-Shifa Hospital said. There was no immediate comment from Israel. The Israeli military, however, said in a statement early on Sunday that it struck a building in an unspecified part of northern Gaza shortly after several armed fighters entered the structure. At least two of the fighters were killed, it said. The Israeli military also said it killed another person in Gaza on Sunday who allegedly crossed the yellow line and posed an immediate threat to its forces there. Advertisement Advertisement It did not provide evidence for its claims. In Lebanon, the Israeli military said it struck warehouses used by Hezbollah for storing weapons and launchers in the southern parts of the country. The Israeli military and Hezbollah, which began attacks on northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza in 2023, agreed to a ceasefire in November 2024. There was no immediate comment from Lebanon on Sundays attacks. According to authorities in Gaza and Lebanon, the Israeli military continues to launch near-daily attacks despite agreeing to halt the fighting. In Gaza, Israel has violated the US-brokered ceasefire more than 1,500 times since it came into effect on October 10. At least 591 people have been killed and 1,590 wounded since then. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the near-daily killing of Palestinians, Israel also severely restricts quantities of food, medicine, medical supplies, shelter materials and prefabricated houses from entering Gaza, where some 2 million Palestinians including 1.5 million displaced live in catastrophic conditions. Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza on October 8, 2023, with support from the US, killing 72,032 people, wounding some 171,661, and destroying 90 percent of the territorys infrastructure. The United Nations estimates it could cost more than $70bn to rebuild Gaza. In Lebanon, the Israeli military launched more than 10,000 air and ground attacks in the year since it agreed to halt hostilities, according to the UN. Advertisement Advertisement The organisations rights office said in November last year that it verified at least 108 civilian casualties from Israeli attacks since the ceasefire, including at least 21 women and 16 children. At least 11 Lebanese civilians were also abducted by Israeli forces during that time period, the office said. The Israeli government has approved a controversial proposal that makes it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the West Bank, media reports said on Sunday, a move that critics say will accelerate Israeli settlement construction. The decision, which had already been approved by Israel's security Cabinet, allows private Israeli individuals to buy land in the West Bank and transfers part of the territory's administration to Israeli civil authorities. The plans had already drawn criticism from the European Union and several Arab countries. Germany, too, denounced the security Cabinet's move last week, with a spokesman from the Foreign Ministry saying the measures represent "a further step towards de facto annexation" and violate international law. Far-right ministers celebrate decision Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz spoke of a "significant security and administrative step aimed at ensuring the full control, enforcement and freedom of action of the State of Israel in the area," according to the Israeli television channel N12. Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said: "We are continuing the revolution in settlement policy and control over all parts of our country." For the first time since the Six Day War in 1967, during which Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Smotrich said: "We are restoring order and governance to the administration of land in Judea and Samaria," using the Israeli term to refer to the West Bank. More than 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in the two territories among some 3 million Palestinians, who claim them for their own state. Italy plans to participate in US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace as an observer country, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday during a visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The Italian leader had previously said Italy could not become a member of the body for constitutional reasons. Meloni, who is considered to have good relations with Trump, said Washington has now invited Italy to join as an observer country, which she described as "a good solution." Advertisement Advertisement Given all the work that needs to be done to stabilize the situation in the Middle East, an Italian and European presence is important, she emphasized. Trump officially launched the Board of Peace last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Originally conceived to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the body's ambitions are now unclear, with Trump suggesting it could also be used to address conflicts and crises worldwide. Many European countries see the body as an attempt to undermine the United Nations and have refused to join, with Bulgaria and Hungary the only EU countries among the body's 26 members so far. A Kentucky man is behind bars after a police pursuit in Grayson County. According to Kentucky State Police, troopers noticed a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling on Owensboro Road in Caneyville without a visible registration plate around 3:12 p.m. Friday. Troopers tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the operator didnt stop and a pursuit ensued and was later canceled. In their investigation, troopers identified the operator as 49-year-old Ronald Geary of Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Geary had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. Police continued their search for him on Saturday. He was found and taken into custody less than 24 hours after the pursuit. Geary faces a list of charges in Grayson County including fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, reckless driving and operating on a suspended or revoked license. He also has multiple charges out of Warren and Ohio County. Geary is currently booked in the Grayson County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing. Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, or visit our Facebook page or X feed. For a man nicknamed Bugatti, Ignacio Toran was somewhat secretive about the scale of his vast wealth. A mansion in Dubai, chalets in Ibiza, gold bars, supercars and designer watches are not the typical hallmarks of a man living in the shadows. But Torans friends in high places are accused of helping the kingpin run a sprawling international drug-trafficking operation without drawing too much attention. Advertisement Advertisement That was until Feb 6, when Spanish police arrested him for the fifth and, they hope, final time. Investigators say Toran is at the centre of the vast drug network that thrived thanks to his relationship with a corrupt police chief and a distant cousin to the exiled former king of Spain. It was only recently that police discovered his alleged money laundering operation, which uncovered properties in the Middle East, Colombia and Spain along with shell companies in Panama and the US state of Delaware. Despite multiple previous arrests going back to the 1990s, he had spent very little time behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement A large part of Torans success was allegedly due to his friendship with Oscar Sanchez, the head of Spains economic crimes police unit, who was arrested in November 2024. A meeting between Ignacio Toran, left, and Oscar Sanchez was captured by police when they began investigating the case Sanchez, now in his early 50s, rose through the ranks of the police forces organised crime and drug unit before his 2020 transfer to the economic crimes section. Known as the anodyne one, none of his colleagues suspected he might be using his position to conspire with the underworld rather than take it down. Their alleged collusion shines a light on the scourge of Spanish police corruption which is hampering efforts to close off Europes biggest gateway for cocaine, much of it ending up on Britains streets. Police had a breakthrough in the case in 2024 when cocaine concealed in crates of bananas was seized in southern Spain - Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Toran and Sanchez allegedly worked together for five years importing 27 tons of cocaine worth more than 2bn (1.7bn) in 39 shipping containers that went completely undetected, according to a report by the Spanish polices internal affairs unit. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said it appeared Sanchez passed off Toran as his informant, listing him in the police database of collaborators, meaning that if any other officer accessed his file he would receive an alert. The police chief is also accused of abusing his access to official databases to protect Torans drug shipments from Colombia and Ecuador. 1502 How drugs are brought into Spain He allegedly inputted the serial numbers of shipping containers into the police computer system to see if they were being tracked by fellow detectives. In a police report seen by the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, Toran told one of his gang members that he was in business with someone on the inside he called the customs officer. Advertisement Advertisement He said they each took 40 per cent of the profits from the cocaine shipments, with 20 per cent for the rest of the crew, the report claimed. In 2023 Sanchez started being watched by police colleagues after he appeared to start stashing away millions accrued from his alleged criminality. Sanchez is accused of being paid 32m (27.8m) by Toran before their alleged collaboration unravelled. Oscar Sanchez, pictured as a young officer, allegedly bricked up cash behind the walls of his home After his arrest, investigators found close to 20m (17.4m) in Sanchezs home, much of which had been bricked behind walls. Police had a breakthrough in the case in October 2024 when a container from Ecuador with 14 tons of cocaine concealed in crates of bananas arrived at the port of Algeciras in southern Spain. Advertisement Advertisement This time, drug unit investigators had deliberately not registered the containers serial number in the police IT system. According to the internal affairs report, Sanchez betrayed himself by reacting furiously to the decision to search the load without being informed. Toran was detained in February 2025, but his lawyers obtained his release from custody two months later on a legal technicality, although he was obliged to relinquish his passport and report regularly to a police station. Officers continue to attempt to piece together how such vast sums of money were laundered around the world and have established links to overseas properties, central African banks, digital wallets and cryptocurrency. Advertisement Advertisement Francisco Joaquin de Borbon von Hardengberg, a 47-year-old aristocrat based in Marbella, was also arrested earlier this month. Francisco Joaquin de Borbon von Hardengberg was arrested on suspicion of money laundering - Jose Ignacio Viseras/GTRES/Shutterstock The distant cousin of the Juan Carlos I was held on suspicion of being involved in money laundering for the Toran network, before being released on 50,000 (43,470) bail. Europes ever-increasing appetite for cocaine has led to a modernisation of traffickers smuggling techniques. Many shipments arrive by sea from Central and South America and Africa. In 2025, 105 people were arrested after using high-speed launches aided by drones to transport cocaine from mother ships in the Atlantic into southern Spain. Huge shipments of cocaine have been seized during the investigation by Spanish police Two years earlier, Spanish police made the first ever seizure of a livestock ship trafficking cocaine in European waters. Advertisement Advertisement Officers discovered 4.5 tons of cocaine, with a value of about 105m (91,287), hidden in packages in cattle-food silos. South American traffickers have developed submarines to cross the Atlantic and Europol has warned that autonomous semi-submersibles, equipped with antennas and a modem, are probably already capable of making the voyage without a crew on board. 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. Individuals named Honoratas are typically perceived as possessing strong moral character and unwavering principles. They tend to be deeply conscientious, reliable, and committed to doing what is right, often serving as moral compasses in their social circles. Their sense of honor manifests in loyalty to family and friends, professional integrity, and a strong work ethic. These individuals usually approach life with seriousness and purpose, valuing tradition while maintaining personal standards of excellence. Beyond their principled nature, Honoratas often exhibit quiet strength and resilience in facing challenges. They tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who consider the ethical implications of their actions, and they typically earn respect through consistent, honorable behavior rather than seeking attention or praise. While sometimes perceived as reserved or traditional, they possess inner confidence and are often sought out for advice and guidance. Their combination of moral fortitude and practical wisdom makes them natural leaders in both personal and professional contexts. A Norcross man was convicted under the RICO Act after leading a multimillion-dollar fencing enterprise that profited from shipping stolen and blacklisted electronic items overseas, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office. In November 2024, a police investigation into reports of porch piracy throughout Gwinnett County identified a suspect who said 41-year-old Zhen Ni was the leader of a fencing organization. Officers conducted surveillance for several months, revealing that Ni and other partners had set up an elaborate scheme to fence electronic devices, mainly overseas, to destinations such as Hong Kong and Dubai because U.S. mobile phone carriers blacklisted the items. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also learned that members of the fencing ring operated a sophisticated money-laundering operation to conceal the source of their illegal income. Search warrants exhausted in May 2025 at six different homes in three different metro Atlanta counties led police to more than $5 million worth of stolen electronics and $1.2 million in cash. Ni was arrested at his home during the execution of the warrants. Police say the arrested individuals were surrounded by luxury, including extravagant homes, high-end cars, and expensive goods linked to the fencing ring. On Feb. 13, a jury found Zi guilty of violation of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and theft by receiving for his part in the elaborate crime ring. Advertisement Advertisement Zi was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by three years of probation, and must pay a $100,000 fine. "Our office is proud to have recovered this groundswell of stolen items," District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. "We're sending a message with this RICO conviction that organized crime is not welcome in Gwinnett, and anyone who participates will face criminal consequences." At least three people have been killed and 15 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities said on Feb. 15. Russia launched 83 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses shot down or suppressed 55 drones. At least 25 drones reached their targets, striking 12 locations, with fallen debris reported at three locations. In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks killed two people and injured five others over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. The attacks struck critical and social infrastructure as well as residential areas, damaging two apartment buildings, six private houses, a gas pipeline, and private vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person and injured seven others over the past day, local authorities reported. Russian forces carried out 658 strikes on 33 settlements across the oblast, including the city of Zaporizhzhia. The State Emergency Service (DSNS) said that Russia also attacked Odesa. As a result of the strike, railway infrastructure was damaged, and during a repeated attack, A fuel tank caught fire, leading to a fuel spill and fire. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 15 that over the past week, Russia launched around 1,300 attack drones, more than 1,200 guided bombs, and 50 missiles, nearly all of them ballistic, at Ukraine. Zelensky said Russia continues to deliberately target Ukraines energy infrastructure, including power generation facilities, substations, and the power grid, while also striking residential areas. Read also: Why Russias attacks on Ukraines energy grid arent revenge for Kyivs deep strike campaign Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LEEDS, Ala. (TRIBUNE) Mary Everling was in court Friday to face a judge following her arrest by Leeds Police officers on January 14. Police alleged that Everling approached the traffic stop in her vehicle, blocked the roadway, sounded the vehicles horn numerous times, impeded the investigation, and refused to comply with lawful orders. Leeds Police posted about Everlings incident on a Facebook post also announcing the arrest of an undocumented immigrant. The incident occurred during a time of national media reports of ongoing unrest in Minnesota, including protesters interfering with ICE operations. But before court got underway, Everling said the prosecutor approached her and told her the case was being dismissed, but didnt explain why. She was relieved that the ordeal was over, but left with numerous questions, concerns about officers decisions, and out $1030. Advertisement Advertisement Shelby County officer shot, suspect arrested It felt really good, Everling said. I felt vindicated and it restored my faith in the justice system. I was very grateful and humbled for it to be over The incident began when Everling had gone out for food and returned to find police vehicles blocking the road near her home. According to Leeds Police, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 7300 block of President Street. During the traffic stop a person who was later identified as Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, of Birmingham, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a stolen handgun. Police said Martinez was undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Everling said she tapped the horn to let officers know she was trying to get to her house near the traffic stop, thinking she would be allowed through. An officer approached her car and the exchange escalated, she said. The officer told her she couldnt get though and to park her car somewhere else. I wasnt the nicest, but I didnt do anything to justify all this, Everling said. She parked across the street, took her food and walked to her house. She said she continued to watch the incident from her front porch. Ten or fifteen minutes later, when it became evident that police were just waiting on a wrecker to tow the suspects vehicle, she returned to her car and parked it in her normal location. Advertisement Advertisement Everling said thats when the officers approached her a second time and arrested her for the previous exchange that had taken place earlier. She was taken to the Leeds Jail where she said she was held for two hours before posting a $1030 bond. Even after the dismissal, she said, she didnt get her bond back. But the biggest surprise was yet to come. Nine days later, Leeds Police shared the details Martinez and Everlings arrests in the same Facebook post. Everling said the arresting officer had never mentioned Martinez or told her that he was undocumented. In the Facebook post, Leeds Police said, A public service announcement that if we are on a traffic stop and if you interfere with the lawful traffic stop or arrest of someone regardless if they are an illegal alien, where the suspect is in possession of methamphetmines, a stolen firearm and drug paraphernalia you will be arrested! Everling was shocked to learn that her arrest had been tied to Martinez arrest in the Police Departments social media post. Not only was Martinez unknown to her, she never saw him at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement He was gone when I got there, Everling said. Ive never protested against anything in my life. Unclassified death investigation underway in Birmingham According to a post on the Leeds Police Facebook page on Saturday, Feb. 14, There was no legal battle, she paid a fine and it was dismissed! This happens a lot with misdemeanors cases. The Judge did not review the body camera footage this case was resolved by an agreement and the Defendant was Pro se! Everling said that she did sign two documents in court, but was not aware that she had been fined. The Tribune has reached out to Chief Paul Irwin for clarification on the timeline of events and department policy. The story will be updated with any additional information provided. 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 CBS 42. A Nassau County high schooler made history at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She became the first trainer of color in her category to make it to the top ranks of the event. Meet seven-year-old Hero. The American Bullys trainer and owner, Christine Roldan, 18, of Nassau County. She made history at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City as the first junior handler of color to ever qualify and place in the top three ranks. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement You know its a little upsetting, Roldan said. I dont try to say I have any disadvantages because of that, I feel like thats excuses she went on. And it shouldnt have anything to do with how the person looks. Its supposed to be about how the dogs looks and your connection with the dog and your love for the sport she later continued. Roldan fell in love with the sport when her dad, a long time shower, took her to a dog show and encouraged her to become a handler with another dog. And the dog that I was showing, she had a puppy; she only had one puppy. It was her first litter, and their first time breeding a Frenchie, and it was Hero, Roldan said. The dog does several tricks from handstanding to praying. The Roldan familys prayers were answered in 2020 when they got Hero back. He and another one of their dogs were stolen by gang members from a suburban Atlanta gas station. Hero was returned when the family paid the gangs $3500 ransom. The other dog was rescued from a drug bust. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] And thats why I meant even more when I was at Westminster to have done it with him and no other dog, Roldan said. Advertisement Advertisement Roldan says that Hero is retiring from the American Kennel Club for now, but she hopes to continue to do shows with him for fun in the future. As for Christine, she hopes to become a vet or a trainer in the future. [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. On Friday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced that the states Career Offender Registry can now be accessed via its mobile app. The update now offers improved search tools, making it easier for users to find designated violent offenders by name or by their proximity to specific addresses. Florida law defines career offenders as individuals designated by a court as habitual violent felony offenders, violent career criminals or three-time violent felony offenders. The registry also includes those designated as prison releasee reoffenders. Advertisement Advertisement The mobile update makes it easier for everyone to search by name, region, county, city, or address. Additionally, new neighborhood search tools help locate registrants within a quarter to five miles of a selected spot. Viewers can see these results on an interactive, user-friendly map or in a detailed list. The Missing Persons and Offender Enforcement Division added the registry to the mobile app on Feb. 10, after its web launch in June 2025. It now tracks over 20,000 individuals labeled as habitual or high-level violent criminals by Florida courts. The system monitors individuals who are currently under sanctions or have been released from state custody on or after July 1, 2002. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Wichita saw nearly an inch of rain from the storm that started early Saturday morning, making it the largest amount of rain since the 1.02 inches on Nov. 20. Most of Kansas saw measurable rainfall. Radar estimates also showed a 5- to 10-mile-wide band that went through northern Sedgwick County. Cheney Lake to Valley Center saw between 2 and 4 inches of rain, according to James Cuellar, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Wichita. Advertisement Advertisement The estimates are not the same as actual stations, like the one at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, which collected 0.97 inches of rain from when the storm started just after midnight until around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The storm started late Friday in eastern Kansas. Cuellar said Wichita could see up to a couple of hundreths of an inch more rain Saturday afternoon and evening. The band that went through northern Sedgwick County also left heavier rainfall in eastern Kansas. The highest amount measured at a station was 2.47 inches of rain two miles southeast of Ottawa, according to the Kansas Mesonet. A look at rainfall around Kansas. The two weather stations in northern Sedgwick County, which appear on top of each other in this screenshot, show 1.11 inches three miles northeast of Mount Hope and 1.51 inches two miles south of Bentley. The rain will help mitigate the fire concerns from Monday through Thursday when it is going to be warm, windy and dry. With Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials juggling four major Louisville road projects through Fall 2027, keeping track of active construction can be a challenge for commuters. Louisville drivers are awaiting a full closure of the Interstate 65 corridor between downtown and Interstate 264, which will occur for about two months in Summer 2026. Along I-264 proper, the section of highway around the new Veterans Affairs Medical Center will see some widening and reconstruction work through Fall 2027. Just north of the I-65 Central Corridor Project, crews are working to replace parts on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. The work there could end sometime in Fall 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Interstate 71 is getting its own widening project in Louisville's urban core. Lane closures are not expected during peak travel times, but drivers may see traffic shifts until Fall 2027. Here is a timeline of events in relation to the projects: February 2025: KYTC officials announce three lanes of the Kennedy Bridge will close while crews prepare to replace expansion joints on the bridge. The replacement work is initially expected to continue until April 2026. July 9, 2025: KYTC announces $130 million project for the reconstruction of the Interstate 264-Brownsboro Road interchange and the widening of I-264 between Westport Road and I-71, among other things. Traffic shifts and nightly lane closures begin in the project area. Advertisement Advertisement Aug. 27, 2025: KYTC officials announce $150 million I-65 Central Corridor Project. Street closures for preliminary work begin the next day. November 2025: KYTC officials announce Interstate 71 will be widened in each direction from the interchange with I-65 near Frankfort Avenue to the interchange with Zorn Avenue. Nightly lane closures begin. Nov. 20, 2025: A postponement of work on the Kennedy Bridge pushes back the projects estimated completion from April 2026 to the fall of that year. Engineers paused the project after determining additional evaluations were needed. June 2026: I-65 in Louisville closes in both directions, from Jefferson Street downtown to the Interstate 264 interchange. Advertisement Advertisement July 31, 2026: I-65 in Louisville is expected to reopen to traffic between Jefferson Street and I-264. Some traffic pattern changes remain through mid-2027. Fall 2026: Work to replace the expansion joints on the Kennedy Bridge is scheduled to be complete. Fall 2026: If Kentucky receives additional federal funding to replace more I-65 bridges, the installation process for those bridges will begin. Another full closure of I-65 is not expected. Construction dates have not yet been finalized. Mid-2027: Crews are scheduled to finish the I-65 Central Corridor Project. Fall 2027: The work in the area of the Watterson Expressway, Interstate 71 and Brownsboro Road is expected to be finished. Advertisement Advertisement Fall 2027: The I-71 Widening Project is expected to be complete. Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor. Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When will highway construction be over in Louisville? Full timeline MILWAUKEE One of the most popular and luxurious passenger steamers of its day has been found in Lake Michigan's deep waters, searchers announced last week, more than 150 years after it sank stern-first about 20 miles off Racine, Wisconsin. Lac La Belle, originally registered in Cleveland but later moved to Milwaukee for its home port, carried 53 passengers and crew when it encountered a fierce storm in mid-October 1872. Eight people died. The ship was discovered by Paul Ehorn, an Elgin, Illinois, shipwreck hunter who has found several wrecks, most notably the SS Senator, which he located in 2005. The steel-hulled freighter sank off Port Washington, taking nine lives and 268 Nash automobiles on Halloween 1929. The discovery was announced in a release by Brendon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association, on ShipwreckWorld.com. Advertisement Advertisement Ehorn said Lac La Belle captured his interest because of his love of old wooden steamers. He and his partner, maritime historian and shipwreck hunter Bruce Bittner, were able to narrow down the location and then use sonar to find the ship. The two then recruited two divers to go down and film it. "When you search, you go down into like a neighborhood," Ehorn told the Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. "You go down one street, then you go down the next street. If I would've started over in one lane, I wouldve found it in 30 seconds." Perhaps most surprising, considering Lac La Belle's violent demise, the hull remains intact and the ship upright. Ehorn, 80, doesnt dive anymore but said he's "envious" of the divers who went to see Lac La Belle. "Its in great condition," Ehorn said. Two divers, John Janzen and John Scoles, went into Lake Michigan to inspect and photograph Lac La Belle. Here, one of them shines a light on the old steamer, showing one of its propellers missing. Gale force winds, extinguished boilers sealed doom Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Lac La Belle was powered by a twin-cylinder high-pressure condensing steam engine. It was one of the first propeller ships on the Great Lakes to have twin stacks. Advertisement Advertisement Built as a passenger steamer, Lac La Belle originally ran from Cleveland to Lake Superior. But it sank in an accident in 1866, and needed to be raised and refurbished, converted to a bulk freighter before resuming service. On Oct. 13, 1872, Lac La Belle left Milwaukee at 9 p.m. local time, carrying 19,000 bushels of barley, 1,200 barrels of flour, 50 barrels of pork, 25 barrels of whiskey, 20 tons of animal feed, and sundries en route to Grand Haven, Michigan. About two hours into the trip, the ship began leaking badly from an unknown source, and it turned back to Milwaukee. But the storm worsened with gale-force winds from the north, and eventually, water coming in extinguished the ship's boilers, leaving it at the mercy of the wind and the waves. Lifeboats were lowered, and the captain ordered the ship abandoned. The captain ordered lifeboats lowered, and passengers and crew abandoned ship. All but one lifeboat returned to shore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. One capsized. More wrecks are being discovered. This was especially coveted. The shipwreck-hunting community had long coveted Lac La Belle. But it was never clear exactly where it went down. Ehorn said he and Bittner were "up for joy" when they realized they found it. Advertisement Advertisement "I anticipated searching for a few weeks," Ehorn said. "I got lucky and had a lot of research." Ehorn will be presenting the discovery in person at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on March 7. He will show an underwater video of the site and tell the story of the discovery. Beyond that, Ehorn's plans include creating a 3D photogrammetry model that will record the condition and layout of the wreck in detail before he releases the precise location. In recent years, more shipwrecks have been discovered in the Great Lakes than ever before. Shifting water levels uncovering well-preserved sites, combined with better technology and increased public reporting, have all contributed to the boom. Advertisement Advertisement "Its like an Easter egg hunt, and you found the egg," Ehorn said. "The picking gets slimmer as the years go by." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Searchers find missing luxury ship in Lake Michigan 153 years later The Naples mayor has agreed to plead before her trial was to begin Feb. 16. Teresa Heitmann's attorney Derek Verderamo on Feb. 13 filed a motion in Collier County Court for the mayor to plead no contest in abstentia. A no contest plea means a defendant will not fight the charges and does not admit guilt, accepting the conviction and sentencing. The 62-year-old Heitmann waived the right to appear in court for the plea, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Her trial was to start Feb. 16 on charges of driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of 0.169, more than double the legal limit. Naples police arrested her Aug. 28, 2024. Here's what we know. What's this means for Heitmann Here's terms of the plea agreement, court records said. What Heitmann agreed to includes: Adjudication of guilt, plus a $1,000 fine and 5% surcharge 12 months of probation, which may terminate at six months Attend DUI school and substance abuse evaluation (a Feb. 13, 2026, court filing shows Heitmann has completed DUI school) She's subject to random drug testing Cannot possess or consume alcohol (with exception of alcohol in Heitmann's home) 10-day vehicle impound Six-month driver license revocation Six-month vehicle ignition interlock 50 hours of community service, which she can buy out of Court costs, including $135 costs of prosecution She may travel out of Collier County and Florida by providing probation with itinerary Mayor Teresa Heitmann speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, in Naples, Fla., on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. What was status of Heitmann's case A judge in mid-January denied a motion to suppress evidence in the nearly 18-month-old drunken driving case of the mayor of Naples. Advertisement Advertisement She was to appear in court Jan. 14, for a hearing during which Judge Rob Crown was to decide on whether to suppress the statements that Heitmann made when Naples police officers pulled her over. Heitmann's defense attorney argued that she was not read her Miranda Rights until more than 30 minutes after she had been questioned at the scene, and, therefore, her statements should be suppressed. What has Heitmann said about DUI Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann on Feb. 13, 2026, filed a motion in Collier County Circuit Court to plead no contest in abstentia for a 2024 DUI charge. Heitmann has said that, on the night of the arrest, she got into an incident with another vehicle in a roundabout. She then followed them home, tailgating and flashing her lights at the vehicle, according to an arrest report. The 911 caller, who Heitmann followed home, told the police that Heitmann "sounded very drunk." The witness also said that she nearly ran a stop sign and slammed on her brakes. Who is Teresa Heitmann? Four things to know She was elected Naples mayor in 2020 and served for four years before being reelected in 2024. Heitmann won her reelection by 22 votes resulting in a mandatory recount. The recount confirmed her win on March 23, 2024. Heitmann has been a local in Naples since 1988. Before beginning her political career, she worked in marketing, purchasing, sales, and long-range planning for companies such as Revlon Cosmetics and Jarrod's. Heitmann was elected to the Naples City Council in 2008, marking the beginning of her political career. Advertisement Advertisement Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@usatodayco.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What's latest with Naples, Florida mayor DUI case NEED TO KNOW A man was surfing near Haskell's Beach in California when he was knocked off his board and swept out to sea The surfer's friend saw his board wash ashore and acted quickly to save the man's life Haskell's Beach, formerly Tecolote Beach, is located at the base of the Bacara Resort in Goleta A surfer's life was saved thanks to the quick actions of his friend. A 26-year-old man, whose identity has not been shared publicly, was surfing near Haskell's Beach in Goleta, Calif., on Feb. 6, when he was knocked off his surfboard by strong waves, the Los Angeles Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement The surfer was then pulled out to sea by the current, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD), and when his surfboard washed ashore, the man's friend called 911 and reported him missing, per the Times. After officials got the call which they said was "a move that made all the difference" they arrived at the beach and deployed infrared drones. Officials then located the surfer about a quarter mile out, and they subsequently guided rescue swimmers to him, the SBCFD said. The surfer was eventually found clinging to a lobster trap buoy while waiting for help. The SBCFD shared video of the rescue on Instagram. 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. After the surfer made it back to land safely, he said he didnt require medical care and he was released, the SBCFD said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement The California fire department expressed thanks "to the quick-thinking friend," as well as "the dedicated firefighters and the life-saving drone technology." "The surfer was able to make it back home safely," the SBCFD, which oversees the large West Coast county, added. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The SBCFD also shared an important "safety reminder" for surfers: "Dont go into the ocean alone in rough conditions. It matters." Haskell's Beach, formerly Tecolote Beach, is located at the base of the Bacara Resort in Goleta. Read the original article on People Cultural & Historical Significance Kana holds profound significance in Hawaiian mythology as one of the most celebrated kupua (demigods) known for his extraordinary shape-shifting abilities. His most famous legend describes how he stretched his body across the channel between Molokai and Hawaii to rescue his mother Hina, who had been kidnapped and taken to the island of Hawaii. This feat demonstrated not only supernatural power but also deep familial devotion, making him a symbol of filial piety and the unbreakable bonds between mother and son. The story of Kana represents the Hawaiian concept of 'pono' - the importance of restoring balance and righting wrongs through courageous action. His ability to transform into a rope that could span vast distances also symbolizes connection, bridging gaps between people and places, which resonates with the Hawaiian value of 'ohana (family) extending beyond physical boundaries. In traditional Hawaiian society, Kana's stories were used to teach important cultural values about family responsibility, creative problem-solving, and the idea that true strength comes from using one's abilities to help others. A man died after he was shot in the head Saturday morning outside a Queens laundromat, cops said. Dominick Lowery, 31, of nearby St. Albans, was shot in front of Wash & Fold Super Laundry at the Conduit Plaza shopping strip around 8:37 a.m. near Springfield Blvd. and 144th Ave. in Laurelton. EMS rushed him to Jamaica Hospital where he was in critical condition. Lowery was on life support for a few hours before being pronounced dead, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement No arrest has been made and police did not provide information on a possible suspect. I heard a pop, I come to the front of the door and I see a guy in green camo running, a man named Mohammad who works at a nearby Edible Arrangements shop said Saturday after the shooting. I thought this was a safe area but its making me second guess, he added. Another man, Asim, said witnessing the incident was traumatizing. I heard the gunshot and I thought I was imagining, and usually planes fly overhead, so I thought it was the planes malfunctioning, he said. I saw the victims mother crying and screaming and I was like, heck is actually happening. Advertisement Advertisement It was scary, very scary and I was all teared up seeing the mother and the young man on the ground, he said. I wanted to just go home because it hurt me so much. Saturday evening, the laundromat was back open for business, after having been closed till 4 p.m. for the police investigation, according to a worker there. He said the shooting occurred outside in the parking lot and that, from what he knew, was not connected to the laundromat. The people involved werent customers and had not come inside, he said. People doing their laundry there were stunned by the shooting in the usually safe area. Some had only learned about it after seeing it on the news on the places TV. One man said that, as he was stuffing his clothes into one of the machines, he suddenly realized, to his shock, that he was in the same laundromat they were talking about. I just saw it on TV and I was, like, confused, he said. Honestly, just, it can happen anywhere. A 43-year-old Louisiana man was arrested Saturday following a multi-county pursuit that ended in a church parking lot and triggered an investigation into a possible explosive device, the Alexander County sheriff said. Law enforcement took Shaun Brian Jones into custody after he reportedly struck a deputys patrol vehicle and fled through Catawba and Alexander counties. The incident began on Saturday at approximately 1:30 p.m. when the United States Secret Service contacted the Catawba County Sheriffs Office for help locating Jones near Riverbend Park. A deputy located Jones, of Grand Isle, La., within minutes, but Jones allegedly struck the deputys patrol vehicle and fled the scene traveling north on Highway 16. The Catawba County deputy lost sight of the suspects vehicle following the initial collision and terminated the pursuit, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement The Catawba County 911 Communications Center then provided updated vehicle and suspect information to Alexander County authorities. An Alexander County deputy later spotted Jones traveling north on Highway 16 and attempted a traffic stop using emergency lights and a siren. Jones failed to stop and continued into the city limits of Taylorsville. An officer with the Taylorsville Police Department joined the pursuit before Jones entered the parking lot of First Baptist Church, the Alexander County sheriff said. Jones brought the vehicle to a stop and, after a brief standoff, was taken into custody without further incident. Advertisement Advertisement Following the arrest, deputies received information indicating a possible explosive device might be inside the suspects vehicle. Hazardous Device Units from the Gaston County Police Department and the Gastonia Police Department were called to the scene to evaluate the car. After a search, officials confirmed that no explosive device was located inside the vehicle. During the investigation of the vehicle, authorities temporarily closed roads in the surrounding area. The Alexander County Sheriffs Office, the Taylorsville Police Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol assisted with the closures. The Taylorsville Fire Department and Alexander County EMS were also placed on standby as a precaution. Advertisement Advertisement Jones is currently being held at the Alexander County Detention Center. He is under a $90,000 secured bond for the Alexander County charges and a $30,000 secured bond for the Catawba County charges. His charges include assault on a government official, resisting arrest and failure to stop for a blue light and siren in Catawba County, along with fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle in Alexander County. Jones is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Alexander County District Court on Monday. The case remains under active investigation. VIDEO: Justice on hold: Alexander County murder suspects await trial after six years IDF observation troops and the Aerial Control Center also intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle three M-16 rifles into Israel on Friday, the military announced on Saturday. Israel Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Sur Bahir on Saturday after he was caught smuggling a weapon into east Jerusalem. Detectives, Border Police, and patrol officers arranged a search and located a vehicle containing a loaded Carlo submachine gun. Advertisement Advertisement According to the police, they had prior intelligence indicating that an attempt to smuggle weapons into east Jerusalem from the West Bank was set to take place just a few days before the beginning of Ramadan. Drone caught smuggling weapons into Israel IDF observation troops and the Aerial Control Center intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle three M-16 rifles into Israel on Friday, the military announced on Saturday. The drone, which was identified as entering Israeli territory from the west, was located by troops and discovered to be carrying rifles. IDF intercepts drone attempting to smuggle three M-16s and cartridges over the Egyptian border, January 4, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The weapons were transferred to security forces for processing, the IDF stated. Maya Zanger-Nadis, Goldie Katz, and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. A man was flown to a hospital after being injured in a construction accident in Bridgewater Friday morning, according to the towns fire department. Shortly before 11:10 a.m., police and firefighters responded to a construction accident at 70 Broad St. a building that used to house a Friendlys, the Bridgewater Fire Department said in a press release. At the scene, first responders found a 60-year-old man with multiple injuries. Paramedics stabilized the man before an ambulance took him to a medical helicopter that was waiting on Center Street, the fire department said. The helicopter then flew him to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence for further medical evaluation and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also responded to the scene and is investigating the incident, the fire department said. The Bridgewater Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the mans condition Sunday afternoon. No further information has been released. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Snow could fall before the weekend is over, but Massachusetts will remain seasonably warm well into next week. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a slight chance of snow showers on Sunday night, especially for Cape Cod & the Islands and southern coastal regions, but little accumulation is expected a few tenths of an inch, at most. Aside from that potential overnight precipitation, the state is looking at dry, above-freezing conditions through most of next week. Advertisement Advertisement Boston and Worcester will reach a high of 33 degrees on Sunday afternoon, while Western Massachusetts will see highs of 36 degrees and Cape Cod & the Islands will get up to 32 degrees. Temperatures will drop to the low 20s across the state Sunday night before rebounding on Monday, with afternoon highs expected in the upper 30s in most regions. Conditions will remain seasonably warm, with the National Weather Service projecting high temperatures in the low 40s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with calm winds and a slight chance of rain moving in Wednesday evening. More weather Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Thousands of people gathered for a "Global Day of Action" protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday in support of the Iranian people's fight for freedom and human rights. Protesters called for the Iranian government to stop the arrest and killing of protesters, something that's been happening since late December. For many in Southern California, what's happening in Iran feels incredibly close to home. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside of Iran, and many demonstrators said they're protesting not just for political change, but for friends and family members and friends who are living through a crackdown they describe as brutal. Advertisement Advertisement "The oppression is so bad. There's so many people in jail. There's so many people in the morgues," said protester Cherry Lane. Activists are calling for an end to the killings and imprisonment of protesters since demonstrations erupted in December, and an end to the country's theocratic rule. They are also calling for U.S. intervention. President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible intervention in Iran, and he's willing to meet with the country's world leader, Ali Khamenei, if the Ayatollah agrees to it. "Make Iran great again, meaning an Iran that's based on freedom and not one that's based on using Islam and religion to murder people," said protester Brian Cox. Advertisement Advertisement Massive posters were placed on the ground in Grand Park, including one that reads "Reza Pahlavi is our choice." Pahlavi is the son of the deposed Shah from decades ago, who many Iranians want to see take over from the current Iranian regime, which has murdered tens of thousands of protesters since December. "This has nothing to do with politics. It has nothing to do with finance. It's about human rights," said Hessam Rahimain. Another large poster featured Trump and read 'We are locked and loaded. Help is on its way." Protesters began filling the streets of downtown L.A. near City Hall at 1 p.m. on Saturday. By 4 p.m., the crowd was still large, and the demonstration was peaceful. Advertisement Advertisement "Today is a national day of action, as you've seen, all around the world... there's been heaps of people coming out to protest against a regime that is, for all terms and purposes, for the people of Iran, illegitimate," said protester Sara Seyed. "But the main thing, the most important thing we're here to ask is, if I were to ask President Trump, Senator Rubio, Mr. Witkoff, Mr. Kushner, is 'What do you stand to gain from negotiating with a regime that is, by all means, illegitimate? What is there to gain for the betterment of the Iranian people since they don't have a representative at the table? What is there to gain for the United States peace and security and the world?' This regime has, by all means, operated in its entirety as a terrorist state. It shoots and kills unarmed civilians who are protesting their basic rights." The massive protest in downtown L.A. also included support and praise of President Donald Trump as the U.S. continues to weigh how to respond to the crisis in Iran. But with the death toll already in the thousands, some say they're losing faith. "We're frustrated because we had President Trump's promise. He said to my people that he will be there for my defenseless people," Seyed continued. "We have reached the point where we need immediate and strategic help. No patriotic human being wants an all-out war. But there are so many strategies to completely annihilate the arteries and the lifelines of this regime that has invested in proxies and militias and destruction all around the world." Advertisement Advertisement Still, some protesters say they hope Saturday's demonstrations were a loud enough outcry, hoping international pressure will build. "And then all the people that I've been talking to that live there in Iran, they are so committed to freedom that they tell me, 'Please, tell President Trump to attack. I don't even care if I die,'" Cox said. The Human Rights Activists News Agency says 7,000 people have been killed by the Iranian regime since December, but others have the count as high as 35,000. The true number is hard to verify because of internet blackouts and restrictions on journalists inside Iran. MUNICH About 250,000 people demonstrated on Saturday against Irans government on the sidelines of a gathering of world leaders in Germany, police said, answering a call from Iran s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for cranked-up international pressure on Tehran. Banging drums and chanting for regime change, the giant and boisterous rally in Munich was part of what Pahlavi described as a global day of action to support Iranians in the wake of deadly nationwide protests. He also called for demonstrations in Los Angeles and Toronto. Police said in a post on X that the number of protesters reached some 250,000, more than the organizers had expected. Change, change, regime change the huge crowd chanted, waving green-white-and-red flags with lion and sun emblems. Iran used that flag before its 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Pahlavi dynasty. Advertisement Advertisement At a news conference, Pahlavi warned of more deaths in Iran if democracies stand by and watch following Irans deadly crackdown on protesters last month. We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran? he asked. He added that the survival of Irans government sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power. An estimated 350,000 people marched on the streets of Toronto as part of the Global Day of Action Rally, Toronto Police spokesperson Laura Brabant said. At the Munich rally, demonstrators sported Make Iran Great Again red caps, mimicking the MAGA caps worn by U.S. President Donald Trump s supporters. Among those sporting the caps was U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina who gave a speech to the crowd during which he was photographed holding up the headwear. Advertisement Advertisement Many at the rally waved placards showing Pahlavi, some that called him a king. The son of Irans deposed shah has been in exile for nearly 50 years but is trying to position himself as a player in Irans future. The crowd chanted Pahlavi for Iran, and democracy for Iran as drums and cymbals sounded. We have huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully, said Daniyal Mohtashamian, a demonstrator who traveled from Zurich, in Switzerland, to speak for protesters inside Iran who faced repression. There is an internet blackout, and their voices are not going outside of Iran, he said. Advertisement Advertisement About 500 protesters also rallied outside the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, with many holding up banners with slogans against Irans government and in favor of Pahlavi. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 7,005 people were killed in last months protests, including 214 government forces. It has been accurate in counting deaths during previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists inside Iran to verify deaths. Irans government offered its only death toll on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed. Irans theocracy in the past has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian leaders are facing renewed pressure from Trump, who has threatened U.S. military action. Trump wants Iran to further scale back its nuclear program. He suggested Friday that regime change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen. Iran was also the focus of protests in Munich on Friday, the opening day of an annual security conference in the city gathering European leaders and global security figures. Supporters of the Iranian opposition group Peoples Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, demonstrated. When Ghislaine Maxwell refused to testify before Congress last week, she nonetheless insisted on her willingness to help. Maxwell, who was convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein draw teenage girls into a world of sexual abuse, dangled the prospect of revealing truth before Congress and American public so long as she was freed from jail. If this committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path. Ms Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump, her attorney, David Oskar Marcus, said. Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters. Advertisement Advertisement He added: For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing. Ms Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation. While Donald Trumps team has denied he was considering such an act of mercy for Maxwell, her pitch rekindled discourse on whether a presidential pardon, or commutation of her sentence, were potentially on the table. Trump for months has dealt with political blowback over his administrations handling of the Epstein files, as he waffled on campaign trail promises to release all documents amid growing attention on his prior association with him. Legal veterans told the Guardian that any sort of clemency for Maxwell albeit hypothetical at this point would probably do little to provide insight into Epsteins crimes. Attorneys for Epsteins victims, meanwhile, have condemned her clemency pitch, with one calling it twisted and cast doubt on her motivations, and ability, to tell the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Shes saying, look, what Ill do is: Ill clear you, Mr President Trump, Ill clear whomever, if you let me out, said RJ Dreiling, a defense attorney and former prosecutor in Los Angeles. If shes saying, Get me out of jail in exchange for this information, it obviously undermines any kind of credibility for her and any information she provides. Its kind of a game of chess between her and the administration, where shes saying, Help me out, and I can help you. Dont help me out, and maybe I can hurt you, Dreiling added. Obviously, the president doesnt want to be seen granting clemency to someone whos convicted of an extremely serious series of crimes. But at the same time, hes got to be worried that he could do or say something that could really even more negatively impact his reputation and his standing with the American public. Neama Rahmani, founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said: As a former federal prosecutor, I think Maxwells proposal is distasteful, actually downright shameful, but theres nothing unlawful about it. She realizes now that her supreme court petition has been denied, she is going to spend decades in federal prison unless she can get a pardon or sentence commuted. Advertisement Advertisement Rahmani added: She theoretically has potential habeas argument, but I think its very unlikely that shell be able to collaterally attack her conviction. This is her easiest way out. Aside from credibility concerns which also stem from prior allegations that Maxwell lied under oath clemency would not guarantee she would tell everything she knows. When it comes to presidential clemency, Im not aware of any conditional pardons or clemency that have previously been issued, said Eric Faddis, a defense attorney at the Law Offices of Eric Faddis, and a former felony prosecutor. What is the legal mechanism by which you can go back to Maxwell and say, Hey, you didnt give us enough. Were pulling this clemency? It doesnt work like that, so theres really a question as to how any conditions of a presidential clemency could be enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys have also noted that information about Epsteins crimes and his sweetheart deal that allowed him to skate federal prosecution in 2008 in exchange for admitting to state-level charges could be revealed without Maxwells promise of help. Its clear that anything that comes out [from Maxwell] would be so corrupt and tainted that its worthless, said John Day, a defense attorney who previously worked as a prosecutor. If you dont see that, youre ignoring the realities of this case. The way to get to the truth is to follow the trails of victim statements [and] unredacted documents, and find out who was trying to protect all these rich and powerful men through the redactions, Day said. Stay with the victims. Look through the records. Ask who is protecting whom still, and [do] not believe anything that Maxwell says, because her story is up for sale. Theres a price on it. Lawyers representing Epsteins victims see Maxwells offer as little more than self-interested horse-trading. Advertisement Advertisement Ghislaine Maxwell invoking the fifth while dangling the promise of testimony in exchange for a pardon is not courage or cooperation it is leverage. This is a convicted sex trafficker with a documented history of deception attempting to trade on information she has withheld for years in order to secure personal freedom, said Spencer Kuvin of Goldlaw, who has represented numerous Epstein victims. Conditioning the truth on clemency from Donald Trump looks less like a search for justice and more like the latest maneuver in a long pattern of manipulation, he also said in a statement. Victims have waited far too long to see accountability to accept another transactional offer wrapped in the language of disclosure. Jennifer Freeman of Marsh Law Firm, who represents Epstein victim Maria Farmer, voiced similar sentiments. It was no surprise that Ghislaine Maxwell a convicted sex trafficker and felon who has been previously accused of repeatedly lying under oath is now attempting to trade her version of her involvement in crimes against young women and girls, for a pardon or other leniency, she said. Maxwells statements are not to be trusted, designed to best suit her twisted agenda and continued concealment of her wrongdoings. Advertisement Advertisement Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell deserve justice for the abuse and trafficking they have endured, which would be thwarted by crediting Maxwell, offering her clemency, pardoning her, commuting her sentence, or in any way limiting the hard-fought conviction imposed after trial by a jury of her peers, and sentence delivered by a an experienced, well-regarded judge. Maxwells team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said of the pardon issue: This is not something Ive discussed recently with the president because frankly, its not a priority. According to the Hill, Leavitt said: Hes focused on many of the issues that the American people are dealing with and providing solutions to those issues. Leavitt also noted that when she last spoke to Trump, it was not something hes considering or thinking about. The president has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting an open house on Feb. 18 to discuss the Marshall Modernization Project. This event will provide updates on the project's second year and future plans. The open house will take place from 3-6 p.m. at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Event Center in Battle Creek, according to a community announcement. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the ongoing investment in Marshall. The project is part of a three-year, $335 million initiative supporting the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation Campus. MDOT staff, along with consultants and contractors, will be available to discuss the work planned for 2026 and 2027, according to the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement The focus this year will be on rebuilding I-94 between F Drive North and Ackerson Drive. Additionally, the I-94/M-311 interchange will be reconfigured, and the M-96 bridge over I-94 will be rebuilt. M-96 also will be transformed into a boulevard between Wheatfield Parkway and M-311. This open house is open to city representatives, local businesses and interested residents. Directional signs will guide attendees from the hotel lobby to the Event Center's Mbish Ballroom B. Those who require mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov, preferably at least five business days prior. Forms are available on the Title VI webpage, and requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible, according to the announcement. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@usatodayco.com with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/. This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: MDOT to detail I-94, M-96, M-311 projects at Feb. 18 Marshall event EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Border Network for Human Rights and handful of other partner groups joined together on Valentines Day to protest and call attention to Trump Administration immigration policies and tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The groups said that Saturday, Feb. 14 is meant to be a day to signify family, safety and care, but said that ICE stands for fear, separation and harm in our communities. 3rd detainee dies at Camp East Montana Advertisement Advertisement About 100 people attended the rally at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. They demanded that ICE leave the Borderland community, that Camp East Montana be shut down and that the expansion of detention camps come to an end. Instead, they called for immigration policies that keep families together. This Valentines Day, we are standing for love, family, and justice in the face of a system built on fear and separation, said Fernando Garcia, executive director of the BNHR. ICE terrorizes our neighborhoods, detention camps like Camp East Montana tear families apart, and the expansion of this cruel system steals resources from the communities that need them most. We are demanding ICE out of our communities, the immediate shutdown of Camp East Montana, an end to all detention expansion, and policies that keep families together, because love is stronger than fear, and families deserve safety, dignity, and unity, not cages. Groups demand immediate closure of Camp East Montana following 3rd in-custody death Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte Weiss, Beyond Borders staff attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, said: ICE is wreaking havoc on American cities and families: murdering U.S. citizens in broad daylight, separating families, and destroying faith in the American Dream. Camp East Montana and all detention facilities are not rooted in safety, but hate. This Valentines Day, the Texas Civil Rights Project implores you to demand an immigration system that recognizes that families belong together. In the words of Bad Bunny, The only thing more powerful than hate is love. We demand that ICE be removed from our communities and we demand an immigration system that honors the dignity and humanity of all migrants. Marisa Limon Garza, executive director at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, added: Our El Paso community is rooted in family, dignity, and respect, yet immigration enforcement actions betray these very values. They spread fear, tear families apart, and consign our loved ones to detention facilities that function as deportation pipelines, restricting access to counsel and disregarding established laws and protections. We stand in unwavering solidarity with immigrant families, demanding an end to detention expansion, the closure of Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, and real solutions that uphold safety, and belonging for everyone who calls our region home. Michael Aboud, chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, sent us the following statement the day after the protest. These protests are actually against the United States being able to protect its sovereignty, which is what the Biden Administration put a jeopardy when then refused to stop the masses of foreigners from crossing our borders illegally. When you have an administration that refuses to enforce the standing laws that govern those boundaries in order to protect the Nation and its people, you end up with these types of foolish protests. 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 KTSM 9 News. Milwaukee is getting an early taste of spring and could even break a temperature record set more than a century ago. The National Weather Service predicts highs could reach between 51 and 60 degrees in Milwaukee on Presidents' Day. Madison could also hit 60 degrees Monday, Feb. 16. Temperatures will be highest along the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Depending on the actual temperatures observed tomorrow, both cities could surpass records kept by the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement NWS meteorologist Taylor Patterson says it all comes down to whether winds coming from the south and southwest push colder air over Lake Michigan and keep it there. "The longer that winds stay southwesterly and the stronger they are, the more likely that Milwaukee may even be able to tie or potentially break that 56-degree record," Patterson said. The maximum temperature recorded Feb. 16 in Milwaukee was 56 degrees in 1921. In Madison, it was 57 degrees in 1981. Those are far from the highest temperatures ever recorded in February, however. On Feb. 27, 2024, Madison hit 70 degrees and Milwaukee reached 74. Advertisement Advertisement More: Apostle Islands ice caves may reopen Feb. 16 for first time since 2015 Rain, even a thunderstorm on the way later this week But like that heat wave two years ago, this week's balmy temperatures will be short-lived. Snow chances are back in the forecast by Friday, when temperatures will drop back down to the mid-30s in Milwaukee. Rain is also likely in the middle of the week, especially Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. An unusual February thunderstorm is even possible after midnight on Tuesday so don't be surprised if a few rumbles wake you up. Patterson also cautioned anyone planning to go out on the ice. There's not a lot left, but any frozen parts that remain will be unstable, she said. Advertisement Advertisement More: Ice is never 100% safe, DNR says in perennial winter safety message At this point in the year, it's common for temperatures to "start going in waves" between warmer than normal and closer to average temperatures, Patterson said. "It is only February, so confidence is low that we're just going to stay warm ... and not have some cold weather return," she said. More: Smith: Hike across bog on sunny winter day like recess for adults Hope Karnopp can be reached at usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee, Madison could set new record high temperatures on Feb. 16 JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Amid a state environment where sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue, a national report showed that, despite progress, it is still particularly stifling in Mississippi. Transmission of STDs has fallen nationally, including in Mississippi. Despite a 22% drop statewide between 2019 and 2023, the timeframe with the latest data, Mississippi still has among the highest numbers of those infected with STDs. In fact, ValuePenguin found that the infection rate of nearly 1% of the states overall population is the third highest nationally. The website noted two main obstacles that contributed to Mississippis STD environment: high uninsured rates and no Medicaid expansion. The state has among the highest uninsured rates among adults. Multiple attempts by the Mississippi Legislature to expand Medicaid have failed. All plans under the Affordable Care Act include coverage for STD treatment and prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Converge clinic opens at Jackson Medical Mall ValuePenguins critique is not just anecdotal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11,900 people are living with HIV in Mississippi. Over 17% of residents with the condition are unaware they are HIV positive. Statewide, the state has the fifth-highest diagnosis rate nationally. Over one in five people diagnosed in Mississippi do not receive HIV care within one month of their diagnosis. Sexual health resources do exist for Mississippians that are free or low-cost. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Center in Jackson offers free walk-ins for the testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Affordable STD and HIV testing is available through every county health department under the Mississippi State Department of Health. Close Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. NEED TO KNOW More than 20,000 peanut butter items have been recalled across 40 states by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The U.S. federal agency has classified the recall as Class II Ventura Foods LLC, which initiated the recall, "found pieces of blue plastic in a filter," per the FDA Thousands of peanut butter items have been recalled across dozens of states by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The U.S. federal agency has classified the recall as Class II, which means use of or exposure to affected products "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." Advertisement Advertisement The recall was initiated on April 30, and the FDA assigned the Class II classification on Feb. 12. The agency has not listed an end date. The recall covers various peanut butter products that were produced by Ventura Foods LLC. The company, which initiated the recall, "found pieces of blue plastic in a filter," per the FDA. More than 20,000 single-serve peanut butter items and peanut butter-and-jelly combo packs are affected. Some were distributed by DYMA Brands, Inc., US Foods, Sysco Corporation, Gordon Food Service and Independent Marketing Alliance, among others, the FDA said. 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. Peanut butter and peanuts (stock image). Getty According to the FDA, the recalled peanut butter products were shipped to 40 states total: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Ventura Foods LLC said in a statement, per Newsweek, "Ten months ago, DYMA Brands initiated a voluntary recall on various single-use peanut butter products due to the potential presence of a foreign material (plastic)." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation and classification process is thorough and can take time to complete, that timeline did not impact our actions. At the time the recall was initiated ... we acted with urgency to remove all potentially impacted product from the marketplace. This includes urging our customers, their distributors and retailers to immediately review their inventory, segregate and stop the further sale and distribution of any products subject to the recall," the statement continued. "Protecting consumers remains our top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly and transparently as the FDA review progresses," added the Ventura Foods LLC spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement The company did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Feb. 15. A full list of items affected by the recall, which the FDA will continue to update, can be found here. Read the original article on People At least nine Palestinians have been killed and others injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Sunday, noting there were deadly attacks in the north and south of the coastal strip. The Israeli military said the attacks were on targets of the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas. The military stated that it was responding to a violation by Hamas of the ceasefire that has been in place for more than four months. The military reported that "several armed terrorists" had been identified on the Israeli side of the "yellow line" in the north of the sealed-off coastal area. The line marks the withdrawal position of the Israeli army as part of the ceasefire with Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement The men had apparently emerged from an underground tunnel and were hiding under debris in close proximity to Israeli troops, it was said. At least two of them were killed, and possibly more, the military added. The military's information could not initially be independently verified. The Israeli troops searched the area to track down and "eliminate" the remaining "terrorists," the military further stated. Their incursion beyond the yellow line constituted a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement." Since the beginning of the ceasefire on October 10, there have been repeated deadly incidents in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement According to various reports, Israel controls slightly more than half of the Gaza Strip, where around 2 million Palestinians live. The coastal area is approximately 41 kilometres long and between 6 and 12 kilometres wide. Gunmen on motorcycles have killed dozens of people in dawn raids across three villages in north-western Nigeria. Armed men shot locals dead, set homes alight and abducted an unknown number of people in Niger State, Musa Saidu, head of the State Emergency Management Agency (Sema), told the BBC. The attacks on Saturday morning occurred near the site of a suspected jihadist massacre earlier this month, in which more than 100 people were killed in a similar ambush. Advertisement Advertisement Armed criminal gangs, known as bandits, have carried out attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria for years, mainly targeting those in the north-west - but reports of attacks in other parts of the country have risen sharply more recently. Bandits swooped on the village of Tunga-Makeri early in the morning, before striking the nearby villages of Konkoso and Pissa, local officials said. Police said six people were killed in one incident, and 20 more in the attacks on Konkoso and Pisa. Officials confirmed at least 29 people had been killed as of Saturday, but Saidu said that death toll could rise. The number of people abducted is also unknown because many residents fled their homes and ran into the nearby bush or neighbouring communities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "People are afraid because you can't tell which community is going to be next," he added. A security report cited by AFP news agency said bandits came on 41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three men. Abdullahi Rofia, a resident of neighbouring Agwara, told the BBC that many displaced people have taken shelter in his community, which was itself attacked two weeks ago. "People are so traumatised, they no longer go to farm nor do they go to market," he said. "The bandits are not interesting in stealing or looting - they are more interested in killing and terrorising locals." Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have introduced emergency measures, including a restriction on late-night gatherings and a "partial curfew" that bans motorcycle taxis from operating after 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). Police confirmed that security teams have been deployed and rescue efforts are ongoing. Nigeria's leaders are under pressure to curb violence, with jihadist groups active in the north-west and separatist insurgents based in the country's south-east. The US launched Christmas Day strikes targeting Islamist militants in Nigeria's northern Sokoto state and President Donald Trump warned of further attacks "if they continue to kill Christians". Advertisement Advertisement Many of the victims of jihadist violence are Muslim, according to organisations monitoring political violence in Nigeria. A Nigerian official told the BBC last month that 200 suspected bandits had been killed in an operation in the central Kogi state. It came after more than 250 children and staff were abducted from a Catholic school in Papiri, in one of the largest recent mass-kidnappings. Their release was later secured. Professor Eytan Gilboa warned that Tehran may pressure Iraq to allow the country to become a ground to challenge the Sharaa regime. The transfer of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq is a sign that Washington doesnt truly trust the Sharaa regime, experts told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday after 5,700 suspected Islamic State prisoners were transferred by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) over the weekend. Prof. Eytan Gilboa, expert on the US at Bar-Ilan and Reichman Universities, and Fellow at the BESA Center for Strategic Studies, said Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not yet demonstrated he can or desires to maintain regional calm by holding the prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Devorah Margolin, a Blumenstein-Rosenbloom Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute, also told the Post, The coalitions decision to transfer the ISIS-affiliated detainees from Syria to Iraq highlights the chaos and the insecurity on the ground in northeast Syria at the moment, and the desire to ensure the security of the situation doesnt escalate further. While the US administration has been very clear that they wanted Damascus to take over both fighting the Islamic State and the detainee issue, these are two very different portfolios, Margolin explained. The detainee issue is enormously complicated and requires intensive time, training, and resources. The current handling of the al-Hol detention camp highlights that while Damascus might be able to partner on certain issues, they are not equipped at this time to handle others. Sharaa, who is also known by the name Abu Mohammad al-Julani, was formerly wanted by the United States for his role in al-Qaeda and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. While President Donald Trump has embraced him since the fall of the Assad regime last year, critics have warned that the Islamist may not be an appropriate ally for the US in the region. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa gestures speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 28 January 2026. (credit: Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via Reuters) There are some concerns about Ahmed al-Sharaa, whether or not he left his history as a terrorist of the Qaeda and ISIS [behind], Gilboa noted, adding that his failure to stop members of the Syrian Arab Army from committing atrocities against Kurds, Druze, and Alawites would suggest the caution is well-justified. ISIS fighters escape after Syrian forces seized control of al-Shaddadi prison Dozens of alleged Islamic State fighters escaped after Syrian forces seized control of al-Shaddadi prison. While authorities claimed 81 of the apparent 120 escapees were quickly recaptured, the incident may have threatened trust in Damascus. Advertisement Advertisement Baghdad fought hard to declare victory over ISIS in 2017, taking back approximately 40% of the land formerly controlled by the terror group. As Washington has withdrawn its military from the country, Gilboa warned that the country may be anxious to see the number of prisoners its responsible for decline. Reflecting on Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Husseins recent admission to Reuters that discussions were being held to see some Arab and Muslim countries take back their citizens, Gilboa shared that Baghdad was likely pushing for this over concern that the prisoners could become a national security threat. He noted that Europe was unlikely to accept the prisoners, but countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia may be more amenable. Hussein to Reuters that Baghdad would need financial assistance to deal with the influx of prisoners, who were transferred after a rapid offensive by Syrian regime forces in northeast Syria against Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The formerly US-backed SDF had been responsible for guarding many of the facilities holding prisoners. 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, its very dangerous, so we need support from various countries, Hussein said in the interview. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Hussein admitted that the country was really worried over the spike in ISIS activity along the border. Iraqi spy chief Hamid al-Shatri warned last month that ISIS has been regaining its numbers in the region, according to The Washington Post, with the numbers swelling in neighboring Syria to around 10,000. The shift in American military presence and priorities in the region does not come without risk for Israel, Gilboa warned. Throughout the years, those ISIS terrorists were kept by the Kurds this was the best situation for Israel. Now that you have a combination of an American withdrawal as well as the transfer of those terrorists to Iraq, it represents a sort of threat to Israel in Iraq, he explained. Iraq is under enormous pressure to accommodate Iranian requests, and Iran wants to regain power in Iraq where it could then challenge Ahmed al-Sharaa. While ISIS is considered an enemy of Iran, Gilboa said recent evidence suggests that Tehran is willing to work with the terrorist group against its enemies. I can see theres very little Israel can do about it, because of the distances, because of priorities, but this is something that will have to be taken into consideration, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond risks that Iraq and ISIS may soon play into a larger Iranian campaign against Syria, human rights groups have expressed concern that the prisoners transferred will receive the same sham trials seen in earlier years. Sarah Sanbar, a researcher with the New York-based Human Rights Watch organization, told CBS News that Baghdads earlier prosecution against suspected ISIS members involved Confessions obtained under torture, people being tortured in detention centers, trials that lasted 10 minutes without a lawyer present, where they were sentenced to death, on the basis of an anonymous informant and no corroborating evidence. The detainee issue has always raised legal questions, Margolin explained. The indefinite detention of citizens from around the world by a non-State actor in a disputed territory was never sustainable. The decision to move detainees to Iraq also raises a lot of legal questions, specifically the use of the death penalty, and also moving Syrian citizens from Syria to Iraq. It also continues to raise questions about countries around the world shirking their legal responsibility to be accountable for their own citizens. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that the United States does not want a "vassal" Europe, the day after a speech where he called on Europeans to embrace President Donald Trump's vision for "renewal" of the global order. "We're not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States," Rubio said during a brief visit to Bratislava, following his appearance at the Munich Security Conference. "We want to be your partner. We want to work with Europe. We want to work with our allies." Advertisement Advertisement Rubio told European leaders in Munich that they should rally behind Trump to defend "Western civilisation," which Rubio said is in danger of "erasure" by mass migration and cultural and industrial decline. - Friends of MAGA - Rubio moved on from Munich to some of Trump's staunchest right-wing allies in Europe. He met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and then flew to Budapest where he is to meet nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday. At a press conference with Fico, Rubio asserted that Trump wanted to strengthen ties with Central Europe. He also emphasised that it was in the US interest to have "a strong Europe" more broadly at a time when transatlantic relations are turbulent. He rejected the notion that the United States would feel threatened by a more independent Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Fico has embraced a similar strand of right-wing nationalism to Trump and cultivated close ties with Trump's MAGA movement. During a recent visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Fico reportedly expressed concern about the US president's mental state, according to Politico, which cited anonymous European diplomats. Washington and Bratislava vehemently denied the report. The Slovak leader said after the Mar-a-Lago meeting that he and Trump had had "extremely important" discussions on nuclear energy. Slovakia shares a 100-kilometer (60 mile) border with Ukraine and Fico on Sunday praised Trump's "approach" to the war there, which he described as "rational and pragmatic". Fico said however that the conflict would not be resolved in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio said he appreciated the remarks and the stakes for Slovakia, saying that the US role is to "facilitate an end to a very deadly, very bloody, very, very costly war, with horrible suffering". The US chief diplomat then departed for Budapest, where Orban is facing his toughest electoral challenge since returning to power in 2010. Trump has openly supported the Hungarian nationalist leader, whom he describes as a "strong and powerful man," ahead of parliamentary elections on April 12. Orban's Fidesz party trails opposition leader Peter Magyar's TISZA party in opinion polls. Advertisement Advertisement - A boost for Orban? - In a speech on Saturday, Orban pledged to continue his fight against "bought pseudo-civil organisations, journalists, judges and politicians". His rhetoric often echoes Trump, and he has cast himself as a European friend of Trump's MAGA movement. Many American conservatives admire Orban's hardline anti-immigration stance, resistance to LGBTQ rights and war against "gender ideology". Orban has announced plans to travel to Washington next week to attend the inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace". - Energy diplomacy - During a visit to the White House last year, Orban secured Hungary an exemption from US sanctions on importing Russian oil and gas. Advertisement Advertisement Former Democratic president Joe Biden had a more hostile relationship with Orban, whom he accused of "looking for a dictatorship" in Hungary, including by muzzling independent media. Slovakia and Hungary have sought to keep warm ties to the Kremlin since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both depend heavily on Russian fossil fuels, and both have found themselves locked in a standoff with the European Union over the decision to end imports of Russian gas. Washington is seeking to strengthen energy ties with its two right-wing allies, and energy was discussed by Rubio in Bratislava. According to US officials, it is expected to come up again in Budapest. lb/fz/bst/tw A house in Nancy Guthries Arizona neighborhood is being investigated in connection to her disappearance, police said late Friday night. Nancy, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for nearly two weeks. Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said in a statement on X. Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI no additional information is currently available. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement According to the New York Times, the house is in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood and just a short drive from Nancys residence and that of her older daughter, Annie, and her husband. A grey Range Rover is also being investigated at a nearby Culvers, the Times reports, though it is unclear if it is in connection to Guthrie. Investigators photographed something inside of the cars trunk and a tow truck has removed it from the scene. On Thursday, the FBI revealed that it is raising the reward to $100,000 for information that helps locate Nancy Guthrie or leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance. The agency also shared additional identifying details about a potential kidnapper, describing the suspect as a male standing approximately 59 to 510 tall with an average build. In the video, he is seen wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, according to a post on X from the Phoenix bureau of the FBI. Earlier that week, the Pima County Sheriffs Department told ABC News that an individual had been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the case, and investigators were preparing to search a location tied to that individual. The person was later released. Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, and the Pima County Sheriffs Department declared her disappearance a crime on Feb. 2. We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters at the time. We believe now, after we process that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime, and were asking for the communitys help. Since her mothers disappearance, Savannah Guthrie has posted several videos on social media addressing the kidnapper and asking the community to help with the search. So Im coming on just to ask you not just for your prayers, but no matter where you are even if youre far from Tuscon, she said in a video message on Feb. 9. If you see anything, if you hear anything, if theres anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement. We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. TUCSON A black glove found near Nancy Guthries Catalina Foothills home appears to match the gloves worn by the man seen in doorbell camera footage and contains DNA evidence, the FBI said in a Feb. 15 statement. The glove was found Feb. 12, about two miles from the Guthrie residence in a field near the side of the road. The glove was one of about 16 recovered in areas near the house, the FBI statement said. Most belonged to searchers who had discarded them. "The one with the DNA profile recovered is different and appears to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video," the FBI said. Advertisement Advertisement The gloves were sent overnight by the Pima County Sheriff's Department to the private lab it uses in Florida and received Feb. 13, the FBI said. Preliminary results were received by the FBI on Feb. 14. The FBI said it was awaiting official confirmation of the results, a process that typically takes about 24 hours. The FBI then would put the unknown male profile into CODIS, the national database it keeps of DNA profiles, to compare it with other DNA profiles from crime scenes, convicted offenders and missing persons. According to information released by the FBI, CODIS contains genetic records of more than 20 million people. But that doesn't capture people not processed in the criminal justice system. The FBI advises detectives, "Familial searching is an additional search of a law enforcement DNA database conducted after a routine search has been completed and no profile matches are identified during the process." Advertisement Advertisement Such a technique was used to apprehend Bryan Kohberger, who later plead guilty to killing four students at the University of Idaho. DNA on the weapon had a partial match to that recovered from the trash of the suspect's father, based on the work of a private lab that used data from genealogy sites such as Ancestry.com. One expert told CNN the lab work could take 24 to 48 hours to yield a result. The news about the DNA evidence in the glove was released hours before "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie posted another video on Instagram, this one titled "bring her home. it's never too late to do the next right thing." "It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope. And we still believe," Guthrie said. Advertisement Advertisement "And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it's never too late. And you're not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. We believe, and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late." Meanwhile Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has yet to agree to an interview with The Arizona Republic, told NBC, "We think we're getting closer." He went on to tell the network that investigators are working with Google and other tech companies to process camera footage. "We've asked them and they are working as best they can," Nanos told NBC. That collaboration could prove more important, as investigators told Tucson station KVOA they are seeking video of cars from 10 p.m. on Jan. 11 through 1 a.m. on Jan. 12, in addition to footage they already asked the public to provide. They called the footage "crucial" to the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives told the local TV station they are focused on a specific area bounded by Ina and River Roads and La Cholla Drive to the west and Roller Coaster Road to the southeast. That area is 4 miles from Guthrie's house and about a mile from a house detectives searched Feb. 13. These developments and the DNA update on the glove was the most recent break in the search for the missing 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, which passed the two-week mark on Feb. 15. Investigators were continuing to pursue forensic evidence and public tips but making no arrests and no public announcements about Nancy Guthrie herself. By the late morning of Feb. 15, cars lined the street of Guthries home in the Catalina Foothills. The whir of a small drone could be heard above the canopies pitched by journalists. One deputy with a marked Pima County Sheriff's Office vehicle was in the driveway, but no private security was visible on site. Advertisement Advertisement DNA was likely to provide important clues. Besides DNA on the glove and obtained in a Feb. 13 traffic stop, authorities have said they collected DNA from Guthries property that did not belong to her or those in close contact with her. Officials have not disclosed where the distinctive biological blueprint was found at the residence and said it was being analyzed. Investigators may have used a 'signal sniffer' The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance was being conducted jointly by the Pima County Sheriffs Department and the FBI. Both agencies were using physical, digital and biological tools in the investigation, from the retrieval and analysis of the camera footage to examining DNA evidence to finding a glove tossed off to the side of the road during a physical search. Law enforcement activity has been less visible over the weekend, but activity late Feb. 13 near Guthries Catalina Foothills home including a federal search warrant and traffic stop involved sheriffs deputies, FBI agents and a SWAT team. Advertisement Advertisement The operation did not lead to a breakthrough, according to the Pima County Sheriffs Department. A person was questioned during the traffic stop, but no one was taken into custody, sheriffs officials said. DNA samples were taken from the person's vehicle, a gray Range Rover. Experts say the case reflects how modern crime and modern investigations now unfold simultaneously in the physical world and online. Its a game of cat and mouse, said Milos Manic, director of Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Cybersecurity Center, in an interview with The Arizona Republic. Manic said todays crimes often intersect with networked devices, cloud storage systems and digital payment platforms. The same technology that allows homeowners to monitor cameras remotely or move money instantly can also be used to obscure activity or disrupt surveillance. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have used a device known as a signal sniffer mounted on a law enforcement helicopter in an attempt to detect Nancy Guthries pacemaker signal, according to reports from Fox News and NewsNation, which reported the device was attached to a Pima County Sheriffs Department helicopter seen flying low over the Tucson area Feb. 3. Kevin Smith, spokesperson for the FBIs Phoenix Field Office, declined to comment on whether investigators were using such a device. The Sheriff's Department did not respond to a request to comment. What to know about the case so far Guthrie was last seen Jan. 31 and was reported missing the next day. Authorities have said they believe she was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood against her will. The Catalina Foothills neighborhood is a hillside area in Pima County north of Tucson with limited street lighting and widely spaced homes. Advertisement Advertisement The FBI described a person seen in doorbell camera footage at Guthries home as a male about 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. The person was wearing a mask, gloves and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack and appeared to tamper with the camera, investigators have said. A reward for information leading to Guthrie's discovery and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved has been increased to $100,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, tips.fbi.gov, the Pima County Sheriffs Department at 520-351-4900 or 88-CRIME. Who is Nancy Guthrie? What to know about her life Nancy Guthrie led an active, vibrant life before her disappearance, taking part in social activities from book clubs and church to networking with other professionals like herself, according to her friends. Advertisement Advertisement Her disappearance shocked the world and those closest to her. People in her life are heartbroken by what is happening because of the way she lives her life, said Jacqueline Sharkey, professor emerita at the University of Arizona. "She is completely devoted to her family, her faith, and her community," Sharkey said. "She's been deeply engaged in education issues, in issues of public health, such as saving the Poison Information Center. She's wise, and she's kind." Patricia Sturmon described Guthrie similarly, saying her longtime friend is smart and witty and not afraid to speak out and identify people who are misguided or foolish. She is very special. She opens up to people who she meets, and she is genuine and very well educated, said Sturmon, who has known Guthrie for 20 years. What to know: Savannah Guthrie posts old family videos as search for mom continues This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: FBI says glove DNA could be linked to Nancy Guthrie abductor The Pima County Sheriffs Department clarified Saturday that a Friday night operation near the home of Nancy Guthrie conclued in a search warrant but no arrests. The Pima County Sheriff tells local affiliate KOLD last nights operation was: Nothing more than a lead tracked down that led to a search warrant and no arrest,' wrote NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin on X. The Pima County Sheriff tells local affiliate KOLD last night's operation was: "Nothing more than a lead tracked down that led to a search warrant and no arrest. Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) February 14, 2026 Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case, a statement from authorities given Friday read. Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI no additional information is currently available. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple media reports claimed two men and an older woman were detained. Per the PCSD, reports that current law enforcement activity is surrounding a home belonging to a former county attorney is NOT accurate. They also noted that a written statement is forthcoming. On Thursday the FBI described the suspect in Guthries disappearance. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 59 510 tall, with an average build, FBI Phoenix wrote on X. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 when her family returned her to her home after dinner and games. She was reported missing the next day after she failed to show up at church. The post Nancy Guthrie Update: Police Say Nighttime Operation Resulted in Search Warrant, No Arrests appeared first on TheWrap. By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he told U.S. President Donald Trump last week that any U.S. deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, not just stopping the enrichment process. Speaking at the annual Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Netanyahu also said Israel still needs to "complete the job" of destroying all tunnels in Gaza. Israel, he said, has already dismantled 150 km (93 miles) of an estimated 500 km. Advertisement Advertisement A second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran are slated for this week. Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that delivers economic benefits for both sides, an Iranian diplomat was reported as saying on Sunday. Netanyahu said he is sceptical of a deal but it must include enriched material leaving Iran. "There shall be no enrichment capability - not stopping the enrichment process, but dismantling the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place," he said. Iran and the U.S. renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme and avert a new military confrontation. The U.S. has dispatched a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, U.S. officials have told Reuters. Netanyahu also said that he aimed to end U.S. military aid to Israel within the next 10 years, after the current 10-year deal of receiving $3.8 billion a year - which is largely spent in the United States on equipment - ends in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Due to a thriving economy, "we can afford to phase out the financial component of the military aid that we're receiving, and I propose a 10-year draw down to zero. Now, in the three years that remain in the present memorandum of understanding and another seven years draw it down to zero," Netanyahu said. "We want to move with the United States from aid to partnership," he said. (Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Susan Fenton) The Brief Californias two-year crackdown on organized retail theft resulted in 29,060 arrests and $226 million in recovered stolen goods as of September 2025. Reinforced by a historic $267 million investment, local agencies and district attorneys have referred nearly 23,000 cases for prosecution. Recent data highlights a nearly 19% increase in recovered property over the last quarter, totaling $36 million in assets returned to businesses. SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that Californias sustained investment in disrupting criminal networks has led to over 29,000 arrests for organized retail theft over the past two years. Advertisement Advertisement Supported by the largest public safety investment in state history, local law enforcement agencies are utilizing new technology and increased staffing to dismantle sophisticated theft rings. What we know Between October 2023 and September 2025, state-funded operations led to 29,060 arrests and the referral of 22,896 cases for prosecution, according to a statement put out by Newsom's office. Central to this effort is a $267 million grant package distributed to 55 communities through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). SUGGESTED: Newsom touts 'Jobs First' program in Orange County, highlighting job growth Advertisement Advertisement This funding has enabled 38 law enforcement agencies to purchase advanced equipment and 13 district attorney's offices to implement "vertical prosecution" programs, where a single prosecutor handles a case from start to finish. In the most recent quarter (JulySeptember 2025), officers recovered nearly $36 million in stolen goods. This surge contributed to a total of $226 million in recovered property since the program's inceptionan increase of nearly 19% in just three months. Timeline 2019: Governor Newsom establishes the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force. 2023: California announces the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime as part of the Public Safety Plan. Advertisement Advertisement October 2023: BSCC begins distributing $267 million in grants to local communities. August 2024: Newsom signs a landmark bipartisan legislative package to strengthen penalties for property crimes and "smash-and-grab" robberies. September 2025: Reporting period concludes with a record $226 million in goods recovered and over 29,000 arrests. What they're saying "We are sending a clear message: organized retail crime has no place in our communities," said Newsom. "Through strong partnerships with local law enforcement, we are disrupting criminal enterprises, protecting small businesses, and making sure those responsible face consequences for their actions." Advertisement Advertisement SUGGESTED: Newsom, Dr. Oz feud intensifies over Armenian 'mafia' hospice fraud claims in Los Angeles BSCC Board Chair Linda Penner added, "The ORT grants are providing local law enforcement the tools necessary to strategically dismantle retail crime networks. With thousands of arrests and millions of dollars in recovered goods, we are successfully building a more secure environment for Californias businesses and residents alike." What's next The state expects the number of convictions to continue rising as vertical prosecution teams clear backlogged cases. The 2024 bipartisan legislation provides new tools for the next phase of enforcement, allowing for the aggregation of stolen goods across different victims and counties to meet felony thresholds. Advertisement Advertisement SUGGESTED: 100-foot tunnel entrance leads CHP to hidden bunker, 10,000-round weapons cache Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrols task force remains active, having already conducted over 4,300 investigations since 2019. What you can do Small business owners and residents can stay informed on local public safety initiatives by visiting the BSCC website to view grant progress summaries and maps. Suspicious activity or organized retail theft should be reported directly to local law enforcement or through the CHPs Organized Retail Theft reporting portal. The Source The information in this report is based on official statements and data released by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). Costco is known for offering customers nearly everything in bulk. In Kansas City, at its Midtown location, that now includes sadness. And anger. And concern by loyal customers over the recent news although still unofficial and unconfirmed (Costco has said nothing) that the companys store at 241 Linwood Blvd., a staple for 25 years, is to be converted into a Costco Business Center. The Midtown Costco at 241 Linwood Blvd. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) What that means is starting to be freely shared by Midtown staff and management who are telling customers, should they ask, that the plan, as far as they know it, is for the Linwood location to shut down close to the end of 2026 (perhaps in November) around the same time that new Costco stores are set to open in Lees Summit and Lawrence, Kansas. Goodbye pharmacy, eye center, clothes, furniture When the Linwood location reopens, which employees said could take as long as three months, it will be a business center. As such to serve restaurants, offices, convenience stores and individual customers it will carry a larger amount of food and produce. But the store will no longer include a pharmacy or eye care center. Clothing would likely not be sold a the Midtown Costco, 241 Linwood Blvd., should the store be turned into a Costco Business Center. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) It will no longer sell electronics, books, lawn care items, plants, toys, furniture or clothing. The nearest Costco stores to do so for Midtown customers will be 15 or more miles away in Lenexa, Independence or in the Northland. Advertisement Advertisement The Star reached out to Costcos corporate communications this week, but has yet to receive a response. On Jan. 15, rumors of Costcos possible revamp prompted the Kansas City Council to approve a resolution directing the city manager and the citys economic development agencies to initiate talks with the company, with the aim of keeping the store in its current form. 1,000 sign petition to save retail Costco The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City has reportedly attempted to begin those discussions. As of Friday, slightly more than 1,000 signatures have been gathered on a change.org petition urging Costco, to listen to the voices of those who routinely visit the 241 Linwood Boulevard location and keep it as a retail Costco. Clothing would likely not be sold a the Midtown Costco, 241 Linwood Blvd., should the store be turned into a Costco Business Center. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) The potential conversion could result in losing access to a wide selection of household essentials, the petition reads. A great devastation The comments on the petition were echoed by customers at the store on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The Midtown Costco is a multicultural hub of the city, and one of the only remaining grocery stores in our area, one petition signer wrote. Converting this location to serve other purposes would hurt an already vulnerable population and create a food desert in the center of our city. In a given week, hundreds if not thousands of families are able to share affordable meals in its food court. Wrote another: Costco is a primary, integral part of my health care, food supply, auto support and drugstore items. It is irreplaceable. It has transformed the access in the midtown area. All the burbs have shopping options that the midtown area does not. Pick another area that wont be so greatly impacted. Teisha Johnson-Clark, who opposes the change, was in her car in the parking lot on Friday, with her father. She said she shops at Costco two or three times each week. Food choices would expand should the Midtown Costco in Kansas City become a Costco Business Center, but departments such as electronics would likely disappear. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) My dad, Im taking care of my father, she said. His medicine is here. . .I mean, for them to take it to turn into a business center its taking away from the community. Theres no real grocery stores really in this area. Its diverse here. Everyone gets along. Its community. So to take that away from this area, it would be a great devastation, the impact of that. Advertisement Advertisement Catherine Lunt called changing the Costco a disservice to the community around here. A lot of people rely on this pharmacy. Discounted pharmaceuticals for people is essential. Andrea Farquharson, who leaves near the Country Club Plaza, understood that the business center would have little effect on the food sold at the store. I still think it should be left alone, she said. A lot of people come here. A lot of people love the food court. I personally know friends who swear by the pharmacy. Scott Balcomb spoke just after he placed his groceries in the car on Friday Food choices would expand should the Midtown Costco in Kansas City become a Costco Business Center, but departments such as electronics would likely disappear. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) I buy half my clothes here, Balcomb said. I did buy these glasses here. Im not in the pharmacy, but I live over in Fairway. I could go out to the one in Overland Park, but I just prefer this one . . . I dont see why they need to change it. There was no shortage of enthusiasm last week among the Democratic candidates who qualified to run in Louisianas congressional party primaries. They passionately and eloquently explained why they were motivated to run for office, mostly railing against what they see as an out-of-control Trump administration. Yet for all their zeal and conviction, none stand a realistic chance of displacing a Republican from the U.S. Senate or the four U.S. House seats the party currently holds in Louisiana. At the end of qualifying Friday, three Democrats had entered the U.S. Senate race, and a total of 12 filed to run in the four districts that Republicans currently represent. None came forward with the organized campaign apparatus or financial backing needed to make a serious bid for Congress. Advertisement Advertisement I decided to do this 72 hours ago instead of just complaining on social media, John Day of Lake Charles said Wednesday after qualifying for the 3rd District race. Wearing shorts with a T-shirt and ballcap, he admitted he didnt know he would be talking to reporters. This is not a criticism of Day or any of the other Democrats whove signed up, but rather a reflection on the current status of a party that has a near negligible farm league of future prospects for statewide or congressional offices. Its more evidence of a Democratic Party that has struggled to perform in Louisiana ever since Gov. John Bel Edwards eked out a runoff win for reelection in 2019 against the self-financed campaign of GOP candidate Eddie Rispone, who was running for public office for the first time. This might explain why there was quite the clamor among Democrats when Chasity Verret Martinez handily defeated Republican Brad Daigle in the Feb. 7 special election for Louisiana House District 60, which covers nearly all of Iberville Parish and part of Assumption. Advertisement Advertisement The War Room of the Democratic National Committee pointed out in an email after the results were final that Martinez won in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 13 points in the 2024 election. That feat was notable enough for national outlets, including CBS News and Newsweek, to report. News sources also echoed the DNC message that Republicans have not flipped any Democrat-held legislative seats in special elections since Trump took office last year. The opportunity to take the Iberville seat opened when Republican Gov. Jeff Landry appointed the prior District 60 representative, Democratic lawyer Chad Brown, as commissioner of the state Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Brown got the job that largely involves policing businesses for underage sales of booze and smokes, despite his working experience almost exclusively with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Though Trump won Iberville in 2024, its a minor blip on what has otherwise been a very dependable base for Democrats. They have held the parishs Louisiana House seat going back to the 1890s when the party was steeped in Jim Crow, according to historical records from the Louisiana Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement It should also be noted that state Rep. Jeremy Lacombe, whose Pointe Coupee Parish-rooted House District 18 includes a small section of Iberville, was a Democrat when he first won office in 2019. He was re-elected as a Republican in 2023. But while Iberville has been highly reliable for Democrats, it shouldnt dampen Martinezs resounding win. She received the endorsement of local District Attorney Tony Clayton, also a Democrat, and followed her partys proven path to success with financial support from trial lawyers. Still, Martinez only managed to raise a third of the money her opponent collected, mostly thanks to the $100,000 he loaned his own campaign. Daigle also had the backing of the Louisiana Republican Party. Behind the scenes, political consultant Trey Ourso ran the Martinez campaign. Hes best known for steering the pro-Edwards Gumbo PAC during his two successful runs for governor. Advertisement Advertisement One mark of Oursos success in House District 60 was voter turnout, which reached 27.5%. The number doesnt seem impressive until you compare it with the other four legislative races around the state where turnout was in the teens (three were in New Orleans competing with six Mardi Gras parades that rolled on election day). Pollster and demographer John Couvillon sorted through the results and found Martinez received 55% support from white voters on election day. Turnout among Black voters in District 60 increased from 27% during the early voting period to 37% on the day of the election, according to Couvillon. Daigle had problems connecting with his base, Couvillon said in a social media post, referring to the portion of House District 60 that state Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen, relied upon to win his office in 2022. Couvillons polling also showed independents and less partisan Republicans had a 20% defection rate and voted Democrat in the race. This unfolded in a parish where Trump has seen his performance improve from 51% in 2016, 54% in 2020 and 56% in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Its quite the burden for Martinez to represent hope for Democrats in Louisiana before shes cast her first vote in the legislature. But you can understand why the partys faithful are looking for signs of future promise when the outcome of the 2026 congressional midterms in Louisiana is virtually guaranteed at this point. Until the MAGA fever finally breaks among the states Republican standard bearers, Democrats can do little else but hope. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SEOUL, Feb 16 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a completion ceremony of a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of troops who died in overseas military operations, state media KCNA said on Monday. In a speech, Kim said the new district symbolised the "spirit and sacrifice" of the dead troops, adding that the homes were meant to allow bereaved families to "take pride in their sons and husbands and live happily." Kim said he had pushed to finish the project "even one day earlier" in the hope it might bring "some small comfort" to the troops' families. Advertisement Advertisement Photographs released by KCNA showed Kim accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae consoling family members of the fallen soldiers and visiting their newly completed homes. There has been growing speculation over whether the teenager is being groomed to be Kim's successor. Ju Ae has appeared alongside her father in the past three years at an expanding range of events, including missile tests, military anniversaries and major national celebrations, in a sign that the state propaganda apparatus is gradually elevating her visibility. Under a mutual defence pact with Russia, in 2024 North Korea sent some 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops against Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources. North Korea has staged multiple public ceremonies in recent months to honour its war dead, including the unveiling of a new memorial complex in Pyongyang adorned with sculptures of troops. Advertisement Advertisement The opening comes ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party, which is set to convene in late February and is expected to serve as a major political showcase for Kim's achievements and policy priorities. (Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim in Seoul; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Ed Davies) Some Visalia high school seniors could face suspension or expulsion after a photo circulated of a group using the letters on their shirts to spell out a homophobic slur in the school's gym last week. The 10 students pictured in the photo are seniors at Redwood High School, which serves about 2,600 students in Visalia (Tulare County), according to Visalia Unified School District spokesperson Cristina Gutierrez. They were gathered in the gym on Thursday to take their senior class photo, posing to spell the phrase "Always Legit, Class of 2026," with the letters on their T-shirts, Gutierrez said. Advertisement Advertisement But as the students were dispersing, a group rearranged the letters to spell the slur (using a number 6 to substitute for the letter G), according to Gutierrez. In a photo that circulated on social media this week, the students are sitting with their arms around each other on the bleachers, smiling for a camera in front of them. Gutierrez believes another student took the photo. "The District was made aware of an image portraying Redwood seniors spelling out a hateful, homophobic slur," district superintendent Kirk Shrum wrote in a Thursday statement. "We affirm that this behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are or the values we uphold in our schools." Per school board policies, the students could face consequences "up to and including suspension and or expulsion," Gutierrez said. The incident has rattled the Central Valley campus, Gutierrez added, noting that some of the students in the photo were student government leaders. "We hold ourselves to higher standards," she said. "Our community holds us to higher standards. We hold our students to higher standards. We're equally disappointed in the actions of these students, who are leaders in their school and leaders in their community." Advertisement Advertisement Rumors circulated that students had planned to protest the incident by walking out of school the following day, but Gutierrez clarified that the walkout had been planned weeks before in response to the recent federal immigration crackdown. The Visalia Times Delta also reported that the photo was taken after "two middle-school boys were seen holding hands," although Gutierrez could not confirm whether this was the case. The Source LGBT+ Center, a non-profit organization in downtown Visalia, said in a statement that it was "deeply disturbed" by the photo and demanded "tangible steps forward" from the school district. "Let's be clear: This is not a harmless joke," the statement read. "Incidents like this reinforce stigma, normalize hate, and send a painful message to LGBTQ+ students that they are unsafe, unwelcome and unworthy of respect." This article originally published at Not a harmless joke': California students investigated over anti-gay slur in photo. The United States military is leading a major push for nuclear energy, and it took a big step toward accomplishing one of President Donald Trump's goals in Riverside County on Sunday, Feb. 15. On that day, three C-17 transport airplanes airlifted a small nuclear reactor from the March Air Reserve Base near Moreno Valley to Utah, where it will be tested in preparation for coming online by July. The military hopes to use small nuclear reactors to power bases around the world. In doing so, they hope to gain a strategic advantage by reducing their need for fuel shipments. Advertisement Advertisement To highlight the significance of the event U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was on hand to accompany the reactor to its destination. "One of President Trump's core missions when he assumed the presidency was to unleash American energy dominance," Wright said during a press conference on the base, Sunday. "He recognized that more energy made America stronger economically, (with) more job opportunities in our country (and) stronger militarily, better able to project power abroad." Sunday's mission stemmed from four executive orders signed by the president in May aiming to bring a "nuclear renaissance" to America by accelerating growth in the field. The orders seek to add 300 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, part of which will be used to power AI capabilities as well as military bases. Advertisement Advertisement "This activity marks a tremendous milestone, and the meaningful logistics trials that will inform the department's understanding of the capabilities required to harness advanced nuclear power," said Michael Duffey, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, second from left, and Valor Atomics staff prepare to board a Utah-bound C-17 Globemaster containing a containerized nuclear power reactor at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Sunday's mission took place as part of a collaboration between the government and Valar Atomics, a relatively new technology startup that first announced it had raised $19 million to develop a test nuclear reactor in February 2025. The company's head of projects, Max Ukropina spoke of Valar's ultimate goal. "Soon, the Department of War can deploy to every single war zone, humanitarian mission or remote installation, meeting mission-critical power, safeguarding troops and deterring adversaries," he said during the press conference. "Moreover, these scalable units will fortify domestic bases with secure power, insulated from aging electrical." The first C-17 Globemaster airlift of a nuclear reactor bound for Hill Air Force Base in Utah took off from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The reactor flew to the Hill Air Force Base in Utah before being taken to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab near Orangeville for further testing. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the military and other political figures, a collection of national media reporters flew in from Washington D.C. to accompany the reactor. Secretary Wright took no questions during the first press conference in Riverside County, but was expected to hold another press conference when the reactor landed in Utah. Valor Atomics head of project development Max Ukropina speaks moments before the first C-17 Globemaster airlift of a nuclear reactor bound for Hill Air Force Base in Utah took off from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The U.S. military previously tested nuclear-powered planes in the 1950's, according to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, but the practice was deemed too risky. This was seemingly the first time in decades a reactor has been airlifted, although it was not active during transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Airlift of nuclear reactor from Riverside to Utah deemed a milestone Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Former President Barack Obama admitted that there are aliens. Brian Tyler Cohen, a liberal influencer, asked the former president if aliens were real during a lightning round portion of his interview with Obama on Cohens YouTube channel. Politics: Trump's Latest Epstein Denial Has Critics Asking New Questions Theyre real, but I havent seen them, Obama answered in the interview published Saturday. And theyre not being kept in Area 51. Theres no underground facility unless theres this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Where are the aliens, Obama said, laughing. On Instagram, Obama clarified his statement on aliens being real, saying, Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good theres life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances weve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really, the former president wrote Sunday on Instagram. Politics: Tommy Tubervilles Trump-Flattering Presidents Day Pitch Goes Awry Conspiracy theorists have believed since the 80s that Area 51, the Air Force facility in Nevada, has been where the government has kept aliens. Then in 2019, millions of people online jokingly agreed to storm Area 51 to see them aliens. Advertisement Advertisement Former President Bill Clinton told Jimmy Kimmel in 2014 that after he became president, he had his aides research Area 51, adding its unlikely that were alone. In 2021, Obama played with the idea that aliens are real, saying on a podcast with The New York Times that his politics wouldnt change if humans knew aliens were real because my entire politics is premised on the fact that we are these tiny organisms on this little speck floating out in space. Obamas discussion about aliens during his interview with Cohen was short. Elsewhere in the interview, Obama addressed the racist video President Donald Trump posted of Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Politics: Donald Trump Regurgitates 1 Of His Most Despicable, Racist Lies Online Its important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling, Obama said. Advertisement Advertisement He continued: Its true that its a distraction. But, you know, as Im traveling around the country, as youre traveling around the country, you meet people they still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness, and theres this sort of clown show thats happening in social media and on television. And what is true is that there doesnt seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? So thats been lost. Obama also spoke about the differences in the Democratic party, saying they are exaggerated and magnified in the media, adding that all Democrats believe in the same core issues, like equality and regulation of the market. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Former US president Barack Obama criticized a lack of shame and decorum in the country's political discourse, responding Saturday for the first time to a post on Donald Trump's social media account that depicted him and first lady Michelle as monkeys. The video shared on Trump's Truth Social account on February 5 sparked censure across the US political spectrum, with the White House initially rejecting "fake outrage" only to then blame the post on an error by a staff member and taking it down. Near the end of a one-minute-long video promoting conspiracies about Trump's 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, the Obamas -- the first Black president and first lady in US history -- were shown with their faces on the bodies of monkeys for about one second. Advertisement Advertisement Obama responded to the video for the first time in an interview with left-wing political podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen released Saturday. "The discourse has devolved into a level of cruelty that we haven't seen before...Just days ago, Donald Trump put a picture of you, your face on an ape's body," Cohen said in the interview. "And so again, we've seen the devolution of the discourse. How do we come back from a place that we have fallen into?" Without naming Trump, Obama responded by saying the majority of Americans "find this behavior deeply troubling." "There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television, and what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? That's been lost." Advertisement Advertisement Obama predicted such messaging will hurt Trump's Republicans in midterm elections, that "ultimately, the answer is going to come from the American people." Trump has told reporters he stood by the thrust of the video's claims about election fraud, but that he had not seen the offensive clip at the end. jgc/acb Family and friends are remembering the victim of a deadly carjacking on the North Side. The medical examiner's office has also identified a man who was found shot to death on the South Side near the carjacked vehicle earlier this week. Around 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, a 22-year-old man was sitting in his car with another man, 38, at West Waveland Avenue and North Halsted Street. Police said that's when two thieves walked up, carjacked the 22-year-old, shot him, and took off in his car. The 38-year-old man was not injured, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Darwin Tirado, 22, was the man shot and killed, family members say. A vigil for Tirado was held Saturday at the scene of the shooting on the 700 block of North Waveland Avenue. Chef Art Smith joined the call for justice. Tirado worked at his restaurants. And his mother, who is also a chef, has been with Smith since the beginning of his career. Police are still looking for the two carjackers who killed Tirado. Another man was killed in the carjacking, which happened on the North Side earlier that same morning. They are also suspects in a second deadly shooting later the same morning on the South Side. Advertisement Advertisement Damon Kellum, 45, was found with a gunshot wound to the head near East 37th Street and South Lake Park Avenue in the city's Oakland neighborhood around 5 a.m. Wednesday. Near the scene, authorities found a vehicle that matched the description of one stolen during the deadly Lakeview carjacking earlier that morning. Further information was not immediately available. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood When Senate Democrats announced our agenda for the 2026 legislative session, we prioritized policies that put people over politics. Its what Oklahomans deserve we need to make sure government protects and supports people, instead of protecting or enriching big businesses and politicians. Unfortunately, right now, too many Oklahomans feel like government is not working for them. Our caucus filed many bills to increase transparency, safeguard the rights of individuals, and restore faith in our government. These bills deserve support in the Legislature this session. Ive filed Senate Bill 1234 to ensure that Oklahomans can clearly identify officers when they are executing a warrant. Trust is eroded when people cannot tell whether or not a person trying to exercise authority is a legitimate officer, and that fear stops people from calling for help when they need it most and makes our community less safe. We must ensure that law enforcement secrecy is rare and never routine. Ive also filed SB 1470, which gives clergy and elected officials the right to inspect private prisons located in Oklahoma. Our government has a legal and moral obligation to ensure that human rights are protected, and this gives us more eyes and ears to determine when those rights have been violated. Advertisement Advertisement At a time when many in power are limiting or restricting voter access, we must fight to strengthen voter rights. Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt filed SB 1583, the Oklahoma Voting Rights Act, prohibiting voter suppression. Sen. Regina Goodman has filed SB 2032, ensuring state questions cannot be unreasonably pushed back when scheduling the vote. The bill requires state questions to be put on the ballot between 70 and 250 days from the date the election is called. These bills would eliminate roadblocks that threatens our very democracy. Members from the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate stand to applaud during the first day of the 2026 state legislative session on Monday, Feb. 2 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Sen. Mark Manns SB 1420 strengthens the rights of individuals presenting comments at public meetings, by ensuring that comment is given before officials vote. If a political body only allows comment after a matter has been decided, theyve essentially shut the public out of the process. This legislation ensures greater opportunity for meaningful input. Sen. Mary Boren has filed legislation to push back against eminent domain and cronyism in transportation. SB 1440 requires the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to follow the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act when approving contracts and to submit a report to the Legislature, governor and elected officials in the county or municipality where the road will be constructed. The bill gives elected officials in those counties or cities the authority to put the route up to a vote of the people and binds OTA to the city or countys decision. SB 2113, also filed by Sen. Boren, would strengthen the rights of property owners facing eminent domain. Protecting human rights, voter rights and the rights of property owners are all fundamental to our democracy and the values on which our nation and state were founded. Senate Democrats will continue to put people over politics, and work with our colleagues across the aisle to ensure the rights of Oklahomans are upheld in our laws. Sen. Michael Brooks Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, represents Senate District 44 and is the Oklahoma Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Legislature should put people over politics | Opinion The average salary of a state employee in Oklahoma 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 a 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 state Capitol is pictured on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. 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. More: Oklahoma lawmakers seek overhaul of high school sports governing board Could Oklahoma state 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. Advertisement Advertisement Grego put the odds of securing passage at 50%. 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. State troopers set up ahead of the State of the State address at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Report: Oklahoma state employees making 48% less than market The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the wood stork from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. Georgia is one of the southern states in the birds range. The delisting follows a significant increase in the birds population and nesting colonies since it was first protected in 1984. The removal of the wood stork marks the 36th species delisted since 2017. Officials stated the decision reflects successful conservation partnerships and a focus on results-driven wildlife management that returns recovered species to state and tribal stewardship. Advertisement Advertisement When the wood stork was first listed under the Endangered Species Act, the population was near extinction. The species is the only stork that breeds in the United States, but it had seen its population drop by more than 75% since the 1930s. This decline was primarily caused by the loss of wetland habitats used for breeding and foraging, particularly in South Florida. The wood stork breeding population has grown to an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 nesting pairs spread across about 100 colony sites. This represents more than double the nesting pairs and more than three times the number of colonies recorded at the time of the initial listing. The species has expanded its range across the coastal plains of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Wood storks have adapted to various nesting environments, including coastal salt marshes, flooded rice fields, floodplain forest wetlands and human-created wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik credited collaborative efforts for the species comeback. The wood storks recovery is a real conservation success thanks to a lot of hard work from our partners, he said. He added that the administration is working to remove federal protections from species that no longer require them. Supporting documents, public comments and the post-delisting monitoring plan are available to the public at the federal regulations website under docket number FWS-R4-ES-2022-0099. The delisting of the wood stork will become final on March 9. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has established a 10-year post-delisting monitoring plan to ensure the recovery of the species is maintained. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Centralia Police Department (CPD) said one person was injured in a shooting on Friday night during an attempted drug deal. At around 8:40 p.m., Lewis County Sheriffs deputies pulled over a car with three juveniles inside, one of whom had been shot. Deputies learned the three were planning to rob a drug dealer and when one of the juveniles showed he had gun, the dealer shot him and left the scene, according to CPD. Advertisement Advertisement The juvenile was brought to a local hospital with minor injuries. Authorities learned the suspect was driving a silver sedan and used FLOCK cameras to find his car. Centralia Police found and arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the shooting at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Officers also arrested a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old for their roles in the shooting. Some may get to enjoy a three-day weekend. Presidents Day is a federal holiday celebrated each year in the middle of February to honor past U.S. presidents. Heres when we celebrate Presidents Day and why: Groundhog Day 2026: Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter When is Presidents Day? This year, Presidents Day falls on Feb. 16. The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of February each year. What is Presidents Day? Officially known as Washington's Birthday, the first federal holiday of the year was originally meant to honor the country's first president, George Washington. Advertisement Advertisement According to the then-used Julian calendar, Washington was born in Virginia on Feb. 11, 1731. In 1752, however, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, which moved his birthday a year and 11 days to Feb. 22, 1732. Eventually, the holiday included honoring President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12. The position of the holiday between the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln gave rise to the popular name of Presidents Day. In 1885, Congress designated Feb. 22 as a holiday for all federal workers. Nearly a century later, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the third Monday in February, according to the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement The Uniform Holiday Bill mandated that three holidays, including Presidents Day, occur on Mondays to prevent midweek shutdowns and add long weekends to the federal calendar. Why do we celebrate Presidents Day? The country celebrated the founding father's birthday long before Congress declared it a federal holiday, according to the National Archives. Around the centennial of Washington's birthday, Congress established a joint committee to oversee festivities to honor the former president nationally. On Feb. 22, 1832, the committee recommended Congress adjourn out of respect for Washington's memory and in commemoration of his birth. Advertisement Advertisement Prompted by a memorial from the mayor and other citizens in Philadelphia, the House and Senate commemorated the 130th anniversary of Washington's birth by reading aloud his farewell address, according to the National Archives. Eventually, this event became a tradition in the Senate that is still observed today. Washington's Birthday did not become a legal holiday until Jan. 31, 1879, when Congress added Feb. 22 to the list of holidays to be observed by federal employees in the District of Columbia. This did not become a paid holiday for all federal employees until 1885. What is open on Presidents Day? The post office, banks, the stock market and most schools will be closed on Presidents Day. Most retail and grocery stores will be open. Who is off for Presidents Day? Federal holidays are those the federal government observes, so anyone who works for the federal government generally has the day off. Federal holidays may also be observed on Monday or Friday if they fall on a weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Other federal holidays include: New Year's Day (Jan. 1) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January) Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) Juneteenth (June 19) Independence Day (July 4) Labor Day (First Monday in September) Columbus Day (Second Monday in October) Veterans Day (Nov. 11) Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday of November) Christmas Day (Dec. 25) Federal holidays 2026 Where's the schedule for federal holidays in 2026: New Years Day : Jan. 1 Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. : Jan. 19 Washingtons Birthday/President's Day : Feb. 16 Memorial Day : May 25 Juneteenth National Independence Day : June 19 Independence Day/Fourth of July : July 3 (Because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, the day before July 3 is considered a federal holiday.) Labor Day : Sept. 7 Columbus Day : Oct. 12 Veterans Day : Nov. 11 Thanksgiving Day : Nov. 26 Christmas Day: Dec. 25 Clare Mulroy contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is Presidents Day 2026? February 2026 calendar If Connecticut's next state budget can be considered a sort of poker game of tax cutting, Gov. Ned Lamont has opened with $500 million and the minority Republicans in the state Senate have seen his $500 million and raised him $1 billion. But it's not as hopeful for taxpayers as it looks. The governor, a Democrat seeking election to a third term in November, proposes to spend $500 million to issue state tax "rebates" - $200 for single people and $400 for couples - a week ahead of Election Day. (If President Trump, a Republican, tried something like this, Democrats and most journalists would scream: "Bribery!") Advertisement Advertisement If things go according to what seems like the Democratic plan, soon after the election state residents will be hit with big increases in oil, gasoline, natural gas, and electricity prices as a result of a "climate superfund" tax many Democrats want to levy against energy producers to punish them for letting state residents use their fuels for the last century. Of course the energy producers won't pay the tax by themselves; they'll recover the cost by raising prices and the public will pay. But people will blame the energy producers, not the elected officials who enacted the tax and quickly took their "tax rebates" away. The Republican senators, previously tribunes of fiscal responsibility, have counterproposed sharp reductions in the state income tax and property taxes on cars, $1.5 billion worth - reductions that might endure year after year. The Republican senators also would eliminate state government's "public benefits" charges on electric utility bills, which help to make Connecticut's electricity prices nearly the highest in the country. Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, a candidate for his party's nomination for governor, says, "There is so much pork stuffed in our public benefits tax that it would boggle the mind - over 50 different government programs passed by the legislature and the governor over many years." Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, but Gov. Lamont notes that some of the "public benefits" charges are not "pork." They also pay for a guarantee of electricity supply from the Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford and for management of the regional electric grid. Some of the charges would be more honestly and transparently placed in the state budget and financed by general revenue rather than by what is essentially a sales tax on electricity, but they'd still have to be paid, and eliminating the "public benefits" tax won't save as much money as Republicans imply. So where is the rest of the money for the Republican tax relief to come from? The Senate Republican leader, Brookfield's Stephen Harding, says: "We have a $4 billion-plus rainy-day fund.' The people of the state have essentially been overtaxed by that much." Not really. This claim is wrong for the same reason Gov. Lamont, Democratic legislators, and state Comptroller Sean Scanlon are wrong when they claim that state government lately has produced balanced budgets with surpluses. Advertisement Advertisement For the state employee and teacher pension funds are still underfunded by $35 billion or more, so the "rainy-day fund" and the supposed surpluses are really just borrowing from the pension funds and pushing their burdens deeper into the future, when they will thrust on taxpayers who weren't even born when the pensioners were working, taxpayers who never benefited from the pensioners' services. When it comes to state budgeting and taxes, there are really only three ways of serving the public better: reducing the burden of government, improving services and making them more efficient, and eliminating the inessential. Connecticut fails badly in these respects. The failure starts with state government's failure to care about actual results. State government equates success with merely spending money even as important results worsen, including education, poverty, payroll control, and corruption. The Democrats can't find anything to cut, especially since most failures profit Democrats, and the Republicans are too few and averse to being frank about the horrible. Two-hundred-dollar "tax rebate" checks may help voters overlook failure but they won't fix or improve anything. Advertisement Advertisement Chris Powell has written about Connecticut government and politics for many years. (CPowell@cox.net) This article originally published at Opinion: Republican senators top Gov. Lamont's tax cut by $1 billion. A 20-year-old Ohio man is dead and a 21-year-old Georgia driver is facing a vehicular homicide charge after an overnight wreck in Tacoma, according to the Washington State Patrol. About 3:40 a.m. Sunday, the driver, who is suspected of driving under the influence, and his three passengers, were headed west on state Route 16 at Sixth Avenue, according to the State Patrol. Troopers say the driver changed lanes and crashed into the freeway barrier, which caused the vehicle to roll over and come to a stop on its side. The 20-year-old Ohio man died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement The two other passengers, a 22-year-old man from Illinois and a second 21-year-old man, also from Georgia, were not injured, although they were still taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, the State Patrol memo reads. The 21-year-old Georgia driver was taken to MultiCare Allenmore Hospital for his injuries, but has since been booked into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide, jail information shows. SR 16 was partially blocked for nearly six hours after the crash, according to the State Patrol. Feb 14 (Reuters) - The Pentagon is considering ending its relationship with artificial intelligence company Anthropic over its insistence on keeping some restrictions on how the U.S. military uses its models, Axios reported on Saturday, citing an administration official. The Pentagon is pushing four AI companies to let the military use their tools for "all lawful purposes," including in areas of weapons development, intelligence collection and battlefield operations, but Anthropic has not agreed to those terms and the Pentagon is getting fed up after months of negotiations, according to the Axios report. The other companies included OpenAI, Google and xAI. Advertisement Advertisement An Anthropic spokesperson said the company had not discussed the use of its AI model Claude for specific operations with the Pentagon. The spokesperson said conversations with the U.S. government so far had focused on a specific set of usage policy questions, including hard limits around fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance, none of which related to current operations. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Anthropic's AI model Claude was used in the U.S. military's operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with Claude deployed via Anthropic's partnership with data firm Palantir, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the Pentagon was pushing top AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic to make their artificial intelligence tools available on classified networks without many of the standard restrictions that the companies apply to users. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed) The United News of India reported that a range officer photographed a Eurasian otter classified as "near threatened" around the world in Sindh Nallah. This rare sighting in the mountains of Kashmir gives conservationists a reason to pause and rejoice. Locals had long assumed this particular otter had disappeared. Some even thought that the animal was a crocodile. The officer, Mir Faizan Anwar, noted to UNI: "I informed them that it was an otter, locally known as Vudar, and explained that its presence is a good sign." Advertisement Advertisement That assumption is easy to understand. UNI reported that official sightings in this stretch of water have been few and far between for years. The Eurasian otter is nocturnal, hard to spot, and moves quietly, even in places where it still lives. Professor Khursheed Ahmad of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology noted that the Eurasian otter's population was thriving and well-established across major river systems in the area. However, habitat degradation made it hard for the otters to thrive. Eurasian otters are dependent on clean water and healthy fish populations. Because of this, they are often treated as a kind of litmus test for river health. A sighting suggests a positive result for the restoration happening in the area. Documented sightings like this bear value. Photographs provide verifiable evidence that researchers can use to confirm where species are still surviving much like the photo of an elusive fisher in Pennsylvania or the recent picture of a New Britain goshawk, which hasn't been seen in half a century. Advertisement Advertisement Camera evidence has even reshaped scientific understanding of where critically rare species like the night parrot persist. This kind of documentation helps guide decisions about habitat protection and restoration, shaping how resources are directed outcomes that can directly affect the ecosystems that wildlife and humans depend on. Protecting waterways and rewilding natural habitats give species like the Eurasian otter a chance to return to places that can support them long-term. Continuous discussions about the environment and public attention to conservation also help sustain institutional support for restoration efforts that reduce habitat loss and ecological decline. With evidence that Eurasian otters are back, ensuring their habitats remain protected and clean becomes a top priority. "The reappearance is welcome, but we need systematic studies to assess population trends and frequency sightings," said Ahmad, per UNI. 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. A woman who lost her nephew to a shooting attended a prayer vigil to honor homicide victims in Dayton. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, people said that we need to change something after a deadly start to 2026. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by News Center 7, the Community Homicide Visit got together and prayed for the four victims killed in the shootings over the last month. Lisa Mitchell, Jordan Robinsons aunt, attended the vigil. She said something needs to change. Too many of our young babies are dying for no reason, she told Patterson. Please stop the violence. Robinson was one of two people shot on Ingram Street on Feb.10, according to a previous News Center 7 report. Mitchell said the family remains in shock. Were family over here. We stick together, she said. And so, his mom is doing the best she can, but shes hurt. Shes hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell told our news crew what her nephew was like. When he walks into a room, he lights up the whole room with his beautiful smile. He was kind. He was sweet-hearted, she said. At the prayer vigil, they prayed for Robinson and three other shooting victims. Its a terrible thing to lose a loved one to violence, and we want them to know that the community is praying for them as they go through their grief, said Jane Bohman, volunteer coordinator for Community Homicide Visit. She told News Center 7s Malik Patterson that people collectively joined the group to help them get through the different stages of grief. Advertisement Advertisement We can never lose sight of the harm it does to us and the need for us all to act and pray for peace in our community, said Bohman. So far in 2026, there have been seven homicides in the City of Dayton. That total is higher than at this same time last year. Destiny Brown told our news crew that she is looking forward to the Violence Interruption Program that the city is working on. So, Im hopeful now, with a new mayor, that some of these things will kind of shift, but I know it takes time, she said. Brown has teenagers and monitors them to make sure that they are safe. Im very cautious about where I allow them to go, she said. Ill take them everywhere, so I know where youre going, and whos coming to get you on, who youre with. News Center 7 has contacted the Violence Interruption organizers to learn the official state date. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Multiple police departments chased a suspect through Catawba and Alexander counties before arresting him outside a church, Alexander County Sheriff's Office said. The U.S. Secret Service asked the Catawba County Sheriff's Office for assistance locating Shaun Brian Jones, 43, from Grand Isle, Louisiana and that he was in the area. A Catawba County deputy spotted Jones but Jones allegedly hit the police car and fled north on highway N.C. 16 into Alexander County. The deputy lost track of Jones and alerted Alexander County. Advertisement Advertisement Alexander deputies caught sight on Jones and attempted to pull him over. Jones allegedly continued to drive into Taylorsville without stopping. Jones pulled over into the parking lot of First Baptist Church and surrendered to the police. Jones' car was searched for explosives after deputies were informed he may have had one. No explosives were found. Jones is charged with assault on a government official, resisting arrest, failure to stop for a blue light and siren and flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle. Jones is being held in Alexander County on a $90,000 bond and a $30,000 secured bond in Catawba. His next court date is Feb. 16. For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. Police are searching for an area suspect accused of exposing himself multiple times early Saturday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Hamilton officers responded to three separate incidents of indecent exposure between midnight and 3 a.m. They occurred near the 400 block of Sherman Avenue, the 100 block of North F Street, and the 300 block of North C Street, according to a police spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement In each incident, a male suspect allegedly exposed himself and engaged in lewd conduct in front of residents. During the incident on North C Street, he is accused of entering a residence through an unlocked window and engaging in the same behavior before the resident confronted him. The suspect ran from the scene before the officers arrived, the spokesperson said. Police deployed a drone to locate the suspect and used a K9 to search the area. The black or Hispanic suspect is described as a short male in his late teens to early 20s and wearing all black clothing. Hamilton Police is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the suspects arrest. The incident remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Amtrak is starting the first stage to transfer rail service from the century-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. Starting Sunday and continuing for the next 4 weeks, all rail lines except the Atlantic City Rail Line will undergo temporary service adjustments. "The Portal Bridge has been a nemesis and a nightmare for decades for riders on the northeast Corridor," NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said. Advertisement Advertisement Modified train schedules, along with some consolidations or cancellations, should be expected. John Del Giorno reports from over the Portal Bridge from NewsCopter 7. Regular New Jersey Transit and Amtrak riders know the drill when the Portal Bridge in Kearny gets stuck opening for marine traffic, causing trains to get stuck. "When it happens, you literally have to have a person go out there with a hammer and try to put the tracks back in," Kolluri said. "The cutover of the Portal North Bridge represents more than just work to connect railroad infrastructure; it signifies a whole new level of reliability on the Northeast Corridor and New Jersey that has never previously existed," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. Advertisement Advertisement With the installation of this new bridge, getting home will be easier, according to Kolluri, who says the bridge is even more critical to the corridor than the new tunnels. The arches of the new replacement bridge are already in place over the Hackensack River. It's higher and won't have to open. On Sunday, the process of getting it online gets underway. "They have to decommission a track, build brand new signals, brand new communications, brand new everything on a new track while their trains running next to them," Kolluri said. The planned cutover disruptions will occur twice. A second phase of cutover work is expected in Fall 2026 to complete the transition. Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey Transit is asking riders for patience while it reduces service from 48 to 18 trains per hour. Trains will have added capacity. But they'll have to make more stops. "We have a very robust bus service as well. That is completely uninterrupted. We're going to cross the PATH and the ferries," Kolluri said. There are signs at train stations alerting riders to the changes, which are set to last 4 weeks. But they're easy to miss. "People depend, I depend on being able to get back and forth across the river daily. And the fact that we're not getting the information is concerning," NJT commuter Brad Bailey said. Advertisement Advertisement Weekday Midtown Direct trains on the Morris & Essex (M&E), Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton Line will be diverted to Hoboken. Weekend Midtown Direct trains will operate to/from NY Penn Station. Midtown Direct customers on the M&E, Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton Line should purchase tickets/passes with a destination of Hoboken in lieu of New York. For Midtown Direct customers with Hoboken as a destination on their tickets/passes, the following options will be available for travel between Hoboken and Midtown Manhattan: Cross-honoring with NY Waterway ferries will be in effect on weekdays between Hoboken Terminal and W. 39th St. in Midtown Manhattan Ferry service to Midtown Manhattan will be enhanced during the morning and evening peak periods Cross-honoring will be in effect with PATH at Hoboken and 33rd Street only NJ TRANSIT's 126 bus to/from PABT Advertisement Advertisement The project eliminates the 114-year-old swing bridge, which has been the enduring source of major service disruptions for NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak customers traveling on the Northeast Corridor. The new Portal North Bridge is expected to improve reliability and fewer bridge-related delays and increase operational resilience along the Northeast Corridor. Once both tracks are in service on the new bridge, the original bridge will be permanently removed from service and the new bridge will accommodate all traffic. For more information, visit NJTransit.com and Amtrak.com. * 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. CHICAGO Around 50 people attended a peaceful rally Saturday outside the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center, which became a focal point for protests last fall during Operation Midway Blitz, a 64-day surge of immigration enforcement raids throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Its fitting to be here on Valentines Day, Little Village community organizer Jasmine said to the crowd. Happy Valentines Day to everybody except (expletive) ICE. Jasmine, who chose to be identified only by their first name for fear of being doxxed, was among several speakers who gathered Saturday outside the west suburban facility to protest recent federal enforcement actions. Advertisement Advertisement Even though fear is at times more present than joy, there is unity across national lines, Jasmine said. We are fighting alongside our immigrant working-class siblings from around the world. Saturdays demonstration came during a nationwide effort by young people to protest ICE. On Friday afternoon, hundreds of students walked out of their schools and gathered in downtowns Federal Plaza to advocate for immigrant communities. Ian, who also chose to go by his first name, is part of an autonomous group that organizes regular protests against ICE. He has attended demonstrations in Broadview since September and served as the rallys emcee. I am tired of having to decide between spending time with my children or fighting to make sure this country is still a safe place for them to grow up, Ian said to the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Ian and other organizers said they plan to hold recurring protests outside the Broadview facility every Saturday at noon. Information is shared through the Chicago organizing and mutual aid social media page, @chicago_fights_back on Instagram. I cant sleep because when I close my eyes, I see the 6-year-old girl I watched at the former Lexington (St.) care tent while her mom attempted to deliver diabetes medication to her father at the facility, Ian said. I see Silverio (Villegas Gonzalez), I see Keith (Porter Jr), I see Renee (Nicole Good) and I see Alex (Pretti). All four are among those who have died at the hands of ICE. Between speakers, the Songs for Liberation Protest Music Collective performed Abolish ICE. Those familiar with the song sang along, and others joined in as they learned the lyrics. This is for our people who are locked inside, together we will abolish ICE, the crowd sang. This is for our workers who are forced to hide. Together we will abolish ICE. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is funding these atrocities. Thats why we aint gonna stop, til Broadview is free! As the crowd sang, protesters held signs aloft. Among them was Ryan Hatfield, 40, and his wife, who carried a heart-shaped Valentines candy-style sign reading F**K ICE. The couple said they chose to spend Valentines Day in Broadview out of frustration with what Hatfield described as a federal crackdown on people who made this country great. I want to see ICE out of Chicago, out of our cities, Hatfield said. I want to see them doing what they initially said they were going to do, which is cracking down on people that are, you know, the worst criminals. Not people dropping their kids off in daycare, not people working jobs, trying to provide for their families and not committing crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Cook County prosecutors dropped charges against 19 people arrested during a clergy-led protest at the Broadview facility last November. Faith leaders had sought to provide religious counseling to detainees but were denied entry. Clashes with local law enforcement followed, and 21 people were arrested. Most cases have been dismissed, though two people still face charges. Isaac Palmer, 24, one of the first protesters to arrive Saturday, carried a megaphone and wore a Captain America shield with a matching shirt. First, they came to our area, Palmer said, referencing federal agents. They were picking up a lot of people simply based on the color of their skin. Although he appeared to be the only superhero-themed protester at Saturdays rally, Palmer said he has seen others dressed as comic book characters at past demonstrations. This isnt like the comic books where the villains are pretend, Palmer said. Were fighting real injustice. ____ About a week remains to comment on Public Service Company of Oklahoma's application for an air quality permit at Northeastern Station in Oologah. The company's sprawling power plant generates electricity with one coal-fired unit and two units that use natural gas. PSO made a filing with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in September requesting a $10 rate increase by 2029 to help it pay for eight new projects. One of the new projects would retrofit the coal generator to burn natural gas. PSO spokesperson Matt Rahn said the company is asking the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to grant permission to do so. Advertisement Advertisement PSO applied to modify its air permit so it can continue operating Northeastern Unit 3 after 2026 using only natural gas," Rahn said. "The modification ensures the plant can meet state and federal airquality requirements while continuing to provide reliable, dispatchable and affordable electricity to its customers." PSO published notice of its application Jan. 14 in the Tulsa World. It did not submit the notice to the Claremore Progress. Oklahoma Statutes 25-106 requires entities to publish legal notices in a legal newspaper of the county pertinent to the notice. An employee of Column, the company the Tulsa World uses to publish its legal notices, said the paper is only considered a newspaper of general circulation in Tulsa County. According to the statute, a legal notice published in the wrong county shall have no force or effect. To make a public comment on PSO's permit application, people must visit the DEQ website at tinyurl.com/yxa3hz6u. Commenters must provide their name, address and phone number. The commenting window closes Feb. 20. LUBBOCK, Texas Read Anna Bender's Republican primary candidate questionnaire for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. Note: The USA TODAY Network only edited the response to comply with journalistic standards and did not change any responses. Q: What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Texans that requires federal action, and how would you address it as a U.S. Senator? A: The most pressing issue facing Texans that requires federal action is the issue of legalized abortion. We must abolish any and all forms for legalized abortion, thus securing the blessings of Liberty for America's Posterity (preborn). Our Constitution calls for it. I will address this by proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution securing the blessings of liberty for all of America's Posterity from conception. If the Constitution is not restored, our nation will collapse. Q: Texas has unique challenges at the border, with the economy, and with energy policy. How would you balance Texas-specific interests with national priorities in your role as Senator? A: I will propose tax incentives that support economic and energy development. I will support bills and propositions that support increased funding for ICE and the Border Patrol Agency. Q: Given your experience and background, what makes you the right person to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate at this moment in time? What would be your top priority in your first year? I have been so blessed by God and the people of this great nation. I have a sincere conviction that our Constitution needs to be restored and this must be the priority. In my first year as Senator, I will propose a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution securing the blessings of liberty to America's Posterity. The rights of the preborn American child is protected by our nation's Constitution. Q: The Senate often requires compromise and coalition-building to pass legislation. How would you approach working across party lines while staying true to your principles? A: As members of Congress, both in the House and the Senate, our foundation for any and all compromise/coalition building should be rooted in the guiding principles of our nation's Constitution. I am a Constitutionalist and my convictions align with the Constitution and this should be the foundation of any and all compromise. Anything outside of the Constitution is unacceptable. Q: How do your platforms and approach to representing Texas differ from other candidates in your party's primary? A: I am the only candidate who understands that our nation is on the verge of collapse. I understand that we need to restore our Nation's Constitution as soon as possible by proposing and ratifying a 28th Amendment to our Nation's Constitution which will secure the blessings of liberty for America's preborn from conception. Q: Federal spending and the national debt continue to grow. What specific areas would you prioritize for spending, and where would you look to cut or reform federal programs? I will work to ensure that there are strict guidelines to qualifying for government assistance. These guidelines will ensure that government-funded programs are not used as a means for money laundering. I will prioritize spending for our Nation's defense and border patrol. Q: Healthcare policy remains a major federal issue. What is your approach to healthcare access and affordability, and what role should the federal government play? A: I believe that healthcare should be privatized and affordable for every American. I also believe that the Federal government should create regulations that would hold insurance companies accountable for their inhumane business practices. Advertisement Advertisement Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Anna Bender's Republican candidate questionnaire for U.S. Senator Read Gina Hinojosa's Democratic primary candidate questionnaire for the Texas Governor race. Note: The USA TODAY Network only edited the response to comply with journalistic standards and did not change any responses. Current occupation: State Representative Democratic Texas representative Gina Hinojosa speaks during a rally held by California Governor Gavin Newsom after state voters approved the ballot measure Proposition 50, which would temporarily redraw congressional districts, in Houston, Texas, U.S., November 8, 2025. Q: Texas has experienced significant population growth and economic expansion. How would you manage this growth while addressing infrastructure needs, water resources, and quality of life for Texans? A: Texas is a global economic powerhouse because its a great place to grow up, live, and start a family. But for too long, only Greg Abbott and his billionaire donors have reaped the benefits while hardworking Texans have seen their costs skyrocket. Advertisement Advertisement My first priority as governor will be to end the corruption and restore a state government that works for the people of our state. I will wipe the slate clean of wasteful vendor contracts and invest in the infrastructure we need. While lowering taxes for middle-class families, our tax revenue should be used to fix our crumbling infrastructure and make Texas a better place to live. I will put our tax dollars back into our people where they belongthrough lower taxesand better public services for the money we spend. Q: How do your platforms and approach to governing Texas differ from other candidates in your party's primary? A: My approach to governing Texas is built on a lifetime of fighting for working families, public education, affordable health care, and real economic opportunity, not corporate handouts. As a civil rights and union lawyer and a former school board president, Ive spent my career standing with hardworking Texans. In the Texas House, I helped secure billions of dollars for public schools, fought to strengthen health care access, and exposed policies that divert publicresources to wealthy interests. Most importantly, I never thought I would do this. I wasnt interested in politics, but my sons school was threatened for closure and I became a mad mom on a mission to keep it open. My time in public service has been defined by that same desire to make state government work for working peopleand I would carry it with me into the Governors Office. I carry a strong track record of building coalitions, winning populist reforms, and challenging the status quo to make our state more fair and affordable for all Texans. Q: Property taxes and the cost of living are major concerns for Texas families. What role should the governor play in addressing these issues, and what specific actions would you take? A: Texans are feeling squeezed. From rising property taxes to skyrocketing costs for health care, housing, and essential goods, things just arent as easy as they used to be. The governor should have a direct role in shaping a state budget and setting priorities that ease these burdens, support working families, and create economic opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement As governor, I would: Push for meaningful property tax relief by prioritizing state revenue strategies that reduce the need for high local tax rates, especially for homeowners and renters. Support comprehensive tax reform that protects public services while lowering rates for families, and ensure neighborhood schools are properly funded so local school districts arent forced to raise taxes just to keep teachers in the classroom. Combat rising costs by holding corporate monopolies accountable, from health care to insurance. Encourage economic policies that support small businesses and workers rather than tax breaks or loopholes for large corporations that shift burdens onto ordinary Texans. Texas should be affordable for all of us, not just for the billionaires and megacorporations. Q: Texas has faced challenges with its power grid, natural disasters, and emergency management. How would you ensure Texas is prepared for future crises, and what reforms, if any, are needed? A: Texans should have faith in our state governments ability to manage crises. But our current leadership has prioritized shifting blame and corporate handouts over saving lives. Advertisement Advertisement As governor, I would: Strengthen energy infrastructure resilience so that weather events dont cause catastrophic outages. While I support energy diversity and innovation, we must hold utilities accountable to rigorous reliability standards and grid planning that protects our communities. Modernize emergency preparedness systems so response plans are coordinated, transparent, and built to minimize loss of life. Expand disaster assistance programs like the ones Ive championed in the legislature to help communities recover more quickly when storms hit. During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, the former head of ERCOT testified that he kept electricity prices at $9,000 per megawatt hour based on Governor Abbotts specific instructions. Abbotts decision to keep prices artificially high cost Texas ratepayers an estimated $37.7 billion in excess energy costs, which families across the state are still paying off through their monthly utility bills. Texans have enough to worry about when winter weather hits: keeping warm and keeping their families fed, being sure they have what they need in case of an emergency. They should not be worried about whether our leaders are going to take advantage of us, as Abbott did in 2021 when he let utility companies get rich off the suffering of Texas families during Winter Storm Uri. Q: The Texas-Mexico border presents complex challenges involving security, trade, immigration, and local communities. As governor, how would you approach border policy within your constitutional authority? A: Politicians in D.C. and Austin have gotten it wrong on border security. Biden's failed policies lost the trust of Texans. But Abbott's extremist policies arent any better. Abbott has wasted 10 billion dollars on an ineffective program that enriches his donors while Trumps ICE bullies and harasses anyone in their way, including citizens. As governor, I would prioritize commonsense policies that keep the border secure while treating hard-working members of our communities with dignity. Advertisement Advertisement The border is not a political prop, its home to millions of Texans and a cornerstone of our economyand its where I grew up. Any serious governor has to approach border policy with both responsibility and respect for the communities who live there. As governor, I would focus on practical solutions within the states authority: investing in modern infrastructure at ports of entry, supporting local law enforcement and emergency responders, and working in coordination with federal partners rather than staging political stunts that waste taxpayer money. Q: What is your philosophy on the balance between state and local government authority? Are there areas where you believe the state should have more control, or where local governments should have more freedom? A: I believe decisions should be made as close to the people they affect as possible. Local leaders understand their communities far better than politicians in Austin looking to score political points. State leaders keep overriding local decisions for political reasons, even when it makes communities less safe and less prosperous. I reject that approach. As governor, I would restore local control while ensuring the state upholds our basic freedoms, public safety, and access to essential services. The role of the state should be to fortify communities, not punish them. Strong local governments make a stronger Texas. Q: Texas has a strong economy but also faces challenges with healthcare access, poverty, and inequality. What role should the state government play in addressing these issues? A: Texass economy ranks among nations, but too many working Texans arent feeling that prosperity in their daily lives. A strong economy only matters if it works for the people who power it. Texans are working more but getting less. As governor, I will cut taxes and give cash back to renters, make health care more affordable by taking on corporate insurance and Big Pharma, cut taxes for families and small businesses, and expand job opportunities andbuilding and technical training. Texas can be both economically strong and deliver better health care to its people. Advertisement Advertisement Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Gina Hinojosa's Democratic candidate questionnaire for Texas Governor Read Jim Wright's Republican primary candidate questionnaire for the Texas Railroad Commission. Note: The USA TODAY Network only edited the response to comply with journalistic standards and did not change any responses. Current occupation: Texas Railroad Commissioner. Age: 64. Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright gives remarks at a Port of Corpus Christi event celebrating the completion of the ship channel improvement project on June 2, 2025. Q: Despite its name, the Railroad Commission primarily regulates oil, gas, and mining. What do you see as the Commission's most important responsibilities, and what would be your priorities as Commissioner? A: It boils down to essentially three things. Community safety, being a steward to our land and the environment, and ensuring the economic vitality of those regulated industries for the benefit of our states citizens. Advertisement Advertisement They are all equally important, and each is necessary to ensure the continued success of our domestic oil and gas industry. Q: Texas is a leading energy producer. How would you balance promoting the oil and gas industry with environmental protection and regulatory oversight? A: Having common sense is a good place to start. You can promote development of our natural resources while maintaining regulatory oversight and being a good steward to the land. Those concepts arent mutually exclusive. It is a balancing act, to be sure. And an important one. I think it is critical that whoever is in this seat takes the time to educate themselves on the various positions and perspectives on any given issue. Producers, landowners, transporters, and the public may all have different viewpoints. You may not be able to find consensus, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt try. During my tenure as Chairman, the Railroad Commission has instituted public listening sessions to allow for greater engagement by the public. These listening sessions provide commission staff with a better understanding while also serving as an opportunity to explain the processes and procedures of the RRC to the general public. Q: Texas's energy landscape is evolving with alternative energy, traditional oil and gas, and emerging technologies. What is your vision for Texas's energy future, and what role should the Railroad Commission play? A: God blessed Texas in many ways, and our abundant natural resources is certainly one of them. Over the years, the Railroad Commissions oversight has extended beyond traditional oil and gas to include newer technologies such as geothermal energy, hydrogen production, and uranium mining just to name a few. The Railroad Commission is recognized throughout the globe as a thought leader when it comes to the energy sector and encouraging innovation. I often like to tell people that no one knows more when it comes to taking something out of the ground, or putting something into the ground, than the Railroad Commission of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement What is most important above all is that the Railroad Commission provides pathways to innovation, not roadblocks. There is a reason why the shale revolution, hydraulic fracturing, and horizontal drilling, can all trace their origins right back here to Texas. That has transformed the entire global energy marketplace and resulted in not just U.S. energy independence but led the U.S. to become the largest energy producer in the world. So my priority as commissioner has always been to ensure that innovation is not stifled but encouraged. My crystal ball might be fuzzy when it comes to what technology will look like in 50 years, but I am confident that when it comes to energy production, Texas will still be leading the way. Q: What is your philosophy on regulation? How do you determine when industry needs more oversight versus when regulations should be reduced or streamlined? A: Advertisement Advertisement Regulatory certainty and regulatory consistency are critical for any business operation, particularly for those in the oil and gas industry whose projects are either capital intensive or involve significant infrastructure investments or both. I believe that existing rules and regulations should be applied evenly and consistently. When considering new rules, it is critical to understand not just how changes might impact the industry at large, but how potential changes will impact various segments of the energy industry here in Texas. It is important to recognize that the oil and gas industry is not a monolith of big oil but runs the gamut from Fortune 50 companies with thousands of employees to small mom and pop owner/operators that are doing the work themselves. The diverse nature of the industry is part of what makes Texas energy so special. It encourages innovation, ensures free market competition, and allows for new entrepreneurs with a dream, some ambition and a tolerance for risk to go out and get into business for themselves. But left unchecked, overregulation or unnecessary regulations by any government agency, Railroad Commission included, can serve as a barrier to entry for small businesses, especially in the oil and gas sector. As Commissioner, I want common-sense regulations, so I am always looking for opportunities to streamline rules to achieve the mission of the Railroad Commission in ways that places the least amount of burden and compliance costs on those we regulate. Q: The Railroad Commission intersects with environmental concerns, including flaring, disposal wells, and injection wells. How would you approach environmental issues within the Commission's jurisdiction? A: Being a good steward of the land is a core Texas value. I am a 5th generation Texan born and raised on a ranch outside Corpus Christi. Like all Texans, I want to make sure that I leave our state better off for the 7th and 8th generation of my family. Since arriving at the Railroad Commission, flaring of natural gas, which I consider a waste of our natural resources, has declined significantly. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, I worked to update Commission practices related to oil and gas waste management to safeguard our states groundwater and surface water resources and improve our ability to track and collect data on oilfield waste. These are important improvements and were long overdue as it had been more than 40 years since they were updated. Q: Texas energy production has national and international implications. How would you consider broader energy markets and Texas's role in national energy security in your decision-making? A: The Railroad Commission cannot do much to control the price of oil, but it can ensure our regulatory operations are efficient, that permit approvals and applications are handled in a timely manner, and operators understand the rules and regulations clearly. All of these serve to reduce regulatory compliance costs and help operators of all sizes improve their efficiency. During my time at the RRC, I have focused on improving our operations, like our data reporting systems and online filing. This has several benefits: Advertisement Advertisement Lower compliance costs for operators means they can remain competitive in the global marketplace, which is particularly important in times like today when the price of oil and the break-even costs are so close. Improved efficiency and better use of technology frees up RRC resources and agency personnel to devote more resources to investigatory matters, public complaints, and pursue any bad actors actively trying to circumvent regulations. The oil and gas industry paid roughly $27 billion in taxes and royalties last year. This is an important revenue source for our state and local governments. Bottom line - The more efficient the Railroad Commission can be, the more competitive our Texas oil and gas producers are in the global marketplace, which in turn benefits Texas citizens by providing funding for our roads, schools, and priorities like property tax relief. Q: The Commission handles numerous technical and legal matters. What experience and expertise would you bring to the role, and how would you approach the learning curve on complex regulatory issues? There is no question that experience is important, and I am intimately familiar with the technical nature of the position because I have seen both sides of it. Prior to serving as Railroad Commissioner, I operated a group of environmental service companies that worked closely with oil and gas operators and was regulated by both the Railroad Commission and TCEQ. Having that experience has been crucial during my time in office because: I understand firsthand how inconsistently applied rules can impact operations, particularly for smaller oil and gas operations. I understand what happens at the ground-level, out in the field, and I believe that experience has been an asset for the Commission and the public citizens during my tenure as Commissioner because I know when someone comes in and is trying to throw dust in my eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Jim Wright's Republican candidate questionnaire for Texas Railroad Commission Read Joan Huffman's Republican primary candidate questionnaire for the Texas Attorney General race. Note: The USA TODAY Network only edited the response to comply with journalistic standards and did not change any responses. Q: What do you see as the primary responsibilities of the Texas Attorney General, and what would be your top priorities in office? A: The primary responsibilities are to serve as the states chief legal and law enforcement officerrepresenting Texas in litigation, defending state laws and policies in court, prosecuting multi-jurisdictional crimes like violent crime, human trafficking, drug cartels, and fentanyl distribution, supporting local law enforcement with resources and task forces, child protection and support, Medicaid fraud, election integrity, and providing legal advice to state agencies and officers. Advertisement Advertisement As Texas Attorney General, my top priorities are combating violent crime, strengthening border security, and ensuring election integrity to keep our state safe and strong. Texas families deserve communities free from fear. I will partner with local district attorneys to prosecute repeat violent offenders, gang members, and serious felons, while establishing statewide task forces to target rising threats like aggravated assaults and homicides. Drawing on my decades as a felony prosecutor and criminal district judgewhere I successfully locked up dangerous criminalsI will deliver the resources and legal support needed to restore law and order and ensure foreign law does not infiltrate Texas courts. The border crisis fuels fentanyl, human trafficking, and cartel violence spilling into our neighborhoods. I will aggressively prosecute traffickers and smugglers, collaborate with law enforcement to disrupt drug and smuggling networks, and pursue legal action against cartels. My experience as a major crimes prosecutor and legal counsel to the Organized Crime Task Force equips me to lead this fight and reduce the devastating impact of cross-border crime. Free and fair elections are the foundation of trust in government. I will enforce laws against election fraud, ballot tampering, and other violations through investigations and prosecutions, working with local officials to ensure every legal vote counts and Texas elections remain secure. Q: The Attorney General represents Texas in legal disputes, including challenging federal government actions. What principles would guide your decisions about when Texas should file suit or join multi-state litigation? A: The principles guiding my decisions on when to file suit or join multi-state litigation would center on protecting Texas sovereignty, defending constitutional rights, and safeguarding Texans from harmalways with strong legal merit and a focus on winnable cases that deliver real results, not political theater. I would challenge federal actions whenever they unconstitutionally overreach, infringe on state authority, or violate our freedoms. Drawing from my experience as a prosecutor, judge, and senator, I would prioritize cases where federal policies directly burden Texas taxpayers, public safety, or the economy, collaborating with other states for maximum impact. Q: How do your platforms and approach to serving as Attorney General differ from other candidates in your party's primary? A: One issue overlooked in this race is the Texas Attorney Generals role as the states top law enforcement officer. The office is often seen mainly for civil litigation or policy battles, while its power to fight crime directly is underemphasized and underutilized. Advertisement Advertisement If elected, I will refocus the AGs office on public safety as its top priority. I will direct resources toward aggressively prosecuting career criminals, partnering closely with district attorneys, sheriffs, and law enforcement statewide to support high-impact cases and ensure repeat violent offenders are removed from our communities. With my decades as a felony prosecutor and criminal district judge successfully locking up dangerous criminals, I will make the office a true partner in keeping Texans safe. In contrast, other candidates lack my courtroom depth, decades of leadership positions, and proven results on major issues for the State of Texas such as bail reform, Voter ID, campus free speech, and combating human trafficking and illegal border crossings. Im ready to enforce the law aggressively and keep our state the safest and freest in the nation. Q: The Attorney General provides legal opinions to state agencies and officials. How would you approach this advisory role, particularly when your legal interpretation might conflict with policy preferences? A: I would approach the advisory role with unwavering commitment to the rule of law, providing objective, well-reasoned legal opinions based on the Constitution, statutes, and precedentsdrawing from my decades as a prosecutor and as a criminal district judge who upheld justice from the bench. When my legal interpretation conflicts with policy preferences, I would always prioritize the law over politics. Texans deserve an AG who enforces the law without favoritism, ensuring government operates within its constitutional bounds while advancing conservative principles where legally sound. Q: The AG's office has limited resources but a wide range of responsibilities. How would you prioritize cases and allocate resources across civil litigation, criminal appeals, and other duties? A: I recognize that the office has limited resources but an immense responsibility to protect Texans. My approach to prioritizing cases and allocating resources would be straightforward, principled, and results-drivenfocusing on the threats that most directly harm our families, communities, and sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement My background as the Senate Finance Chair who oversees massive budgets gives me the experience to run the office lean, efficient, and focused on what matters most: protecting Texans. Q: As the state's top lawyer, do you have a law degree if so, from where and how would you represent all Texans? How would you maintain the integrity and independence of the office while also advancing your legal principles? A: Yes, I hold a Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law, earned while working full-time as a secretary in the Harris County District Attorneys office. As the states top lawyer, I would represent all Texans by enforcing the law impartially and fairly, protecting constitutional rights, public safety, and sovereignty for every citizen through aggressive prosecutions of violent crime, human trafficking, and cartels; defending against federal overreach; and providing objective legal advice to state agencies. To maintain the integrity and independence of the office while advancing my conservative legal principles, I would always prioritize the rule of law, drawing from my decades as a prosecutor and a criminal district judge. This means issuing opinions based on statutes and precedents, pursuing only meritorious cases, and ensuring transparency to build public trustensuring the office serves all Texans ethically and effectively. Q: What role should the Attorney General play in criminal justice issues, given that the office handles criminal appeals and has some oversight responsibilities? A: As Texas Attorney General, I would take a strong, proactive role in criminal justice issues, leveraging the office's authority over criminal appeals and multi-jurisdictional prosecutions. I would aggressively prosecute serious crimes that cross county linessuch as violent offenses, human trafficking, drug cartels, fentanyl distribution, and internet crimes against childrenusing the offices resources to address threats where local resources fall short. Advertisement Advertisement I would also handle criminal appeals to defend convictions in state and federal courts, ensuring dangerous offenders remain incarcerated. To support local law enforcement and prosecutors, I would partner closely with district attorneys on complex cases, provide resources for task forces, and offer legal guidance to strengthen statewide efforts. While most prosecutions remain local, the AG serves as the state's chief law enforcement officer and should lead on high-impact threats to public safety. My years as a felony prosecutor combined with my service as a criminal district judge, uniquely equips me to direct these efforts effectively, prioritizing justice, backing law enforcement, and delivering results. Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Joan Huffman's Republican candidate questionnaire for Texas Attorney General In his wide-ranging interview with progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen on Saturday, former President Barack Obama spilled what he learned about extraterrestrial life when he was in the White House. I want to do a little bit of a lightning round, because its not often Ill get access to a president of the United States, Cohen said. Come on, man, Obama encouraged him. So, couple questions here: Are aliens real? Advertisement Advertisement Theyre real, but I havent seen them, and theyre not being kept in Area 51, Obama said. Theres no underground facility, he continued, adding, unless theres this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States. Cohen then asked, What was the first question you wanted answered when you became president? Where are the aliens? Obama said with a chuckle. Obama didnt let on exactly how he knew aliens were real, or whether it was just his own personal belief. The subject of space aliens has gained traction in the years since Obama was president. Several congressional hearings have been held between 2022 and 2025 focusing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023 NPR reported that during his testimony, Retired Maj. David Grusch who went from being part of the Pentagons UAP Task Force to becoming a government whistleblower told the House Oversight Committees national security subcommittee that he had been denied access to some government UFO programs but that he knows the exact locations of UAPs in U.S. possession. Grusch also alleged that the U.S. has retrieved non-human biological matter from the pilots of the crafts, the report said. And just last summer, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) told Joe Rogan that she has seen evidence of interdimensional beings. Luna serves as the head of the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, a subcommittee under the House Oversight Committee. She told Rogan, Based on the photos that Ive seen, Im very confident that theres things out there that have not been created by mankind. Watch the interview above with former President Barack Obama. The post Theyre Real! Barack Obama Spills What He Learned About Aliens When He Was President first appeared on Mediaite. Recovery efforts are ongoing after a water main break damaged multiple trucks and sets of gear belonging to the Elrama Volunteer Fire Company. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Water main break floods Elrama VFC, leading to structural damage and equipment loss The break earlier this month reportedly ruined 26 sets of firefighting gear. Three fire trucks also had to be evaluated and repaired. In a social media post Friday, the department said recovery progress has been gradual. Advertisement Advertisement The fire rescue truck has been restored and brought back into service after suffering significant water and sludge exposure, with water reaching the exhaust system and initial smoke issues upon startup, officials say. The truck is less than a year old. The fire engine is still in the shop, as floodwater apparently damaged electrical components and severed power to the engine. Officials say another department is loaning them an engine in the meantime. However, the squad truck has been deemed a total loss due to its lower profile and greater water exposure, officials say. The department is working to obtain a temporary squad truck until it can get a replacement. A new squad truck could potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Cleanup underway in Washington County after water main break impacts thousands of homes The fire station itself is being cleaned out, with a damage assessment underway. The department is temporarily operating out of the Union Township Municipal Building. Firefighters continue to respond to emergency calls with help from mutual aid agencies, officials say. Anyone who would like to help cover the departments recovery costs can do so by clicking here. We would like to sincerely thank our community for the overwhelming support shown so far, the departments post says. We are incredibly grateful to those who have donated to the recovery fund, purchased shirts through our merchandise store, and contributed items from the wish list created through Collins Elves. Your generosity and encouragement mean more to us than words can express." Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Microbes surviving without any light in a New Mexico cave system are photosynthesizing using invisible light, the BBC reported. Hazel Barton, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Alabama, and Lars Behrendt, a microbial biologist at Uppsala University, explored the Carlsbad Caverns together in 2018. Deep inside an alcove far from the public walkway, they spotted bright green cyanobacteria blanketing the cave walls, thriving without a trace of visible light. These organisms rely on chlorophyll d and f, rare types that absorb near-infrared light, which human eyes can't detect. The limestone surfaces inside the cave bounce this light around like mirrors, pushing it deep underground. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, where the cave was most devoid of visible light, the team measured near-infrared concentrations 695 times greater than those recorded at the mouth. The biggest cyanobacteria colonies clustered in those same remote stretches. The team sampled additional caves throughout Carlsbad Caverns National Park and discovered light-harvesting cyanobacteria in every single one. This finding could reshape how scientists hunt for life beyond Earth. Red dwarf stars, which account for most stars in the Milky Way, emit mostly near-infrared light. Barton and Behrendt have proposed a NASA project to determine the lowest light levels these organisms need to stay alive data that could help focus the search for life-supporting planets using the James Webb Space Telescope. For anyone who's looked up at the stars and wondered whether we're alone out there, this is pretty thrilling. Life might be able to exist in far more places than anyone assumed, and it took a pitch-black cave in the New Mexico desert to show us. Advertisement Advertisement "We showed that not only do they live down there, but that they photosynthesize in a completely sheltered environment where they've probably been untouched for 49 million years," Behrendt told the BBC. "There are very, very few ways that oxygen can be made in an atmosphere without life," said Barton. "So, if you can find the oxygen in the atmosphere of one of those exoplanets, it's a very, very strong marker for potential life." 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. Researchers were thrilled to discover not one, not two, but six new species of bats in the Philippines from a hard-to-track subgroup of animals. A new study published in Zootaxa from researchers from the Royal Ontario Museum, Field Museum in Chicago, and Lawrence University in Wisconsin explained the discovery of the six new species commonly known as tube-nosed bats, in a Phys.org article. Prior to the team's research, there were only two known species of tube-nosed bats in the Philippines. The new batch was identified through genetic testing and physical details, such as tooth pattern, skull shape, fur banding, and other visible identifiers. Advertisement Advertisement "These bats are notoriously elusive, so the tube-nosed bat collection this study examined was cobbled together over many years, expeditions, and memorable experiences one bat at a time. As a result, it's deeply satisfying to see our collection make such an important contribution to Philippine biodiversity studies," study co-author Dr. Jodi Sedlock said. Bats get a bad reputation around the world as scary or dangerous animals, but they play a vital part in maintaining biodiversity and protecting people. A single bat can eat thousands of insects per night, functioning as pest control that keeps unwanted insects at bay from human populations, per The Conservation Fund. They're also important pollinators and help regenerate forests by dispersing seeds across distances. Even their poop is vital to the ecosystem, enriching the soil with nutrients like nitrogen. The presence of these newly discovered bat species in the Philippines is a positive indicator of the country's ecological health. Advertisement Advertisement As Dr. Lawrence Heaney, one of the study's researchers, noted: "It has been a long and slow process of discovery, but these six previously unknown species show clearly just how wonderfully extensive Philippine biodiversity is. On a per-unit-area basis, the Philippines has the most distinctive mammal fauna of any country worldwide." Protecting bats protects biodiversity and ensures the survival of thousands of species, humans included. A 2024 study linked the decline in bat populations in the United States to increased infant mortality rates, showing that no matter how distant the connection seems, humans and nature are deeply interconnected. 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. Retired four-star U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane said he believes President Trump is inching closer to a decision on using military force against Iran as the president escalates pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program. Obviously, the president has yet to make the decision about that military option, but obviously, we can see whats taking place. And in my mind, I believe that decision will eventually be made, Keane told John Catsimatidis in a radio interview on The Cats Roundtable show that aired on Sunday. The U.S. began building up its military presence in the region several weeks ago in response to the bloody crackdown on antiregime protesters by Ayatollah Ali Khameneis forces. Trump had repeatedly warned that the U.S. may intervene if the regime did not stop killing demonstrators. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian officials have engaged in indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman, addressing its nuclear program in an attempt to avert potential military action negotiations that began in early February. Both sides described the first round of talks as a good start but acknowledged differences remain. The Trump administration has stood firm that Tehran cannot be allowed to enrich uranium, something the Iranians have insisted they will not give up. Trump said Friday he was hopeful for a diplomatic solution, but that failed talks could have strong consequences for Iran. The president confirmed that the worlds largest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its escort ships were being sent to the Middle East to join additional warships already positioned off the Iranian coast. Advertisement Advertisement I think theyll be successful. And if theyre not, its going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad, Trump told reporters at the White House. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared skeptical of the quality of a deal with Iran this week but demonstrated support for Trumps approach. I think that the conditions he is creating, combined with the fact that they surely understand they made a mistake last time by not reaching an agreement, could lead to the conditions for achieving a good deal, Netanyahu said Thursday following a meeting at the White House. Similar negotiations were suspended last year after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes, setting off what became known as the 12-day war. The U.S. also conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear sites during that period. Advertisement Advertisement Keane warned in his Sunday interview that military action against Tehran would be much larger this time, speculating that any campaign would target Iranian civilian and military leadership, infrastructure and ballistic missiles. Were talking about something much larger, likely than what took them, what the Israelis did in the 12-day war, but compressed and also with the United States participating as well, something that would be quite formidable, that would put the regime clearly on a pathway to regime collapse, he said, arguing the U.S. would have significant leverage over a postconflict, weakened regime. Swiss officials said Saturday that the U.S. and Iran are set to hold a second round of indirect talks mediated by Oman in Geneva next week, according to the The Associated Press. 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 post Return to the Reef: Thailand Reintroduces Endangered Leopard Sharks to the Wild appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Indo-Pacific leopard sharks are considered endangered by the IUCN. Shark populations have plummeted more than 70 percent worldwide since 1970. Groups like ReShark support conservation efforts to rewild shark pups in the Indo-Pacific region. Technology and AI are also being used for shark conservation. Shark and ray populations around the world are under significant threat. According to the IUCNs 2026 Ocean Travelers: Safeguarding Critical Habitats for Migratory Sharks and Rays report, more than one-third of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. Since 1970, populations have plummeted more than 70 percent. In fact, sharks and rays are the second most threatened group of vertebrates on the planet. Advertisement Advertisement One species of leopard shark is no exception. Also called a zebra shark, the Indo-Pacific leopard shark, Stegostoma tigrinum, is listed as endangered on the IUCNs red list of endangered species. But conservationists in the Indo-Pacific region are taking action, including one organization in Thailand. Why Leopard Sharks Are Under Threat The Indo-Pacific leopard shark is vulnerable to the impact of large-scale commercial fishing, whether thats overfishing as a targeted species or as the unintended bycatch in gillnets and trawls. The leopard sharks preference for shallow coastal waters makes them an easy target. Like many shark species, leopard sharks are also targeted to satisfy consumer demand for shark fins, liver oil, and cartilage. These items are used in food, cosmetics, and traditional medicines throughout Southeast Asia. As a result, the leopard shark population in that area has been severely depleted. Indo-Pacific leopard shark populations have been depleted due to overfishing and habitat loss. Line1 / CC BY-SA 3.0 Original / License (Line1 / CC BY-SA 3.0) Habitat loss is another threat to the leopard shark. As critical coral reef and shoreline mangrove systems are degraded and destroyed, leopard sharks no longer have those areas as safe havens to live and breed. Advertisement Advertisement The reproductive and growth cycle for these sharks is also slow. Eggs take four to six months to hatch, then it takes another six to eight years for the new baby sharks to reach maturity. This long span from birth to reproductive age means replenishing populations in the wild cannot be achieved quickly. How One Thai Organization Is Rewilding Leopard Sharks On Maiton Island, StAR Project Thailand is taking action. The project is a collaborative effort among the Thai government, non-governmental organizations, and conservation-focused aquariums. The purpose is to support rewilding of the endangered species. In the waters surrounding the island, leopard shark populations were nearly zero. Leopard sharks thrive in the captive environments of public aquariums, like the one on Maiton Island. It was a logical next step to release some of the captive-born juvenile leopard sharks back into the coastal waters of the island, according to Metavee Chuangcharoendee, project manager for StAR Project Thailand. The program involves breeding leopard sharks in captivity, then raising the shark pups in the aquarium for about one year. In the second year, the StAR team moves the pups to a sea pen off the aquarium pier. There, dedicated shark nanniestrained human caretakersspend months teaching the pups the behaviors theyll need to thrive in the wild. The sea pen also allows the pups to get used to natural sea conditions. Indo-Pacific leopard sharks, similar to the ones seen here, are bred in captivity are eventually released into the wild by StAR Project Thailand. John Back/Shutterstock.com (John Back/Shutterstock.com) When the pups are big enough for release, each is given a thorough veterinary exam to ensure its health, DNA samples and measurements are taken, and an acoustic tracking device is fitted onto the animal. The tracker pings off a network of 20 underwater receivers across Phang Nga Bay, giving scientists the ability to monitor movement and survival. Advertisement Advertisement StAR Project Thailands most recent leopard shark release in December 2025 included four pupsMaiton, Hope, Spot, and Toty. That brings the total number of shark pups released through the project to seven. For Metavee, success isnt measured by the number of pups released. Instead, they point to other signs of recovery, like regular sightings by divers, the absence of leopard sharks in local fish markets, and evidence of breeding in the wild. One Step in a Larger Global Conservation Movement Efforts like the one taking place at StAR Project Thailand are part of a bigger global shark conservation movement. Given the endangered status of many shark species, this intervention is critical. One key organization for shark conservation is ReShark, an international collective of aquariums, NGOs, governments, academics, and local communities all dedicated to rewilding sharks and rays. Leopard sharks are just one of many shark species considered endangered by the IUCN. WASOK/Shutterstock.com (WASOK/Shutterstock.com) With locations around the world, ReShark addresses all aspects of shark conservation. They are involved in assessing the viability of population recovery, helping to develop conservation measures, and monitoring animals after release. Advertisement Advertisement ReShark was the founder of the Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery Project (StAR) in both Thailand and Indonesia. For the Indonesian project, leopard shark eggs were imported from accredited aquariums across North America and Australia. Most of the pups released through the Thailand project were bred and raised at a private aquarium in Phuket. 2026 Is a Big Year for Shark Conservation On January 17, 2026, the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) went into effect. It is a first-of-its-kind legal framework that helps guide the establishment of protected areas in international waters where the majority of migratory sharks are caught. AI and smart technology also help with shark conservation. Tech4Nature, a partnership between IUCN and Huawei, will launch a new phase in February 2026 in the Maldives. The project will use AI-powered cameras and sensors to monitor whale shark populations in the South Ari Marine Protected Area. Advertisement Advertisement Project SharkEye uses AI-piloted drones off the California coastline to identify great white shark activity in the area. Besides helping to boost beach safety, this information contributes to a vast database that can predict shark movement based on climate change and water temperatures. Conservation groups are also using eDNA to detect shark presence via water sampling. Through just a few liters of sea water, scientists can identify every shark species that passed through the area within the last 48 hoursno visual identification required. CORRECTION: This article was updated on February 16, 2026. A previous version of this article incorrectly identified a species of houndshark, Triakis semifasciata, as the Indo-Pacific leopard shark, Stegostoma tigrinum, which is a species of carpet shark and the subject of this article. The common name for T. semifasciata is also leopard shark. The post Return to the Reef: Thailand Reintroduces Endangered Leopard Sharks to the Wild appeared first on A-Z Animals. A colossal metallic robot depicting Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva towered over Rio de Janeiro's famed Sambadrome avenue on Sunday night, in a Carnival parade that has drawn fire for its tribute to a sitting president in an election year. Samba school Academicos de Niteroi kicked off three days of dazzling parades with the homage to Lula, tracing his life as a boy growing up in poverty in the arid northeast, to a metalworker, union leader and then president. The opposition has slammed the parade as veiled early campaigning ahead of October polls in which the 80-year-old Lula is seeking a fourth term. Advertisement Advertisement Lula and his wife Rosangela "Janja" da Silva watched the parade from one of the many VIP boxes lining the avenue. There were striking workers, dancers draped in giant lightbulbs to represent access to electricity and those depicting the poor getting benefits in what was also an ode to a raft of leftist concerns. The crowd seated along the 700-meter avenue sang along to the theme song chosen by Academicos de Niteroi, which included the catchy refrain often used by the president's supporters: "Ole, ole, ole, ola; Lula, Lula!" Luena Holliday, 51, an events organizer, said she was a fan of the veteran leftist, but she was torn about the choice of theme. Advertisement Advertisement "I find it confusing. I support Lula... but we're in a very divided moment in the country, and I don't know how appropriate it is to associate Carnival with Lula," she told AFP. - Bolsonaro as a clown - The parades of the city's top 12 samba schools -- a ferocious competition featuring massive, animated floats, thundering drum sections and scantily-clad samba queens -- are the showpiece of Rio's Carnival. Behind the pomp and glitter, each school chooses an annual theme, often linked to Afro-Brazilian heritage, social or political commentary, mythology or environmental issues. Advertisement Advertisement The parade -- the first to honor a serving president -- made no mention of the election, but did not shy away from politics. The theme song declares "no amnesty" -- the leftist chant against efforts to free former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro from a 27-year jail term he is serving for plotting a failed coup. And one of the floats depicted a giant Bozo the Clown in prison stripes behind bars, with a massive ankle bracelet, a clear reference to Bolsonaro, who has often been nicknamed "Bozo" by his critics. Bolsonaro was moved from house arrest to prison before the official start of his sentence after trying to remove his ankle monitoring bracelet with a soldering iron. Advertisement Advertisement "Bozo in Jail? That's where he is supposed to be," a glitter-covered Nelia Macedo, 44, told AFP, praising a parade which "exceeded all expectations." Marcia Alves, 59, a retired businesswoman, who admits she is not a supporter of Lula, said "you shouldn't mix Carnival with politics. It's for everyone to have fun, everyone has their own opinion." - Warnings from electoral court - Bolsonaro has anointed his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, as his political heir and presidential candidate. Shortly before the start of the parade, Flavio published an AI-generated video of a parade mocking Lula "the thief," showing him behind bars in reference to his 2018 jailing on a corruption charge that was later annulled. Advertisement Advertisement Brazil's electoral court, the TSE, on Thursday unanimously rejected requests filed by two opposition parties to stop Academicos from parading Sunday. The court said it could not block a parade before it happened, but warned it could still investigate after the show. On Friday, the presidency warned officials attending carnival events not to make "statements that could be characterized as early electoral propaganda." "We did not come here to campaign," said Leonel Querino, one of the directors of Academicos de Niteroi. "We came here to celebrate the story of a worker in Brazil." fb/nro (Adds dropped word member in paragraph 8, makes clear 5% of GDP is agreed NATO spending goal in paragraph 20) By Humeyra Pamuk and Jan Lopatka BUDAPEST, Feb 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to deepen cooperation with central Europe on Sunday as he kicked off a trip to Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders have warm ties with President Donald Trump. In Slovakia, which, like Hungary, relies on Russian oil and gas and has uneasy relations with the rest of the European Union, Rubio discussed energy and defence with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. Advertisement Advertisement It was the first visit in seven years by a U.S. secretary of state to the country of 5.5 million people that borders Ukraine. "Under President Trump, this administration is going to make not just Slovakia but central Europe a key component of how we engage the continent and the world," Rubio said. "We are not just going to engage in meetings and pleasantries, but in concrete actions that we will take together in ways that are beneficial to your people and our people." RUBIO COMBINED CRITICISM OF EUROPE WITH MESSAGE OF UNITY On Saturday Rubio, who is also Trump's national security adviser, delivered a message of unity at the Munich Security Conference while maintaining the administration's criticism of Europe following a scarring year for Transatlantic ties. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's criticism of Europe, imposition of tariffs on EU countries and his ambition to acquire Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark have prompted Western European leaders to increasingly look at carving an independent path. "We expect every country in the world to act in their national interest. That is what countries are supposed to do," Rubio said. "When our national interests are aligned ... this is an extraordinary opportunity for cooperation and partnership." Fico, who has said the European Union is in "deep crisis", visited Trump last month in Florida and showered the Republican president with praise, saying he would bring peace. Both Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom Rubio will meet on Monday in the second leg of his trip, have been accused by EU institutions of weakening the judiciary, media and anti-corruption enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement They have also maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at times delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. ORBAN MEETING ON MONDAY In remarks before departing Washington on Thursday, Rubio said Trump is very supportive of Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. Orban, one of Trump's closest allies in Europe, is considered by many on the American hard-right as a model for the U.S. president's tough policies on immigration and support for Christian conservatism. Budapest has repeatedly hosted Conservative Political Action Conference events, which bring together conservative activists and leaders, with another due in March. Advertisement Advertisement While other European Union countries secured alternative energy supplies after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, including by buying U.S. natural gas, Slovakia and Hungary have continued to buy Russian gas and oil, a practice the U.S. has criticised. Rubio said this would be discussed during his brief tour. On nuclear cooperation, Slovakia signed an agreement with the United States last month. Fico said he hoped an agreement with U.S.-based Westinghouse could be signed by next year that would lead to a consortium that will build a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia by 2040. He added that Slovakia wants to buy four more F-16 fighter jets. Hungary and Slovakia have raised defence spending to 2% of GDP, less than some others and still far off the 5% of GDP by 2035 agreed by NATO last year after pressure from Trump. Fico said Bratislava was aware it needed to raise its military capabilities and was working on it. Advertisement Advertisement Fico has diverged from Washington in one area, when he criticised the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. When asked about the issue at the news conference, Rubio shrugged off the difference of opinion. "A lot of countries didn't like what we did in Venezuela. That's okay. That was in our national interest ... So what? That doesn't mean we're not going to be friends," Rubio said. (Reporting by Humeyra PamukAdditional reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; editing by Alexandra Hudson, Susan Fenton, Philippa Fletcher) By Humeyra Pamuk BUDAPEST, Feb 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a two-day trip to eastern Europe on Sunday to bolster ties with Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders, often at odds with other European Union countries, have warm ties with President Donald Trump. Rubio will use the trip to discuss energy cooperation and bilateral issues, including NATO commitments, the State Department said in an announcement last week. Advertisement Advertisement "These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us," Rubio told reporters before departing for Europe on Thursday. Rubio, who in his dual role also serves as Trumps national security adviser, met Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on Sunday on his arrival in Bratislava, the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state in seven years, and discussed energy and defence. "An important topic of the talks was... defence cooperation and the fulfilment of commitments arising from NATO summits," Pellegrini's office said in a statement. Rubio later met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Trump in Florida last month. The U.S. diplomat's trip follows his attendance at the Munich Security Conference over the last few days. Advertisement Advertisement MEETING WITH ORBAN ON MONDAY On Monday, Rubio is expected to meet Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. "President (Trump) said he's very supportive of him, and so are we," Rubio said ahead of his trip. "But obviously we were going to do that visit as a bilateral visit." Orban, one of Trump's closest allies in Europe, is considered by many on the American hard-right as a model for the U.S. president's tough policies on immigration and support for families and Christian conservatism. Budapest has repeatedly hosted Conservative Political Action Conference events, which bring together conservative activists and leaders, with another due in March. Advertisement Advertisement TIES WITH MOSCOW, CLASHES WITH EU Both Fico and Orban have clashed with EU institutions over probes into backsliding on democratic rules. They have also maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at times delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. Even as other European Union countries have secured alternative energy supplies after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, including by buying U.S. natural gas, Slovakia and Hungary have continued to buy Russian gas and oil, a practice the U.S. has criticised. Rubio said this would be discussed during his brief tour, but did not give any details. Advertisement Advertisement Fico, who has described the European Union as an institution that is in "deep crisis", has showered Trump with praise saying he would bring peace back to Europe. But Fico criticised the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. Hungary and Slovakia have also so far diverged from Trump's request for all NATO members to significantly increase their military spending to 5% of GDP, and have raised defence spending to NATO's minimum threshold of 2%, a lower level than some other NATO members. On nuclear cooperation, Slovakia signed an agreement with the United States last month and Fico has said U.S.-based Westinghouse was likely to build a new nuclear power plant. (Reporting by Humeyra PamukAdditional reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; editing by Alexandra Hudson and Susan Fenton) Authorities in Kenya and Ghana are examining reports that a Russian man covertly filmed sexual encounters with women in the two African nations, then shared the footage online without their consent. African and Russian media identified the suspect as a self-styled "pick-up artist" and online blogger in his 30s. The reports claimed the man used a pair of sunglasses, fitted with a camera, to film some encounters and circulated them on social media, though officials have not confirmed this detail. Advertisement Advertisement Ghana said it intends to request that the man be extradited from Russia, while Kenya's government says it is pursuing the case "with urgency". News reports allege that the suspect had travelled to Ghana to secretly film his interactions with women. An initial investigation has established that the suspect has likely left the country, Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said. It added that the man's departure would "not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the state's responsibility to pursue accountability". Ghanaian Technology Minister Sam George said he had asked the Russian ambassador in the capital, Accra, for Moscow's cooperation in getting justice for the victims. Advertisement Advertisement However, Russia does not extradite its citizens, except in extreme circumstances. On Monday, Russia's embassy in Ghana said it had "taken note" of the reports, but did not state whether the Russian authorities would co-operate with Accra's investigation. George told BBC News that he had invited the Russian ambassador to discuss the alleged incident. Earlier, the minister told reporters: "That gentleman will be looked for, we will activate every resource in our disposal working with Interpol. "We will request the Russian authorities and that is why I have invited the Russian ambassador to work with our law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement "We want the gentleman to be brought back to Ghana, extradited to Ghana for him to face the rigours of our law." George said they would try the suspect in absentia if he failed to return to Ghana. The same man has been accused of committing similar illegal acts in Kenya. Hanna Cheptumo, Kenya's minister of gender, culture and children services, described the incident as a "serious" case of gender-based violence. In a statement on Monday, Cheptumo added: "Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter with urgency, including collaboration with international authorities given the cross-border nature of the case." Advertisement Advertisement Under Kenya's Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, anyone who publishes intimate images of another person, with or without their consent, faces up to two years in prison. Ghana also introduced new laws under the Cybersecurity Act 2020 to punish those who share nude photos or videos online, especially of women and children, often for revenge or blackmail. Perpetrators face up to 25 years in jail. Authorities in Ghana have been paying increasing attention to online abuse, including sexual extortion and romance scams. There has been an increase in arrests in recent years for these offences. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, a court sentenced a 22-year-old phone repairer, Solomon Doga, to 14 years in prison for sharing nude images of a Lebanese woman. He pleaded guilty to sexual extortion and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Correction - 15 February: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Ghana had requested the extradition of a Russian suspect. A formal request has not been made yet, but the Ghanaian government says it intends to make one. The National Transportation Safety Board says it is aware of an explosion and large fire involving an Iowa pipeline but has yet to open an investigation into its cause. "We are monitoring the situation but have not opened an investigation at this time," Sarah Taylor Sulick, a spokesperson for the NTSB, the federal agency responsible for investigating pipeline accidents, said in a Monday, Feb. 16, email to the Des Moines Register. The Emergency Management Department in Washington County, where the blast occurred Saturday, said Sunday that an investigation to determine that cause of the explosion and fire continues. Pipeline owner Mid American Pipeline Co., a subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners LP of Houston, said in a statement released through the department that it has representatives on the scene to conduct repairs. In a news release dated Saturday, Feb. 14, but posted on Facebook Sunday afternoon, the emergency management department said the fire, which started about 10:50 a.m. Saturday in the 2000 block of rural 325th St., spread to both sides of the nearby Skunk River. Numerous fire departments fought the blaze and it was brought under control just before 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries or damages to structure, the release said, and there is no continuing threat to the public. The report said further updates will be provided as they become available. Enterprise Products Partners did not respond to messages Sunday and Monday seeking comment. The company says on its web page that it is a wholesale marketer of natural gas liquids, which MidAmerican said in its statement the pipeline carries as part of a network based in Conway, Kansas. An Iowa Utilities Commission map shows several natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines in Washington County. Company owned pipeline in massive 2020 blast; operated Iowa pipeline without permit The Coast Guard, along with partner agencies search Aug. 22, 2020, for the missing crew members from the dredging vessel Waymon L Boyd which caught fire Aug. 21 in the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The fire onboard was extinguished after the vessel broke apart and sunk. Enterprise Partners was the owner of a pipeline in Corpus Christi, Texas, involved in a catastrophic 2020 accident that received national news coverage. According to an NTSB report published in 2021, a dredge struck the 16-inch underwater pipeline on Aug. 21, 2020, setting off a geyser of propane gas and water that enveloped the dredge and support vessels, then ignited. Advertisement Advertisement The report said the accident killed four people immediately; another person later died of injuries. The nearly $9.5 million dredge was damaged beyond repair and repairs to the pipeline cost more than $2 million. The report said the dredging company was primarily to blame, but that the engineering drawings for the dredging project, provided by Schneider Engineering and Consulting, were deficient. It said that led to dredge operator Orion Marine Group's project engineer misinterpreting them and communicating incomplete and inaccurate information to Enterprise Products during preparation for the dredging. The inaccurate information about the location of the pipeline "dissuaded Enterprise Products from protecting" it from excavation damage, the report said. The report recommended updated policies and procedures for such projects. In a separate case, Iowa regulators in April 2023 fined Enterprise Products Operating LLC $1.8 million, finding it had operated seven hazardous liquid pipelines and two undergrounds storage facilities in the state for two decades without the required permit. The company's liability would have been $67.8 million were it not for a state law that caps violations at $200,000 each, the Iowa Utilities Board, now Iowa Utilities Commission, said in its order. Advertisement Advertisement The company, which used the pipelines to transport refined petroleum products, told the board in a March 2023 hearing it had been unaware until notified by the state that it was operating the pipelines and storage facilities without permits. It had acquired the pipeline from a previous owner. Saturday's pipeline blast comes as state lawmakers are seeking to prevent pipeline companies from being granted eminent domain rights for certain kinds of pipeline construction. The move stems from controversy surrounding the granting of eminent domain powers to Ames-based Summit Carbon Solutions, which wants to build a carbon dioxide pipeline across Iowa and neighboring states. Lawmakers sponsoring the legislation did not respond to messages Monday. The long-planned pipeline would carry carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants to an underground sequestration site. Property owners and others who oppose construction of the pipeline point to a breach in a similar pipeline in Mississippi in 2020 that led to evacuations of people in the path of the plume of carbon dioxide, an asphyxiant, that the breach released, and resulted in 45 people seeking medical attention. (This story has been edited to add additional information.) This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Washington County pipeline explosion not yet under federal scrutiny The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has stretched into a fifth, anguished week, with mounting pressure on investigators and a family grappling with uncertainty. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, before she was apparently kidnapped, disappearing from her secluded home in Arizonas Catalina Foothills without her phone or critical medications. The days since she vanished have been marked by disturbing twists: purported ransom notes demanding millions of dollars, an intensive investigation, emotional video pleas from Nancy Guthries children begging for the return of their mother, and video of an armed, masked person tampering with the doorbell camera at her Tucson home. The latest on where things stand Guthrie family offers a $1 million reward: After nearly a week of silence, Savannah Guthrie posted an emotional video on social media saying the family will offer up to $1 million for information leading to her mothers recovery. Advertisement Advertisement No leading theory: Authorities say they believe Nancy Guthrie was removed from the home against her will. But investigators still have no leading theory about a motive, according to a source. They have not ruled out the possibility more than one person may have been involved, the sheriff said Friday. Doorbell footage from two dates: The masked person seen on the doorbell camera footage of Nancy Guthries Arizona home the morning she is believed to have been kidnapped was also recorded at her doorstep on another night, a source told CNN. FBI Director Kash Patels release of the image believed to be from a different night surprised local and federal investigators on the ground as they hoped to keep the detail confidential, another source said. DNA analysis: Investigators continued to run lab analysis on DNA found at Nancy Guthries house, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said February 19. Other evidence: Officials determine the man seen in doorbell video was carrying an Ozark backpack, the sheriff said, but are still trying to identify other items and where they might have been purchased. Teams of FBI and local law enforcement investigators are also reviewing thousands of hours of video obtained from the greater Tucson area, a law enforcement official familiar with the case told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Family not suspects: Nancy Guthries adult children and their spouses are not suspects in her February 1 disappearance, the sheriff says, calling any suggestion otherwise cruel. Tip lines: If you have information that could help investigators, you can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 520-351-4900. You can also submit information at tips.fbi.gov. Timeline of key events Thursday, March 5 Savannah Guthrie visited 30 Rockefeller Plaza Thursday to thank her Today colleagues, according to a statement from NBC. During the emotional reunion, Guthrie could be seen embracing her colleagues, including her former co-host Hoda Kotb, whos been co-anchoring the morning program during her absence. Advertisement Advertisement The visit appears to be the first time Guthrie returned to Studio 1A since her mothers apparent abduction. But, according to NBC, it wont be her last. While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home, NBC said in a statement. Savannah Guthrie hugs Dylan Dreyer during a visit to the Today show at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in New York. - Charles Sykes/Invision/AP A source present during the visit told CNNs Brian Stelter that Guthrie thanked her colleagues for caring about my mom as much as I do and said she has every intention of coming back to the show. I dont know how to come back, but I dont know how not to. Youre my family. And, I would like to try, Guthrie said. Wednesday, March 4 Black gloves previously publicized in the case found in February about 2 miles from Nancy Guthries home have been traced by DNA to a local restaurant worker who is not part of this investigation, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities previously said those gloves initially of interest because investigators believed they appeared similar to those worn by a suspect in doorbell camera footage at Guthries home did not return any matches in the national database known as CODIS, and didnt match DNA found at Guthries house. Monday, March 2 This image made from video provided by Fox News Digital shows Savannah Guthrie, right, her sister Annie Guthrie, left, and her brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni, on March 2 visiting a tribute to their mother Nancy Guthrie. - FOX News Digital/AP Savannah Guthrie was seen outside of her mothers home on Monday, according to The Associated Press. This is the first sighting of the Today show anchor at the home since her mother disappeared a month ago, the AP reported. Joined by her sister Annie Guthrie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni, the family placed yellow flowers next to a makeshift tribute at the edge of the property, according to the AP. In an Instagram post, Savannah Guthrie posted a photo of the flowers with a caption that read, We feel the love and prayers from our neighbors, from the Tucson community and from around the country. Friday, February 27 Savannah Guthrie renewed her appeal for anyone with information on Nancy Guthries whereabouts to submit tips to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie made two sets of social media posts underscoring the familys previous offer of $1 million for information leading to the recovery of her missing mother. One of the posts shared on Instagram and Facebook features a 36-second video clip of a Today show segment explaining how the FBIs tip line works and how reward money can be claimed anonymously. In the caption, she writes the reward can be paid in cash, marking the first time she specified that on social media. Fridays second message also shared to Instagram and Facebook featured a truncated version of her video from three days earlier in which she announced the familys $1 million reward offer. The text of this post reads, in part: Please bring her home. You can be anonymous. Wednesday, February 25 Law enforcement officials visit Nancy Guthrie's residence on February 25 in Tucson. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images Several people were seen walking around Nancy Guthries property Wednesday morning the most activity CNN has seen at the residence in days. Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors, accompanied by FBI Special Agents, visited the home Wednesday, the US Attorneys office in Phoenix confirmed Thursday. Federal prosecutors traditionally work with all levels of law enforcement and have done so throughout this investigation, said Timothy Courchaine, US Attorney for the District of Arizona, adding theyll go anywhere, do anything, and persevere always to find her. Tuesday, February 24 Twenty-four days since her mother disappeared, Savannah Guthrie acknowledged Nancy may already be gone. In an emotional video, the Today host said her family is blowing on the embers of hope and still believes their mother will come home. But, she acknowledged a difficult truth. She may already be gone, Guthrie said. She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves If that is what is to be, then we will accept it. But we need to know where she is. Advertisement Advertisement The family is offering a personal reward of up to $1 million for any information leading to Nancys recovery, Guthrie said. This action was taken after careful consultation and in coordination with law enforcement a source close to the family told CNN. Somebody knows. We are begging you to please come forward now, she said. She also acknowledged her family is not alone in suffering through the uncertainty of a missing loved one. So, she said, they are also donating $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. We are hoping that the attention that has been given to our mom and our family will extend to all the families like ours who are in need and need prayers and need support, Guthrie said. Advertisement Advertisement The familys reward is in addition to the FBIs $100,000 reward for information about Guthrie, the agency said Tuesday. The announcement raises the total reward to up to $1.2 million for information on Guthries disappearance. The Guthries have continued to stay in lockstep with investigators, a source close to the family told CNN. The reward comes after investigative updates have appeared to slow as the search enters its fourth week. In other developments, the FBI will be shifting its investigative command post from Tucson to Phoenix, FBI Phoenix Public Information Officer Kevin Smith told CNN Tuesday, while emphasizing that everyone who is working on the ground with the sheriffs department will stay and it is not a reduction in resources. Monday, February 23 The masked person seen on the doorbell camera footage of Guthries home the morning she is believed to have been kidnapped was also at her doorstep on another night, a source tells CNN. Advertisement Advertisement The photos and video of the masked person on Guthries doorstep released by the FBI on February 10 were taken on two different days, rather than just on February 1, when authorities believe she was abducted, the source says. Thats because the masked suspect is not wearing a backpack in one of them, according to the source. ABC News first reported the suspect appears to have been at her door before February 1. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said in a statement there is no date or time stamp associated with these images and any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative. It added the investigation is ongoing and conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts. CNN reached out to the FBI Phoenix office for comment. The photos and video show a masked, armed suspect approach the door and tamper with the doorbell camera the morning of her disappearance. The suspect is described as male, approximately 59 - 510 tall and having an average build, according to the FBI. Local and federal investigators on the ground in Arizona searching for Nancy Guthrie were surprised by video and photos posted on social media earlier this month by the head of the FBI depicting her suspected abductor, another law enforcement source involved in the investigation told CNN. FBI Director Kash Patel posted on February 10 chilling video of a man at Guthries front door before her disappearance, including a follow-up post announcing and releasing additional recovered images from the same camera at Nancy Guthries front door the morning of her disappearance. But investigators in Tucson believed one of the images Patel posted showing the man without a backpack or gun was not actually from the date of her abduction, but possibly from weeks before as the man appeared to surveil her home, the source said. Authorities had hoped to keep specific details of that image confidential while they worked to identify the suspect and a motive, the source said. Local investigators were also puzzled by the fact FBI headquarters insisted the new imagery would be tweeted from Patels own X account rather the general FBI account. It would have been nice to know what (FBI) headquarters was planning to release, the source said. The FBI has not responded to CNNs request for clarity on Patels social media post. Residents in Guthries neighborhood were previously asked by the sheriffs department to submit video as far back as January 1, but the request specifically focused on two dates. Authorities also requested footage that includes cars, traffic, people or pedestrians, or anything that feels out of the ordinary or important. Saturday, February 21 Detectives and agents are back in Nancy Guthries neighborhood on Saturday, canvassing the area as part of their investigation, according to the Pima County Sheriffs Department. No additional details will be provided, the agency said. Thursday, February 19 Mexican officials say there is currently no indication Guthrie was brought into Mexico. The FBI informed us that they currently have no leads to suggest that this woman could be in Mexico, said Carlos Flores, General Commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Agency for the State of Sonora, speaking to reporters Thursday. Sonora officials say theres been no specific request for assistance in the investigation from the FBI. Wednesday, February 18 Flowers and signs are seen outside Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 18, 2026. - CNN Authorities have canvassed residences, businesses and government agencies for surveillance video to identify any possible indication of where Guthrie may have been taken, a law enforcement official familiar with the case says. Reviewing the thousands of hours of footage is a painstaking process and often involves slowing down video frame by frame to look for anything of interest, the source adds. Officials on both sides of the US-Mexico border were also told to be on the lookout for clues that might assist in the case as part of standard investigative procedures, according to a law enforcement official familiar. Investigators briefed US Border Patrol agents and Mexican law enforcement authorities, the official says. Due to the proximity of Tucson to the border, the official says, both US and Mexican border officials are aware of doorbell camera footage showing a suspect possibly responsible for Nancy Guthries disappearance. It is not uncommon for US authorities to brief their Mexican counterparts out of an abundance of caution about cases involving fugitives who may abscond from the United States. Madres Buscadoras de Sonora (Searching Mothers of Sonora) a Mexican nonprofit organization of women activists comprised of volunteers, mothers and wives tells CNN it was contacted by a member of the Guthrie family to help with the search. The groups founder, Ceci Flores Armenta, says some women plan to meet with the family Thursday and possibly start looking for Nancy Guthrie on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, Nanos told CNN affiliate KOLD decisions on how to pursue leads in the search are being made jointly by command center leadership, which includes chiefs from his department, FBI leadership and federal and local prosecutors, among others. 88-Crime, the Pima County and Tucson affiliate of the national Crime Stoppers organization, offered a reward of up to $102,500 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Up to $100,000 of that is from a private donor, it says. This is separate from the FBIs offer of up to a $100,000 reward, and will only be available for information reported directly to 88-Crime, it says. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Earlier, the Today set is filled with yellow flowers, mirroring the growing tribute outside Nancy Guthries home, where neighbors, friends and strangers from across the country have sent or delivered bouquets of support for the Guthrie family. The set of "Today" on February 18, 2026. - From NBC The set of the Today show is decorated with yellow flowers that match those outside Nancy Guthries home on February 18, 2026. - From NBC Tuesday, February 17 The Pima County sheriff announces Tuesday afternoon that DNA tested from gloves found near Nancy Guthries house does not have any matches in the national database known as CODIS, and doesnt match DNA found at her home, either. DNA found at her Tucson property is still being analyzed, Nanos says, adding that nothing in the investigation has any matches in CODIS. CODIS is the FBI-managed Combined DNA Index System, a national database that holds more than 19 million offender profiles, according to the agency. Investigators are looking into other genetic genealogy options to check for matches with the DNA evidence, the sheriff says, noting CODIS is just one of the databases available. Meanwhile, investigators have been visiting gun shops in the Tucson area. The suspect was seen in doorbell video with a gun and a holster that the sheriff said had some pretty unique characteristics. CNN spoke to roughly a half dozen shop owners, most of whom said they werent able to comment on what investigators asked them. But one owner said FBI officials visited about a week ago and showed him pictures of various people, although he didnt recognize any of the individuals. Pima County Sheriff's Department vehicles are seen at Nancy Guthrie's property in Tucson, Arizona, on February 17. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images Another gun shop owner told CNN affiliate KOLD that an FBI agent asked him to review between 18 to 24 images and names for gun purchases. He also said he searched the shops computer system and found no matches, KOLD reported. Investigators continue to follow up on various leads, including processing evidence from the homes of two people who were detained and later released, Nanos says in an interview with CNN affiliate KNXV. The sheriff assures that if detectives werent satisfied, they wouldnt have been released. Monday, February 16 The sheriffs department clears all Guthrie family members including siblings and spouses as possible suspects in Guthries disappearance in a Monday afternoon statement. Nanos statement puts an end to online speculation throughout the weekslong search for Nancy Guthrie about her familys possible involvement. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case, Nanos says in the statement posted on X. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. Sunday, February 15 People pay their respects at a makeshift memorial outside of Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson, Arizona, on February 15. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images A glove found near Nancy Guthries home appears to match those worn by the suspect captured in doorbell camera footage outside her house the morning she disappeared, the FBI says in a statement. The glove, containing DNA, is one of approximately 16 that investigators found near Nancy Guthries home, most of which the FBI says belonged to searchers who discarded them while working in the area. Meanwhile, in a video posted to Instagram, Savannah Guthrie shares a new message to the possible kidnappers of her mother. Its never too late and youre not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing, Savannah Guthrie says. The Today show anchor says she and her family are still hopeful. We still have hope and we still believe, she says. Friday, February 13 As neighbors tie yellow ribbons around trees in Nancy Guthries neighborhood in solidarity and hope for her safe return, a local official tells CNN investigators have received more than 30,000 tips from the public so far. Later Friday, authorities conduct an operation at a residence roughly 2 miles from Nancy Guthries home, the sheriffs department says. No arrests are made, though one man is questioned and released, with law enforcement believing him not to be the kidnapper, a law enforcement official tells CNN. More than a dozen vehicles, including those from SWAT and forensics, are seen at the location. Local authorities and the FBI are also at a second location near where law enforcement activity is underway. Authorities are seen at the site investigating a gray Range Rover in a parking lot of a restaurant. Thursday, February 12 Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram which features home video clips of Nancy Guthrie with her children. Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope, Savannah wrote in the caption of the post. - From Savannah Guthrie As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its 12th day, the Pima County Sheriffs Department asks neighbors to submit video footage that includes cars, traffic, people or pedestrians and anything they feel may be out of the ordinary or important for law enforcement to review. Later in the day, the FBI releases a description of the person seen in footage captured by Nancy Guthries doorbell camera, and the agency raises the reward for information to $100,000. The suspect is described as male, approximately 59 - 510 tall and having an average build. The backpack he was wearing in the video is identified as a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. Savannah Guthrie also shares a touching tribute to her mother on social media. The video features a short clip of a young Savannah Guthrie and her sister, Annie Guthrie, smiling at the camera while handing their mother flowers, as well as a photo of the three siblings and their mother. We will never give up on her, Savannah Guthrie captions the post. Wednesday, February 11 Thousands of tips for investigators to pore over are generated after the February 10 release of surveillance photos. TMZ reports the media outlet received a bizarre letter from someone purporting to know Nancy Guthries kidnapper. Harvey Levin, the outlets founder, tells Fox News the person who sent the email demanded a single bitcoin in exchange for information about the kidnapper. CNN has not been able to independently verify the existence or authenticity of the note. Meanwhile, CNN speaks to Carlos, the man detained February 10 by law enforcement, outside his home in Rio Rico, Arizona. He says investigators told his family hed been stopped as a result of an anonymous tip that came after surveillance photos of the suspect were released Tuesday. Tuesday, February 10 The FBI released these images from a camera at Nancy Guthries house, showing a person wearing a mask on the night she disappeared. - FBI The FBI releases new images and video from a camera at Nancy Guthries house, showing a person wearing a mask. The images show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthries front door the morning of her disappearance, according to a post on FBI Director Kash Patels X account. Shortly after the images and videos are released, Savannah Guthrie shares them to her social media accounts. Someone out there recognizes this person, she writes. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home. Later Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriffs Department announces it has detained a person for questioning in the case after pulling them over during a traffic stop in Rio Rico, around 60 miles south of Tucson, near the US-Mexico border. Hours later Wednesday morning, the person is released. A spokesperson with the Pima County Sheriffs Department also tells CNN a search warrant is being executed at a home in Rio Rico in connection with the case. Separately, Patel says the agency is looking at persons of interest in the case without saying who might be under suspicion. Monday, February 9 Days after several media outlets received purported ransom letters demanding millions in bitcoin for Nancy Guthries return, a second deadline mentioned in one of the notes passes Monday at 5 p.m. Hours before the deadline, around 1:30 p.m., Savannah Guthrie posts another video to social media, this time appealing to the public instead of her moms alleged captor, asking for assistance. We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help, the Today show host says, telling people to report anything strange to law enforcement. Sunday, February 8 Just before 11 a.m. Sunday, investigators are seen examining the septic tank near Nancy Guthries property after police were notably absent from her home Saturday. Video shows investigators moving around a long stick in the tank, at times repeatedly jabbing it, and using a flashlight to peer inside. Meanwhile, CNN affiliate KGUN, which received one of the ransom notes sent to some media stations, reports new details from the letter: The purported abductor demanded $6 million and threatened Nancy Guthries life if the 5 p.m. Monday, February 9, deadline isnt met. Saturday, February 7 Guthrie's children plead for their mother's return in a video posted on social media on Saturday, February 7. - Savannah Guthrie/Instagram On the one-week mark of Nancy Guthries disappearance, her three children say to her possible captor in a new social media video: We will pay. We received your message, and we understand, Savannah Guthrie says in the video. 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. Hours after the new video of the siblings, law enforcement officials are seen at the home of Annie Guthrie. They leave shortly after 10:30 p.m. with a bag and one deputy sheriff is seen wearing blue latex gloves. Friday, February 6 CNN affiliate KOLD receives a second purported ransom note on Day 6 of the search. The news station says it forwarded the message, along with the IP address from which the note originated, to law enforcement. The new note includes sensitive information but no deadline, according to an anchor at the news outlet. Later in the evening, gloved investigators are seen buzzing over Nancy Guthries property, placing evidence markers and climbing onto the flat, stark white roof of her home. Agents peer into bushes and scour the ground as a car that appeared to be Nancy Guthries is towed away. Thursday, February 5 Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos exits the press room past a missing persons poster after giving an update on the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, in Tucson, Arizona, on February 5. - Rebecca Noble/Reuters Camron Guthrie, Savannah Guthries brother, issues another plea in a video posted on social media at 5 p.m. as the first deadline given in the purported ransom note passes. Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you, he says. We havent heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. The FBI, now jointly working the case with the Pima County Sheriffs Department, announces a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Wednesday, February 4 In their first emotional video posted to Instagram, Savannah Guthrie flanked by Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie pleads for her mother to come home on Wednesday evening, four days after her disappearance. We need to know without a doubt that shes alive and that you have her, Savannah Guthrie says in response to the reports of ransom notes. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us. Law enforcement activity suddenly increases Wednesday early evening as detectives perform a follow-up at Nancy Guthries home, the sheriffs department says. Fresh crime scene tape wraps around the length of the house and is taken down within a matter of hours. Tuesday, February 3 On the third day of the search for Nancy Guthrie, several media outlets, including TMZ and CNN affiliates KGUN and KOLD, receive the first purported ransom letters demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for her return. One note includes a first deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, February 5, and a second deadline for Monday, February 9. Sunday, February 1 Hours after Nancy Guthrie was reportedly home from dinner with family, her home doorbell camera is disconnected at 1:47 a.m., and about 25 minutes later, surveillance camera software detects movement. At 2:28 a.m., data from Nancy Guthries pacemaker app shows the device is disconnected from her phone. More than nine hours later, at 11:56 a.m., the family realizes shes missing when checking on her at home. A person close to the family later tells CNN Nancy Guthrie typically spends her Sundays watching virtual church services with friends at a nearby home. When she did not arrive Sunday morning, her friends alert the Guthrie family. Relatives call 911 at 12:03 p.m. to report her missing, and Pima County Sheriffs Department patrols arrive by 12:15 p.m. Investigators scour the scene, finding blood on the front porch that is later confirmed to be Nancy Guthries. Theres still more items that have been submitted. We just havent got them back yet, the sheriff would later say on February 5. In the meantime, were not just sitting on our haunches waiting. We do have a number ofleads coming in. Saturday, January 31 Nancy Guthrie joins her family for dinner and game night Saturday evening, Ubering to her older daughter Annie Guthries nearby home around 5:32 p.m. Hours later, her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, drives her home. Nancy Guthries garage door opens at approximately 9:48 p.m. and closes at 9:50 p.m. It is that time we assume that Nancys home and probably going to bed, Nanos would say at a news conference a few days after her disappearance. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Norma Galeana contributed reporting from Tucson. CNNs Josh Campbell and Elise Hammond and Brian Stelter also contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A search is underway in South Carolina for a girl who has been missing for days. Isis Yamileth Solis Rodas was reported missing Saturday by the West Columbia Police Department. The 12-year-olds family reported her missing Friday, police said in a news release. Isis Yamileth Solis Rodas was reported missing by the West Columbia Police Department. (West Columbia Police Department) Isis family said the girl was a runaway, according to the release. There was no word about where Isis was when she was last seen, or if she was alone at that time. Information about why she left was not available. Advertisement Advertisement Police did not say if foul play is suspected in her ongoing disappearance. Police described Isis as a 5-foot-2, 90-pound girl who was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black Crocs and red sweatpants. Anyone who has seen the girl, or has information about her, is asked to call police at 803-794-0721, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. In the case of an emergency, always call 911. MULLENS On Friday, Feb. 13, state lawmakers met with officials from Wyoming County and the City of Mullens to oversee what has been described as long-overdue road repairs. The damage to Broadway Street traces back to years of flooding and wear-and-tear that stressed a lengthy retaining wall. The strain narrowed the road into a risky bottleneck, disrupted daily traffic and limited access for school buses and emergency vehicles. Local and state leaders said the repair will widen the roadway and stabilize the slope, using an estimated $400,000 from multiple funding sources as the West Virginia Division of Highways mobilized equipment on site. Mullens City Manager Krystle Wallace said the damage created a public-safety danger that could slow emergency response times if drivers have to reroute onto curvy secondary routes through the hollow. Advertisement Advertisement It would delay a 10- to 20-minute response time for emergency services, Wallace said. So this is critical. Absolutely critical. Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, said the Broadway Street slip created all sorts of problems and difficulties for families and blocked a route on which residents rely. The school bus normally comes down through here, Roberts said. They havent been able to and its put people out in a terrible way. Sometimes, government moves too slow. Roberts said while he would have to admit that he was glad we were finally able to get the funding to take care of the issue. The DOH already has equipment on site, were moving very quickly, and Im excited for the people and I hope they can be just a little more patient because we will get this fixed for them. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Brian Helton, R-Fayette, said the project moved because city, county and state officials aligned funding and stopped treating the issue like it was somebody elses problem. Myself, Senator Roberts, along with our County Commission President Jason Mullins, Mayor Alan Mills, our city commission, county commission, we all worked together, Helton said. And Sen. Roberts and I work so closely together, and of course he is the vice chair of Finance in the Senate so he is able to help our community by always being able to direct funds back into our district and he has played such an instrumental role in putting all this together. Roberts framed the project as basic constituent service stretched across a wide district. As a senator, we have three counties we deal with, he said. There are a lot of needs still left in Wyoming County and we are working on every angle we can. Advertisement Advertisement Roberts also pushed back on the idea that work only counts if it is public. We arent ignoring things just because we arent talking about them all the time, Roberts said. We are working behind the scenes, talking to people, finding pathways to solutions for very complicated problems. Mullens City Council members tied the current failure to a longer history of flood damage and deferred repairs. The 01 flood just did so much damage and just started the process of eroding and just all the infrastructure that was affected by that, councilman PJ Blankenship said. He added that previous repairs were not handled correctly for years because it just takes a lot of money to do, but explained that state help moved the project forward. Advertisement Advertisement Now were getting Sen. Heltons help to get money, and Sen. Roberts who helped to get this taken care of, Blankenship said. Councilman Herbie Brooks agreed that the problem continued to compound after years of relentless flooding but added that he just wants to get this road fixed so traffic can go back and forth. Wallace looks toward the future when the city is trying to stack projects instead of chase emergencies. She said Mullens caught up on audits after falling 10 years behind, needs wastewater upgrades, and plans to meet with engineers next week after U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., secured $1.5 million for a new fire station with a March groundbreaking goal. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Licensed sex workers at one of the most popular brothels in Nye County are unionizing, a historical first for the industry. It feels like being part of the American labor story, Molly Wylder said. In a way, sex workers have never been able to be before. Wylder was one of several who spoke with 8 News Now about a first for sex workers at Sheris Ranch in Pahrump. When they asked us if we wanted to team up and get this done, Jupiter Jetson said. We all said yes. Advertisement Advertisement Wylder and Jetson both work as licensed courtesans and independent contractors at Sheris Ranch, until Jetson was recently terminated from her position, she said. Licensed sex workers at one of the most popular brothels in Nye County are unionizing, a historical first for the industry. (KLAS) They both spoke with 8 News Now on Friday about their role in the start of the United Brothel Workers Union within the Communications Workers of America. It didnt necessarily start as a movement to unionize, Jetson explained. It just started as a movement to not be held to an extremely exploitive contract. They said management at Sheris Ranch asked them to sign a new independent contractor agreement in December that would have given the brothel control over their intellectual property and power of attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Both women explained how this could be damaging, as many licensed courtesans also work in the adult film industry and monetize their own content on social media. I personally am an adult actress, but Im also a musician, Im a writer, I am also currently writing a book since before this first started, Jetson said. My book is tied to the ranch in content and theme, and they would own it in its entirety. My videos would be theirs, Jetson added. Regardless of whether or not I even have the right to it. Wylder also spoke about her concern for her future outside of sex work. My concern is my future, She said. I dont know what is going to be important to me in 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Nevada is the only state in the union where people can legally purchase sex in specific rural counties with fewer than 700,000 people, according to state law. Six of the states 17 counties currently have active brothels, including Nye County. To unionize, licensed courtesans or sex workers must prove to the labor union that they are employees and not independent contractors, which is their current status. The majority of the 74 courtesans who work at Sheris Ranch have agreed to join the United Brothel Workers union, according to Jetson and Wylder. This would provide stronger protection of their rights, safety, and security, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for CWA filed a union request with the National Labor Relations Board this week, along with an injunction against the brothels recent termination of several courtesans. 8 News Now reached out to Sheris Ranch and received the following statement: For more than five decades, The Resort at Sheris Ranch has been a lawful and established part of Nevadas licensed brothel system, supporting generations of independent businesswomen and contributing to the local economy and surrounding community. Throughout that time, the resort has operated in accordance with state and county regulations, with agreements and standards in place intended to support the integrity of the brand and the well-being of the independent contractors who choose to operate their businesses in association with the Ranch. We respect the right of individuals to express their views on workplace structure. At the same time, Sheris Ranch remains confident in the longstanding legal and regulatory framework that has supported independent contractors operating their own businesses in association with the resort for decades. That model, which has previously withstood legal scrutiny, has created stability, opportunity, and autonomy for generations of women and continues to guide how the Ranch operates today. Advertisement Advertisement Our focus remains unchanged: to provide a safe, lawful, and professionally managed environment where independent contractors can work, serve clients, and build their own success under Sheris Ranch roof and brand. Independent contractor status has long been the industry standard and remains fundamental to the autonomy that has characterized this line of work for decades. It allows individuals to run their own businesses, set their own schedules, choose their clients, define their personal and professional boundaries, and make independent decisions about the services they offer and what they charge for those services. It also allows individuals to maintain direct control over their personal choices, their boundaries, and their bodies within the scope of their work. It is important to recognize that any shift away from independent contractor status would fundamentally change the nature of that independence and the level of personal control individuals have over how they work. -Jeremy Lemur, Director of Communications Advertisement Advertisement However, Jetson and Wilder told 8 News Now the situation was the push they needed to kickstart an entirely new chapter. After eight years of swallowing tip theft, wage theft, and not really ever making a fuss about it, Jetson said. Wanting my intellectual property was just a bridge too far. If I could speak directly to every sex worker, she concluded. It would be, You are not the exception, you are the rule, and you deserve the same rights as anybody else. At this time, courtesans working at Sheris Ranch are the only ones behind the unionization movement, but both women told 8 News Now they hope it expands to those working at other brothels across the state. 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 KLAS. Valentine's Day was a not-so-sweet treat for one of San Francisco's iconic chocolate makers. Employees picketed all day Saturday at Ghirardelli's longtime ice cream and chocolate shop at Ghirardelli Square. Union workers want a new contract with better wages and the ability to keep their current union health plan. The one-day picket line got lots of attention outside Ghirardelli's famous chocolate and ice cream shop. Advertisement Advertisement It's no coincidence this labor action is happening on one of the busiest days for chocolate. "We want Ghirardelli to treat workers as sweet as they treat customers who come for a great experience," said Alexis Luna-Torres, spokesperson for Unite Here Local 2. MORE: Tentative $183 million deal reached to end historic San Francisco teachers' strike Unite Here Local 2, the union representing about 40 Ghirardelli dishwashers, cashiers and candymakers, says it's been bargaining for a new contract for months, including increased wages and the ability to keep their union-run health plan. "Ghirardelli has been pushing us to move to an employer plan," Torres said. Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-nine-year Ghirardelli employee, Cynthia Cardoza, said she can't make ends meet. "The cost of living in San Francisco is very expensive. With the salary we have, we can't afford it. We are fighting for health benefits and a fair contract," Cardoza said. Tourists were surprised by the labor action happening on Valentine's Day. MORE: Thousands of Bay Area Kaiser workers hit the picket lines amid strike across California, Hawaii "It's the first time I've come in and seen all of this," said Megan Carvale from Orange County. "It's kind of amusing and annoying. It's kind of loud," said Jim Carter-Hargrove from Reno. Advertisement Advertisement In response, Ghirardelli's parent company tells ABC7 Eyewitness news: "Our main focus right now is on reaching an agreement that supports our employees and ensures the long-term success of our business... every proposal Ghirardelli has made involves covering 100% of the employee's monthly healthcare premiums." The next bargaining session is scheduled for March. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live The US and Slovakia aim to cooperate more closely on the civilian use of nuclear energy to make the EU and NATO country less dependent on Russian energy, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Bratislava. On January 16, the left-wing nationalist Fico signed an agreement with the United States in Washington. Next year, ongoing talks with the US company Westinghouse about the construction of a fifth nuclear reactor in Slovakia are expected to lead to a contract signing, Fico and Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement There was also a focus on the joint commitment to strengthening NATO militarily in addition to economic topics. Slovakia is ready to contribute to this through further armament, such as the ongoing purchase of US F-16 fighter jets, the Slovakian side assured Rubio. Sympathy for Trump, but no to Board of Peace Rubio arrived in Bratislava on Sunday from the Munich Security Conference. He was initially received at the airport by Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and later met Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini. Rubio's onward journey to Hungary is planned for the evening. Fico, like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is considered a sympathizer with US President Donald Trump. However, unlike Orban, Fico has rejected participation in Trump's so-called Board of Peace on the grounds that no parallel structure to the United Nations should be created. Fico had also clearly criticized the US intervention in Venezuela. After socialist groups helped organize and promote a walkout against ICE enforcement at Boswell High School, district officials say they did not approve or facilitate the event. The socialist organization National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR) helped organize a walkout at Boswell High School in Saginaw on February 9, according to an Instagram post from NAARPR-Dallas and a report from Fight Back News. Members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) also promoted the event on social media. Online personalities claimed school leadership allowed these groups to train students for the walkout, and the allegations quickly went viral including amplification by the account Libs of TikTok on X. Students at Boswell High School (@boswellhs) in Texas participated in an anti-ICE walkout being led by a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Why are far-left organizations being allowed to push political activism on children? You can reach out to the schools pic.twitter.com/BDD8VKufIc Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 11, 2026 Now, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Communications Director Matthew LeBlanc told The Dallas Express the district was never involved. It did not happen. There was no training on campus. There was no approval. There was no involvement, LeBlanc said. Boswell High School does not permit outside political organizations to conduct training of students on campus, and no such activity was authorized or facilitated by the school. LeBlanc said nobody acting on behalf of the school allowed these organizations to train students for an anti-ICE walkout or anything else. Advertisement Advertisement Both campus and district administration have never even heard of these organizations, he said. We take claims like this seriously, and it is important to correct misinformation quickly and directly. We remain focused on providing a safe, structured learning environment centered on students and academics. Boswell High School Principal Ryan Wilson sent a message to families explaining that students left school without permission and that buses were sent to bring them back. UPDATE: The principal of the Fort Worth area school, Ryan Wilson, has explained that far from encouraging the Marxist training, he attempted to get the students to return to school and even sent busses to try to bring them back to school. Parents saw the busses and assumed the pic.twitter.com/ycA4BqhPfQ @amuse (@amuse) February 12, 2026 The Dallas Express reached out to the X account where the claims apparently originated, but did not hear back in time for publication. Socialist Groups Cite National Day of Action Fight Back News reported that the NAARPR and student organizers ran the walkout jointly. The outlet stated that NAARPR-Dallas provided marshals, protest signs, chanters, and a Legalization for All banner. Advertisement Advertisement NAARPR Dallas helped students at Boswell high organize their march and protest today in Saginaw, the group posted on Instagram at the time. The Freedom Road Socialist Organization also promoted the event on Instagram in a joint post with NAARPR and Legalization for All. It is amazing to see the next generation of freedom fighters take democracy into their own hands and protest against ICE and demand the end of the Trump agenda, as well as legalization for all, said FRSO member Glen Reed. The NAARPR was founded in 1973 in Chicago, to wage organized action against perceived oppressors, according to its website. It specifically grew out of the movement to free Angela Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Davis was a Communist Party USA member who was charged with murder, conspiracy, and kidnapping in connection with a 1970 courtroom shootout that killed a judge, a militant, and two inmates, but was acquitted on all charges in 1972, according to The New York Times. According to its website, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization describes itself as a national organization of revolutionaries fighting for socialism in the United States. FRSO is recruiting and building towards the creation of a new Communist Party based on Marxism-Leninism, the groups website states. This is necessary to lead the way to socialism and liberation. The groups Dallas chapter released a statement February 9, calling on Texas labor groups to oppose Gov. Greg Abbott. Advertisement Advertisement Abbott has publicly warned school districts to enforce policies against walkouts, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. In early February, the State Board of Education requested an investigation into whether district or school officials are supporting activism. Backlash to President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown is putting vulnerable Republicans in a tough spot, forcing them to shift their tone to appease frustrated Hispanic voters or risk losing key battleground seats. Its a delicate pivot for Republicans in South Texas, who spent years taking a hardline approach on immigration and flipped historically blue districts in the process. Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, representing a majority-Hispanic district, has gone from calling for mass deportations to focusing on the worst of the worst. In lieu of expediting removals, she wants to create new visa categories for undocumented workers to fill jobs in construction and agriculture. And instead of slamming the Biden White House for its "border failure," she's setting up private meetings at the Trump White House to plead for temperance in immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district shares hundreds of miles with Mexico, wants his party to talk more about the border, and said he plans to continue to advocate that the Republican Party needs to focus on convicted criminal illegal aliens amid broad outrage over deportations of undocumented people with no proven risk to public safety. Like other Republicans, they are trying to slowly distance themselves from the massive immigration crackdown that has quickly become political kryptonite for the GOP but without being seen as disloyal to the president or undercutting their previous positions. President Trump made a promise, and he's kept that promise by securing the border. That was stage one, De La Cruz said in an interview. Now we're at stage two, which is having a conversation of true immigration reform. Republicans efforts to change the conversation will test their ability to maintain, or even extend, Trumps 2024 gains with Hispanic voters and play a pivotal role in the fight for control of Congress in November. A slew of polls in recent weeks has shown many Hispanic voters across the country, repulsed by the Trump administrations aggressive deportation campaign, are souring on the Republican president they supported to a historic degree in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Its a warning the White House appears to be taking seriously. In recent weeks, after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis, the White House has signaled openness to paring back its deportation operation. On Thursday, border czar Tom Homan announced the administrations massive immigration surge in Minneapolis would come to a close. Latino voters embrace of Trump was a political earthquake, and South Texas was the epicenter. De La Cruzs district which sprawls from the Rio Grande Valley on the U.S.-Mexico border up to the San Antonio suburbs was represented by a Democrat in Congress for 120 years before De La Cruz won her seat in 2022. In 2024, Trump romped to an 18-point victory. The 15th Congressional District was among those redrawn by the Texas legislatures redistricting gambit last year, offering De La Cruz an even more favorable electorate. But that bet relies heavily on Hispanic voters sticking with the GOP: Nearly 80 percent of the district identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and if those voters flip back to the Democratic Party or stay home, it could erase much of the new maps intended friendliness to Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement With the border secure and Latinos responding to ICE raids and government overreach, the districts that Republicans thought were their future a year ago are likely to be their undoing, said Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist who is a frequent critic of Trump. Hard to find another situation in the past 50 years where a political party has squandered a generational opportunity like this. Flipping De La Cruzs district is a top objective for House Democrats this cycle, who are salivating at the prospect of winning back Latino voters. Shell face either Bobby Pulido, a Tejano music star with widespread name ID recruited by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or Ada Cuellar, an ER doctor who has an impressive penchant for fundraising. Local Republicans have begun sounding the alarm. Daniel Garza, president of the LIBRE Initiative, a grassroots conservative group based in South Texas, said Bidens border chaos was directly responsible for Texas Republicans victories in recent election cycles, including De La Cruzs, but that moving toward the other extreme a harsh crackdown could again dissuade Hispanic voters who might otherwise support the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement We don't have to be a nation that has to decide between an everybody-in or an everybody-out approach, Garza said. I honestly feel that the counties across the entire Texan border shifted to the right because of the border chaos. But this sort of everybody-out approach, I think, is also causing some reflection. The immigration crackdown has wreaked havoc for the areas business community. Greg LaMantia, who runs a major beer wholesaler in the region, said his companys sales are down as a result of the raids. You have people that are legal that are scared to death to get caught up in this fiasco and deported, said LaMantia, who voted for Trump and has donated recently to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Its caused sales to go down, no doubt about it. It's chaos." Daniel Guerrero, CEO of the McAllen-based South Texas Builders Association, said rampant ICE activity has sent a shiver through the construction industry, leading to massive delays. He said ICE is notorious for following concrete trucks to job sites, then apprehending workers as they begin pouring a foundation, leaving half-poured concrete slabs. The sentiment is pretty clear across the table, that nobody really expected this magnitude of enforcement, said Guerrero, who voted for Trump and De La Cruz in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement He said the Hispanic Trump supporters he knows are souring on this administration, an observation supported by recent polling. In the latest warning sign, Latino voters helped a Democrat flip a reliably red seat in Fort Worth last month. Taylor Rehmet, who picked up a state Senate seat in a special election, won about 4 out of 5 Hispanic votes across the district, a massive 26-point improvement over Kamala Harris in 2024. Many Republicans are trying to steer the discussion around immigration to focus on how border crossings have dropped to historic lows under Trump which they hope will remind Hispanic voters why they should stick with the GOP. The Hispanic population gives President Trump and Republicans a lot of leeway with just how bad things were before and where they're at now, said Gonzales, whose sprawling border district is majority Hispanic. They have a lot of leeway to get a lot of runway, if you will. De La Cruz successfully ran in 2024 on deportations and the worst border security crisis in our nation's history. Now shes proposing a new visa category, H-2C, allowing employers like those in construction and hospitality to hire foreign workers. She also introduced legislation which would expand the H-2A visa category for seasonal agricultural workers. Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, De La Cruz said she has taken constituents to meet with the Labor Department, the White House and House Speaker Mike Johnson, pitching them on her bills and encouraging the administration to change its tact on immigration enforcement. There's limited resources, period. And we want those limited resources to be focused on the worst of the worst, the criminal immigrants that have come in, De La Cruz said. We have legal immigrants in our district who have work visas that they don't want to go out to work because some may have fear about the process that is currently being administered. But De La Cruzs shift in messaging has simultaneously earned skepticism from some industry leaders and frustration with the base, underscoring the political tightrope she must walk until November. Guerrero, the construction nonprofit leader, said he sensed political opportunism in De La Cruzs newfound interest in helping his industry. Advertisement Advertisement People feel abandoned because you never showed face, and now that there's an actual crisis, you want to show face? Guerrero said. It's like, dude, it's a little too late, man. The MAGA base, meanwhile, doesnt love the shift, either. Patricio County GOP Chair Rex Warner thinks De La Cruz has become too soft on deportations. I align with some of it, but very little, he said. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misspelled Ada Cuellars name. Who's up for a middle-of-the-night launch? A rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, which was previously scheduled to lift off on Valentine's Day, is now scheduled for the early hours of Monday morning. SpaceX plans to send a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on Monday, Feb. 16. Rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and people in and around Brevard County usually have the best chance at seeing this phenomenon in the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast is sometimes visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. When theres a nighttime launch window or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on the next rocket launch from Florida and suggestions on where to watch it in person (or virtually via the USA TODAY Networks Space Team). Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida Advertisement Advertisement For questions or comments, email USA TODAY Network Space Reporters Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com, Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com or Eric Lagatta at elagatta@usatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. When is the next rocket launch from Florida? Monday, February 16, SpaceX Starlink 6-103 Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window : 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. ET Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 Launch trajectory: Southeast Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida Sonic booms: No Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. Where to watch SpaceX rocket launch in Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Florida Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch in certain areas, you can get an amazing view of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river. Advertisement Advertisement If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast. Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline (you can even see the pad from some spots). Some hotspots to check out: Jetty Park Beach and Pier , 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park. Playalinda Beach , 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day. Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park , 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge. Space View Park , 8 Broad St., Titusville Sand Point Park , 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville Rotary Riverfront Park , 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village , 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway) Cocoa Village , near the parks and shops or near the docks Various parks on Merritt Island Rotary Park , 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island Port Canaveral , with ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean at port Alan Shepard Park , 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Cocoa Beach Pier , 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies. Lori Wilson Park , 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way. Sidney Fischer Park , 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Downtown Cocoa Beach , along Minutemen Causeway Tables Beach , 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach The Tides on SR A1A in Satellite Beach Various parks, including the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, in Satellite Beach Pineda Causeway Eau Gallie Causeway Front Street Park near Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne Indialantic boardwalk at Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A Paradise Beach Park , aka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachside park) Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter) This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch in Florida. Best places to see Cape Canaveral liftoff Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) vowed Saturday that he will not attend the upcoming White House dinner for governors and their families because of President Donald Trumps refusal to invite Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD), who is the sole Black governor in the nation. In a confusing turn of events, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) who chairs the National Governors Association claimed earlier this week that the president was only inviting Republican governors to the normally bipartisan meeting and dinner. Trump took to Truth Social to claim that Stitt got it all WRONG, and that he was not excluding all Democrats only Polis and Moore were not invited to the dinner. Trump wrote, I did not invite the Governor of Colorado, who has unfairly incarcerated in solitary confinement a 73-year-old cancer stricken woman (A nine year term!), for attempting to fight Democrat Voter Fraud, plus the foul mouthed Governor of Maryland, who fraudulently stated that he received Military medals, A LIE, is doing a terrible job on the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and has allowed Baltimore to continue to be a Crime Disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Moore has said he will skip the meeting altogether if hes excluded from the dinner. Beshear told MS NOWs Al Sharpton that he wont attend the event either if his friend Moore is excluded. Nearly everything that Trump touches, he destroys, Beshear began. He has taken a annual bipartisan tradition, and hes turned it into his own 12-year-old birthday party, where hes going to invite some people and not invite others. Everybody but Billy is invited.' Beshear hinted that racism may be at play in Trumps decision. And the idea that he wouldnt invite Wes Moore, who is our nations only Black governor, in the same set of days that he put out that video depicting the Obamas the way he did, just speaks volumes. Wes Moore is a friend of mine. I certainly aint going if hes not invited. Advertisement Advertisement Beshear continued that Trumps pettiness knows no bounds and that his policies on tariffs and immigration makes our life as governors that much harder to ultimately get the results that we try to for our people. Watch the clip above via MS NOW. The post Speaks Volumes: Kentucky Gov Boycotting White House Dinner After Trump Refuses to Invite Nations Only Black Governor first appeared on Mediaite. CHARLESTON Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Friday announced $9.5 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant funding for five water and sewer infrastructure projects in McDowell and Mingo counties and unveiled a proposed statewide flood warning pilot program ahead of the one-year anniversary of a deadly flood in McDowell County. The five AMLER-funded projects are located near mine sites in McDowell and Mingo counties that closed prior to 1977 and were selected in coordination with state agencies to meet program requirements. Water and sewer systems may not be flashy, but they are essential, Morrisey said. If you cannot deliver clean drinking water or safely manage wastewater, you cannot attract jobs, build homes, or grow your economy. West Virginia is ready to grow, and that starts with strong fundamentals. Advertisement Advertisement The largest award, $2.75 million, will go to the town of Davy to construct its first centralized wastewater system, eliminating raw sewage discharges and replacing failing septic systems. A $2.014 million grant will fund the Jolo Waterline Extension Project, installing more than 60,000 feet of new waterline to provide drinking water to 119 new connections, including five businesses. The city of Gary will receive $1 million to strengthen its existing sewer system and protect reclaimed subsidence sites within city limits. Another $2.5 million will support the Elkhorn Creek Water Project, extending public water service to 280 customers, including Ashland Resort, churches and area businesses, and supporting planned sewer expansion efforts in Ashland and Crumpler. Advertisement Advertisement The town of Kermit will receive $1.26 million to replace its failing water tank with a new 125,000-gallon storage facility. In addition to the infrastructure funding, Morrisey announced a proposal for SENTRY the Smart Environmental Notification Threat Response System a 36-month, $10 million pilot program aimed at improving flood prediction and response. The announcement comes ahead of Sundays one-year anniversary of the devastating February 2025 flood in McDowell that resulted in the deaths of three people. Two adults, Donald Eugene Griffin and Deborah Griffin, both 69 of Welch, died after their truck was swept into the Tug Fork River. The body of a 2-year-old male passenger in the truck was later found in the river in the area of Hunting Shirt Bottom in Davy, which is an estimated 10 miles from the trucks location. Advertisement Advertisement Two female juveniles escaped from the truck after it was swept downriver, state police officials then said. On Sunday, we remember the lives lost one year ago in the devastating flood that struck McDowell County and forever changed that community. Our hearts remain with the families who continue to grieve and rebuild, Morrisey said. As we honor those we lost, we are also focused on protecting our communities in the future. That is why we are working to implement SENTRY, a new flood warning initiative designed to provide earlier alerts and give families critical time to get to safety. We owe it to those we lost to do everything in our power to ensure we are better prepared and better protected moving forward. Unlike traditional stream gauges that indicate when water levels are already high, SENTRY would integrate additional rain gauges, soil saturation sensors, wind data and stream monitoring with artificial intelligence-driven modeling to forecast elevated flood risk one to six hours in advance, with a target accuracy of more than 90%. Louisiana State Police seized several four-wheelers and dirt bikes near Mardi Gras parade routes, saying the off-road vehicles posed a danger to crowds. Colonel Robert Hodges said troopers working with the Louisiana National Guard, New Orleans Police, and other agencies spotted the vehicles traveling in and around parade routes near Canal Street and Claiborne Avenue. The operators were driving without helmets or proper licenses, and the vehicles aren't made for city streets, Hodges said. Advertisement Advertisement "This is a prime example of how these off-road vehicles can be not only a danger to those operating them, but all the pedestrians and revelers here for Mardi Gras, as well as those who are trying to leave the parade route," Hodges said. Col. Hodges also said state police have troopers throughout the city and inside the Superdome for super krewes, but remain focused on traffic safety during carnival season. California bracing for localized flooding, pass-closing Sierra Nevada snow and severe thunderstorms As a deep plume of moisture makes its way inland across the West Coast, a multitude of hazards could arise this week, ranging from localized flooding and tornadoes to feet of snow in the mountains and gusty winds. Potent storms return to the Golden State After weeks dominated by weather that was dry and warmer than the historical average, the transition to stormier conditions will mark a clear change of pace for the region. Water levels statewide are running at about half of their typical mid-February levels. While the incoming storms may create hazards, they will also offer much-needed moisture. AccuWeather.com "It will be a wet week across California as a series of storm systems slam into the state. Multiple inches of rain will fall across much of the state, with several feet of snow expected in the Sierra," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Kai Kerkow. Soaking rain from the coast to valley locations This week, forecasters say that three separate storms are set to track into the Western states. The rain field associated with the first storm began to move onshore Sunday, while the core of the storm's energy will shift inland Monday. Advertisement Advertisement The second storm will dive south and east from the Pacific Northwest into California Monday night into Tuesday night, ushering in another wave of soaking rain. By late week, a third and final storm of the week is expected Thursday, which is anticipated to focus along the central coast and portions of Southern California. AccuWeather.com Cumulative rainfall amounts will be 1-2 inches across Southern California and the Central Valley, increasing to 2-4 inches along the central coast and into Northern California. Orographic enhancement could push localized amounts beyond 4 inches in the Sierra Nevada and adjacent higher terrain. Monday: Severe thunderstorms include tornado risk In addition to the deluge of moisture this week, forecasters are also warning of the risk of robust thunderstorms in northern portions of the Central Valley as well as coastal Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement As the first in a series of storms moves into California Monday, thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Los Angeles Basin. These storms may trigger flash flooding, especially in urban areas and near burn scars, along with gusty winds and even a couple of tornadoes. AccuWeather.com While severe weather is not expected to be widespread, the risk zone includes densely populated areas from San Luis Obispo County south through Los Angeles and San Diego County. Any storm that intensifies could produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and downpours, so residents should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. Forecasters also note that there could be rumbles of thunder as rain shifts across Central California with a separate risk of spin-ups around the Sacramento Valley. Cold air arrives this week, dropping snow levels As the jet stream takes a nosedive along the West Coast, it will help usher in cooler conditions that will allow for any moisture that spreads into the higher terrain to fall as snow-and in notable amounts at that. Advertisement Advertisement "An abundance of cold air will result in snow levels dropping down to 4,000 feet by Monday evening. This week's pattern will bring significant travel impacts to the passes, including I-80 over Donner Pass," explained Kerkow. AccuWeather.com Through Wednesday 4-8 feet of snow is expected, with the heaviest period likely to be from Monday night through Tuesday. While snowfall totals on the order of feet will be disruptive for the region, there may be long-term benefits that come out of it. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP "The state's snowpack is running well below average for this time of year due to a dry and warm weather pattern that lasted from the middle of January through the beginning of February, so the active weather pattern will be beneficial for the summer water supply," added Kerkow. Advertisement Advertisement However, this active weather could also close several passes. "All passes across the Sierra could be closed at some point in time from Monday to Wednesday. Donner Pass could be closed on multiple occasions," stated AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. AccuWeather.com Will snow reach the Southern California mountains? Forecasters warn snow levels are expected to fall to around 2,000-3,000 feet, and drop even lower in some areas, from early to midweek. As moisture pulses southward with each storm from Monday night to Thursday, there may be more than one opportunity for precipitation to fall as snow in the mountains of Southern California, particularly surrounding the Los Angeles Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Locations that could be impacted by the snow include the Tehachapi Mountains near the Grapevine along Interstate 5, as well as the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains. The events this week could be the first notable accumulating snowfall of the season for this corridor. Travel through the Grapevine corridor could potentially become slick if snow develops, and motorists heading into the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges may encounter winter driving conditions. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Another flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement is appearing in our area after federal agents arrested a local father. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Springdale father arrested by ICE at traffic stop; community, lawmaker condemn his detention According to an ICE spokesperson, Springdale resident Randy Ralphy Cordova Flores immigrated to the U.S. illegally from Peru. He was reportedly arrested after a traffic violation and has been in custody in Moundsville, W.Va., since Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement A rally was held in Springdale on Saturday near where Flores was pulled over. About 200 people turned out to show their support for Flores, including some elected leaders. We could not have asked for a better support from our neighbors, from our first responders, from everybody here our local businesses Im overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has shown up today, Allegheny Valley School Board member Amy Sarno said. Also at the rally was State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-District 38), who represents part of Allegheny County. Ive heard from my constituents calls, emails, stopping by the office concerned for themselves, for their neighbors, for their friends, for strangers, quite honestly," Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement A passing driver briefly disrupted the rally. He stopped in the middle of the street and then got into a physical confrontation with a demonstrator. Springdale police pulled over the man and briefly questioned him before he was allowed to go on his way. Randy Ralphy Cordova Flores A friend of Flores, Dani Jameson, told Channel 11 that he has no criminal record, and his family is in fear. That friend also set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for bills and legal fees. A statement by an ICE spokesperson, shared on the Springdale Borough Facebook page, says Flores first came in contact with border patrol agents in 2023 when he allegedly entered the U.s. illegally near Yuma, Ariz. Advertisement Advertisement Springdale police and federal agents arrested Flores on Tuesday for failing to report to his immigration proceedings as ordered by a judge, the statement says. The Springdale Police Department is one of at least 19 local law enforcement agencies that have active agreements with ICE. Supporters of Flores say he is actively seeking asylum status. Congressman Chris Deluzio says his office is in touch with Flores family and wants to know more about why he was arrested. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW At any one point, hundreds, if not thousands, of surf spots are under critical threat. This could be due to a number of different elements including coastal developments, erosion, climate change, natural shifts of bathymetry there are dozens of reasons why a surf zone can become endangered. While some surf zones over the planet are succumbing due to natural causes, others have been subjected to intrusive, man-made interference. Some coastal communities are at the mercy of developers, looking to build hotels, or houses, along spots close to the ocean. Seawalls can refract waves and create all kinds of funkiness. Something this works in our favor (hello, Wedge) but other times, it can mean disaster and block swells reaching the coastline. For decades, groups like Save The Waves have fought to protect surf zones across the world. In 2009, they launched World Surfing Reserves, with the aim to identify and protect outstanding surf ecosystems, iconic waves, and surrounding environments from development. As of this 2026, 13 surf zones have officially been protected thanks to this initiative, with more planned in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Still, there is more that can be done to help preserve our oceans, seas and surf spots. With this in mind, here's a list of some of the under threat surf spots across the globe. And slight note, let us know if we've missed any, we'll be adding to this list as places become endangered, to help raise awareness of each spot or surf zone. West Coast South Africa Since 2020, campaign group Protect The West Coast has been battling mining activity on the stunning left coast of the country, home to some of the more remote, and heavy, surf set-ups around. The team comprises a collective of concerned South Africans (including scientists, journalists, activists, legal and media experts) who work for the organisation to ensure that mining on the West Coast of South Africa is conducted with the correct and proper oversight in accordance with fundamental principles of the law." Mining, the group says, doesn't provide much short-term economic benefits, but adversely impacts the ecosystem and has a knock-on effect on the environment across the West coast of the country. The risks involve loss off access to beaches across the coast, damaging fragile dune systems, destruction of marine life and so much more. Surfers who travel to the west coast in search of solitude have regularly spoken out about the mining activity. In court documents, filed to the High Court in South Africa, Michael Stuart Schlebach managing director of Protect the West Coast, said: "As an environmentally concerned citizen, I started to investigate what was going on and found that other concerned surfers and ocean users, including South African big-wave surfing world champion, Grant 'Twiggy' Baker, big wave legend Frank Solomon, and world-renowned surf photographers, Alan Van Gysen and Anthony Fox, had already started to investigate what was happening on the West Coast. "Protect the West Coast was then formed, with the principal object of bringing to the attention of the general public the mining activities happening on the West Coast, and to offer viable alternative economic opportunities to the communities who live there." The organisation is continuing to battle the mining companies. You can find out more information by going here. The extent of the mining both prospective and current across the west coast of South Africa. Photo: PTWC. Puerto Escondido Mexico One of surfing's most fabled big waves, Puerto Escondido draws attention from all over the world when swells start to light up its shores. A powerful beachbreak barrel, and one of the most impressive waves around Puerto Escondido is no joke when it turns on. It is also a wave under threat on multiple fronts. To the north, there is improper wastewater infrastructure, meaning the water is subject to contaminated sewage. Meanwhile, erosion is a huge concern which could be further impacted by plans for a port in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, Zicatela beach, where the big wave breaks, is under threat by coastal developments. There is also erosion here too, causing the sand to completely shift over the past few years. Although campaign groups were able to gain a prohibition permit for development plans along Playa Colorado, there's still more to be done to help Puerto Escondido survive. This surf zone has recently been ear-marked to become the 14th World Surfing Reserve with the official ceremony happening sometime in 2026, affording all the protections that brings with it. Saved? We hope so. Sewage still needs to be sorted but this could be the start of positive upward momentum for one of the world's greatest waves. Photo: Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images. Tony (Tony) Related: 9 Facts About Hurricanes You Probably Don't Know Thorli Iceland This 300-meter spot on the south coast of Iceland has been under threat due to plans for a harbor expansion that was set to take place in 2023. Back then, Steinarr Lar, president of the Icelandic Surfing Association said that if the plans go ahead, it would mean the end of Icelandic surf. Fast-forward to 2025 and heavy machinery was spotted removing the old harbor and working to extend out a new one. After public pressure, work was temporarily halted in February 2025 while new plans are drawn up that would include a new harbor, while maintaining the wave. Surfers and environmentalists claimed that the work had begun without proper environmental impact assessments. While the plans are currently paused, it's not known if these will be picked up again at a later date, once the proper assessments have been carried out. Bukit Peninsula Indonesia The Bukit is home to at least five world-class surf breaks, probably more on their day. Yet, multiple developments have threatened the surf in this part of the world. In 2024, Indonesian authorities ploughed $5 million in to the construction of a concrete seawall around the Uluwatu cliffs. This was in order to stop a temple falling into the ocean. What that means for the surf is as of yet unknown, but it's understood that the seawall may have an impact on Uluwatu creating backwash and interfering with the wave. Local and international surfers have widely criticised the plans. There has been no mention of any studies carried out into the impact of marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a proposed ring road is due to be built across the Bukit to help ease traffic burdens. However, infrastructure is likely to be built along the cliffs of the peninsula, which could result in erosion or loss of access to the beaches. Around 10 minutes away from Uluwatu, is Bingin Beach, where in 2025, 40-to-50 buildings were demolished including houses, restaurants, cafes and home-stays as part of a crackdown on unregulated structures. The demolition caused global outcry. It's understood debris now means getting to the beach is difficult. A little over the way, a 182-meter, great glass elevator on Nuda Penida has been halted and decommissioned, due to 'severe violations of environmental regulations.' Not on the Bukit, but still, some glimmer of hope for pausing such schemes. It is not just Uluwatu under threat, the Bukit is an at risk zone. Photo: Didier Marti/Getty Images. Didier Marti/Getty Images. (Didier Marti/Getty Images.) Chickens Maldives Chickens is one of the top surf spots in the Maldives. Maybe because it's easy to get to and when the swell hits just right, transforms into a throttling left-hand reefbreak, located in Male's North Atoll. Chickens can be incredibly fast, wildly hollow and can work through all stages of the tide shooting to life from mid tide on the push. However, a few years back, the anatomy of the wave changed forever due to the construction of a seawall, interfering with the wave's quality. Save The Waves have launched a campaign to restore Chickens to its former glory. The campaign group are: advocating for the Maldivian government to support a geophysical study. This will help us and others understand the impact of current coastal infrastructure to wave quality and explore alternative solutions that can restore the beloved wave. While the road to preserve Chickens is a long one, there is still significant global pressure, with more than 6,000 signatures on a petition calling for further protection on surf breaks across the Maldives. You can view the petition here. The Maldives is home to an abundance of world-class set-ups. The fear? What happened in Chickens spreads, unchecked, to other spots. Photo: Save The Waves. Santa Cruz California Another surf zone protected as a World Surfing Reserve, Santa Cruz is one of the most iconic surf spots in the world. But it is also at risk due to a constantly shifting shoreline, with experts citing climate change and erosion posing a serious threat to Santa Cruz. Rising sea levels could threaten the coastline, and protective infrastructure may pose a risk to wave quality and the surf economy. It's understood that up to two thirds of California's beaches could be completely eroded by the end of the century, if preventative measures aren't put into place. Advertisement Advertisement According to reports, more than 70 Santa Cruz buildings will be at risk from flooding within the next 10 years, with an estimated four inch rise to the sea level. Campaign group, Bring Back Our Beaches, is regularly highlighting coastal communities across the globe and the reasons why sand is being stripped away from these locations. The group began as raising awareness for the loss of sand from beaches in San Clemente, but quickly grew to a widespread campaign advocating for sand replenishment. Head over here for in-depth updates about beaches across California and beyond. Could we see a dramatic change to Steamer Lane? Potentially, if the sand keeps going the way it's going. Photo: Kirstin Scholtz/World Surf League via Getty Images. Photo by Kirstin Scholtz/World Surf League via Getty Images (Photo by Kirstin Scholtz/World Surf League via Getty Images) Related: Guide To The World's Biggest Waves This story was originally published by Surfer on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Squall line pushes through, Tornado Watch remains As the squall line pushes through, the Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Tallahassee area has ended but a Tornado Watch and Wind Advisory remain until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. As of 1 p.m., outages in Tallahassee have ticked up to about 2,500 in the dark. Most of the powerless are customers affect by outages along North Meridian Road and near the convergence of Centerville and Miccosukee Roads. Many of the power outages in Talquin-served areas have been dealt with and only about 1,000 customers remain without power. The majority of outages remain in the Woodville area. Power outages climbing across north Florida and in Tallahassee Sunday's severe weather event extends across north Florida and into the peninsula and central Florida. According to our power outage tracker, almost 15,000 customers are without power as of 12:15 p.m.. About 35% of customers are offline in Liberty County and about 15% are in the dark in Gadsden County. Advertisement Advertisement In Leon County, almost 4,000 customers are off the grid. The Talquin cooperative has more than 5,000 outages, about 10% of its customers without power. Tallahassee Utilities, meanwhile, is sitting at about 2,000 outages, according to the city's outage map. The vast majority are part of an outage in southwest Tallahassee near Roberts Ave. Track the latest power outages with our outage map here. Severe Thunderstorm Warning extended across Leon County Alongside a giant thunder boom in northeast Tallahassee, almost all of Leon County is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 12:45 p.m. Winds of up to 60 mph and pea-sized hail are possible. "At 1142 AM EST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles west of Pelham to near Midway to 19 miles northwest of Carrabelle, moving east at 40 mph." Advertisement Advertisement "Remain alert for a possible tornado!" NWS forecasters wrote in the alert. "Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building." National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center says threat level edging upward Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Tallahassee FL, Thomasville GA and Moultrie GA until 12:45 PM EST pic.twitter.com/p5d6zDwUPm NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 15, 2026 In an 11:15 a.m. alert, The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center warned that there has been "some increase in the damaging-wind and localized tornado threat is expected into early afternoon." Forecasters have tracked an "increase in lightning activity noted over the last 2-3 hours." The agency says if a tornado spawns, it could pack 85 to 115 mph winds. Non-tornadic gusts could reach between 55 and 70 mph. Meanwhile, the Severe Thunderstorm Warning, which includes parts of Leon County, has been extended till 12:30 p.m. Crawfordville and coastal Franklin and Wakulla counties are now also under a warning with the possibility of pea-sized hail and 60 mph winds. The latest radar from Tallahassee Parts of Leon County under Severe Thunderstorm Warning As a squall line approaches, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings are going up. At 10:45, a tornado warning was issued for Chattahoochee and parts of south Georgia. The alert for a radar indicated tornado and the possibility of pea-sized hail was to last until 11:15 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was also hoisted for western Leon County, all of Gadsden County, much of Liberty County and Chattahoochee. The warning, which includes the possibility of 60 mph winds, also extends into south Georgia, and lasts until noon. Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Bainbridge GA, Cairo GA and Quincy FL until 12:00 PM EST pic.twitter.com/MOny6drX0A NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 15, 2026 Forecasters say heavy winds could damage roofs, siding and trees. Locations in Tallahassee, Quincy, Havana, Blountstown, Bainbridge, Midway, Cairo, Whigham, Stonemill Creek, Chattahoochee, Greensboro, West Bainbridge, Tyndall Air Force Base, Orange, Wewahitchka, Sneads, Gretna, Bristol, Grand Ridge, and Attapulgus. ORIGINAL STORY Tallahassee and much of the Florida Big Bend are expected to see a round of potentially severe weather Sunday morning into the early afternoon as a fastmoving line of thunderstorms sweeps east across the region, according to the National Weather Service. At 8:40 a.m., a large swath of the Big Bend, including Leon County, were placed under a Tornado Watch until 3 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters have placed Tallahassee under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather, with damaging wind gusts and a few embedded tornadoes the primary concerns. The threat will be highest as a solid line of storms moves through the city late Sunday morning. Timing: late morning for Tallahassee The main line of storms is expected to reach the Tallahassee area between about 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the most likely arrival window centered around late morning. Conditions are expected to improve by early afternoon as the line pushes east toward the Suwannee Valley. Ahead of the storms, gusty south winds will already be noticeable Sunday morning, with frequent gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible even outside of thunderstorms. Those winds could arrive before daybreak and persist into the afternoon. While the strongest storms will move through relatively quickly, forecasters say impacts could be significant during the short window when the line is overhead. Primary impacts: wind, brief tornado threat 2/15/26, 5 am ET: There is a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) of severe weather today across much of the area. Damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are the primary threats. Windy conditions are expected ahead of the storms today with high surf and rip currents at the beaches. pic.twitter.com/kG1kqLDtjf NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 15, 2026 The National Weather Service says damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph are the main hazard with Sundays storms. These winds could bring down tree limbs, damage roofs and siding, and cause spotty power outages, particularly where trees are already weakened. Advertisement Advertisement A few tornadoes are also possible, especially within the line of storms as it crosses the Big Bend and southcentral Georgia. The tornado threat remains conditional but could increase if storms are able to tap into slightly warmer, more unstable air ahead of the line. Forecasters note that while atmospheric instability is limited, strong wind shear in the atmosphere is sufficient to support rotating storms, making it important for residents to stay weatheraware even if storms do not initially look intense. Wind Advisory in effect Outside of thunderstorms, a Wind Advisory is in effect for Tallahassee and the surrounding Florida Big Bend from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph or higher, are expected. Those winds could make driving difficult for highprofile vehicles and may blow around unsecured outdoor items such as trash cans, patio furniture and temporary signs. Advertisement Advertisement Residents are urged to secure loose objects and prepare for the possibility of brief power interruptions. Rain helpful, but not a drought fix Forecasters have dialed back the amount of rain expected. Rainfall totals of threequarters of an inch to about 1.25 inches are likely across the Tallahassee area. While the rain will be beneficial, forecasters say it will not be enough to significantly improve longerterm dry conditions. Thats about the amount of rain we need in a given week to keep from increasing the rainfall deficit across the region, so not much drought relief is expected with today's system, forecasters wrote in their morning discussion. Our next chance for rain isnt until Thursday. Flooding is not expected to be a major concern due to the fastmoving nature of the system. Coastal and marine impacts Dangerous conditions are expected along the coast, even after storms move inland. Advertisement Advertisement Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the northeastern Gulf, with hazardous marine conditions expected through Sunday and into Monday. A High Risk of Rip Currents is in place at area beaches, and a High Surf Advisory remains posted for the Emerald Coast. Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water, as rip currents can be lifethreatening even for experienced swimmers. Stay alert Because storms may arrive while many people are attending church services or running errands late Sunday morning, forecasters stress the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including weather radios, smartphone alerts and local media. Conditions should gradually improve later Sunday afternoon, though breezy winds may linger. Advertisement Advertisement Portions of this weather report were generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee severe weather: Damaging winds, tornado risk Sunday The teen daughter of a Chicago man who was held in custody by immigration authorities has died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, a family spokesperson told ABC7. Ruben Torres Maldonado was detained by federal immigration agents outside of a Home Depot in Niles on October 18 shortly after his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo, returned home from the hospital where she was receiving treatment for a stage 4 cancer, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Torres returned to the Northwest Side of Chicago and spoke with ABC7 after being released from DHS custody in October. Advertisement Advertisement His daughter Ofelia continued her fight with cancer with more treatments scheduled over the past few month. She told ABC7 her fight became easier with her father back by her side, enjoying the little moments together. "We spend time together just being lazy honestly just watching movies, eating together, just simple things," she said in October. "I am so happy to have him back. Those two weeks without him were really hard." READ MORE | Father of cancer patient says he endured 'inhumane conditions' at Broadview ICE facility: EXCLUSIVE In a statement Saturday, a family spokesperson said, "Three days before her death, an immigration judge in Chicago ruled that Ofelia's father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was conditionally entitled to receive "cancellation of removal" due to the hardships his deportation would cause his U.S. citizen children, providing him with a pathway to lawful permanent residence and eventually U.S. citizenship. Ofelia was present via Zoom at her father's hearing to witness her family's victory." Advertisement Advertisement "Ofelia was heroic and brave in the face of ICE's detention and threatened deportation of her father," Kalman Resnick, the attorney representing Torres, said in a statement. "We mourn Ofelia's passing, and we hope that she will serve as a model for us all for how to be courageous and to fight for what's right to our last breaths." This is a developing story. Chaos broke out across Jacksonvilles Southside Saturday evening, beginning at The Avenues Mall and later spilling over to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, prompting a heavy police response and alarming shoppers. According to JSO, around 5 p.m. an off-duty lieutenant at The Avenues Mall saw a large group of teenagers gathered in the parking lot. A short time later, shots were fired, and the teens ran from the area. Officers quickly arrived and searched for suspects, victims, and witnesses. So far, no one has been found hurt, and no one has reported being shot. Police did find one car that was hit by gunfire, but no one was inside. Witnesses say the situation escalated quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of teens were seen running while more than 50 police cars responded to reports of large crowds gathering at Urban Air. A police helicopter circled overhead as sirens filled the area. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Two teenagers, Amani Smith and Danasia Henry, told Action News Jax, with permission from their parents, that the gathering was not random but planned in advance. This has been planned for like a whole month. They went into planning. They do this every time in downtown and everywhere, Smith and Henry said. The teens said tensions rose when crowds tried to enter the trampoline park all at once. Advertisement Advertisement Everybody was trying to get in at once and the workers were not about to let that happen and so they were trying to get people out and thats when police were called, Smith and Henry said. They also said the event was promoted on social media. Yes it was a flyer, said Smith and Henry. As the night unfolded, they described scenes of violence and confusion. Shooting, fights, and teens getting ran over by police cars. No this is ridiculous. Its not Jacksonville, Smith and Henry said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Shoppers in the area said they were shaken by what they witnessed. Advertisement Advertisement I hope everybody is safe. I hope nobody is hurt, Johnson, a local shopper, said. Im not gonna lie. Im really really am surprised that this is happening. Ive never seen something like this before, Maui, who was also at the mall, said. Police continue investigating what led to the reported shooting at The Avenues Mall and the disturbance at Urban Air. Teenagers who spoke with Action News Jax maintain the event was a planned teen takeover. [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. (The Center Square) Texas Republicans are expressing alarm about a GOP state comptroller candidate, Don Huffines, secretly purchasing a New Mexico ranch owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. They and many others are calling for transparency and an investigation. Huffines LLC purchased the ranch in 2023 with the owners names and purchase amount kept sealed. It wasnt until after the LLC changed the name of a road and challenged property taxes in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, that through a public records request the ownership and property value were made public. Huffines wife is listed as a trustee and his son as LLC manager, The Center Square reported. Huffines attorney said the proceeds of the purchase went to victims; Epsteins estate attorney in 2023 said proceeds went to cover administrative costs and creditors. Huffines, a multimillionaire and former state senator, is running a campaign on government accountability and transparency. Critics argue the campaign pledge is the opposite of his actions with the ranch purchase. He could have invited state and federal investigators onto the property to do a forensic analysis, raised the buildings where sex trafficking, rape and other crimes of violence committed against underage girls occurred, donated directly to the victims fund, built a memorial on the property and set an example for other investors purchasing Epstein estate property, they say. Advertisement Advertisement Among the more than three million Epstein Files released, more than 4,200 mention the Zorro Ranch purchased by Huffines. FBI witness statements include a Native American who says Epstein paid her mother to bring her and other children to the ranch for many years, where they say they were forced into sexual violence with high-profile men. A woman from Cape Town, South Africa, told Sky News Epstein repeatedly raped her. The New Mexico land commissioner first called for an investigation in 2019. Investigations are being launched to find possible remains buried on neighboring state land. "It shows incredibly bad judgment to be associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in any form or fashion, Wayne Hamilton, former executive director of the Republican Party of Texas, told The Center Square. If you are buying a piece of land, the first thing that should have been done is total transparency. If the property is suspected of criminal activity, why not be transparent with state officials in New Mexico? Huffines wants to run the finances of Texas, yet he wont be transparent with his own dealings with former Epstein assets. Tarrant County precinct chair Sheena Rodriguez, whos been advocating for trafficked children for years, told The Center Square, Its a glaring indictment that Huffines would purchase property where girls were raped and tortured. If you were willing to do that for a good investment what else are you willing to do? We are dealing with people who live in an elitist world who dont have to worry about the price of groceries going up. They have no moral qualms about investing in property where atrocities occurred. Advertisement Advertisement The comptroller manages state money for the eighth-largest economy in the world. As a taxpayer, how can I trust someone to manage our money when hes making decisions like this with his personal business? Hes appearing to show that his so-called Christian values dont care about sexual violence committed against innocent girls. A lifelong conservative Republican and leader in Marion County, Hunter Bonner told The Center Square, I am at a loss as to why any person, who considers themselves a Christian, would want to spend one dime on anything that was previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, other than to turn it over to law enforcement for a complete forensic investigation. That property was owned by a disgusting creature involved in the sex trafficking and abuse of children. Judy Adams, a Denton County Republican Party precinct chair, told The Center Square that when Huffines was a state senator, he helped flip his district blue. Secretively purchasing the Epstein ranch is deeply troubling. Buying the property anonymously through a newly created LLC raises serious ethical questions about his intentions and transparency and about his dedication to the constituents he claims to serve, and none of this aligns with true conservative principles. Mary Ann Jackson, a Harris County Republican Party precinct chair, said the revelations are disgusting and disheartening after shes been working hard to help the Texas Republican Party. Christian conservatives are tired of all the corruption and deceit. How could a candidate running for Texas Comptroller send out flyers about how he is going to expose government corruption cover up his own personal [purchase of Epstein property]? Why not stay away from any connection to Epstein who is the epitome of a reprobate mind? If you couldnt pass on such a financial deal, why wouldnt you invite law enforcement to investigate the sex trafficking allegations around that ranch? Advertisement Advertisement Lynn Davenport, a former Dallas County GOP precinct chair and delegate to the Republican Party state convention, has criticized Huffines, her former state senator, for investing in a biotech company that uses cells from baby hearts under 30 days old while claiming to be pro-life. Shes taking issue with Huffines refusing to speak about his intentions for the property in the wake of questions surrounding potential burials of victims allegedly on the property under Epsteins ownership. If he purchased the property for altruistic reasons to donate to the victims, why all the secrecy? He is running for Texas comptroller on a platform of transparency. Im not buying it. Huffines ia running against three other candidates in the March 3 Republican primary. Thousands of Western nationals joined the Israeli military amid its genocidal war in Gaza, raising questions over international legal accountability for foreign nationals implicated in alleged war crimes against Palestinians. More than 50,000 soldiers in the Israeli military hold at least one other citizenship, with a majority of them holding US or European passports, information obtained by the Israeli NGO Hatzlacha through Israels Freedom of Information Law has revealed. Since October 7, 2023, Israels genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 72,061 people in military actions that have been dubbed war crimes and crimes against humanity by rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement Rights organisations around the world have been trying to identify and prosecute foreign nationals, many of whom have posted videos of their abuse on social media, for their involvement in war crimes, particularly in Gaza. So, what does the first such data reveal about the Israeli military? And what could be the legal implications for dual-national soldiers? An Israeli soldier pushes a Palestinian man while military bulldozers demolish three Palestinian-owned houses in Shuqba village, west of Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on January 21, 2026 [Zain Jaafar/AFP] Which foreign nationals enlist most in the Israeli military? At least 12,135 soldiers enlisted in the Israeli military hold United States passports, topping the list by a huge margin. That is in addition to 1,207 soldiers who possess another passport in addition to their US and Israeli ones. The data shared with Al Jazeera by Israeli lawyer Elad Man, who serves as the legal counsel for Hatzlacha shows that 6,127 French nationals serve in the Israeli military. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military, which shared such data for the first time, noted that soldiers holding multiple citizenships are counted more than once in the breakdown. The numbers show service members enlisted in the military as of March 2025, 17 months into Israels devastating war in Gaza. Russia stands at third, with 5,067 nationals serving in the Israeli military, followed by 3,901 Ukrainians and 1,668 Germans. The data revealed that 1,686 soldiers in the military held dual British-Israeli citizenship, in addition to 383 other soldiers who held another passport in addition to their British and Israeli ones. Advertisement Advertisement South Africa, which brought a case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also had 589 of its citizens serving in the Israeli military ranks. Furthermore, 1,686 soldiers hold Brazilian citizenship, 609 Argentine, 505 Canadian, 112 Colombian, and 181 Mexican, in addition to their Israeli nationality. Israels military comprises an estimated 169,000 active personnel and 465,000 reservists of whom nearly eight percent hold dual or multiple citizenships. Can dual nationals be tried for war crimes in Gaza? Ilias Bantekas, a professor of transnational law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera that war crimes incur criminal liability under international law, irrespective of what the law of nationality says. Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, Nazi Germans, whose law allowed and obliged them to commit atrocities, would incur no liability, Bantekas added. Dual nationality is immaterial to criminal liability, he said. However, the major issue in prosecuting the accused is getting [them] on your territory and putting them before a court, he noted. Bantekas also added that there is no difference in the question of liability between native soldiers and those of dual nationalities. Dual nationals, in fact, may in addition be liable under laws that prevent military service in foreign conflicts or joining armies of other nations, the professor said. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecuting foreign nationals has been pretty much the norm, he noted. Think of Nazi Germans tried by Allied war crimes tribunals after World War II, Japanese officers tried by US military courts, and crimes committed during the Bosnian conflict where alleged offenders were tried by various courts in Europe, Bantekas told Al Jazeera. Last May, the United Kingdoms Foreign Office said that allegations of war crimes should be submitted to the Metropolitan Police. The UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality, it said. Allegations of war crimes should be submitted to the Met Police for investigation. Israel has damaged or destroyed more than 80 percent of Gaza buildings [File: AFP] Have foreign nationals been tried for Gaza war crimes? Nationals with dual or multiple citizenships have not yet been arrested for committing war crimes in Gaza. But rights groups, including lawyers, are trying to get them prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement In the UK last April, the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and the UK-based Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) filed a 240-page report to the Metropolitan Police. Accusations against the 10 British individuals, whose names have not been publicly disclosed, include murder, forcible transfer of people, and attacks on humanitarian personnel, between October 2023 and May 2024. In September last year, a case was filed in Germany against a 25-year-old soldier, born and raised in Munich, for participating in the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, by PCHR, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Al-Haq, and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. The sniper, with shootings documented near Gazas al-Quds and Nasser hospitals between November 2023 and March 2024, was a member of a unit known as Refaim, ghost in Hebrew. Advertisement Advertisement Legal proceedings against members of the same unit are also under way in France, Italy, South Africa, and Belgium. The Belgian public prosecutors office also opened a judicial investigation last October into a 21-year-old Belgian-Israeli citizen, a member of Refaim. The mandatory military service law in Israel exempts dual nationals residing abroad, making the enlistment a voluntary act, an important distinction when such crimes are tried in foreign courts. Lawyers have reportedly noted that the voluntary nature of the soldiers service makes them more liable for alleged crimes. Men carry a body bag as they bury one of 53 unidentified bodies at a cemetery in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on February 13, 2026. Israel has returned many of the Palestinian bodies to Gaza with numbers instead of their names [File: AFP] What does international law say about soldiers in foreign wars? South Africa brought its case to the ICJ in December 2023, arguing that Israels war in Gaza violates the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Advertisement Advertisement While a final ruling could take years, the ICJ issued provisional measures in January 2024 ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. But Israel has continued curb the supply of aid into Gaza in violation of the ICJ interim order. Under the 1948 Genocide Convention, countries that are party to the treaty have a binding obligation to prevent and punish genocide. Countries can investigate and prosecute individuals who may have committed or been complicit in this crime. In March last year, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) announced the Global 195 campaign to hold Israeli and dual-national individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The coalition aims to work simultaneously within multiple jurisdictions to apply for private arrest warrants and initiate legal proceedings against those implicated, including the Israeli military members and the entire Israeli military and political command in its scope. Advertisement Advertisement For countries that are parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), there is an additional layer, where the ICC can assert its jurisdiction. Palestine has been a state party since 2015. The State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 percent of the international community. Most recently, it has been recognised by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and the UK. A foreign national, whose country considers Palestine a friendly state, would also be vulnerable to prosecution for participating in the Israeli militarys war crimes in Gaza. A giant portrait of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza in 2024, is unfurled on Barceloneta Beach on the second anniversary of her death and after a film about her killing received an Oscar nomination, in Barcelona, Spain on January 29, 2026 [Nacho Doce/Reuters] How is the Hind Rajab Foundation tracking alleged war criminals? The Hind Rajab Foundation named to honour a five-year-old Palestinian girl whose killing by Israeli soldiers on January 29, 2024 became emblematic of Israels genocide in Gaza has been amassing troves of data with identifiable information about Israeli soldiers. The Belgium-based foundation is the force behind an international effort for accountability over war crimes in Gaza and has since filed several cases, including a landmark challenge targeting 1,000 Israeli soldiers. The foundation identified numerous individuals with dual citizenship, including 12 from France, 12 from the US, four from Canada, three from the UK, and two from the Netherlands, in the complaint. The foundation has scoured TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where the Israeli soldiers boast about atrocities in Gaza, to collect information on the soldiers. It has been using those pieces of evidence to pursue the trail of the accused for war crimes. We are in possession of many more profiles of dual nationals beyond the 1,000 soldiers named in our complaint to the ICC. We will be pursuing legal action against all of them in the national courts of their respective countries, the foundation had said in October 2024. Impunity must end, everywhere. The Hind Rajab Foundation says it pursues criminal accountability for Israeli war criminals, from those who planned and ordered operations to those who executed them, including foreign nationals who have participated in or financed these crimes. Its founder, Dyab Abou Jahjah, was also threatened by Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli, who told him to watch your pager in a post on X, an allusion to deadly attacks on Hezbollah members communication systems in September 2024. At least 12 people were killed and more than 3,000 people were wounded when thousands of pagers were detonated by Israeli operatives during those attacks. In January last year, a complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation led to a Brazilian judge ordering an investigation into an Israeli soldier vacationing in the country. The soldier had to flee, prompting the Israeli military to order all troops who participated in combat to conceal their identities. Criminal liability under international law cannot be dissolved by time bars. It extends forever, and no statute of limitations is applicable, said Bantekas of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. However, prosecuting Israeli military members is practically difficult for two reasons, he said, noting the difficulty of obtaining firsthand evidence and the wariness of national prosecutors who may fear political or other repercussions. If public opinion and political opinion in Europe shifts far more in favour of Palestine than it is now, then national prosecutions will feel more at ease to initiate prosecutions, he told Al Jazeera. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that his ministry will encourage a proposal to set up charitable institutions to fund housing, particularly in the affordable segment, since banks and other such entities do not come forward to fund housing units in the affordable sector. Addressing the NAREDCO Conclave 2026 on its second day here, Khattar on Saturday indicated that a dedicated fund could be set up to finance stalled housing projects from the pre-RERA period, in line with broader industry suggestions, so that both their promoters and buyers can reach a win-win settlement. The Union Minister also indicated that the government would work towards development for nearly 700-750 slum settlements in and around the NCT, for which a policy framework is being deliberated by various stakeholders across government authorities at a high level. With the take-off of this proposal, affordable housing would receive a much-needed boost in and around the NCT. Elaborating on the issue of establishing charitable institutions to fund affordable housing in LIG and EWS segments, according to a National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) statement, Khattar pointed out that money could be organised through CSR contributions in such proposed charitable institutions to generate funds for poorer sections of the society, since banking and financial institutions are barely proactive in supporting this section. NAREDCO suggested increasing the SWAMIH fund size to support stalled housing projects. Khattar is also reported to have said that a fund could be set up to support housing projects approved before RERA, with the size of the fund to be decided after discussion. In this context, it was suggested that the government may consider establishing a dedicated fund to arrange financing for reviving stalled housing projects. On the issue of cheaper land for affordable housing, the Union Minister suggested that cheaper land could not be made available for this section of housing. What could be done to encourage the availability of land for such projects is through cross-subsidisation, provided a consensus emerges on the issue. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, stated that housing projects can come up at the centre of major cities, where land parcels on which empty buildings are raised and are of no use for decades. Such a land could be identified through Google maps and brought to use for the stated purpose, said the Joint Secretary, adding that on rental housing, the government is working on it as soon as a detailed feasibility done on this, a thinking will emerge on the issue. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, said that a great deal of efforts have been made by the government to ensure housing attains a priority in the Indian economy, but a lot more needs to be done so that the contribution of the housing sector increases by 2047. He also advised that policy decisions should be made sooner than anticipated to ensure that rental housing projects are encouraged in India on the lines of economies of scale, as this would suit those who cannot afford to buy their own house. President, NAREDCO, Parveen Jain and Khattar released a KPMG and NAREDCO made Knowledge Report on the occasion, in which a detailed road map has been laid out for the real estate sector for "Viksit Bharat". (ANI) Ni hao, we're all Chinese now. Or at least that's what they claim on TikTok, where a trend called "Chinamaxxing" has taken off in the West. Chinese wellness practices, once associated with the tacky and geriatric, have suddenly found themselves in vogue, largely among Americans. From warm apple-boiled water to indoor slippers and longevity exercises, people are sharing videos of themselves "learning to be Chinese". Many come with the Fight Club-inspired caption "you met me at a very Chinese time in my life", or the hashtag #newlychinese. Advertisement Advertisement As Donald Trump shakes up the world order, the Chinese Communist Party has welcomed this boost to the country's image. Chinamaxxing is certainly adding more gloss to the recent flourish of Chinese soft power. Over the past year we've seen the world clamour for Labubu dolls, wait in line at brand new stores to buy Mixue bubble tea and Luckin coffee, and scroll through their friends' holiday feeds in the "cyberpunk city" of Chongqing. Some say Chinamaxxing stems from young Americans' disenchantment with their own country, although it's unclear how much that is really driving the trend. But like so many internet trends, this one hardly paints the full picture. It's a celebration of memes and fleeting moments that make up just one slice of Chinese life. Beyond that are young people who, like their American counterparts, are also worried about their future in a sluggish economy and a fast-changing world. A very Chinese time in our lives Some Chinese youth may find it strange that parts of their culture - long seen as "uncool" in the Western imagination - are now the object of fascination. Some may find it offensive that Westerners on TikTok are facetiously claiming they've been "diagnosed as Chinese". Advertisement Advertisement But others say Chinamaxxing strikes a different note from derogatory jokes like "bing chilling" - where the punchline is ex-wrestler John Cena's stilted Mandarin pronunciation - or the "social credit" meme that mocks the Chinese government's restrictions on personal freedoms. This time, Chinese people are in on the joke - not the butt of it. One of the most influential figures behind the Chinamaxxing meme is Sherry Zhu, a Chinese-American TikTok content creator who regularly shares traditional wellness tips with her "Chinese baddies". "Tomorrow you're turning Chinese," she tells her 740,000 TikTok followers. "And I know that sounds intimidating, but there is no point in fighting it now." Mixue, an ice-cream and tea chain, now has thousands of stores across the globe [Getty Images] Few could have seen this coming. Advertisement Advertisement It was not that long ago when the Covid pandemic sparked a wave of Sinophobia. Chinese diaspora spoke of racism and how people were avoiding the community and their businesses. Then a stunned world watched Beijing put its cities into hellish lockdowns. Reports emerged of residents running out of food and pleading for help from inside their sealed-off neighbourhoods. The restrictions ended only in early 2023 after rare protests. By then expats had left China in droves, many of them saying too much had changed. There was also an exodus from Hong Kong, where Beijing's control was reshaping the city. This, along with China's growing power and assertiveness, strained the relationship with the West, even as the world's reliance on the Chinese economy became clear. Meanwhile, China's investments in tech, infrastructure and exports began to pay off - and became more visible as it reopened post pandemic, relaxing visa rules to bring back tourists. Advertisement Advertisement It was hard to miss: glitzy skyscrapers, a sprawling high-speed rail network, highways packed with electric vehicles, and a boom in green energy, robotics and artificial intelligence. Chongqing - a humid southwestern metropolis which once made global headlines for a corruption scandal and murder - turned popular and cool. Tourists are flocking to China's "cyberpunk city" of Chongqing [NurPhoto via Getty Images] There have been other, smaller triumphs. Young people around the world are snatching Adidas Tang-style jackets off the shelves, bingeing on Chinese micro-dramas and experimenting with powdery make-up looks flaunted by Chinese girls and women on Douyin, China's version of TikTok. "As a Chinese person who has been online throughout years and years of heavy Sinophobia, it felt refreshing to have the mainstream opinion finally shift regarding China," Claire, a Chinese-Canadian TikTok user, tells BBC Chinese. The 22-year-old, who shares political content on TikTok and would only reveal her first name for that reason, says, for her, the "critical juncture" was last year. Advertisement Advertisement That was when she noticed a shift in attitudes about China. A wave of Americans arrived on RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, ahead of a TikTok ban in the US. Within days memes became the currency of these American "TikTok refugees" as two worlds that rarely interact because of China's internet firewall were brought closer. A dimming American Dream "These young people have watched their physical reality remain frozen while China built entire cities," says Afra Wang, a tech writer and podcaster. "When you can't build high-speed rail but you can scroll through videos of Chinese infrastructure, of course the future starts to look Chinese." Advertisement Advertisement For observers like her, it's no coincidence that Chinamaxxing comes as the American Dream seems to be dimming. Americans who came of age after the Iraq War, the 2008 global financial crisis or even the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot face a job market disrupted by globalisation and then AI, Wang says: "American exceptionalism was never something they lived." China now has the world's largest high-speed rail network [AFP via Getty Images] What do people in China think of Chinamaxxing? Not much, it seems. The trend has stirred limited reactions on Chinese social media. Rather, in the eyes of Chinese people, America, once seen as a beacon of success, has lost its shimmer. Not least because tensions between the two sides have made it harder for Chinese students who want to study or work there. Advertisement Advertisement "During America's Chinamaxxing moment, China is experiencing its own America-minimising moment," Wang says. On parts of Chinese social media, there are dystopian references to the "US kill line", a Chinese gaming term that refers to the perilous descent into poverty in the US. The idea, which took root quickly among users and influencers, is that America is a tough place to survive because a single stroke of bad luck can derail your life. The term's popularity on social media is helped by the fact that it has been embraced by Chinese state media and the government. They have sought to portray the US as a decaying superpower because of inequality, a weak social safety net and a broken healthcare system. According to a commentary in state-owned Xinhua, the "kill line" meme "underscores how far the lived reality can drift from the ideals once broadcast to the world". Beyond the memes It's little wonder that Chinese authorities are pleased with Chinamaxxing. Advertisement Advertisement "Chinese lifestyles increasingly gain global appeal, offer a steadier way of being," reads the headline of a Global Times piece about the trend. When asked about it at a press briefing earlier this month, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said a "unique blend of history and modernity" is making China increasingly appealing to foreigners. He was "happy" to see foreigners experiencing the "everyday life of ordinary Chinese people". Young Chinese face many of the same challenges as their Western counterparts [Getty Images] Are they really? For one, it's hard to know what Chinese people make of so many things because all public conversation and activity is heavily policed. Criticising the government is risky and protests are quickly quashed. Advertisement Advertisement Two, there is a lot the memes making it to the West don't show. China's youth are facing an unemployment rate that sits at more than 15% and burning out from a gruelling work culture, yet sharing too much of their pessimism online could alert internet censors. They are worried about finding a home as the country's property crisis continues, and dating is no easier than anywhere else. Propping up breakneck delivery speeds are gig workers scrambling to hit deadlines. Many can relate to the hustle: in 2023, Beijing courier Hu Anyan's memoir about the relentless nature of gig work became a national bestseller. "When I think of my American friends and tech people wandering through Shenzhen in awe, I also think of my own experience in Shenzhen," Wang says. "Drinking a six yuan latte from Luckin Coffee, delivered on a scooter by someone like Hu Anyan, whose labour makes 'cool China' visible while remaining almost invisible themselves." Perhaps, if the fascination with China's successes continues, more of Chinese life will surface. But for now apple tea seems to be where it's at. "Ever since I started boiling apples in my tea water my period cramps have completely gone," reads a comment on RedNote from an American user - one of the TikTok refugees still lingering on the app. "We have so much still left to learn being Chinese." Additional reporting by Eunice Yang from BBC Chinese Border Czar Tom Homan did not defend the remarks Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when confronted about her saying DHS has been proactive to make sure that we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country. Noem made the comments during a press conference in Arizona on Friday to promote the SAVE Act that would require all voters to show I.D. at the polls. So, what does she mean when she says electing the right leaders? Tapper asked on Sundays edition of CNNs State of the Union. Thats not really immigration enforcement or DHS responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement I dont know, thatd be a question for the secretary, Homan answered. If I had to guess, probably, that, you know, only those legally eligible to vote would vote, but I have not talked to the secretary about those statements. Thatd be something shed have to answer. Tapper then asked about the credibility issue faced by DHS following Noems stint in Minneapolis where she defended the aggressive tactics taken by ICE and Border Patrol agents. Do you agree that there are people in the Trump administration that are causing DHS to have a credibility problem? Tapper asked. Homan first said that he ordered more internal affairs officers to Minnesota to investigate allegations of officer misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Well let the internal affairs and the bureau investigate these allegations, and thats the right thing to do, He said, continuing: But Im not going to let the media divide this administration. Look, its one team, one fight. And, you know, do me and Secretary Noem agree on everything? No, we have discussions and we have difference in opinion. Thats what makes it a strong team. We bring different ideas to the table, then agree on a mission. But based on, you know, again, you cant work in an echo chamber. You want to hear different opinions. Different you know how you think this should happen or that should happen. But in the end, we clear a mission. We have great success on it. But its one team, one fight. Im not going to divide this administration. Im just going to keep doing what the president wants me to do as a border czar. And we just keep going and doing what president promised the American people. Watch the clip above via CNN. The post Tom Homan Does Not Defend Kristi Noem When Pressed On Her Comments About Wanting The Right People to Elect The Right Leaders first appeared on Mediaite. A tornado watch was issued on Sunday for parts of the Florida panhandle, Alabama and Georgia. The National Weather Service issued the watch, which will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon, as severe weather is forecast to pass through the Deep South, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain east from Brunswick, Georgia, and Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida, into southern Mississippi. The watch was issued around 9:35 a.m. ET and is expected to remain in place until at least 8 p.m. ET. ABC News - PHOTO: Severe weather forecast for parts of the Southwest includes possible tornadoes. Scattered damaging wind gusts, possibly up to 70 mph, are forecast for the areas under the tornado watch. Advertisement Advertisement The severe weather threat comes a day after severe storms passed through the Deep South, producing damaging winds and some hail from eastern Texas to southern Mississippi. No casualties were reported from Saturday's storms. Severe weather across the South may bring tornadoes On Sunday morning, storms continued to track through the South and are expected to set the stage for more severe weather into Sunday afternoon and evening across the Heartland. The highest threat for severe weather on Sunday includes parts of the Florida panhandle from Panama City to Tallahassee and Jacksonville. The severe weather is also forecast to stretch north into parts of southern Georgia and southeast Alabama, from the towns of Dothan, Alabama, to Brunswick, Georgia, as well as the region's coastal waters. Greg Truelove/Getty Images/iStockphoto - PHOTO: Severe weather is forecast for the Southeast, Feb. 15, 2026, including the Florida panhandle. Image of the Russel Field Public Pier in Panama City Beach, Florida, shown in this undated image. Severe storms are possible on Sunday from Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama, to Macon and Augusta, Georgia. Orlando and Tampa, Florida, are also in the path of the severe weather pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Over the next 24 to 48 hours, parts of the Southeast, including Tallahassee and Tampa, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina, could see 1 to 2 inches of rain in areas that have been dealing with drought conditions. Snow and rain forecast for the West Meanwhile, a series of storms forecast to begin Sunday afternoon will pound the West from California to Colorado with very heavy snow in the mountains and heavy rain and flooding for coastal California. The highest threat for isolated flash-flooding on Sunday is expected to occur from south of the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles. ABC News - PHOTO: Potential for snow and rain in the West. From Sunday through Friday, some areas in California could see from 3 to as much as 6 inches of rain, threatening to trigger flash-flooding and debris flow. On Monday, scattered flashing flooding could possibly occur from Big Sur down to Los Angeles and San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Worsening snow drought in the West will have cascading impacts, experts say The storms are also expected to pack gusty winds and heavy mountain snow. In addition to heavy rain on Monday, some areas along the Central and Southern California coasts are under wind alerts for gusts between 45 and 60 mph. These winds, combined with heavy rain that will loosen the ground, may produce damage and power outages. California's Sierra Nevada Mountains could see a whopping 3 to 6 feet of snow this week, while the Rocky Mountains could also see several feet of fresh powder. Parts of the Sierra Nevada are under winter storm warnings for anywhere between 1 to 7 feet of snow, depending on elevation, with the higher elevations expected to see the higher end of this range. Advertisement Advertisement The snow comes amid a record-low amount of snow in the West this winter. Light snow forecast for the Northeast The same storm system hitting the Deep South is expected to move through the mid-Atlantic and brush the Northeast, producing light snow on Sunday night and into Monday morning. Some flurries could begin as early as 7 p.m. ET Sunday in parts of the Northeast and become noticeably heavier around 8 p.m. ET as the system moves into eastern Pennsylvania and southern New York. ABC News - PHOTO: Snow forecast for the Northeast through Sunday night, February 15, 2026. Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York City are expected to see snowfall sometime between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Sunday. The snow is expected to continue in places like New York City and Philadelphia overnight and into Monday morning, possibly leaving slick roadway conditions for Monday mornings commute. Advertisement Advertisement High winds cause thousands to lose power as storm system slams Hawaii An inch or more of fresh snow could fall on eastern Pennsylvania and lower New York, including parts of the I-95 corridor from Philadelphia to New York City. Connecticut is not expected to get a big snowstorm overnight, but the snow that is likely coming to the state could make for "hazardous" conditions for those traveling, forecasters said. The lower half of the state is expected to get between 0.1 and 0.3 of an inch of snow, according to National Weather Service's New York office. As of 7 a.m. Sunday, the weather service said, though the snowfall may only be a coating, it could still make traveling conditions hazardous. Advertisement Advertisement There were no expected snowfall totals for listed for the Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties around the same time. The NWS' Boston office described the expected snow as "showers" that will have "little to no impacts." "Light accumulating snow tonight through Monday morning and then again Monday night into Tuesday morning may result in slippery road and walking surfaces," the service's Albany office said in a forecast discussion on Sunday morning. The NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook for the southern parts of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. "A low pressure system is expected to track a bit farther north and will bring some minor snowfall accumulation to mainly southern portions of the region," the outlook said. "However, if the trend farther north continues, then snowfall amounts could be more significant." Advertisement Advertisement Milder temperatures are expected to hit the state this upcoming week after a streak of cold temperatures, which became dangerously frigid at times. This article originally published at Tracking Connecticut winter storm: How much snow is expected Sunday into Monday?. This story has been updated with the identity of the driver in this accident. At about 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 15, a southbound tractor-trailer was involved in a single vehicle fatal accident near North Channel Bridge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The truck has gone overboard on the west-side of the southbound span just south of Fisherman's Island. The facility has sustained guardrail and curb damage. CBBT Maintenance crews are responding to make emergency repairs. US Coast Guard are assisting in the search. Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the vehicle was Mr. Ronnie Andrews, age 61, of Robersonville, N.C., according to a CBBT release, and the vehicle involved was owned by Perdue Farms, Inc. Southbound travel lanes are blocked at the scene of the accident. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is currently working on the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project. It will construct a new two-lane tunnel under Thimble Shoal Channel. When complete, the new tunnel will carry two lanes of traffic southbound and the existing tunnel will carry two lanes of traffic northbound. Travelers should expect delays while the scene is being cleared. Officials anticipate reopening to southbound traffic at approximately 8:45 a.m. No other details are available at this this time. Additional updates will be issued. RIPIENO'S AIMS FOR 'WOW FACTORS': Salisbury's Ripieno's Ristorante Italiano aims to deliver 'wow factors' STEPHANIE FOWLER PENS NEW BOOK: Author Stephanie Fowler examines notorious double homicide for new book This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Tractor-trailer goes overboard in Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel accident Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham praised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his tough rhetoric on Iran and suggested that the German leader had "figured out" President Donald Trump. "Merz said, Iran is gonna fall. God bless him," Graham, a loyal Trump ally, told journalists on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Sunday. "I think the chancellor of Germany deserves a very good place in history for saying this regime needs to go." Advertisement Advertisement In mid-January, during a trip to India, Merz had said he expected political change in Iran in light of mass anti-government protests there. "If a regime can only stay in power through the use of violence, then it is effectively finished," Merz had said. "I assume that we may now be witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime." Graham spoke positively overall about his talks with Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Munich. "I was impressed with both of them. They seem to have figured out Trump pretty well," he said. Graham, a key voice on foreign policy in Congress, said he had been in touch with the president during the security conference, where world leaders and policymakers meet to discuss global crises and conflicts. Graham is among the most vocal advocates of a change of leadership in Iran. On Saturday, he addressed a large opposition-organized demonstration in Munich that drew an estimated 250,000 participants. Recently, President Donald Trumps Department of Justice filed charges against three protesters who entered a church, as well as journalist Don Lemon, who was covering the event. The protest was prompted by allegations that the churchs pastor David Easterwood works for ICE. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated these individuals were arrested in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This so-called coordinated attack was, in reality, a peaceful protest. Videos show the truth, which is that dozens of protesters entered the church and chanted ICE out and Renee Good, the name of an American citizen killed by ICE in Minneapolis. During the church protest, there was no attack. No tables or pews were overturned. No threats were issued. Nobody was driven from the church or otherwise forced to leave. Read the latest: Don Lemon calls charges against him 'baseless' attempts to silence him Advertisement Advertisement All four of the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John detailed the shocking story of Jesuss direct-action protest within a place of worship. Jesus, outraged by the faith leaders who were not upholding the teachings of the scriptures, entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Matthew 21:12-13. The Apostles witnessed and reported this event, which is how we can read about and discuss it today. Of course, the destruction of property is a crime. According to the Trump administrations interpretation of our laws, it appears that even nonviolent protest actions within a place of worship are crimes, too. Based on this, it seems that Trump, were he alive and ruling during Jesus time, would have arrested Christ and his followers who recorded details of the protest at the temple. ICE actions contradict biblical teachings Journalist Don Lemon leaves with his legal team after an arraignment hearing at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Feb. 13 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Similarly abhorrent to the teachings of the Bible, or perhaps even worse than selling items in a church, would be for a pastor to partake in the type of actions ICE has taken. At least 36 people have died in ICE custody since the start of last year. One detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, was likely choked to death at the hands of detention staff, and his death was ruled a homicide. ICE has even gone so far as to detain a 5-year-old child on his way home from kindergarten, separating him from his family. There are numerous other cases of families being separated from their children, an action that results in lifelong trauma. The conditions at the camps where deportees are housed are deplorable. There appears to be little hope for improvement, as a federal judge noted that ICE has disobeyed more judicial directives in January than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence. The horrifying details of ICEs behavior are too much to recount here, but this is a small sampling to show the sad reality. Advertisement Advertisement The Bible tells us how we should treat immigrants, refugees and the downtrodden. The message is clear and consistent. Leviticus 19:34 says, Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt; Matthew 25:35 reads I was a stranger and you invited me in, and Exodus 23:9 states You shall not oppress a foreigner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. And, of course, Jesus himself was a refugee. Matthew 2:13-14 notes that Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to escape King Herods reign of political violence. This made the Holy Family refugees, just like those who are seeking asylum in America from violence today. To persecute such individuals is the opposite of Christ-like behavior, and I feel confident that Jesus would oppose it forcefully. Don Lemon's reporting is protected by the First Amendment Our First Amendment is also clear: Lemon should be free to cover such protests as a member of the press. Two judges agreed, rejecting the DoJs attempts to secure an arrest warrant. Like journalists covering the sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement and the apostles recording Jesus actions at the temple, Lemons reporting is important. The protesters were arrested under an interpretation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, which not only protects access to abortion clinics, but also prohibits intentionally injuring, intimidating, or interfering with, or attempting to injure, intimidate, or interfere, 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. Advertisement Advertisement The important, operative phrase in this law is by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction. The videos are clear: The protesters in the church did none of these things. They cannot be convicted unless such threats are proven. The administration has also been inconsistent in its application of the law. Republican Texas House candidate Valentina Gomez interrupted a church service with a bigoted tirade against the LGBTQ community. Choosing to charge Don Lemon for covering a news story while simultaneously failing to charge a GOP candidate who disrupted a church service with an anti-LGBT protest highlights a troubling double standard and raises serious questions about the equal application of the law. The Trump administration is contorting itself to weaponize laws to attack speech and behavior it does not like. This is unconstitutional and shows moral cowardice. Recent protests against inhumane policies, like those against ICE, reflect the moral courage demonstrated by Jesus and his followers in challenging unjust authority, and they should not be punished through tortured interpretations of our laws. W. Kirk Wolff, Op-Ed columnist, October 2025. Wolff is an East Tennessee native and Navy veteran. Kirk Wolff is a Navy veteran who grew up in East Tennessee and will graduate in spring with a law degree from the University of Virginia. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Opinion: Trump would have arrested Jesus and the apostles President Trump on Friday indicated he will issue an executive order seeking to require voters to present proof of citizenship if the Senate does not pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which passed in the House this week. There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not! Trump wrote on Truth Social around 4:30 p.m. EST. Also, the People of our Country are insisting on Citizenship, and No Mail-In Ballots, with exceptions for Military, Disability, Illness, or Travel. He followed up with a second post 30 minutes later floating an executive order. Advertisement Advertisement This is an issue that must be fought, and must be fought, NOW! Trump wrote in a lengthy post on Truth Social. If we cant 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. He accused Democrats of being horrible, disingenuous CHEATERS who have all sorts of reasons why it shouldnt be passed, and then boldly laugh in the backrooms after their ridiculous presentations. Republicans must put this at the top of every speech It is a CANT MISS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MIDTERMS, AND BEYOND! he continued. Even Democrat Voters agree, 85%, that there should be Voter I.D. The SAVE Act passed in the House Wednesday in a 218-213 vote. However, it faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where the only Democrat to indicate support for the legislation is Sen. John Fetterman (Penn.). Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has come out against the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives are pushing Senate Republicans to use the talking filibuster with the hope of wearing down Democratic opposition. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said his caucus will discuss the move, but hasnt committed to deploying that tactic, which could tie up the Senate floor for weeks and set an important precedent. Thune said he worries that a weeks-long Senate floor debate on the SAVE Act would block Republicans from moving forward on other priorities such as housing reform, market structure reforming, permitting reform, a highway bill and a farm bill. The president has to bring every possible weapon he has to this fight to get the Senate to move, because the Senate will not move without incredible, crushing pressure, Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) previously said. Advertisement Advertisement The measure has only lost support from Democrats as Republicans have pushed harder for it. Only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), voted for the SAVE Act in the House on Wednesday. Reps. Ed Case (Hawaii), Jared Golden (Maine), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), who voted for a previous version, opposed the latest bill. The previous version of the legislation did not include a voter ID requirement which says mail-in ballots should be submitted with a photocopy of a state-issued ID, or an affidavit swearing they are unable to obtain a copy of valid ID along with the last four digits of their Social Security number. Murkowski has warned that new federal requirements on local election officials could hurt the integrity of the November midterm elections. Election Day is fast approaching, she said in a statement shared on the social platform X. Imposing new federal requirements now, when states are deep into their preparations, would negatively impact election integrity by forcing election officials to scramble to adhere to new policies likely without the necessary resources. Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring public trust in our elections is at the core of our democracy, but federal overreach is not how we achieve this, she 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 The Hill. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the centre of attention at the Munich Security Summit, as European leaders wondered apprehensively what tone he would strike in his remarks on Saturday. While his speech did not fully allay their concerns, it has been viewed as a reassurance to allies that while US relations may have frayed under Donald Trump, they will not break. Rubio's was not the only US political voice at the security summit, however. Advertisement Advertisement And even if the secretary of state's remarks had not been so well-received if he had sharply criticised Europeans the way Vice-President JD Vance did at the conference last year there were other US politicians doing their best impression of the Persian poet, counselling: "This too shall pass." "If there's nothing else I can communicate today," California Governor Gavin Newsom said at a conference event on Friday, "Donald Trump is temporary. He'll be gone in three years." Newsom was just one of dozens of American legislators and governors in attendance including some Democrats, like the Californian, who may contend for their party's 2028 presidential nomination. New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was one of the biggest attractions at the conference [Reuters] Many emphasised that the US would continue to be a strong partner with Europe lines similar to those offered by Rubio, but unleavened by his criticism of cultural decline on the continent. Advertisement Advertisement "The reason we're here is to provide reassurance that we understand how important our European allies are," Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said. A Republican in attendance, Senator Thom Tillis, echoed her, noting that the US and Europe were not in a "civil war". He cautioned American allies not to get caught up in the "rhetoric of American politics". That has been easier said than done recently, as Trump has imposed steep tariffs on many US trading partners, and he and some of his top aides have been blunt in their desire to reshape the international order, use American military power and refocus American foreign policy on the western hemisphere. The president's designs on Greenland which he repeated before departing the White House for a weekend in Florida on Friday have been only the most jarring example of the shift in the American outlook. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's willingness to push boundaries and test the limits of his power has not been limited to foreign affairs. And several Democrats took time in Munich to address more domestic concerns. Virginia Senator Mark Warner warned that the president's talk of nationalising elections and instituting stringent identity requirements for voting via executive order mean the freedom and fairness of November's midterm congressional elections are at stake. "I never thought I would say that in 2026 America," he said. Trump has defended his effort and the SAVE act, which would implement a national voter identification requirement legislatively as both popular with a sizable majority of Americans and necessary to prevent voter impersonation at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, who were the focus of a recent unsuccessful indictment attempt by the Department of Justice for their video urging US soldiers to disregard "illegal" orders, both commented on being in the administration's spotlight. The US, Slotkin said, was "going through something profound", before adding: "We'll get through it." Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona spoke at the Munich Security Conference [Reuters] Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proved to be one of the biggest attractions at the conference beyond Rubio. She drew a line between growing wealth inequality a focus of her domestic policy agenda since she won an upset victory in Congress in 2018 - and the rise of authoritarian governments. "It is of the utmost urgency that we get our economic houses in order and deliver material gains for the working class," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "Otherwise, we will fall into a more isolated world governed by authoritarians who also do not deliver to working people." Ocasio-Cortez was another of the Democrats who may have presidential ambitions. And while her appearance could build her foreign policy experience, it also underlined some of the risks associated with stepping out onto the international stage. At one point, she struggled to answer whether the US should defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. While Ocasio-Cortez comes from a different wing of the Democratic Party, her view about the need for Western democracies to provide a compelling alternative to authoritarian governments was similar to one expressed by Joe Biden during his presidency. Trump, with his "America First" foreign policy and talk of preserving Western culture, provided a decidedly different view of world affairs. And in 2024, a plurality of Americans voted to return Trump to the White House, setting off a tumultuous year in which Vance's confrontational Munich speech was just the scene-setter. Advertisement Advertisement While Rubio has smoothed over some rough edges, the Democrats who made the trip to Munich attempted to provide a more distinct counterpoint. "Right now, Europe just wants us to be better, right? And I think this has been a very good conference to reassure nerves," Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said. "Sometimes you have to remind them that this is not all Trump... We're still here." The latest tranche of Epstein files released by the Justice Department has sent shockwaves through the international community. Foreign governments, businesses, universities, and cultural institutions are investigating those with ties to the notorious sex criminal. Powerful figures around the world have been forced to step down from influential positions amid revelations that they were a part of Epsteins network, and a member of the British royal family has been arrested, presumably over their dealings with the disgraced financier. The United States, however, doesnt seem to care so much. It should be one of the most consequential sex and crime scandals in the history of the United States, but many of those tied to Epstein are skating by with little in the way of consequence. President Donald Trump a longtime friend of Epsteins whose name allegedly appears in the files over a million times and other figures working within or tied to his administration seem to not only hang above the fray, but enjoy the protection of the American justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, where she thrice refused to acknowledge a group of survivors sitting in the hearing room, who all affirmed that they had not been granted an opportunity to meet with the attorney general despite their requests. Bondi refused to answer questions about the Justice Departments failure to open investigations in potential co-conspirators, and dismissed questions from lawmakers about the departments sloppy handling of sensitive victim information, and about the over-redaction of potentially incriminating information. The White House also shrugged off questions about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who although not implicated in any criminality was caught in a bold-faced lie about the extent of his dealings with Epstein. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly cut off a press briefing after being asked by a reporter if the administration would continue to stand by Lutnick. Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trumps team, and the president fully supports the secretary, Leavitt said. Trump has also brushed off questions about Lutnick and other figures tied to the administration appearing in the files. But outside of Americas borders, Epsteins ghost is threatening to topple governments and prompting a wave of public and private sector resignations. In the United Kingdom, the former Prince Andrew now citizen Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after being stripped of his titles in 2025 was arrested by British authorities in Norfolk, England, this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, suggesting the charges will be related to new evidence that he may have transferred confidential government reports to Epstein while representing the kingdom as a trade envoy. Advertisement Advertisement Mountbatten-Windsor had already been evicted from the royal lodge he shared with his ex-wife Sarah Furgeson, the former Duchess of York, who was also revealed to have a financial relationship with Epstein earlier this month. Mountbatten-Windsor settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell of trafficking her to the former prince and other men when she was a teenager. In a statement following the arrest, King Charles III, Mountbatten-Windsors older brother, wrote that authorities have the royals full and wholehearted support and co-operation, throughout what he sees as a full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. Let me state clearly: The law must take its course, he added. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, is facing calls for his own resignation and a potential vote of no confidence over his relationship with Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure in the Labour Party who was tapped to serve as United States ambassador under Starmer. Questions about the extent Starmer was aware of Mandelsons relationship with Epstein were heightened after newly released emails revealed that the two men had joked about Epsteins relationships with young women, and that Mendelson may have provided Epstein with sensitive government emails containing privileged financial information. Advertisement Advertisement Two high-level officials in Starmers administration have resigned in the face of the scandal and Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party this month after being dismissed from his ambassadorship last year, and authorities are exploring a criminal investigation into his conduct. Mandelson has since been arrested for, like Mountbatten-Windsor, suspicion of misconduct while in public office. While Starmer insists he was misled by Mandelson about his ties to Epstein, in the view of the UK public and lawmakers, the buck stops with him. Consequences are being felt in other nations, as well. Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit is in hot water after emails revealed she had borrowed one of Epsteins Palm Beach properties in 2013. Norways former Prime Minister Thorbjrn Jagland has also been embroiled in the scandal. Last Thursday, Thorbjrn was charged with corruption by Norwegian authorities in connection to Epstein, after being stripped of his diplomatic immunity earlier this week. Jack Lang, Frances former Culture Minister, recently resigned from his position as president of the prestigious Arab World Institute in Paris. In Slovakia, a national security adviser to Prime Minister Robert Fico stepped down earlier this month. A Swedish U.N. official resigned after the documents revealed a visit to Epsteins island. Several other countries including Poland and Lithuania have opened investigations into the potential trafficking of girls from their nations. Advertisement Advertisement Last Friday, DP World Chairman and Chief Executive Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem who was discovered to be one of the names of potential Epstein co-conspirators whose name was redacted in files after a review by lawmakers resigned from his position atop the Emirati international exporter. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who pushed to unredact the names of Bin Sulayem and five other individuals, wrote on X after Bin Sulayems resignation that he and other lawmakers would not rest until there is elite accountability for the Epstein class. But in the United States, the Justice Department has staunchly refused to pursue further criminal investigations into Epsteins potential co-conspirators or participants in his trafficking ring. Resignations have been few, and powerful figures with ties to Epstein, from former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft founder Bill Gates to Tesla billionaire Elon Musk and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, seem to have been afforded cover under Trump and his administrations repeated insistence that the scandal is a hoax and that Americans should turn their focus elsewhere. As the international community rallies to excise the cancer of Epsteins crimes from its public institutions, Americans can only watch from afar, and lament the decay of what was once a model justice system. 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 AI-India Impact Summit that gets underway in the capital from Monday positions India as a convenor and partner in global AI cooperation, supporting shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions for public good. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. The summit has attracted significant high-level engagement, more than 40 global and Indian CEOs expected to participate. Olivier Blum, CEO, Schneider Electric looks forward to this year's summit, saying that it is critical for energy technology to work with AI to ensure scalability of digital infrastructure. "AI is accelerating faster than the energy systems it depends on. To sustain this momentum, we must make those systems more intelligent, efficient, and resilient so every watt goes further. That's the role of energy technology, where electrification, automation, and digitalisation work together with AI translating abundant data into intelligence," Blum said in a quote to MeitY. "In India, this convergence is critical as the country rapidly scales its digital infrastructure, integrates renewables, focuses on grid stability, and accelerates to become one of the top 3 world economies. At Schneider Electric, our mission is to be your energy technology partner, building energy systems that are hyper-efficient & resilient, turning operating data into true energy intelligence, advancing opportunity, and inclusive access to the benefits of the AI revolution," he added. The summit aims to work towards driving sustainable, resource-efficient AI systems that strengthen climate resilience and sustainability. In addition, it also looks to promote equitable access to foundational AI resources for inclusive innovation and sustainable development worldwide. Christian Klein, CEO & Chairman, SAP SE say AI is a catalyst for inclusive growth for communities across the world. "AI is not just a technological leap. It is a catalyst for inclusive growth and prosperity across communities worldwide. By combining trusted data with contextual AI, we can broaden access to innovation, empower people, and create opportunities that transcend borders," Klein said in a quote to MeitY. "Through the AI Impact Summit, India is leading efforts to democratise the development and deployment of AI, ensuring that innovation opportunities and benefits reach organisations across all sectors. SAP supports this vision and mission, and we believe that Business AI has immense potential to boost growth, resilience, and competitiveness. AI represents a once in a generation opportunity to transform productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life across India's digital economy. Its real impact will come not from standalone models, but from platform thinking, where intelligence is embedded into digital foundations and scaled responsibly across enterprises and ecosystems," Klein added. One of the key sectors that is seeing a transformation is Healthcare. The revolution of healthcare delivery in India is leveraging AI-powered diagnostics, telemedicine, and surveillance tools across both public and private sectors. AI-powered tools, adopted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's various national programmes, are democratising healthcare expertise across India. For example, these tools enable frontline workers to screen for TB and diabetic retinopathy while supporting 282 million telemedicine consultations nationwide. Roy Jakobs, President & CEO, Royal Philips says that in India the future of healthcare is designed to service the needs of the population and ensure improved health outcomes. "The future of healthcare in India is a connected and accessible network of virtual and in-person care, enabled by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and designed to meet the needs of a diverse population at scale. By leveraging interoperable digital health records alongside real-time and predictive insights, we can enable seamless collaboration across the patient journey - from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and long-term care. With trusted AI optimising workflows and improving system efficiency, healthcare professionals gain the time, clarity, and decision support to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate care. This future is shaped by innovation, responsible AI and access to data, as well as strong public-private collaboration. A future with people at the centre and improved health outcomes for India," Jacobs said in a quote to MeitY. India's approach through the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will focus on translating global discussions into development outcomes aligned with national priorities under the IndiaAI mission and Digital India Initiative. It will strengthen multilateral cooperation while advancing practical, people-centric AI frameworks relevant to India's governance, economy, and society. (ANI) - Feb 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at a White House meeting on Wednesday that the U.S. would work to reduce Iran's oil exports to China, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials briefed on the issue. "We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China," Axios reported on Saturday, quoting a senior U.S. official. Asked about the report, China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that "normal cooperation between countries conducted within the framework of international law is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected." Advertisement Advertisement China accounts for more than 80% of Iran's oil exports. Any reduction in that trade would mean lower oil revenue for Iran. U.S. and Iranian diplomats held talks on Iran's nuclear programme through Omani mediators last week in an effort to revive diplomacy, after the U.S. president positioned a naval flotilla in the region as the American military prepares for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; additional reporting by Che Pan and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by Sergio Non and Diane Craft) President Donald Trump said Friday there will be voter ID requirements for the midterm elections "whether approved by Congress or not," vowing to issue an executive order if legislation fails. "This is an issue that must be fought, and must be fought, NOW! 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," Trump said in a post on his social media platform. In an earlier social media post, Trump claimed without evidence that Democrats are not in favor of voter ID laws because they "want to continue to cheat in Elections." Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base, February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. What is the Trump-backed SAVE America Act requiring voter ID, proof of citizenship to register? Advertisement Advertisement "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," Trump said in the post. "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," he added. The latest comments come as Trump-backed election reform legislation -- the SAVE America Act -- narrowly passed the House this week but faces an uncertain future in the Senate. An earlier iteration of the bill, called the SAVE Act, which also passed the House last year had stalled in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Trump and top Republicans have argued the revised bill is necessary to protect the country's election process before the 2026 midterm elections in November. The SAVE America Act would require photo ID at polling places and mandate states obtain proof of citizenship before registering a person to vote in a federal election. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the GOP bill would make it harder for Americans to vote and is "dead on arrival" in the Senate. Allison Robbert/AP - PHOTO: Senate Homeland Security Judge blocks Trump administration from requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote "Its a fringe piece of legislation that has now taken over the Republican party, masquerading as election security when it's really about laying the groundwork to meddle in the midterm elections, and make it much harder for people to vote," Schumer said in a statement Feb. 9 before the House vote. Advertisement Advertisement There has been no credible evidence of widespread fraud or substantiated claims of U.S. elections being tampered with, and experts have long insisted that noncitizen voting is a rare problem. Voter roll audits before the 2024 elections in Georgia found only 20 registered noncitizens out of 8.2 million registered voters statewide. Nine of those actually cast a ballot. Trump has long made unsubstantiated accusations of fraudulent voting and has repeatedly called for the federal government to assume a broader role in administering elections. Trump doubles down on suggesting federal government 'get involved' in state elections "I want to see elections be honest. And if a state can't run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it," Trump said from the Oval Office on Feb. 3. "Because, you know, if you think about it, a state is an agent for the federal government in elections. I don't know why the federal government doesn't do them anyway. But when you see some of these states about how horribly they run their elections, what a disgrace it is." Advertisement Advertisement It's not the first time Trump has said he would change elections via executive order. Trump issued a similar threat in August. Last March, he signed an executive order titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," which sought to require voters to prove their citizenship upon registration. The order directed the Election Assistance Commission to update the federal voter registration form to include a requirement for "documentary proof" of citizenship. That order was challenged in multiple lawsuits, which have so far stymied the administration's efforts. In a decision last April, a federal judge said Trump's attempt to reshape election processes by executive order exceeded his authority. Advertisement Advertisement Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the Statesnot the Presidentwith the authority to regulate federal elections, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her opinion. No statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congresss deliberative process by executive order. ABC News' Nathan Lee contributed to this report. President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December that the president would support Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program if a deal between Washington and Tehran could not be reached, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity to discuss national security issues. Two months later, CBS News has learned that internal discussions between senior figures in the U.S. military and intelligence community have started to contemplate the possibility of supporting a fresh round of Israeli strikes on Iran. American deliberations have focused less on whether Israel could act than on how the United States might assist, including the provision of aerial refueling for Israeli aircraft and the delicate matter of securing overflight permission from countries along the potential route, said two other U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter. It's not clear what countries would grant overflight permission for the U.S. to refuel Israeli aircraft for a potential strike. Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all publicly said they would not allow their airspace to be used for any strikes on Iran or Iranian strikes on any other country. Advertisement Advertisement But the ongoing conversations inside the national security apparatus coincided with a visible show of force from the United States towards Iran. On Thursday, CBS News reported that a second U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford and its flotilla of warships, would be dispatched to the Middle East, joining an already substantial American presence. Four U.S. officials said the carrier strike group is expected to redeploy from the Caribbean, a movement that would place formidable firepower within range of Iran at a moment of heightened strain. All of it comes as the Trump administration pursues negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains openly skeptical of diplomacy with Iran and flew to Washington last Wednesday for talks with President Trump. Netanyahu released multiple statements insisting that any Iran accord include restrictions on ballistic missiles and funding of proxies in the region, issues that would extend any deal beyond the nuclear program itself. Iranian officials have signaled a conditional willingness to curb some uranium enrichment in exchange for relief from punishing economic sanctions, but it is unclear what that looks like and talks have yet to produce any written agreement. The U.S. and Iran are expected to hold a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday in an effort to reach a deal that prevents war. Iranian state media is reporting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation are on their way to Geneva for the indirect talks, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that he has "made clear he prefers diplomacy" on Iran, and he confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Wiktoff and Jared Kushner are traveling "to have important meetings" with Iran. "We'll see how that comes out," he added. Mr. Trump, speaking at the White House on Friday, framed the carrier deployment as prudent insurance if negotiations between the United States and Iran fail. By shifting additional naval power into the region, Mr. Trump appears intent on sharpening the leverage behind his demands. King Charles reacts after former Prince Andrew's stunning arrest on his 66th birthday Former Prince Andrew arrested after latest Epstein files revelations Supreme Court rules against Trump's tariffs | Special Report The White Houses Valentines Day message quickly turned into something far less romanticat least in the replies. What was meant to be a feel-good holiday post featuring President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump was swiftly hijacked Saturday, as social media users flooded the comment section with a very different kind of message: relentless reminders of the presidents ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Within an hour of the Valentines Day post going live on X, the replies devolved into an endless stream of memes and edited photos. Users nixed Melania from the original photo to pair Trump, 79, with the late convicted sex offender in a barrage of crude images. The White House's original Valentine's Day post. / Screenshot/The White House/X One widely circulated post featured a doctored image of Trump seated across from Epstein at a candlelit dinner, the two gazing into each others eyes. Splashed across the image in bright pink lettering: Pedo Valentine Day. The post racked up thousands of likes within hours. One X user replied to the White House Valentines Day post with a romantic card of their own. / Hectorhs85/X That was just the start. Advertisement Advertisement Other users piled on with their own versions of Trump and Epstein-themed Valentines cards, many leaning into the same blunt message. One image mimicked the White Houses original post but replaced the caption with: Happy Valentines Day to All the Pedos We Will Protect You. Another dragged the first lady back into the mix, editing her alongside Trump, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell into a parody of the Friends castcomplete with the sitcoms signature font. X user posts a meme of the president and Melania Trump alongside convicted sex traffickers Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. / SiyaaUnrated/X A response to the White House Valentine's Day post, featuring Trump holding hands with Epstein instead of Melania. / Screenshot/The White House/X A response to the White House Valentines Day post, featuring a redacted Trump in reference to the Epstein files. / Screenshot/The White House/X The trolling spree wasnt just random internet chaos. It tapped into a growingand increasingly bipartisanfixation on the Epstein files, which have roiled Washington in since the Department of Justice released a tranche of 3.5 million documents related to the investigation into Epstein late last month. And now, some of the same demands that were echoed in memes are being made by lawmakers themselves. Another X user trolled the President's Valentines Day post with a call to release the Epstein Files / Smc429/X Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Epstein's inner circle was made up of some of the richest and most powerful men in the worldincluding Donald Trump. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Getty Images One reply, edited over a Muppets version of Trump, Melania, Epstein, and Maxwell simply read: Release the Epstein Filesa slogan that has gained traction among lawmakers who are now openly clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, 60, over the Justice Departments handling of the documents. That internal GOP feud exploded earlier this Wednesday following a contentious hearing in which a photograph of Bondi revealed that her office had reviewed lawmakers search histories while examining the unredacted Epstein files. The outrage isnt limited to Capitol Hill. Online, users have also begun targeting Bondi directly, with some Valentines Day replies taking aim at her alongside Trump. One meme showed Bondi whispering into Trumps ear, stamped with the label: Pedophile Protectors. One X user took a hit at President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files release. / Twinwar/ X The documents have referenced Trump more than 5,300 times, but unredacted files viewed by lawmakers this week reportedly mention the president more than 1 million times. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the sheer volume of redacted documents has fueled speculation and intensified calls from both sides for full transparency. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna have joined forces to propose legislation that would compel the DOJ to release the bulk of its remaining Epstein records. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) (C) speaks alongside U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) (L) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18, 2025. / Heather Diehl / Getty Images Massie has also been publicly sparring with the Justice Department over the pace and scope of the disclosures in a showdown on X, supporting the resignation of a powerful Epstein associate. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) campaign on Big Tech reached a new chapter on Thursday when FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, accusing the company of suppressing conservative content. In it, Ferguson ironically insists that "the FTC is not the speech police" after lecturing Apple for its speech. Ferguson accuses Apple News, the No. 1 news app in the United States, of "systematically promot[ing] news articles from left-wing news outlets and suppressed news articles from more conservative publications." To substantiate his accusation against Apple, Ferguson cites "multiple studies [that] have found that in recent months Apple News has chosen not to feature a single article from an American conservative-leaning news source." These studies are those conducted by the Media Research Center (MRC), a conservative media watchdog. The MRC found that only one of the 560 "top 20 AllSides-rated news stories featured on Apple Newsat approximately 10:00 AM ET" from November 3 to November 30, 2025, was "right-leaning," as defined by AllSides, a nonpartisan firm that evaluates media bias. In January, not a single one of the top 620 stories featured that month was right-leaning, according to the MRC. Of the 620 top stories featured, nearly 71 percent (440) were from left-leaning sources, with the remaining coming from center sources, per MRC. Advertisement Advertisement Although AllSides did not participate in the MRC studies referenced by Ferguson, Julie Mastrine, the company's director of communications, told the New York Post that "Americans that are relying on these Big Tech companies to provide them with news are not getting a balanced view and they're not getting the full scope of perspectives available." Deliberately withholding certain perspectives from the public may not be especially ethical, but the First Amendment allows Apple to platform whatever it pleases. Ferguson gives lip service to this fact, but emphasizes that the First Amendment does not protect "material misrepresentations made to consumers," which violate the FTC Act's prohibition of "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce." He says that Apple News may be guilty of just this if the politically motivated suppression and promotion of articles or publications is "inconsistent with the terms and conditions of service." If that's the criterion, it appears that Apple is on solid legal ground. Joe Coniglio, director of antitrust and innovation at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, says there is nothing in Apple News' terms and conditions "that says there will be a certain amount of news of a certain political slant.In fact, they have a big disclaimer that basically says the oppositeno promise of specific results." Indeed, Apple News' Terms of Use explicitly state that it "does not promise that the site or any [of its] contentwill be error-freeor that your use of the site will provide specific results." Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson's missive to Apple is meritless, but it's eerily reminiscent of an August email he sent to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. In it, he warned Pichai that "Alphabet may be engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices" if claims about Gmail discriminating against Republican campaign emails were true. (Last month, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the Republican National Committee's lawsuit against Alphabet, which accused the company of doing just this.) But this wasn't the only time the FTC has gone after parties that the agency perceived to be hostile to its agenda. Three months before Ferguson's letter to Pichai, FTC Commissioner Mark Meador reposted a video of him suggesting that "nonprofit employees and academics who advocate 'for the interests of certain corporations or mergers in their white papers and their op-eds without ever disclosing that they're being paid to do so' may also be guilty of deceptive practices," as Reason reported at the time. Then, in May, the FTC launched an investigation into progressive nonprofit media watchdog Media Matters for its role in organizing an advertising boycott against Xan exercise of political speech that is protected by the First Amendment. Ferguson's letter is just the latest episode in the FTC's campaign against free speech. While it's unclear what effect, if any, Ferguson's letter will have on Apple News' editorial decisions, this probably won't be the last time the FTC attacks private institutions for constitutionally protected speech. The post Trump's FTC Chairman Sends a Threatening Letter to Apple for Not Promoting Enough Conservative Media appeared first on Reason.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base, in northern Greenland. . | Credit: Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights . US President Donald Trump's position on Greenland has shifted almost daily, from threats to take it by force to assurances he won't . But one thing remains consistent: his insistence the Arctic island is strategically vital to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Within hours of the president's speech at this weeks Davos summit, Reports began circulating that Washington and Copenhagen had quietly discussed giving the US small, remote patches of Greenland for new military sites. Nothing confirmed, everything whispered, but the speed of the speculation said a lot. What once felt like Trumpian theatre suddenly looked like a real geopolitical move. It was also a hint Arctic power plays are now bleeding into the politics of outer space . This all happened very quickly. The notion the US might buy Greenland from Denmark (which resurfaced in 2019) was at first treated like a late-night comedy sketch . But behind the jokes lay a growing unease the Trump administration 's fixation with Greenland was part of a wider geostrategic ambition in the "western hemisphere" and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement That's because Greenland sits at the crossroads of two fast-shifting frontiers: a warming Arctic that will change shipping routes, and an increasingly militarised outer space . As global tensions rise, the island has become a geopolitical pressure gauge, revealing how the old international legal order is beginning to fray . At the centre of it all is Pituffik Space Base , formerly known as Thule Air Base. Once a Cold War outpost, it's now a key part of the US military's Space Force hub , vital for everything from missile detection to climate tracking. In a world where orbit is the new high ground, that visibility is strategic gold. Space law in a vacuum Trump has leaned hard into this logic. He's repeatedly praised Thule as one of the most important assets for watching what happens above the Earth, and has urged the US to "look at every option" to expand its presence. Advertisement Advertisement Whether by force, payment or negotiation, the core message hasn't changed: Greenland is central to America's Arctic and space ambitions . This is not just about military surveillance. As private companies launch rockets at record pace , Greenland's geography offers something rare prime launch conditions . High latitude sites are ideal for launching payloads into polar- and sun-synchronous orbits. Greenland's empty expanses and open ocean corridors make it a potential Arctic launch hub. With global launch capacity tightening due to fewer available sites and access problems, the island is suddenly premium real estate. But American interest in Greenland is rising at the same time as the post-war "rules-based international order" has proved increasingly ineffective at maintaining peace and security. Advertisement Advertisement Space law is especially vulnerable now. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty was built for a world of two superpowers (the US and Soviet Union) and only a few satellites, not private satellite mega constellations , commercial lunar projects , or asteroid mining . It also never anticipated that Earth-based sites such as Thule/Pituffik would decide who can monitor or dominate orbit. As countries scramble for strategic footholds, the treaty's core principles are being pushed to breaking point . Major powers now treat both the terrestrial and orbital realms less like global commons and more like strategic assets to control and defend. Greenland as warning sign Greenland sits squarely on this fault line. If the US were to expand its control over the island, it would command a disproportionate share of global space surveillance capabilities. That imbalance raises uncomfortable questions. Advertisement Advertisement How can space function as a global commons when the tools needed to oversee it are concentrated in so few hands? What happens when geopolitical competition on Earth spills directly into orbit? And how should international law adapt when terrestrial territory becomes a gateway to extraterrestrial influence? For many observers, the outlook is bleak. They argue the international legal system is not evolving but eroding . The Arctic Council , the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic, is paralysed by geopolitical tensions . The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space can't keep pace with commercial innovation. And new space laws in several countries increasingly prioritise resource rights and strategic advantage over collective governance. Greenland, in this context, is not just a strategic asset; it's a warning sign. Advertisement Advertisement For Greenlanders, the stakes are immediate. The island's strategic value gives them leverage, but also makes them vulnerable. As Arctic ice melts and new shipping routes emerge , Greenland's geopolitical weight will only grow. Its people must navigate the ambitions of global powers while pursuing their own political and economic future, including the possibility of independence from Denmark . What started as a political curiosity now exposes a deeper shift: the Arctic is becoming a front line of space governance, and the laws and treaties designed to manage this vast icy territory and the space above it are struggling to keep up. The old Thule Air Base is no longer just a northern outpost, it's a strategic gateway to orbit and a means to exert political and military power from above. TUNIS, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Tunisian police detained opposition figure Olfa Hamdi as she arrived at the countrys main airport on Sunday, local media reported, in the latest move against a critic of President Kais Saied. Hamdi, leader of the Third Republic party, was detained shortly after disembarking from a flight, the reports said. She resides abroad and previously served as CEO of Tunisia's national carrier Tunisair. Hamdi has repeatedly criticized Saieds rule and called for the formation of a transitional government and early presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Opposition figures described the arrest as part of a wider crackdown on dissent, as Tunisia grapples with deepening polarization since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021, a move critics have denounced as a coup. Authorities made no immediate comment on the arrest. Reuters has been unable to contact Hamdi's lawyer or any of her relatives. In early February, police arrested a member of parliament known for mocking the president, in what opposition called an effort to stifle critic voices. Many opposition leaders, along with activists and journalists, are behind bars, with critics accusing Saied of having turned Tunisia into a prison since 2021. Saied rejects the accusations, insisting that he is not a dictator and that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their position. (Reporting By Tarek AmaraEditing by Christina Fincher) The Rhode Island State Police arrested two wrong-way drivers in separate incidents on Interstate 95 in a short span of time in the early hours of Sunday, Feb. 15. Both drivers were pulled over driving northbound on I-95 South within a few hours of each other, and both were charged with driving under the influence. Six other drivers were arrested the same night for driving under the influence, according to a press release from the state police. Two wrong-way drivers arrested on I-95 within hours According to a state police press release, the Hope Valley Barracks received 911 calls reporting a vehicle traveling northbound on I-95 southbound in the vicinity of Exit 21 in East Greenwich around 1:20 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement That vehicle was stopped by troopers from the Wickford Barracks just prior to the Rt. 4 split. The driver, identified as a 21-year-old Coventry woman, was subsequently charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence after she allegedly failed all field sobriety tests administered at the scene. The driver was arraigned by a justice of the peace and released to "a responsible adult" to face the charges, in court, at a later date. At approximately 4:50 a.m., the Hope Valley Barracks again received 911 calls about a second wrong-way driver. This driver was also traveling northbound on I-95 South in the vicinity of Exit 4 in Hopkinton. Moments later, troopers from the Hope Valley Barracks stopped the vehicle on I-95 South in the vicinity of Baker Pines Road in Richmond. Advertisement Advertisement The 35-year-old driver from New London, Connecticut also "failed all Field Sobriety Tests" administered at the scene and was held pending an arraignment on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving and a prohibited weapons charge. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Two wrong-way drivers stopped on I-95 in Rhode Island within hours on Sunday Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. military struck dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria while conducting retaliatory strikes for the deaths of two soldiers and their interpreter. CentCom said it conducted 10 strikes on more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria from Feb. 3 through Thursday to "sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network." The strikes over the past 1.5 weeks targeted ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities with precision munitions sent by fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft, CentCom officials said. The aerial strikes continued U.S. Central Command's Operation Hawkeye Strike attacks after the Islamic State's ambush on Dec. 13 that killed two Iowa National Guard reservists, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, and their civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, 54, who was from Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Three members of Syria's security forces also were wounded in the ambush. "There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you," CentCom Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement after U.S. forces killed Al-Qaeda-affiliated Bilal Hasan al-Jasim in January. CentCom also carried out five strikes against an ISIS communications site, logistics node and weapons storage facilities from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. The strikes over the past two months have killed or captured more than 50 ISIS militants struck more than 100 ISIS infrastructure sites with hundreds of precision munitions, according to CentCom. Advertisement Advertisement Syrian forces have helped the U.S. military stop ISIS from rebuilding its infrastructure and capabilities and on Friday transported 5,700 detainees to Iraq, where they will be tried in a court of law. The move occurred as the U.S. military is lowering its troop count in Syria by evacuating a military base in al-Tanf after a 10-year deployment there. (The Center Square) American colleges and universities have received $5.2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts in 2025, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. The department released data compiled from foreign funding disclosures submitted by American colleges and universities, documenting over 8,300 transactions worth more than $5.2 billion in reportable foreign gifts and contracts. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the disclosures provide unprecedented visibility into foreign funding, including from countries that may pose national security risks. Advertisement Advertisement Under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, colleges must disclose foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000. Republicans have long argued that some institutions dont report such funding and have called for stricter oversight. Qatar was the largest source of foreign funding in 2025, accounting for about $1.1 billion. Other top sources included the United Kingdom, China, Switzerland and Japan. The website also highlights funding from what McMahon called countries of concern, including China, Russia and Iran. Harvard, Carnegie Mellon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology received the most money from those countries. Between 1986 and 2025, Harvard received more foreign funding than any of the 555 institutions reporting data to the Education Department, totaling about $610 million. Advertisement Advertisement MIT research on campus, regardless of funding source, is open and publishable, with the results available to scientists worldwide and not only in a particular country or countries, a MIT spokesperson told Inside Higher Ed. We follow all federal laws in accepting and reporting any such gifts or contracts. The released data is part of the Trump administrations broader effort to reshape higher education and increase scrutiny of foreign influence on college campuses. In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities, calling for an end to secrecy around foreign funding and stronger safeguards against foreign exploitation of U.S. research and students. Student journalists at Stanford University, which has received more than $775 million in foreign funding, have reported on what they describe as growing influence by the Chinese Communist Party on the campus near San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement The CCP is orchestrating a widespread intelligence-gathering campaign at Stanford, a Stanford Review article said. In short, there are Chinese spies at Stanford. Since the start of Trumps second term, the administration has also investigated other universities, including Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, over alleged undeclared foreign funds. The Center Square reached out to Harvard, Carnegie Mellon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a comment but has not received a response. Labour and Employment Department Secretary, Lochan Sehra, at the Western Region inauguration ceremony for the India Skill Competition 2025-26, highlighted that Gujarat is facing a shortage of skilled manpower, and the government is planning steps to fill this gap, adding that the state currently has a shortage of 30 lakh skilled workers across sectors. "Gujarat is facing a shortage of 30 lakh skilled manpower. We are working to provide skilled workers in the coming days," he said. He explained that manufacturing, services, and other sectors require trained workers, and the department is aligning training programs to meet these needs. "We are preparing skilled manpower based on the requirements of various industries in Gujarat," he said. Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya also spoke at the event during the inauguration ceremony for the Western Region competition. Speaking at the event, Gujarat's State Minister said the competition is connected to the country's workforce planning. "This is not just a competition. The foundation of future India is being laid here," he said. He stated that Gujarat has a large industrial base and needs trained labour across various trades. "We are preparing manpower as per the needs of industries. Skill is the biggest asset in today's time," he said. He said the event is more than just a contest because it helps shape the country's future. He noted that Gujarat has many factories and businesses that require specific types of workers. He also mentioned that skill development courses are being offered in ITIs across the state, and efforts are underway to encourage youth to participate in these programs. He said platforms like the India Skill Competition help participants test their abilities and understand industry standards. He added that Gujarat is focusing on preparing youth by keeping future job requirements in mind. (ANI) Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Feb 14 (Reuters) - The Trump administration secretly deported nine people to Cameroon, despite many of them having U.S. court protections against such action and none of them hailing from that African nation, the New York Times reported on Saturday. Several of the men and women sent to Cameroon on a January 14 flight from Alexandria, Louisiana, did not know their destination until they were put on a Department of Homeland Security flight and placed in handcuffs and chains, the newspaper said, citing government documents and attorneys for the deportees. News: The 3 U.S. Figure Skaters Chasing The Same Gold Have A Medal-Worthy Nickname DHS, the State Department and Cameroons Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately reach attorneys representing the detainees. Advertisement Advertisement The administration of President Donald Trump has not announced any deal in which Cameroon agreed to accept deportees from other nations. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Sergio Non and William Mallard) U.S. Updates Read the original on HuffPost A group of British warships will patrol the Arctic, Sir Keir Starmer has said, following Donald Trumps threats to annex Greenland after he cited concerns about its security. The Prime Minister announced the British efforts to bolster security in the so-called High North at the Munich Security Conference, and said the US, Canada and other Nato allies would join the initiative. Sir Keir also announced Britain will seek deeper economic integration with the European Union and to move closer to the single market in more sectors during his speech. Advertisement Advertisement He insisted the EU-UK status quo is not fit for purpose, but he acknowledged there would be trade-offs as a result of the move. Amid ongoing domestic political strife, Sir Keir also claimed he ended the week much stronger than I started it. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a panel discussion with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (right) and moderated by Christine Amanpour during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire) Sir Keirs speech at the major security gathering followed an address by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hit out at the mistakes of Western nations over the past 40 years, but sought to reconcile ties between the US and Europe after recent turmoil in the transatlantic relationship. Mr Rubio snubbed a Ukraine meeting at the conference on Friday, where allies rallied around the war-torn country as the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion nears. Advertisement Advertisement US officials reportedly blamed scheduling conflicts but his absence may have been seen by Europeans as a sign of the White Houses dwindling interest in including them in its bid to end the conflict. Mr Rubio has met with the prime minister of Denmark, of which Greenland is a territory, during the conference and has discussed the islands future, according to reports. Mr Trump earlier this year asserted that he wants to take over the territory, sparking a divide between the US and its traditional European allies. Mr Trump has claimed he does not believe Denmark does enough to defend it from threats by Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement In an apparent attempt to address these concerns, Sir Keir said during his speech: I can announce today that the UK will deploy our carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North this year, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside the US, Canada and other Nato allies in a powerful show of our commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. In another likely nod to Mr Trump, the Prime Minister also insisted the UK would honour the Nato commitment to defend its allies if called upon. One of the alliances founding principles, Article 5, is that an attack on one Nato member is an attack on all. The US President has questioned whether the USs European partners would answer this call if it were made. Advertisement Advertisement But Sir Keir insisted all allies should be in no doubt, if called on, the UK would come to your aid today. Elsewhere, he spoke of closer economic alignment between the EU and UK as he shared the stage with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. Sir Keir said: 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. The prize here is greater security, stronger growth for the United Kingdom and the EU, which will fuel increased defence spending, and the chance to place the UK at the centre of a wave of European industrial renewal. Advertisement Advertisement He added: I understand the politics very well. It will mean trade-offs. But the status quo is not fit for purpose, and to me theres no question where the national interest lies, and I will always fight for whats best for my country. At home the Prime Minister has faced questions about his judgment in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, due to his close links with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Some senior Labour figures, including Scottish leader Anas Sarwar, have called for Sir Keir to resign over the scandal. Asked whether his domestic challenges left him vulnerable, the Prime Minister told the Munich conference: No, I reject that. Advertisement Advertisement I ended the week much stronger than I started it. And thats a very good place to be, and my party and my Government is completely united on the question of Ukraine and defence and security and the need for stronger relations with Europe on defence, on security and on economy as well. And so I think that there is real strength in the position Ive now set out. In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independents Anna Belokur examines how Ukraine appears in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. The files reference flight arrangements for models linked to Kyiv agencies, a failed real estate deal in Lviv, and brief mentions of Ukraines 2019 presidential election. The episode also explores Epsteins documented efforts to build relationships with Russian elites, including attempts to connect with Vladimir Putin, prompting speculation that he could be a Russian asset. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Ukrainian drone strike ignited fires at one of Russias Black Sea ports, officials said Sunday, ahead of fresh talks aimed at ending the nearly 4-year-old war. Two people were wounded in the attack on the port of Taman in the Krasnodar region, which damaged an oil storage tank, warehouse and terminals, according to regional Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev. Meanwhile, falling debris from Russian drones damaged civilian and transport infrastructure in Ukraines Odesa region, officials said, causing disruption to the power and water supply. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian energy sites aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion. Russia wants to cripple the Ukrainian power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Kyiv officials say is an attempt to weaponize winter. The attacks came ahead of another round of U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, just before the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested there were still questions remaining over future security guarantees for his country. Zelenskyy also questioned how the concept of a free trade zone proposed by the U.S. would work in the Donbas region, which Russia insists Kyiv must give up for peace. He said the Americans want peace as quickly as possible and that the U.S. team wants to sign all the agreements on Ukraine at the same time, whereas Ukraine wants guarantees for the countrys future security signed first. Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyys concerns were echoed by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Unless we have real security guarantees on whatever peace agreement is ultimately determined, we are going to be here again, because one of the things we know is that Russia has geared up not just for Ukraine, but to go beyond Ukraine, she told reporters in Munich on Sunday. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia was hoping to win diplomatically what it had failed to achieve on the battlefield, and was banking on the U.S. to deliver concessions at the negotiating table. But Kallas told the Munich conference Sunday that key Russian demands including the lifting of sanctions and unfreezing of assets were decisions for Europe. If we want a sustainable peace then we need concessions also from the Russian side, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Previous U.S.-led efforts to find consensus on ending the war, most recently two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, have failed to resolve difficult issues, such as the future of Ukraines Donbas industrial heartland that is largely occupied by Russian forces. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine During military exercises in Estonia in spring 2025, a group of Ukrainian drone operators demonstrated that drones and battlefield analysis systems are changing the approach to modern warfare. Source: an opinion piece by Jillian Kay Melchior for The Wall Street Journal Details: The article describes the Hedgehog 2025 exercise, which involved more than 16,000 service members from 12 NATO countries. Ukrainian drone experts also trained alongside them, including soldiers deployed from the front. Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "In Ukraine the front line is largely frozen, but Hedgehog envisioned a battlefield where tanks and troops still have some ability to move. During one scenario, a battle group of several thousand troops, including a British brigade and an Estonian division, sought to conduct an attack. As they advanced, they failed to account for how drones have made the battlefield more transparent, several sources say. The NATO battle group was 'just walking around, not using any kind of disguise, parking tents and armored vehicles', recalls one participant, who played an enemy role. 'It was all destroyed'." Details: Melchior notes that during the exercise Ukrainian personnel used the Delta system, which gathers battlefield intelligence in real time, analyses it, identifies targets and coordinates strikes between command and units. Quote: "A single team of some 10 Ukrainians, acting as the adversary, counterattacked the NATO forces. In about half a day they mock-destroyed 17 armored vehicles and conducted 30 'strikes' on other targets." Advertisement Advertisement Details: One participant stated that the team managed to "eliminate two battalions in a day". "Still, Hedgehog showed how visible the battlefield has become and how vulnerable that makes anyone or anything moving on it. NATO will need to adjust its tactics and find better ways to protect its tanks and armoured vehicles," Melchior concluded. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This article was originally published in Civil Beat. Anton Avanozian loves teaching at Baldwin High School on Maui, taking pride in his efforts to grow the science department and support activities like the student science fair. But despite his satisfactory job evaluations and the states teacher shortage, hes worried about losing his position after next year. Avanozian has an emergency hire permit, which allows people with a bachelors degree but no teachers license to work in classrooms for up to three years while they take the courses and tests needed to earn a credential. While he expects to complete his program before the deadline next summer, its still challenging to balance a full-time job and a few hours of coursework every day, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Im applying a lot of pressure on myself to get it done, Avanozian said. Im really pushing towards it, but I do have that worry in the back of my mind, what if it doesnt work out? Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Hawaii public schools are undergoing a dramatic transformation in whos filling classroom positions and teaching students. This year, the Department of Education employed roughly 1,000 emergency hires around 8% of the overall teacher workforce and more than double the number from four years ago. In some parts of the state, emergency hires make up more than 15% of the teaching staff. As reliance on emergency hires has grown, so too has concern over losing workers who cant earn a license in three years. Anton Avanozian is a second-year emergency hire at Baldwin High School on Maui who is working to obtain a teachers license. (Anton Avanozian) A package of bills that would allow emergency hires to work in schools for five years is now sparking debate around the role unlicensed teachers should play in Hawaii classrooms. Emergency hires are becoming too entrenched in the school system, some lawmakers and the teacher licensing board argue, reducing the quality of education and disadvantaging students in rural and neighbor island schools, which have a greater reliance on unlicensed teachers. Advertisement Advertisement The education departments stance is that giving emergency hires more time to earn their licenses is a better option than losing educators after a few years and relying on long-term substitutes, though the department has failed to provide lawmakers with any data on how many teachers need this assistance. Unlike emergency hires, substitute teachers arent required to have a college degree or work toward licensure. The proposal also moves Hawaii in the opposite direction of states like Texas that are trying to phase out emergency hires and put more constraints on what subjects unlicensed educators can teach in schools. My concern is that were accepting them as an integral part of the workforce for teachers, said Rep. Andrew Garrett, who introduced one of the bills at DOEs request. I just want to make sure that we dont get too reliant on this. How Long Is Too Long? Extending emergency hire permits from three to five years could impact hundreds of teachers who are working toward their licenses and may need to leave public schools in the near future if they arent successful, DOE Deputy Superintendent Tammi Oyadomari-Chun said in the hearing last week. Roughly 150 to 200 teachers are currently in their third year as emergency hires, she said, meaning they need to earn their license by the end of this school year in order to remain with the DOE. Advertisement Advertisement When lawmakers pushed school officials for more details, the department was unable to provide data on how many emergency hires receive their licenses in three years or how long employees would ideally need to finish a licensing program. The teacher standards board also doesnt have easily accessible data on how many licenses are awarded to emergency hires in their third year, since licenses are granted on a case-by-case basis, board chair Kristi Miyamae said. Moving beyond the three years is important, Oyadomari-Chun said. But whether its five or 10 is the magic number, theres no data to back up that choice. Deputy Superintendent Tammi Oyadomari-Chun said the department is currently pulling data on how many emergency hires are able to earn their licenses in three years but could not provide the numbers in a hearing last week. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat) Studies from other states that loosened their teaching requirements during the pandemic show that emergency hires tend to be less effective than licensed educators. In Texas, students who were taught high school math by an unlicensed educator received the equivalent of nearly five months of instruction compared to a full nine months from a licensed teacher, according to a 2024 report from the University of Texas at Austin. Emergency hires tend to face the greatest challenges in their early years in the classroom and experience greater turnover than licensed teachers, said Michael Marder, who authored the UT Austin report. In turn, he said, schools relying on emergency hires may struggle even more with teacher retention if theyre forced to hire long-term subs and more unlicensed teachers to fill positions. Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers are concerned that schools in rural or low-income communities are more likely to rely on emergency hires, exacerbating educational inequalities. In the 2023-24 academic year, Lanai employed the greatest number of unlicensed teachers, followed by the Kulanihakoi and Waianae complexes. But giving emergency hires more time to earn their licenses is a better alternative than losing teachers after their third year in schools, Chun said. To ensure the quality of emergency hires, she said, the department regularly checks that teachers are making progress toward their licenses and pairs them with more experienced teachers to receive mentorship. While teacher preparation programs typically last from 18 months to two years, its not a guarantee that emergency hires will complete their coursework in that time frame, said Diane Gibson, an instruction and professional development specialist with the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Not all licensing programs are designed to accommodate teachers with full-time jobs, she said, and emergency hires also have families and other responsibilities taking up their time outside of the school day. The state standards board has paused work on vetting and approving additional mainland programs that offer teacher licenses to ensure the quality of the 14 programs currently authorized most of which are offered through Hawaii universities. But some outside programs currently excluded from Hawaiis approved licensing pathways offer more online or affordable options that could fit the needs of emergency hires, Gibson said. Advertisement Advertisement At Keelikolani Middle School in Honolulu, teacher Nathan Sellner said he saw an improvement in his students learning last fall when he took over a science position that was previously filled by substitutes. Last year, nearly a third of eighth graders at the school scored proficient in science, up from 21% the previous two years. I think it really is important that students have a qualified teacher as soon as possible, said Sellner, who started as an emergency hire and earned his teacher license halfway through last year. Sourcing Internationally At Lanai High and Elementary School, emergency hires make up nearly a third of teaching staff, Principal Douglas Boyer said. Many of the schools emergency hires are international teachers who have classroom experience and licenses just not a Hawaii-specific license. DOE has increasingly relied on international teachers to fill positions in such hard-to-staff, rural schools. This year, the department employed more than 300 international teachers, who work as emergency hires until they can receive a Hawaii license. Advertisement Advertisement The influx of international teachers has allowed Lanai High and Elementary to offer more classes such as choir and physical education, Boyer said, and has prevented the school from relying on vice principals or long-term substitutes to fill vacant positions. Its really allowed us to create that consistency for our students and to give our students a lot of offerings, Boyer said. Most international teachers are brought here on a visa that is valid for up to five years, though they cant stay for the full term if they dont earn a local teaching license in the first three years. It can be costly for teachers to pass their licensing exams, said Sen. Troy Hashimoto, and not all international hires want to invest the time and money into these tests if theyre not able to work long-term in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Hashimoto has introduced a bill that would require the teacher standards board to develop a teaching permit to allow international hires to work in Hawaii schools for the full five years of their visa. While the standards board could determine the specific requirements for the permit, Hashimoto said he would like to see alternative ways to evaluate international teachers qualifications to work in schools, rather than relying on costly licensing programs and exams. Even still, he said, an extended permit for international teachers or local emergency hires isnt a permanent solution for the states teacher shortage. Moving forward, he said, he would like to see the standards board and Hawaii universities find more ways to attract local candidates and retain teachers in public schools. Its trying to help us to bridge the gap, Hashimoto said. I think we cannot believe that this is a permanent fix. This story was originally published on Honolulu Civil Beat. The US military has boarded a second oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea where it was suspected of helping Venezuela avoid US sanctions. The boarding of the Panamanian-flagged Veronica III is the second such US interception in the Indian Ocean in the past week. It comes amid a US crackdown on sanctioned oil exports from Venezuela. "Distance does not protect you," the Pentagon said in a statement, alongside video and photos which appear to show the US raid. Advertisement Advertisement At least seven oil tankers have been seized by the US since last year, as the Trump administration moves to control the supply of Venezuelan oil. The Pentagon statement on Sunday defined the operation as "a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding". The statement did not say whether the US had seized the vessel, or allowed it to continue on its journey. "The vessel tried to defy President Trump's quarantine - hoping to slip away," the Pentagon statement said. "We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. "No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this. International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice." Advertisement Advertisement The Veronica III is currently under sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department. The Veronica III departed Venezuela on 3 January, according to monitoring group TankerTrackers.com - the same day that the US captured Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in a raid on his presidential compound in Caracas The ship was carrying 1.9 million barrels of crude oil at the time of departure, the group says, adding that it is believed to have been involved in the transport of Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil since 2023. [Twitter/@DeptofWar] Last week, the US announced that it had boarded and inspected the Aquila II, which US forces had "tracked and hunted" to the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement In December, US President Donald Trump said that he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move the Venezuelan government at the time described as "theft". The US blockade has sharply curtailed Venezuelan oil exports, with only ships associated with Chevron and bound for the US operating as usual. Loadings had fallen roughly by half in January to about 400,000 barrels per day, Matt Smith, head of US analysis at analytics firm Kpler, told the BBC last month. The Verona Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a fugitive. Verona police say theyre searching for Joseph Fisher of Pittsburgh following an incident at the GetGo parking lot Sunday. Fisher reportedly fled a traffic stop and gave officers a relatives identity to keep from being arrested. Investigators discovered Fishers true identity after he was released, police say. Hes reportedly been a fugitive since Jan. 14, when he escaped the Renewal corrections center following a robbery conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Fisher is now charged with flight to avoid apprehension, escape and false ID to law enforcement, police say. Anyone who knows Fishers location is urged to call 911. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A Kenya Wildlife Service veterinarian discovered that a whale's death was caused by a plastic container stuck in its intestine. The disheartening incident highlighted Kenya's growing plastic pollution problem and its impact on wildlife. What's happening? As The Eastleigh Voice reported, Dr. Asuka Takita identified the whale's cause of death after inspecting it at Leopard Beach in Kwale. The dead whale had washed up onto the beach around the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "This gentle giant did not die by chance it died as a result of human pollution," Dr. Takita said. The whale's death was a direct consequence of people littering in the region. As a result, the Kenya Wildlife Service has been urging communities to stop littering to protect their oceans and keep vulnerable animals safe. Why is plastic pollution concerning? Plastic waste poses a serious threat to marine animals because it persists in the ocean for many years after disposal. This issue is not just specific to Kenya; it's problematic worldwide. Plastic has been killing whales in North Carolina, Hawai'i, and many other places as well. Advertisement Advertisement Autopsies of beached whales along many coastlines have revealed the tragic consequences of plastic pollution and how pervasive this type of waste is in our world today. Over time, plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which have been linked to human health issues. As plastics slowly break down in our environment, they also release toxic gases that warm the planet and alter natural ecosystems. What's being done about plastic in the oceans? Fortunately, there are efforts underway to address plastic pollution and clean up areas like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. By reducing the amount of plastic floating in the oceans, we can decrease the chances of whales and other marine animals accidentally ingesting or becoming entangled in trash. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, researchers have been developing promising solutions, such as a liquid-based solvent that can remove over 98% of nanoplastics from water. You can do your part to curb plastic pollution by using less plastic in daily life and encouraging others to do the same. Fortunately, there are now many practical and affordable plastic alternatives for everything from food containers to grocery bags and the health and beauty products you use daily. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Authorities have revealed the names of four people who died after a single-engine airplane crashed into mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs on Friday. The Routt County Coroner has identified the dead as Tennessee residents 46-year-old Aaron Stokes, his son 21-year-old Jackson Stokes, their nephew and cousin 21-year-old Colin Stokes and 37-year-old Austin Huskey, as reported by Steamboat Radio. 4 dead after plane crashes near Steamboat Springs Advertisement Advertisement The plane, identified as an Epic E1000 aircraft, crashed at around 12:20 a.m. Friday morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said Friday that the crash occurred in a very remote area of Emerald. The FAA said itself and the National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash. In a statement Friday, the NTSB said the crash occurred under unknown circumstances. Witnesses or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation have been asked to contact the NTSB by email. 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. India's real estate regulatory architecture must shift towards artificial intelligence-led oversight and machine-to-machine digital integration even as the country prepares for an unprecedented urban expansion, a senior official in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) said. Addressing the National Urban & Real Estate Development Conclave organised by NAREDCO at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary, MoHUA, said India's urban population is projected to grow from around 50 crore at present to nearly 80 crore by 2047-2050, and may even exceed that level. "Whether we like it or not, our urban population will cross 80 crore by 2050. We have to adapt, and we have to carefully align our actions," he said, underscoring that more than half of the built-up space required by 2050 is yet to be constructed. Over the next 20-25 years, India will have to significantly expand housing supply while simultaneously undertaking large-scale brownfield redevelopment, he said. However, housing cannot be treated in isolation. Urban planning, public transport and housing must function as an integrated framework. "Talking about them separately is an urban policy error," he remarked, adding that resilient and sustainable urban services will be essential to support such population growth. Narayan said efficient land markets are central to this transition. A substantial portion of urban land remains locked due to regulatory constraints, litigation and market inefficiencies. In several cities, land accounts for over 50 per cent of total project cost, making housing unaffordable and constraining supply. "We need efficient land markets and a strong institutional regulatory framework that promotes development rather than merely controls it," he said. Access to long-term capital will also be critical to finance large-scale housing and infrastructure creation. "If we want to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, urban development and real estate must be structurally prepared. Society, government and the industry must move together," he said. Within this broader transformation, Narayan emphasised that regulation must evolve technologically. Referring to the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA), he said the law marked a historic reform by institutionalising registration, escrow safeguards, and grievance redressal, but now requires further digitalisation. He further noted that much of the available data is static and PDF-based, which limits its utility. He called for machine-readable quarterly progress reports and integration of project approvals, financial disclosures and compliance data so that regulatory systems can generate automated early-warning signals and real-time insights. Regulatory platforms, he said, should adopt machine-to-machine communication similar to that seen in banking and taxation systems. Interoperability across state RERAs would allow authorities to track developers' activities across jurisdictions and improve supervisory effectiveness. Importantly, such transparency must also benefit homebuyers. Project-level data, he said, should be presented in a simplified and intelligible format so that an ordinary buyer can assess compliance history and risk before making a purchase. The two-day conclave was attended by Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs; Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister; Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing; and RERA chiefs from several states. Narayan said regulation and development must move in tandem if India is to sustain its next phase of urbanisation. Technology-driven transparency, efficient land markets and institutional coordination, he added, will form the backbone of the real estate sector's contribution to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. (ANI) Carrying thousands of tons of sometimes volatile cargo, trucks barrel their way day and night over the Grapevine and along Highway 58 as Kern County has become a magnet for warehouse development. We can only hope and pray that the truck drivers are experienced and well trained. An article published last week in The Californian and researched by the nonprofit news outlet CalMatters dashes those hopes and prayers. Advertisement Advertisement State education laws and lax oversight by regulators enable a system of commercial truck driving schools to operate. Some are competent, well-established schools. Others are fly-by-night scams that leave drivers who share the states roads at risk. Here is how the system is supposed to work: To obtain a commercial truck drivers license in California, a student must enroll in a recognized driving school, successfully complete a standardized course of study, complete a specified number of behind-the-wheel driver training hours and pass the state DMV commercial driving test. The cost of such a course, which typically requires at least 160 hours of instruction, is more than $6,000. The schools are certified and regulated by the state. They are included on a federal list of approved schools. But through a loophole in the states education code, truck driving schools that charge $2,500, or less, are not regulated. They can slap together worthless short courses that deprive students of both their money and their commercial licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Assemblyman Mike Fong, D-Alhambra, tried to end the exemption last year and bring all truck driving schools under state regulation. But his AB 714 hit a legislative wall that he attributes to the states budget shortfall. Every day, millions of Californians share the road with large trucks that, while crucial to our economy, pose risks we must continually try to mitigate, Fong said when he introduced his bill last year. In 2022, we experienced 436 traffic fatalities involving large trucks the second highest in the nation and averaging more than one per day. This is unacceptable and we must continue to identify and address all potential causes including weaknesses in driver training. But a legislative cost analysis of bringing state oversight to the countless unregulated schools was a one-time general fund expenditure of $854,000 and an ongoing annual expenditure of $814,000. Fees paid by the industry only pay about half the cost. Advertisement Advertisement Fong said he would try again this year to pass legislation to end the exemption. The federal Transportation Department also has jumped into the truck driver safety debate with immigrant drivers its primary target. President Trump signed an order last year restricting the licenses of non-citizen drivers. The administration has threatened to withhold from California thousands of federal dollars unless 17,000 immigrant truck driver licenses are canceled. A class action lawsuit has been filed to block the move. Facing the likelihood of a critical labor shortage if thousands of drivers are taken off the road, California postponed compliance until March. A federal crackdown on truck driving schools also has been launched. Advertisement Advertisement But for decades both the state and federal governments have not been aggressive in policing any truck driving schools regulated, or otherwise. Neither can even accurately say how many exist in California, or across the nation. Enforcement actions against bad actors have been anemic. A real highway safety problem exists. Real solutions must be found and be implemented. Pass legislation to close the education code loophole that exempts low-cost, low-quality truck driving schools from state oversight. Better fund a drivers training program that achieves real competency. To help pay for it, increase fees on the industry that most benefits from the availability of competent drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Direct the state auditor to examine the entire truck driver education program and recommend improvements and efficiencies. Explore the potential of expanding the role of public education institutions adult education organizations and community colleges to support driver training. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A trooper was left with minor injuries after a hit-and-run on I-264 in Virginia Beach Saturday evening, according to Virginia State Police. On Feb. 14 at around 7:09 p.m., the troopers vehicle was struck on the rear drivers side by a black Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban while they were conducting a traffic stop on I-264 westbounds right closed shoulder. The striking vehicle didnt stop and exited I-264 at Witchduck Road. On Feb. 15, VSP confirmed they found the vehicle that is believed to have been used in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement The trooper has been released from the hospital after receiving treatment. This incident is still under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to reach out to Virginia State Police Division 5 Dispatch at 804-750-8788 or through email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. 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. For those of us in North Jersey still suffering from the winter woes, don't despair because of Sunday night's flakes, which the National Weather Service said could bring a dusting to a couple of inches north of a line stretching from Trenton to Asbury Park. After Sunday, the snow is expected to become increasingly fleeting as North Jersey weather veers back toward normal, which is about 43 degrees, said National Weather Service forecaster Bill Goodman. "Low pressure passing to the south of us could mean light snow for northern New Jersey tonight," Goodman said Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Starting Monday, temperatures should begin elevating and reach the mid to upper 40s, with a potential for rain coming Wednesday and Friday. Some light snow and rain is expected for Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, producing minor accumulations over the northern half of the area. More on NJ storms: How do North Jersey towns clear piles of icy snow after storm? Drought remains in New Jersey The rain should be welcome for North Jersey's beleaguered reservoirs, which are quite low, state officials said, even with the recent spate of winter weather. "While that storm provided large amounts of snowfall (more than ten inches in much of the state), due to the ongoing cold weather, much of that snow is still frozen in place, and has only offered marginal benefits to water supply to date," reads a post on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website. Advertisement Advertisement Consistent precipitation is still needed to improve conditions. New Jersey remains under a statewide drought warning, the DEP site says. The good news, the soon-to-retire State Climatologist David Robinson has said over the years, is that in late winter and early spring it generally takes just normal amounts of precipitation to bring reservoir levels back. Evaporation levels remain low, as does water usage, because people are not watering their lawns or washing their cars. Last year about this time, North Jersey reservoirs weren't in great shape, either. The levels dropped to nearly 20% below average between the months of January and March 2025, according to data from the DEP. Is your car shaking after a snowstorm? We asked a NJ car guru why Spring, equinox and late-season storms Spring is coming. When it starts depends on who's defining it. Advertisement Advertisement There's the vernal equinox, when the sun is directly over the equator. In 2026, that's Friday, March 20. Then there's meteorological spring, which is March 1. It's a tidier definition for weather scientists because it divides spring into the months of March, April and May. Upcoming in 2026: When is Easter Sunday? Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday kickoff Lent Yet another school of thought says the real divide occurs around Feb. 1. The weather service calls it "solar spring." That's "the mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, marking the quarter of the year of most rapid daylight gain," said a Facebook post by the agency on Feb. 4, the date that marked the 2026 "solar spring." Advertisement Advertisement "We're now gaining over 2 minutes of daylight every day and this will continue until May," it said. The website sunrise-sunset.org agrees, saying February typically sees almost a three-minute increase in daylight per day. When will the snow and ice melt in NJ? This increase in daylight, Goodman said, helps bring a gradual climb in average temperatures. Other factors contributing to rising temperatures include more direct sunlight as the sun climbs higher. As February progresses, snow melts faster even if temperatures are below freezing, as the higher sun angle melts snow and ice more quickly than in December, when the same sun is weaker. Advertisement Advertisement For many, it is noticeable. For instance, by mid-February, there is between 1.5 and 2 hours more daylight than at December's winter solstice. As we venture later into February, the increasing sun angle feels warmer, weather officials say, and it often marks a transition in which solar energy starts overcoming cold arctic air, reducing the likelihood of lasting snow cover. That doesn't mean there won't be the possibility of a nor'easter coming up the coast and dumping another monster snowfall. Here are some reminders: Great Blizzard of 1888, March 11-14: This storm crippled New Jersey and New York City and dropped 20 to 40 inches of snow across parts of New Jersey, accompanied by fierce winds. Advertisement Advertisement March 2-5, 1960: This storm brought 10 to 20 inches to most of the state, with North Jersey towns seeing up to 30 inches. March 12-14, 1993: This storm brought 10 to 20 inches of snow to most of New Jersey, with some northern areas receiving up to 30 inches. March 6-8, 2018, nor'easter: This storm caused over 322,000 customers to lose power statewide. Butler recorded 25.5 inches, while some areas in North Jersey received 18 to 20-plus inches. March 14, 2017, mid-March storm: This late-season storm dropped more than a foot of snow on parts of North Jersey. MLB 2026: When does Yankees spring training 2026 begin? Report dates, schedule Pitchers and catchers report. Spring is coming So what does all this mean? Take heart: Spring is coming, and some say it came two weeks ago. Others may argue it really begins on Thursday, March 26, 2026, when the Boys of Summer start their season. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Snow expected Sunday for North Jersey. Will temps rise? In nearly a dozen years delivering home heating oil, Roger Rose Jr. has never seen a winter like this: the cold, climbing over snow piled high and dragging a hose laden with oil over terrain where a path may or may not be cleared by the homeowner. Or in one word: brutal. If its six inches, its no problem, Rose, the lead driver at Spring Brook Ice & Fuel in New Britain founded in 1918, said. But when its high snowbanks and youre pulling the hose 150 feet, its challenging going around corners, going through fences, pulling to the middle of the house, its tough. Advertisement Advertisement Spring Brook and other independent heating oil suppliers in greater Hartford all say theyve had instances where theyve been unable to make a delivery. Then, a scramble ensues to figure out a fallback plan with the homeowner perhaps shoveling a path so a return visit can be made before the oil tank runs dry. One delivery attempt by Glastonbury Oil Co. was so stymied that the delivery hose had to be snaked through the front door of a breezeway and out a back door to reach the oil fill pipe. A snowstorm in late January dumped more than 20 inches of snow in some parts of Connecticut, ushering in a prolonged blast of frigid, arctic air. The snowfall was the most in nearly a decade but what made it particularly notable is the bitter, cold prevented any significant melting for two straight weeks. So not only is it tough to make some deliveries, but some consumers had the potential need for more oil than usual. Advertisement Advertisement It was kind of the perfect storm, Greg Stafstrom, Spring Brooks president, said. Theres persistent, cold weather so that the snow really hasnt gone away. Its right up to my house, your house or the driveway, whatever the case may be. Demand has certainly been much higher. During some of these cold spells, we see some homes that need a delivery more than once in a month, he said. Experts say a spike in demand also is pushing up home heating oil prices in Connecticut. According to the federal governments Energy Information Administration, the average price per gallon for heating oil in Connecticut was $4.083 as of Feb. 9, up 59 cents a gallon, or 15.5%, compared with $3.496 at the end of December. Advertisement Advertisement The EIA doesnt forecast by state but for the Northeast region, the agency expects households that heat with oil will now pay 9% more for heating this winter than in 2025, higher than previously expected. The higher heating oil prices come on top of consumers in Connecticut already paying among the highest costs for electricity in the nation. A survey of three state agencies the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Attorney General and the Department of Consumer Protection found less than a dozen complaints related to the surge in prices. The consumer protection department said it has received five of those complaints, and it will attempt to mediate between those consumers and their oil suppliers. That said, there has not been a declared state of emergency, DCP spokeswoman Kaitlyn Krasselt said, in an email. Price fluctuations that occur during the normal course of business do not constitute price gouging. Advertisement Advertisement For anti-price gouging statutes to kick-in, the governor would have to declare a state of emergency and, so far, that has not happened, officials said. Daytime temperatures have moderated a bit this week, rising into the 30s. But Gov. Ned Lamont extended the states severe weather protocol through Sunday. Simple high school economics At a time when the price for a gallon of regular gasoline averaged $2.90 in Connecticut last week, compared with $3.08 a year ago. according to AAA, the rise in home heating oil prices is eye-catching. Cold weather doesnt increase the demand for gasoline, Chris Herb, president of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, a trade group based in Cromwell, said. Cold weather has increased the demand for home heating oil. Advertisement Advertisement Herb, whose association represents 600 independent suppliers of heating oil, propane, gasoline and other products in Connecticut, said the demand for gasoline is fairly consistent on an annual basis in Connecticut. Outside of Covid, we sell 1.6 billion gallons of gasoline regardless if the price is $2 a gallon or $5 a gallon, Herb said. People drive to work, they drive to school, they drive to the hospital and that is very consistent. Heating fuel is entirely dependent upon the weather. So, if its a mild winter, we might consume 375 million gallons. If its a cold winter, we might consume 550-600 million gallons. This is going to be one of those years. Herb said the industry plans for an average winter, not a mild or a severely cold one. Advertisement Advertisement When demand increases, supplies are drawn down and its simple high school economics, the price rises, Herb said. The price rise, however, comes as the price per barrel of crude oil from which home heating oil is refined is down more than 40% from its most recent peak in June, 2022, according to Yahoo! Finance. The price per barrel for the benchmark Brent crude was $67.59 on Friday, compared with the peak of $116.23 in 2022, Yahoo! Finance reported. Experts like veteran oil industry analyst Tom Kloza, based in New Jersey, said he would have expected crude oil prices to be even lower say, between $50 and $60 a barrel if were not for escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stoking worries about supply disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has threatened military strikes if Iran does not agree to a nuclear deal. In Connecticut, Herb said he often gets asked about the falling crude prices in relation to rising home heating oil prices. Home heating oil is responding to a localized situation where demand is spiking, Herb said. Since late January, the harsh cold has has not only intensified demand for home heating oil but also natural gas and electricity. Power plants running on natural gas have been forced to switch to oil with tightening natural gas supplies, further fueling the growing demand for heating oil, Herb said. Like a fire drill In Cheshire, F.F. Hitchcock Co., a heating oil supplier with roots in Connecticut dating back to 1878, said the cold weather is catching some customers off-guard, especially those who call in for tank refills, rather than those signed up for automatic delivery. Advertisement Advertisement They all know its cold, John Bowman, Hitchcock vice-president overseeing heating oil and propane sales, said. We all know its cold, right? Windy and everything else. People are not expecting to go through as much oil or propane as they are. They are running their tanks to a point where now its becoming like where it was a routine delivery, now its an emergency because they are almost out. Thats sort of the challenge, Bowman said. Every day is like a fire drill. Were just running around trying to get to as many customer tanks as possible. Were definitely losing some efficiency that way because we are not sticking to our routes. Bowman said it is essential for customers who monitor their own oil levels to put in their orders well in advance of when they expect to run out. U.S. inventories of distillate fuels produced from petroleum, which includes home heating oil, fell by the most since 2021 when measured by barrels, the EIA reported earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Transporting that heating oil also has been disrupted along the Connecticut shoreline because harbors have temporarily frozen, forcing some home heating oil supplies to seek alternatives out of state, Herb said. Both New Britains Spring Brook and Cheshires Hitchcock said they have been largely insulated from those worries because they store large quantities of home heating oil at their depots. At Spring Brook, Jack Stafstrom, dispatcher and son of the owner, said there has been a surge of people in the last couple of weeks, calling about possible oil deliveries, even if they are typically customers of another oil supplier. Two weekends ago, we turned away 50 new customers, Stafstrom said last week. So, we simply had to serve our own customers first before we could take on any new business. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. The post These Wild Dolphins Use Sea Sponges as Diving Masks appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Some Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia use sea sponges as tools to protect their snouts while hunting hidden prey, a behavior known as sponging. Sponging occurs only in a small portion of the population and is concentrated in specific habitats, suggesting it spreads through social learning rather than instinct. Dolphins select and wear sponges while probing rough seafloor areas, gaining access to prey but facing trade-offs such as reduced close-range echolocation sensitivity. Researchers view sponging as an important example of cultural transmission and tool use in marine mammals, highlighting dolphin cognition and the need to protect Shark Bays unique ecosystem. Picture a dolphin diving toward the seafloor with something odd on its nose. It is not a shell or a fish. It is a sea sponge. The dolphin isnt playing; its using the sponge as a diving mask: a clear example of tool use in a marine species. Advertisement Advertisement In Shark Bay, Western Australia, some Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins use sponges as tools while they hunt. Researchers call the behavior sponging. The sponge acts like a soft shield as the dolphin probes sand and rubble for prey that hides out of sight. Only a small portion of the local population does this, and the behavior stays concentrated in certain parts of the bay. That pattern matters because it suggests the habit spreads through learning within social groups. Sponging is one of the best-known cases of tool use in a wild marine mammal. It also offers a window into how animals share skills across generations. Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in Shark Bay The dolphins known for sponging in Shark Bay are Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). This species lives mainly in warm, shallow coastal waters across parts of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. In Australia, they use bays, channels, and nearshore habitats where the seafloor offers many hiding places for fish. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have streamlined gray bodies and a curved dorsal fin. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins live in shallow coastal waters and are known for flexible behaviors like sponging. RMMPPhotography/Shutterstock.com (RMMPPhotography/Shutterstock.com) Their snout, called a rostrum, is shorter than the snout of some other bottlenose dolphins. They usually travel in pods that change size and membership over time. These dolphins are highly social. They communicate with whistles and clicks, and they also use body signals such as leaps, tail slaps, and gentle contact. Their flexible behavior helps them adjust to changing conditions. It also makes it easier for new foraging habits, like sponging, to start and persist in a population. Shark Bays Seafloor Sets the Stage Shark Bay sits on the western coast of Australia and includes broad shallow waters, seagrass meadows, sandy flats, and rocky areas. That mix creates many microhabitats. Some spots have soft sand where prey can burrow. Other areas contain shells and rubble where fish can wedge themselves out of reach. Long-term research in Shark Bay has tracked individual dolphins and their family ties for decades. This type of monitoring helps scientists link behaviors to specific animals instead of guessing from brief sightings. Advertisement Advertisement In Shark Bay, sponging does not show up at random across the whole region. It occurs mainly in certain channels and substrates where probing the bottom can pay off. That geographic pattern makes it easier to study how the behavior is learned and who uses it. It also hints that local ecology shapes whether sponging is worth the effort. What Sponging Looks Like Underwater Sponging begins with a dolphin selecting a marine sponge from the seafloor. The dolphin breaks it free and fits it over the tip of its rostrum. The sponge covers the snout like a thick glove. With that protection in place, the dolphin dives and pushes its nose into sand, gravel, or shell fragments. It sweeps side to side and probes crevices to flush out prey. When the dolphin detects movement, it may drop the sponge, grab the fish, and then pick the sponge up again. Dolphins use marine sponges like this one to protect their snouts while searching the seafloor for hidden fish. Ogurtsov/Shutterstock.com (Ogurtsov/Shutterstock.com) Some dolphins use the same sponge across multiple dives, at least until it breaks apart. The technique allows dolphins to search places that can be risky for an unprotected rostrum. Sharp shells, abrasive rock, and stinging organisms can cause pain or injury. The sponge reduces that damage. In return, the dolphin gains access to prey that other dolphins may skip. Why a Sponge Helps in Rough Habitat A dolphins rostrum looks tough, but it is sensitive. It contains nerves that help the dolphin sense contact, vibration, and subtle movement. That sensitivity helps during hunting, yet it can also raise the cost of digging through harsh substrate. Sponging works because the sponge is soft and compressible. It absorbs impacts and creates a buffer between the dolphins skin and sharp surfaces. It can also reduce contact with spines or stinging animals that lie buried. Advertisement Advertisement That protection changes how a dolphin can use its body during foraging. Without a sponge, a dolphin may avoid pushing its rostrum deep into rubble or shell beds. With a sponge, the dolphin can probe longer and with more force. Over time, fewer scrapes may mean fewer infections or less tissue damage. The sponge does not make the dolphin invulnerable, but it lowers the risk enough to make a difficult hunting niche possible. Echolocation Trade-Offs and How Dolphins Adjust Dolphins use echolocation to explore the world. They produce clicks and interpret the returning echoes. This helps them detect prey, map nearby objects, and navigate in low visibility. When a sponge covers the rostrum, it can change how sound moves near the tip of the snout. The signals can become muffled or less precise in the exact area the dolphin is probing. That creates a trade-off. Dolphins adapt their behavior underwater by combining echolocation with slow, careful movement near the seafloor. iStock.com/Michelle de Villiers (iStock.com/Michelle de Villiers) The sponge protects the rostrum, but it can also reduce sensory detail at close range. Sponging dolphins appear to compensate through behavior. They make repeated dives in small zones and use careful head movements near the bottom. They may rely more on repeated probing and close inspection once prey is disturbed. That adjustment takes practice. It also helps explain why sponging is not widespread. A tool that protects the body but complicates sensing can be hard to master. The dolphins that learn it gain access to prey that may be harder for others to reach. Learning the Skill Through Social Teaching Sponging is not an instinct that every calf performs automatically. Instead, it spreads through learning. In Shark Bay, researchers have found strong evidence that sponging is primarily passed down from mothers to offspring, though some males and non-maternal social learning have also been documented. Calves spend years close to their mothers, and that long childhood creates many chances to observe. Advertisement Advertisement A young dolphin can watch how its mother selects a sponge, how she positions it, and how she searches the ocean floor. Calves also practice. Early attempts can look clumsy. The sponge may slip off, or the calf may drop it too soon. Over time, the calf improves and starts to use the tool more smoothly. This kind of learning is called cultural transmission. It means information spreads through social contact rather than through genes alone. Cultural transmission can create local traditions. In Shark Bay, it helps explain why sponging clusters in certain family lines and stays concentrated in particular habitats. Why Most Spongers Are Female In Shark Bay, most identified spongers are female, although recent studies have also documented male spongers. Scientists propose several reasons. Female dolphins often remain in more stable home ranges compared with males, which can make a specialized local technique more useful. Sponging also takes time. It involves slow, detailed hunting rather than quick chases. Male dolphins may spend more time traveling and building alliances with other males. Mother dolphins can pass specialized foraging behaviors like sponging to their calves through close learning. wildestanimal/Shutterstock.com (wildestanimal/Shutterstock.com) Those social demands can reduce the time available to refine a difficult foraging method. Another factor is learning style. If the behavior passes mainly from mother to calf, and daughters stay closer to their mothers range, daughters may have more opportunity to learn and keep using the technique in the same habitat. Sons may disperse more or shift their focus to other strategies. Together, these factors help explain why the behavior remains more common among females in this population. Costs, Benefits, and a Narrow Niche Sponging has clear benefits, such as reduced competition. A sponger can access prey hidden in substrates that other dolphins may avoid. That can matter in habitats where food is patchy. Sponging may also provide a more reliable option when other prey types are scarce. Advertisement Advertisement This behavior also carries real costs. Sponging can be slow and energy demanding. A dolphin may spend long periods probing and making repeated dives. The sponge can also reduce sensory sharpness at close range, which may require extra effort to locate prey. Learning the technique can take years, so a calf needs time and repeated exposure. These costs help explain why only a small part of the population becomes spongers. The behavior seems to work best in specific environments within Shark Bay. If the habitat changes, the balance could shift. The fact that the behavior persists suggests that, for those dolphins, the payoff remains high enough to justify the effort. A Cultural Lens on Ocean Life The image of a dolphin wearing a sponge is more than a surprising sight. It highlights a key point about animal behavior. The ocean contains not only species but also learned traditions. In Shark Bay, sponging persists because dolphins live long lives, raise calves over many years, and maintain strong social bonds. Those conditions allow information to pass from one generation to the next. Sponging also shows how ecology and culture interact. A tool becomes useful in a specific habitat, and social learning helps the technique spread within certain lines. Over time, the behavior becomes part of the local way of life. Paying attention to these patterns changes how people think about marine animals. Dolphins are not only reacting to their environment in the moment. They also draw on learned knowledge that can shape how they forage, where they spend time, and how they survive. When researchers study behaviors like sponging, they gain insight into how animal societies store information and adapt to complex environments. The post These Wild Dolphins Use Sea Sponges as Diving Masks appeared first on A-Z Animals. A woman accused of using a students information to make threats against an Ohio school is in custody. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Colleen May, 37, has been charged with a felony count of making a terrorist threat after confessing to sending multiple emails, according to the Marysville Police Department. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The department received a report on Thursday, Feb. 12, from the Union County Clerk of Courts office of a suspicious email sent to its office. The email made generalized statements about threats to a school, but no specific building was identified, the department said. Officers located a possible address for the alleged sender and responded to South Marysville. While on scene, officers were told of a second email received by Marysville Schools containing similar statements. Marysville Police determined both emails were sent from the same account, the department stated. Officers identified May as the suspect. She also admitted to allegedly using a students information to try to hide her identity and cover up additional possible crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives executed a search warrant and arrested her, the department said. Online jail records indicate that May is in the Tri-County Regional Jail. Bond has been set at $250,000. The incident remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed, police said. Mays next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 23. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a woman in the public lobby of the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin early Saturday. Dequita Grace Harrell, 36, of Oakland was found unresponsive in the women's restroom in the jail lobby around 5:25 a.m., the sheriff's office said. Deputies rendered lifesaving measures and summoned emergency medical personnel, but she was declared dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Harrell was believed to be at the jail awaiting the release of an incarcerated person, and this is not considered to be an in-custody death, the sheriff's office said. While there were no signs of foul play, Harrell's official cause of death will be determined by a forensic pathologist, said the sheriff's office, which notified her next of kin. This article originally published at Oakland woman dies in visitor lobby of Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. The woman whose dogs killed San Francisco woman Diane Whipple has been denied parole for the third time. Marjorie Knoller will be 73 when she is eligible for parole again. Few cases have shocked San Francisco like the mauling that took place at 2398 Pacific Avenue on Jan. 26, 2001. Just a few days shy of her 34th birthday, Whipple was returning home from the grocery store when she was attacked by two Presa Carnarios owned by their neighbors, lawyers Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller. Around the apartment building, the massive and aggressive animals had gained the nickname "dog of death." Advertisement Advertisement Whipple was so badly mauled that almost all of her body was covered in wounds by the time anyone could help her. She died of her injuries, and Noel and Knoller were taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder. The case only got stranger from there as the lawyers' strange personal life spilled into the public: They were taking care of the dogs on behalf of their client, a 38-year-old member of the Aryan Brotherhood serving a life sentence. In addition to taking in his dogs, the attorneys adopted the adult felon. Police said they believed they were selling attack dogs to drug dealers. Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller wait to present their case in a vicious dog trial that determined the fate of their dog Hera on Feb. 13, 2001 in San Francisco. Hera was eventually put down. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Emotions in the Bay Area were so high around Whipple's death that the case had to be moved to Los Angeles. Noel, who was not present at the time of the attack, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Knoller, who was with the dogs when Whipple died and did not call 911, was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Noel died in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Since being incarcerated, Knoller has repeatedly been denied parole. On Thursday, she came before a California parole board for the third time. Sharon Smith, Knoller's longtime partner, spoke at the hearing, expressing her belief that Knoller should remain incarcerated. "She has never offered a sincere apology," Smith said, according to the Bay Area Reporter. "She has never demonstrated genuine insight into the decisions that led to this tragedy." For a third time, Knoller was ruled an "unreasonable risk to public safety" by the board. She'll be eligible again for parole in February 2029. More News - La Nina is fading as El Nino appears: Here's what Calif. can expect - California skier dies at Tahoe ski resort - Calif. college's foundation admits unauthorized use of $20M gift - Locals outraged as court OKs Skunk Train's eminent domain request Sign up for daily SFGATE breaking news alerts here. This article originally published at Woman whose dogs killed Diane Whipple denied parole. Five employees were rescued from Colgate Powerhouse after a high-pressure pipe burst Friday, releasing a torrent of water and debris into Yuba County's main hydroelectric facility. The mile-long pipe carries water from New Bullards Bar Dam to the powerhouse, which is situated on the banks of the Yuba River. Just before 3 p.m. Friday, the pipe suffered a "catastrophic failure" that sent water rushing downhill from the pipe and into the facility, the Yuba Water Agency said. Advertisement Advertisement A technical rescue team from the Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit was dispatched to the scene. At 5:38 p.m. Friday, the team was using drones and helicopters to search for one missing person, Cal Fire officials said. By 6:03 p.m., the person was rescued by a helicopter and transported to a local hospital. The person remained hospitalized Saturday, Yuba Water said in a weekend update. The agency said it was working to determine the cause of the break and minimize the environmental impact on the Yuba River. "Right now, we're focusing on doing everything we can to prevent any additional debris from entering the Yuba River and continuing to secure the site ahead of forecasted rain tomorrow," said Yuba Water Agency General Manager Willie Whittlesey. One person remained hospitalized Saturday after a ruptured pipe flooded Yuba County's New Colgate Powerhouse the day before. (Cal Fire) The agency has been upgrading its pipe system since September. According to a project timeline on its website, Yuba Water planned to install a new protective valve on the pipe and "begin to slowly return the flow of water" this week. Advertisement Advertisement New Bullards Bar Dam remained stable Saturday, Yuba Water said. There was no risk of downstream flooding related to the incident, but authorities urged members of the public to avoid the site. This article originally published at Workers rescued after burst pipe floods Northern California power plant. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Dozens of people gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland on Saturday to join a global day of action involving thousands of people across the world protesting the Iranian government. Baby food recalled due to possible health risk The citizens of Iran have been protesting their countrys regime for nearly two months now. There have been thousands of Iranians, young people, kids have been killed by the Islamic regime. And, unfortunately, the world has been quiet. And this is the reason we are on the street, said protester Gazelle Rahmani. Advertisement Advertisement Saturdays protest was organized to show international solidarity for the Iranians fight for freedom and human rights. 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. The grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore will be livestreamed globally with sign language interpretation, making the event accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The livestream that starts at 6 pm today will continue till 6 am tomorrow. It will also be available in 23 Indian and international languages, enabling people from around the world to participate in this night of immense spiritual significance, as per the press release. The event will be streamed through LIVE satellite feeds in 23 languages - in English, 11 Indian languages - Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Assamese, Odia, Kannada, Bangla, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and 11 foreign languages - Nepali, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Italian, Romanian, Arabic, Indonesian and Vietnamese. The Chief Guest for Isha Mahashivratri 2026 will be Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Other distinguished dignitaries expected to attend include Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Several other dignitaries, spiritual leaders and artists from across the country are also slated to be part of the mega celebration. Themed "Ganga", this year's Mahashivratri will focus on the spiritual, cultural and ecological significance of the sacred river. The night-long event will feature powerful meditations guided by Sadhguru, vibrant music and dance performances, and live acts by leading Indian artists. Renowned performers scheduled to take the stage include Aditya Gadhvi and Prashant Sonagra. Collaborations with Sounds of Isha (SOI) will see performances by Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Harish Sagane and Dhol Tasha. Swagat Rathod, Prithvi Gandharv, Aishwarya Nigam and Deepali Sahay will also join Sounds of Isha for special musical offerings. Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for devotees to deepen their connection with Yogeshwara Linga. Millions of people from all over the world registered for the free offering, as per the press release. (ANI) UPDATE: 2/15/26 @ 3 p.m.: MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A spokesperson for West Virginia University has told 12News that the eight people police were searching for have been identified. ORIGINAL STORY (2/15/26 @ 10:30 a.m.): MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Police on West Virginia Universitys campus are asking for the publics help in identifying eight people. According to a Facebook post from WVU Safety and Wellness, the universitys police department is asking the public for help identifying eight people who are wanted for questioning in connection to a case. Courtesy: WVU Safety and Wellness The university is encouraging anyone with any helpful information to contact the WVU police department by calling 304-293-3136 or to submit an anonymous tip via the LiveSafe app. 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 WBOY.com. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described proposals for Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk Oblast without a fight as dangerous, noting that, in his view, Russia's real ambitions still extend beyond control of this region. Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy said the Russian side is persuading the United States that if Ukraine independently withdraws its troops from Donbas, peace will come as soon as possible, insisting that this is effectively their only demand. Advertisement Advertisement "I think that they never had another goal than only occupation of Ukraine. Minimum what they want [is] Donbas, Donetsk region, but 100% [of the territory ed.], to sell this like a victory to their society, maybe even not to their society [...] but I think maybe to himself," Zelenskyy said, adding that Russian leader Vladimir Putin can "sell" any decision to the Russian public. He emphasised that Ukraine cannot simply leave its own territory in exchange for other sovereign territories where thousands of people live. "It's a historical mistake that nobody answered to Putin directly in 2014. In 2014, his army came without uniforms. It means that he was afraid because in 2022, he came in uniform, in tanks, [with] armoured vehicles, missiles etc. [...] If we give him this opportunity to feel this victory, we don't know what he will do next," Zelenskyy said, noting that he conveyed these arguments to the United States. He also highlighted that even with potential US or other forces present in a hypothetical neutral zone, no one could fully control what would happen in territories not under Ukrainian control. Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We saw what happened in Afghanistan. I'm not comparing these things, but I think that if Putin wants to come and occupy us, and if they provoke something, to my mind, there is a big chance that the people who will stay there maybe not Americans, I mean somebody else I think that they can go out. In this case, Putin will provoke; of course, not by themselves they will go out, but he will provoke, and they will go out. What will be? [There] will be a big occupation of Ukraine, a lot of losses." Background: Zelenskyy also expressed hope that the negotiation process involving the US and Russia on a potential end to the war will not slow down due to changes in the Russian negotiating team. New talks on Ukraine are planned in Geneva, where Russia intends to send Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky. Recently, Rustem Umierov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, revealed the composition of Ukraine's delegation for this meeting. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Indian Army released Bhairav, a short film voiced by Amitabh Bachchan, showcasing the Bhairav Battalions and their role in protecting national security. Taking to the official handle of Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), the Indian army exprerssed gratitude and wrote, "With profound gratitude to Shri Amitabh Bachchan for lending his iconic voice for the film." https://x.com/adgpi/status/2022988718806794646?s=20 The release coincided with Maha Shivratri, a symbolic choice as Bhairav is regarded as a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with protection and the destruction of evil. The Bhairav Battalion is positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units. The battalion was raised to meet modern warfare requirements to provide a quick and precise offensive solution against enemies' threats to the nation. The unit has been raised as part of the Army's recent restructuring, drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor. Taking to X, Big B called it an honour to get associated with it, "For the brave warriors of the army - #Bhairav .. an honour and a privilege to be associated," he wrote. https://x.com/SrBachchan/status/2023011522017124676?s=20 Bhairav, the latest Special Force raised by the Indian Army- is being readied to tackle the challenges of modern warfare, as all operatives are capable of handling drones and use them in real operations for targeting bases and formations inside enemy territory. The Bhairav battalions raised by Army Headquarters with lessons from global and own conflicts in mind, have been created to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations to carry out the Special Forces tasking at multiple levels as per requirements.The Indian Army has raised around 15 of these battalions already, and they have been assigned to different formations on both borders and have plans to raise around 25 of them in total in the near future. The Bhairav battalions would also bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces and the regular Infantry battalions. The Bhairav would also be tasked to carry out Special Operations at tactical to operational depth. (ANI) New Delhi: Indias foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 6.711 billion to USD 717.064 billion in the week ending February 6, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The decline came after the countrys forex reserves had touched a record high of USD 723.774 billion in the previous week. The drop in reserves during the reported week was mainly due to a sharp fall in gold reserves, even as foreign currency assets (FCA) the largest component of forex reserves increased. According to RBI data, foreign currency assets rose by USD 7.661 billion to USD 570.053 billion, while gold reserves declined by USD 14.208 billion to USD 123.476 billion. Despite the weekly decline, Indias forex reserves have remained on an overall upward trend in recent weeks. RBI data shows that the countrys reserves have increased by around USD 56 billion so far in 2025. In comparison, foreign exchange reserves rose by just over USD 20 billion in 2024, while India added about USD 58 billion in 2023, following a decline of around USD 71 billion in 2022. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source After its latest monetary policy review earlier this month, the RBI said that Indias foreign exchange reserves are sufficient to cover more than 11 months of merchandise imports, indicating a strong external position. The central bank also noted that the external sector remains resilient, and India is well-placed to meet its external financing requirements. Foreign exchange reserves are assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies such as the US dollar, euro, Japanese yen, and pound sterling, along with gold and other reserve assets. The RBI uses these reserves to manage liquidity and stabilise the rupee, typically buying dollars when the rupee strengthens and selling them during periods of depreciation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated the new campus of the Indian Institute of Management Guwahati (IIM Guwahati) to the nation. The inauguration was held virtually in the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati, with the aim of expanding higher education and management studies in Assam and the Northeast. The Union Cabinet has sanctioned 555 crore for setting up the temporary campus, building the permanent one, and running the institute for its first five years. With its launch, the Indian Institute of Management Guwahati becomes the 22nd IIM in India and the second in the Northeast, following the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. Honble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the academic session of IIM-Guwahati today, marking a milestone for Assams education landscape. The session began at the transit campus at Tech City, Bongora, spread over 6410 sq m, as the first step toward the pic.twitter.com/SFPWJCKiGQ Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) February 14, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The programme in Guwahati signified a significant move towards widening access to top-tier management education in Assam. The institute will begin operations from a temporary campus, admitting students as construction continues on its permanent premises. The Centre has projected the new IIM as a key driver for developing managerial expertise, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting research in the Northeast. The initiative is also expected to reduce the outflow of students who previously had to relocate to other regions for premier management education. In addition to the academic development, the Prime Minister inaugurated a data centre at Amingaon in Kamrup district. The facility is aimed at reinforcing digital governance by hosting vital state and central government applications. Built with robust infrastructure and secure systems, it will serve as a disaster recovery centre to maintain uninterrupted public services. Officials noted that the two inaugurations form part of a wider strategy to align educational advancement with digital modernization. By investing simultaneously in a management institution and critical IT infrastructure, the government seeks to expand youth opportunities while upgrading administrative efficiency across the region. Together, these initiatives reflect continued efforts to integrate the Northeast more deeply into Indias broader growth trajectory through sustained investments in knowledge-based institutions and technology-driven governance. The Government of Delhi, led by Rekha Gupta, has undertaken a landmark initiative to issue an Aadhaar for every parcel of land in the Capital. Under this initiative, each land parcel will be assigned a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN). This step forms part of the governments commitment to modernising Delhis land records and freeing citizens from long-standing land disputes. The system is also referred to as Bhu Aadhaar. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the system as highly beneficial, stating that it is not merely a number but a powerful digital instrument against corruption and land disputes. She further emphasised that the initiative represents a decisive step towards realising Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis vision of Digital India on the ground. Delhi Government to work in Mission Mode Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Rekha Gupta elaborated that the need to implement this system in Delhi had long been felt. The scheme originates with the Government of Indias Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Land Resources, and is particularly significant for the national capital. According to the Chief Minister, although the Central Government introduced the scheme in 2016, it could not be implemented in Delhi as envisaged due to various reasons. It is now being taken up in mission mode. The responsibility for implementation has been entrusted to the IT Branch of the Revenue Department, which will also receive support from the Survey of India. Effective in Resolving Land Disputes The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive benefits of the Bhu-Aadhaar system, stating that it will ensure complete transparency in land ownership. The 14-digit code will be georeferenced, thereby minimising disputes over land boundaries. It will facilitate coordination of land data among various government departments and effectively curb fraudulent transactions and multiple registrations. For citizens, the greatest benefit will be ease and convenience. Instead of navigating multiple documents to establish land ownership, a single number will provide comprehensive details of the property. Use of Advanced Technology The Chief Minister informed that advanced technology is being deployed for the implementation of this scheme. Approximately 2 terabytes of high-quality geospatial data and drone-based Ortho Rectified Images (ORI) are being obtained from the Survey of India. Through this data, accurate ULPINs will be generated for all areas of Delhi, including 48 villages already covered under the SVAMITVA scheme. Earlier, 13.207 million had been allocated for the project, with financial management overseen by the IT Branch. The government will now expand the system across Delhi in a phased manner under a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with defined timelines. As proof of success, a pilot project has already been completed in Tilangpur Kotla village in West Delhi district, where 274 ULPIN records have been successfully generated. Advancing the Honble Prime Ministers Digital India Vision: CM Smt. Rekha Gupta Describing the initiative as immensely beneficial for Delhi, the Chief Minister reiterated that the ULPIN system is a major step towards implementing the Digital India vision of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the ground. She stated that the Prime Ministers vision is to ensure that the benefits of technology reach the last person in society in a transparent manner, and Bhu Aadhaar is a significant stride in that direction. According to her, the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised that integrated and modern land records form the foundation of a developed India, ensuring security of property for citizens and striking directly at corruption. The Delhi Government, following this vision, remains committed to securing every citizens land and making it dispute-free. An Effective Tool Against Corruption and Land Disputes The Chief Minister further emphasised that the Delhi Government is committed to safeguarding the property rights of every citizen in the capital. Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN) is not merely a number; it is a powerful digital instrument against corruption and land disputes. She noted that often, poor and middle-class families invest their lifetime savings in purchasing land, only to become entangled in legal disputes due to unclear records. The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number will eliminate this uncertainty. It will function as an Aadhaar for land, ensuring a complete digital account of every inch of land. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead India's delegation to the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, sources confirmed to ANI. This high-level presence signals India's commitment to strengthening ties with the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government after its landslide victory in the 2026 elections, following Sheikh Hasina's ouster, despite PM Modi receiving an invitation he won't attend due to prior engagements. India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman. He will be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri: Sources pic.twitter.com/azqtiTwmXz ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The BNP, securing 209 seats, marks a major shift with Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, returning from 17 years in exile to lead, while Jamaat-e-Islami took 68 border seats opposite West Bengal. Amid concerns over Siliguri Corridor security and TMC fencing delays, Modi's post-win call to Rahman reaffirmed bilateral peace and progress. Bangladesh invited leaders from 13 nations, including Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif, China, and Saudi Arabia. The oath at the National Parliament's south plaza, overseen by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, underscores the constitutional transition post-Awami League ban and 59.44% voter turnout. Bangladesh PMs swearing-in clashes with a scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. BNP foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir described the outreach as a goodwill gesture to prioritise regional diplomacy. The region is important to us, he told WION. It is an important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman to make this region an influential region. Ties between Dhaka and New Delhi soured after Sheikh Hasina's government fell amid 2024 student-led protests, forcing her into exile in India and paving the way for Muhammad Yunus's interim rule. Earlier, PM Modi made a congratulatory call to Rahman after the election results showed New Delhi's support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly sent flowers and sweets to Bangladesh Prime Ministerial candidate and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman following his party's landslide victory in the recent general elections. According to Bangladesh's state-run news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the gifts were received by BNP media cell member Atiqur Rahman Ruman at the party chairman's political office in Gulshan. Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Tarique Rahman, his party, and other political stakeholders on the BNP's significant victory in the parliamentary elections. In a post on X, she extended her best wishes to the people of Bangladesh and extended greetings ahead of Ramadan. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In a post on X, she wrote, "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 be well and happy. Wish that our relations with Bangladesh are always cordial." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed hope that relations between India and Bangladesh would remain good and cooperative. Major political shift in Bangladesh The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on February 12, marked a major political shift in the country. This was the first national election since the massive protests of 2024 that led to the ouster of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, secured a landslide majority in the elections, while the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the principal opposition bloc. With this victory, Rahman is set to take office as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His swearing-in ceremony will take place on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Invitations sent to 13 countries for Bangladesh PM swearing-in ceremony Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the interim government, has reported that he has invited leaders from 13 countries to attend the swearing-in ceremony. According to media reports quoting Prothom Alo, this list includes India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation, he is unlikely to travel to Dhaka for the ceremony due to prior engagements. Reports suggest that he may attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 with French President Emmanuel Macron. Although there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding its representation at the event, it is expected that India may send a senior official in place of Prime Minister Modi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with France's Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin, in Bengaluru on February 17, as per an official release by the Ministry of Defence. The meeting will review the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration, the release stated. During the dialogue, a defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years. An MoU on a joint venture for the manufacturing of Hammer missiles is also likely to be signed in the presence of both Defence Ministers. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source An announcement is expected regarding the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. The two Ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka, the release noted. Defence has traditionally formed an important pillar of the India-France relationship. The strong bilateral ties were reflected in 20242025 through a series of high-profile exchanges. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, and the French President attended the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest. The recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership marked a significant step in deepening engagement with European nations. Military-to-military cooperation has been increasing, with India and France regularly conducting three major exercisesExercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force)as well as several other engagements. This will be Catherine Vautrin's first visit to India since assuming office as the French Defence Minister on October 12, 2025. The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is a structured ministerial-level bilateral meeting that reviews and guides defence and security cooperation. The 5th edition of the dialogue was held in France on October 1113, 2023. Donald Trump's administration keeps claiming India pledged to stop buying Russian oil in exchange for tariff cuts and a trade deal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeating this at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. On the same stage at the Munich Security Conference, EAM S Jaishankar reaffirmed Indias commitment to strategic autonomy, even as the Congress-led Opposition accuses Narendra Modis government of buckling under pressure, amid US claims on Russian oil cuts. India and the US are finalising details of a trade deal after President Trump announced a framework on February 2, confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Trump administration has lifted the 25% tariff imposed as a penalty for India's Russian oil purchases amid the Ukraine war, and his Executive Order explicitly states Delhi agreed to stop buying it. India has neither confirmed nor denied this claim so far. The trade deal framework states that the remaining 25% reciprocal tariff will drop to 18% once a formal Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) is finalised. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeated the claim about Russia at Munich on February 14, but used the word additional as a possible caveat for now; he was discussing US sanctions amid European pressure to end the Ukraine war. In our talks with India, we got their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil, Rubio stated at the Munich Security Conference. The word "additional" in Rubio's statement could theoretically mean current Russian oil orders already in process remain unaffected, though no final clarification exists yet. Reuters and other reports indicate Indian firms, including state-owned ones, are already avoiding Russian oil purchases set for April delivery. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his session with German minister Johann Wadephul, did not confirm US Secretary Marco Rubios claim. Instead, he stressed that Indias energy policy follows market forces, a position consistently held by his ministry and the government. Where energy issues are concerned, this is today a complex market. Oil companies in India, as in Europe and elsewhere, look at availability, cost, and risks, and take decisions that serve their best interests, Jaishankar said. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning initiated a massive search operation across nearly 21 different locations based on specific intelligence regarding extremist activities. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Maharashtra ATS launched extensive searches across the districts of Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar. Based on specific intelligence regarding extremist elements, the ATS has been conducting raids since Sunday morning at approximately 21 different locations.These operations include searches at 14 sites within the Pusad and Umarkhed areas of Yavatmal, along with seven additional locations in Ahilyanagar, as the squad continues its investigative sweep.In January, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Idhu Islam, a close associate of Chhangur Baba, from Nagpur in connection with its investigation into an alleged religious conversion racket operating in the state.The operation was carried out by a joint team of local police and the Maharashtra ATS and UP ATS. As per the statement, Idhu Islam played a key role in managing funds and logistics for the conversion network.In October last year, in a major development in the ongoing probe into the Pune ISIS module case, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), along with the Pune police, conducted extensive searches across multiple parts of the city.According to a press statement issued by Maharashtra ATS, "In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in C.R. no. 7/2023 of ATS, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), Maharashtra state, Mumbai, on 09/10/2025, conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of 19 suspected individuals in the areas of Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari."The case was linked to the arrest of several individuals accused of being part of a sleeper ISIS module operating in Maharashtra. The suspects were reportedly involved in radicalisation, recruitment and fabrication of explosive devices as part of a larger terror conspiracy.During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune police conducted simultaneous searches to uncover digital evidence, documents, and communication devices possibly linked to the module's network. ATS took a few suspects into custody for questioning. No official confirmation has been made yet regarding any fresh arrests or seizures. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met and interacted with the Municipal Councillors of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, Kerala. CM congratulated them on creating history in Kerala and appreciated the trust reposed in the BJP by the people of Kerala to serve the Municipal bodies in the state. He said that this mandate is a testament to the fact that the message of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Antyodaya is reaching the last mile in Kerala. He shared the Government of Goa's key initiatives in municipal governance, including our waste management practices and municipal area development works, and exchanged views on strengthening urban infrastructure and citizen-centric administration. He extended his best wishes for a successful, impactful and people-oriented tenure in the service of the residents of Thiruvananthapuram. On X, he wrote, "Pleased to meet and interact with the Municipal Councillors of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, Kerala. Congratulated them on creating history in Kerala and appreciated the trust reposed in the BJP by the people of Kerala to serve the Municipal bodies in the state. This mandate is a testament to the fact that the message of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Antyodaya is reaching the last mile in Kerala. Shared the Government of Goa's key initiatives in municipal governance, including our waste management practices and municipal area development works, and exchanged views on strengthening urban infrastructure and citizen-centric administration. Extended my best wishes for a successful, impactful and people-oriented tenure in the service of the residents of Thiruvananthapuram." Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, and the Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Raja Iqbal Singh welcomed 115 newly elected Kerala councillors at the New Delhi Railway Station. Speaking to the media, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, VV Rajesh, said, "The victory in Kerala is the result of the 45 years of dedicated fight against communism... The local body election victory in Kerala will reflect in the upcoming assembly elections." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an X post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Lord Shiva's blessings, stating that the deity's divine grace brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation. "To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keep His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Union Minister Nityanand Rai also prayed at the Pataleshwar Temple in Hajipur on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The devotees turned out in large numbers at the Sangam ghats on Sunday to participate in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela. The administration has implemented strict security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrol squads actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to arrive for the sacred dip. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said that Mahashivaratri marks the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, drawing a massive influx of devotees. He informed that around 10 lakh people have already taken the holy dip so far. In addition to Prayagraj, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann paid obeisance at the revered Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple and performed Pooja at the historic Siddh Peeth, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and continued progress for Punjab and the nation. Greeting people at the festival, the AAP Chief described Mahashivratri as a civilizational celebration rooted in Indias ancient spiritual tradition and prayed that Lord Bholenaths grace always remain upon every citizen. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to preserving and promoting the states rich spiritual and cultural heritage for future generations. He underscored that from commemorating the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji to celebrating the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, Punjab continues to honour its glorious legacy with pride and devotion. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Sharing a few snippets from the puja on X, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated: On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, I had the privilege of offering prayers at Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dhuri along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The divine energy of Mahadev brings peace to the mind and renewed strength to the spirit. May Lord Bholenaths blessings always remain upon all of you, and may the nation and Punjab continue to progress and prosper. Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: On the occasion of Maha Shivratri today, I paid obeisance and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at Shri Rankeshwar Temple in village Ranike, constituency Dhuri, along with AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Incharge Manish Sisodia. I prayed for the prosperity of the nation, peace and harmony, and enduring brotherhood among all. May Lord Shivas blessings always remain upon everyone. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, We paid obeisance at Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev temple and prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state. They further said, On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, we performed Pooja at Siddh Peeth and extend our good wishes to all. Highlighting the essence of the festival, they said, Maha Shivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth that leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomized by Lord Shiva. They added, The festival lays stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony. Emphasizing the cultural importance of the occasion, Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, This is an important festival known as one of the cornerstones of the great Indian civilization. They added, Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev is regarded as a revered Siddh Peeth in the Malwa region of Punjab. Explaining the spiritual legacy of such sites, they said, Historically, Siddh Peeths are considered sacred places where intense penance and spiritual practices were performed, leading to divine manifestation. Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, Such places hold immense importance in our tradition because they are believed to be spiritually energized through centuries of devotion and tapasya. They added, This temple is traditionally associated with the Mahabharata period, particularly with Arjunas penance to please Lord Shiva. Elaborating further, they said, It is believed that after severe tapasya, Lord Shiva appeared before Arjuna and blessed him with divine weapons, the Gandiv Dhanush. Linking the shrine to Indias epic heritage, Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, This connection links the shrine to one of Indias greatest epics, giving it deep mythological and historical resonance. They added, Sri Ranakeshwar Mahadev represents this continuity of Shaivite devotion in the Malwa belt. They further said, This sacred place stands as a reminder that Punjabs cultural identity has been shaped by multiple layers of spiritual history. Emphasizing the broader significance of the festival, they said, Mahashivratri is not merely a religious observance but a civilizational festival rooted in ancient tradition. Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, The festival commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and symbolizes spiritual awakening and self-discipline. They added, Celebrating Mahashivratri at such a historically significant Tapasthali reinforces the continuity of age-old customs and faith practices. They further said, Annual celebrations at Sri Ranakeshwar Mahadev help preserve it as a living heritage site rather than a forgotten monument of the past. Underscoring the cultural continuity of the shrine, Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, This sacred place reflects centuries-old devotional practices that have been passed down from one generation to another. They added, The continuity of rituals demonstrates how faith traditions adapt over time while maintaining their core essence, and it is an important part of the regions intangible cultural heritage. They further said, Such events strengthen regional identity and social unity in the Malwa area and bring together people from different walks of life under a shared spiritual and cultural banner. Highlighting the state governments commitment towards preserving heritage, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said, The state government is already working hard to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state amongst younger generations. They added, The state government has already commemorated the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji in an unsurpassed manner. They further said, It is now all set to celebrate the 650th parkash purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji also in an unprecedented manner. Concluding, they said, The state government wants to ensure that our coming generations are made aware of the rich cultural heritage of the state. While the world focuses on regime change in Dhaka, with the recently concluded Bangladesh election. The elections also highlighted the rise of Islamists, handing 68 seats to Jamaat-e-Islami in border districts from Satkhira to Rangpur, opposite West Bengal's vulnerable frontier, the Siliguri Corridor's security hangs in balance, fueling fears of radical consolidation and illegal immigration towards a "Greater Bangladesh." With the West Bengal Elections around the corner and political parties speeding up their campaigns, the Bangladesh elections ignited a larger fear around the border areas. When your neighbor's house is on fire, wet yours. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The famous English idiom When your neighbor's house is on fire, wet yours stands true with respect to the upcoming West Bengal elections. One cannot ignore the rise of Jammat in the constituencies sharing a border with West Bengal. A big security worry has grown along India's eastern border with Bangladesh. In Bangladesh's 2026 elections, Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats in border areas from Satkhira to Rangpur, right across from West Bengal's sensitive zones. This threatens the Siliguri Corridor, India's key link to the Northeast, demanding that India needs stronger border fences and watchfulness. BJP acusses West Bengal's TMC government of slowed down land handover to BSF for fencing, even after the Calcutta High Court ordered quick action for national safety. Ahead of the 2026 polls BJP in West Bengal demanded the governments full support for the BSF, finish fencing fast, stop all infiltration, and put security first, not votes. The rising risk of Islamists in West Bengal? After the Bangladesh elections concluded BJP West Bengal wing shared an infographic on their official X handle, highlighting the rising risk of Islamists along the Bangladesh-West Bengal border. While the world watches Dhakas regime shift, a serious consolidation has emerged along Indias eastern frontier. In Bangladeshs 2026 elections, 68 seats across border districts have gone to Jamaat-e-Islami, forming a continuous arc from Satkhira to Rangpur, directly opposite pic.twitter.com/PcAQOUnwTC BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 15, 2026 The infographic warns about new security risks for India due to political changes in Bangladesh after its 2026 elections. It shows a map where Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical Islamist group, won 68 seats in Bangladesh border districts from Satkhira to Rangpur, forming a red-shaded continuous strip right opposite West Bengal's sensitive areas. On India's side, red marks Muslim-heavy districts like Murshidabad and Malda, while green shows others with maximum BSF presence; this highlights how these wins create instability risks near the Siliguri Corridor, India's vital link to the Northeast. It also notes minority funding in Bengal jumped 1,731% recently, suggesting growing tensions from radical influences across the border that could boost infiltration if not checked by stronger fencing and vigilance ahead of West Bengal's 2026 polls. India-Bangladesh ties: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the country's next Prime Minister on Tuesday. Notably, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has extended an invitation to the leaders of 13 nations, including India, China, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet of Bangladesh is set be held on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Also Read- EXPLAINED | Friends or foes? What would Tarique Rahman's govt in Bangladesh mean for Pakistan Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Invitation to attend oath ceremony The list of invited countries so far includes India, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, according to ANI, Prothom Alo reported. Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party's inclusive foreign policy vision "friends to all, malice to none". Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us." Will PM Modi attend Tarique Rahman's oath ceremony? French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on February 16 during his upcoming visit, and he will meet Prime Minister Modi on February 17. Following their meeting, PM Modi and the French President will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. Thus, it appears unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Bangladesh for Tarique Rahmans oath ceremony, though there has been no official confirmation yet. However, New Delhi may instead send a senior official to attend the ceremony. Bangladesh election results The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on February 12, 2026, and it marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Meanwhile, following the victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the BNP held a press conference post-elections, and Tarique Rahman, on Saturday, emphasised that Bangladesh's foreign policy will prioritise the nation's interests, stating "people come first," including in relations with India. (with ANI inputs) New Delhi: Maha Shivratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be observed on February 15, 2026, with immense devotion and spiritual fervour across India. Temples are expected to resonate with the powerful chant of Om Namah Shivaya as devotees gather to offer special prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival falls on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. This holy night symbolises Lord Shivas cosmic Tandava, representing destruction, transformation, and renewal, and is regarded as a time for spiritual awakening, introspection, and divine blessings. Also Read | Mahashivratri 2026 celebrations: PM Modi extends wishes as devotees flock to temples nationwide Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Raashii Khannas Devotional Tribute to Lord Shiva Marking the auspicious occasion, Raashii Khanna offered a heartfelt musical tribute to Lord Shiva, surprising fans with her soulful rendition of Shiv Kailashon Ke Waasi. Sharing the devotional bhajan on social media, she penned a heartfelt note, On this divine day, I offer Shiv Kailashon Ke Waasi as my prayer to Mahadev, sung from a place of faith, surrender, and gratitude. A dream close to my heart, I share it with you as an offering, with the hope that it brings calm, strength, and blessings. Har Har Mahadev. Also Read | Happy Maha Shivratri 2026: 100+ wishes, messages, quotes, and images to share with your loved ones A Flourishing Professional Journey Even as she marks Maha Shivratri with this spiritual offering, Raashii Khannas professional journey continues to scale new heights. She will next be seen in an untitled project alongside Akshay Kumar and in Ustaad Bhagat Singh opposite Pawan Kalyan. She is also part of Farzi Season 2 with Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi, Talakhon Mein Ek alongside Vikrant Massey, and the thriller Bridge co-starring R. Madhavan. New Delhi: Mona Singh became a household name through her popular work in the television industry and is now receiving widespread appreciation for her performances in Border 2 and Kohrra season 2. She is regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed actors in the industry today, but not many are aware of her deeply personal connection to the story she portrays on screen. While Mona has been earning praise for playing a faujis wife in Border 2, in real life, she is a faujis daughter. The actress played Sunny Deols wife in the film and recently opened up about why she chose to be a part of the project. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mona Singhs father is a war hero Mona Singh is the daughter of a veteran of the 1971 IndiaPakistan war. She grew up moving from city to city due to her fathers postings and once dreamed of becoming an air hostess. She even appeared for an air hostess interview and secured a visa before deciding to pursue acting. The actress revealed that she felt an instant emotional connection with the script and knew she had to be part of the film. I am a faujis daughter and my dad fought in the 1971 war, she said. She further explained that a key moment shown in the film where Sunny Deols character steps into a minefield, closely mirrors her fathers real-life experience. They stepped on a mine. My father, Jasbir Singh, lost his foot. So the determination, the resilience, the fear, the anxiety, the pathos and the pain that Simi Kalers character carries I think I had already lived all of that because of my father, Mona shared. She also spoke about what families go through during wartime, saying wars are not fought only by soldiers at the borders but also by their families waiting behind the frontlines. Calling Border 2 a tribute to soldiers like her father, Mona said being part of the film felt like an ode to him and to the sacrifices of countless military families. The actor also praised director Anurag Singh, describing the experience of working with him as a privilege. She highlighted that directors who understand the value of silence and pause in storytelling are rare. About Border 2 Set against the backdrop of the 1971 IndiaPakistan war, the emotionally charged film features a powerful ensemble cast headlined by Sunny Deol. The cast also includes Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahaan Shetty. The film has been produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta, and Krishan Kumar. New Delhi: A video is circulating widely on social media in which Rajpal Yadav is seen thanking Salman Khan, triggering speculation about whether the actor has been released from Tihar Jail in connection with the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. In the viral clip, Rajpal is heard calling Salman Khan a constant source of support. This has led to widespread assumptions online that Salman may have helped him secure bail in the ongoing debt case. BIG NEWS: RAJPAL YADAV IS OUT OF JAIL Rajpal Yadav is reportedly out of jail now, and soon after his release, he thanked Salman Khan for his support. He said: Salman Bhai is like a brother to me. There are very few people like him in our industry he is always helping pic.twitter.com/IPu3THWx1N CineAlpha (@CineAlpha1) February 14, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source What did Rajpal Yadav say in the video? In the video, Rajpal can be heard saying, Salman bhai bade bhai ki tarah hain. Salman bhai ke saath aaj baith kar andar se bahut khushi mehsoos hoti hai, while praising the superstar for helping people in the industry. When reporters ask him about relief, he adds,Sach mein relieved mehsoos kar raha hoon. The timing of the clip led many users to believe it was recent. One user wrote, @BeingSalmanKhan thank you for helping him. Another commented, Fake news, he is still in jail, this is an old video. A third clarified, Its an old video. He is still in jail. Check the facts before sharing. Is Rajpal Yadav released from jail? No. Rajpal Yadav is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. The video going viral is from an earlier period when he was released after serving jail time in 2018. At that time, the actor had spent around three months in jail after being convicted for failing to repay a Rs 5 crore loan taken to finance his film Ata Pata Laapata. The case involved bounced cheques and proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Later, the Delhi High Court granted him time to repay the debt, but he failed to meet the deadlines. Rajpal Yadavs cheque bounce case Rajpal Yadav surrendered on February 5, 2026, following Delhi High Court orders. The court had earlier directed him to surrender to Tihar Jail authorities on February 4, 2026. Rajpal sought more time, but his plea was dismissed. The next hearing on his bail plea is scheduled for February 16. Several Bollywood actors, including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Varun Dhawan and Sonu Sood, have reportedly helped him financially in the past to clear parts of his debt New Delhi: Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who is rarely active on social media, recently shared major updates about his upcoming projects. The actor is gearing up for the release of two mega films Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana with Sai Pallavi and Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War featuring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. During an Instagram Live session, Ranbir confirmed that the rumours about Love & War being postponed are true. However, he did not reveal the exact release date of the film. As per the earlier plan, Love & War was initially slated for an August 2026 release. Recently, reports suggested that the romantic period drama had been delayed. Ranbir confirmed that the film has now been moved to either late 2026 or early 2027, and that Ramayana will release before Sanjay Leela Bhansalis directorial. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Ranbir said during the Instagram Live on February 14 that his next release will be Ramayana: Part 1, scheduled to hit theatres on Diwali in October 2026. He also mentioned that Love & War is now eyeing a December 2026 or early 2027 release window. Earlier in January, Pinkvilla reported that Love & War was heading towards a 2027 release, citing that a significant portion of the shoot was still pending. The report added that heavy VFX work and the editing of aerial action sequences had ruled out a 2026 release. However, the postponement of Love & War will help avoid a box-office clash with Yashs Toxic and Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar 2, both slated for release on March 19. Ranbir was last seen in Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal in 2023. Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming projects The actor has an exciting lineup ahead, including Brahmastra 2 and Animal Park. The sequel to Animal is expected to go on floors mid-next year. Ranbir also said he would be happy to return with a sequel to Rockstar if director Imtiaz Ali comes up with a new story for his character, Jordan. New Delhi: The announcement of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on November 3, 2025 has triggered a major question among lakhs of central government pensioners will retirees up to December 31, 2025 be included in the upcoming pension revision? The uncertainty intensified after the Finance Act, 2025 validated existing pension rules, fuelling speculation that the government could differentiate between old and new pensioners. Now, the Ministry of Finance has cleared the air by sharing its position in Parliament. Key question raised in Lok Sabha In the Lok Sabha, a member directly sought clarity on the issue, asking: Whether the Central Government pensioners who have retired on or before 31st December, 2025 are likely to be covered for revision of their pension under the 8th Central Pay Commission? The query was part of a wider set of questions aimed at understanding whether the government plans to treat pensioners differently based on their retirement date and how the 8th CPC will address such concerns. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Pankaj Choudhary, Minister of State for Finance, clarified the governments stand in the Lok Sabha, stating that the 8th CPC has been mandated to make its recommendations on Pay, Allowances, Pension, etc. of the Central Government employees." He also highlighted that The Part-IV of Finance Act, 2025 has validated the existing Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules and principles governing pension liabilities and does not alter or change existing Civil or Defence pensions." In simple terms, the Finance Act has not created any new distinction among pensioners. 8th Pay Commission process already underway The government informed Parliament that the 8th Central Pay Commission was officially constituted through a resolution dated November 3, 2025, along with its Terms of Reference (ToR). As per the notification, the Commission has been given 18 months from the date of its formation to submit its recommendations and is expected to review pay, allowances and pensions of central government employees. While the final recommendations are still awaited, the formal constitution of the Commission signals that the process is now in motion. What it means for pre-2026 retirees Going by the governments reply in Parliament, there is no sign that those who retired before January 1, 2026 will be left out. The 8th CPC has clearly been asked to review pensions, and existing pension rules remain unchanged for now. That said, the finer details such as the revision formula, fitment factor or parity benefits will only become clear after the Commission submits its report. For the time being, pensioners who retired on or before December 31, 2025 can draw some reassurance from the fact that pension revision is firmly within the 8th CPCs mandate. Govt launches portal to gather public feedback The government has opened a new channel for central government employees and pensioners to share their views on salaries, pensions and allowances. A dedicated website for the 8th Pay Commission https://8cpc.gov.in/ has gone live following the Commissions formal constitution. Through this platform, the panel is inviting feedback from ministries, departments, employees, pensioners and other stakeholders. According to details on the website, the 8th Central Pay Commission is seeking suggestions and inputs to support more informed recommendations. To streamline responses, an 18-question online questionnaire has also been made available on the MyGov portal. New Delhi: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said the government would encourage the creation of charitable institutions to fund affordable housing, particularly for the Low-Income Group (LIG) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), as banks and financial institutions have shown limited interest in financing housing in this segment. Speaking at the NAREDCO Conclave 2026, Khattar said funds for such initiatives could be mobilised through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, which could help generate financing for housing projects aimed at poorer sections of society. He added that the ministry is also considering the creation of a dedicated fund to revive stalled housing projects from the pre-RERA period, allowing promoters and homebuyers to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. The minister also indicated that the government is working on a policy framework to support development in around 700750 slum settlements in and around the National Capital Territory (NCT). If implemented, the proposal could provide a major boost to affordable housing in the region. On the issue of land availability, Khattar said cheaper land may not be feasible for affordable housing projects, but cross-subsidisation models could be explored if consensus emerges among stakeholders. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source During the event, Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, suggested that unused land parcels in city centres with long-vacant buildings could be identified using tools such as Google Maps and repurposed for housing projects. He also said the government is examining the feasibility of rental housing initiatives, after which policy decisions may follow. NAREDCO Chairman Niranjan Hiranandani said that while the government has taken several steps to prioritise housing in the economy, further policy measures are needed to increase the real estate sectors contribution by 2047. He also emphasised the need to promote rental housing projects at scale to support people who cannot afford to purchase homes. At the conclave, NAREDCO President Parveen Jain and Minister Khattar released a knowledge report prepared by KPMG and NAREDCO, outlining a roadmap for the real estate sector aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision. Speaking in Hyderabad, Owaisi expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to completely dismantle the terror infrastructure sponsored by neighbouring Pakistan. Owaisi said, "On this day, 14th February 2019, terrorists attacked in Pulwama, resulting in the loss of forty CRPF soldiers' lives. We remember them and express our condolences to the brave soldiers who were killed. I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will uproot terrorism that is being sponsored by our neighbouring country." Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks when as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on February 14, 2019. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was caused by a suicide bomber, according to a local news agency. India launched a series of counter-terror operations, including airstrikes at terror camps in Pakistan. (ANI) Pakistan's media is calling its new army chief a mullah. It is claimed that General Asim Munir is very connected to religion. He is the first such army chief. Those who remember Quran completely. Asif Munir is being discussed more about his religious knowledge than military service. After three straight days under Israeli fire, Iran stands bloodied but defiant. Over 240 Iranians, including several senior military officials, have been killed since the bombardments began. But what followed has jolted the region. Iranian missiles are now landing deep inside Israeli cities of Tel Aviv, Haifa and beyond, bringing a scale of destruction Tel Aviv has never faced in a direct state-to-state exchange. India AI Impact Summit 2026: The India AI Impact Summit, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam from February 1620, positions India front and centre as a key global player in Artificial Intelligence. The Summit is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI. It aims to move beyond high-level discussions and deliver tangible outcomes that support economic growth, social development, and the sustainable use of AI. This years Summit will serve as an impact-focused global forum, shaping AI into measurable outcomes across economies. It aligns with the national vision of Welfare for All, Happiness for All and the global principle of AI for Humanity. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen Praises Indias Vision Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said India has consistently demonstrated what is possible when ambition meets imagination. India has always shown what's possible when imagination meets ambition. I commend Honourable Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of Electronics and IT for their visionary leadership in organising the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit in the Global South. It reflects our shared commitment to harnessing the transformative power of AI to drive inclusive growth, unlock human potential, and create a sustainable future. At Adobe, we are proud to lead the way in developing commercially safe creative AI, supporting the vision of a Viksit Bharat and empowering everyone to create, he said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US. Raj Koneru: AI Will Transform How Humans Live Raj Koneru, Founder and CEO of Kore.ai, said AI represents more than just technological transformation and that India will play a pivotal role in its evolution. I have been a tech entrepreneur all my life, and I have never seen technology like AI before. We have seen the internet, the cloud, and mobile revolutions, but AI is more than transformation it will fundamentally change the way humans live. India has a pivotal role in this process. With its strong digital infrastructure, enormous human talent pool, and supportive government, India is poised to provide AI solutions to the world. We recognised this early and built Kore.ai from India nearly a dozen years ago, creating a world-class AI platform. I am excited to be at the India AI Summit along with other business and technology leaders to exchange ideas, he said in a video message shared by the Indian Embassy in the US. Indias rapid adoption of AI is opening new pathways for innovation and inclusive growth across sectors. As technology evolves, the country is advancing workforce readiness for an AI-driven economy while ensuring broad participation across regions and socio-economic groups. Vinod Khosla Highlights AIs Potential for Inclusive Services Vinod Khosla, Founder of Khosla Ventures, said he looks forward to discussions on how AI services can benefit Indian citizens, particularly underserved communities. The AI Summit in India is an exciting opportunity to talk about the benefits of AI. AI is a transformational force, especially for the bottom half of the population that has limited access to the knowledge economy. It can provide services such as healthcare and education in local languages and at accessible levels. This is a massive opportunity, and I look forward to discussions about how AI services can empower the Indian population, especially those with the least resources, he said. Strengthening Indias Role in the Global AI Agenda The India AI Impact Summit 2026 strengthens Indias position as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. Google Android 17 Beta 1 Update: Google has released the Android 17 Beta 1 update for Pixel devices, marking an important step in its new Android Canary strategy. The update continues Googles focus on improving privacy, security, and performance. Android 17 will pay special attention to tablets and foldable phones, making apps run better on larger and flexible screens. Google is also changing how new updates reach developers, replacing the old Developer Preview with a continuous Canary channel. This release brings major updates for large-screen apps, a new developer release schedule, and tools to enhance camera and media performance. This year, Android 17 skips the usual Developer Preview phase. Instead, it launches directly as a beta, after months of testing through the always-on Canary channel. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Google Android 17 Beta 1 update: Expands privacy, security, and large-screen support The Android 17 update brings improved privacy and security controls, giving users clearer insights into how apps access sensitive data such as location, microphone, and camera. For media and camera apps, professional-grade tools have been added, including seamless transitions and standardized loudness. The update also supports the Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standard. The audio framework now limits background audio interactions, including playback, audio focus requests, and volume changes, improving overall app behavior. Android 17 introduces interface refinements, with smoother system animations and improved notifications and quick settings. With API level 37, Google enforces stricter rules for large-screen devices (smallest width 600dp). Custom notification views now have size restrictions to reduce memory usage, closing a loophole that previously allowed apps to bypass limits using URIs. These changes apply to apps targeting API 37 or higher. Android 17 improves large-screen support by requiring all apps to follow orientation and resizability rules. This ensures better scaling, layouts, and usability on tablets and foldable devices, providing a smoother and more consistent user experience across bigger screens. Google Android 17 Beta 1 update: Compatible Devices The Android 17 Beta 1 update is available for a wide range of devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. How to download Android 17 Beta on Pixel Phones Step 1: Go to the Android Beta Programme website and sign in with your Google account. Step 2: Select your eligible Pixel device and opt into the beta programme. Step 3: On your Pixel phone, open Settings > System > Software Update. Step 4: Tap Check for updates to see if Android 17 Beta 1 is available. Step 5: Download and install the update once it appears on your device. After installing Android 17 Beta, your device will get future beta updates automatically over the air (OTA). Keep in mind that beta software may have bugs or stability issues, so its best suited for developers or advanced users, not primary devices. India AI Impact Summit 2026: New Delhi is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together world leaders, technology executives and policymakers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The event is being described as the first major international AI summit hosted in the Global South. Several heads of state and government are expected to participate. French President Emmanuel Macron will attend during his fourth visit to India and will also take part in the joint inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit with a large business delegation. Finlands Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Slovakias President Peter Pellegrini, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are also scheduled to attend. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will join ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Other expected leaders are representatives from Bhutan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and several other nations. Strong industry participation The summit will also see major participation from global technology companies. A large US delegation organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and the US-India Business Council will include more than 120 senior executives from over 100 companies. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen and FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam will co-lead the industry delegation. White House adviser Michael Kratsios will head the official US government delegation. Executives from companies such as Microsoft are also expected to take part. (Also Read: India AI Impact Summit 2026: Google, Nvidia, and Anthropic CEOs to Join; How to make registration; Check dates, venue, timings, fees, and event timeline) Focus on Indias AI Vision At the summit, India will present its IndiaAI Mission, including 12 indigenous foundation models developed by domestic startups and research institutions. These models are trained on Indian datasets and support 22 official languages. The event will also feature the AI Impact Expo, covering 70,000 square metres, showcasing applications in areas such as agriculture, education and healthcare. With a fast-growing digital economy and a large internet user base, India aims to position itself as a key player in shaping responsible and inclusive AI development globally. Maha Shivratri 2026 Wishes: Maha Shivratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be celebrated on February 15, 2026, with deep devotion across India. Temples will resonate with the powerful chant of Om Namah Shivaya as devotees offer special prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is observed on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. This holy night symbolises Lord Shivas cosmic Tandava, representing destruction, transformation and renewal. On this auspicious occasion, devotees observe strict fasts, perform night-long prayers and seek blessings to honour the sacred union of Shiva and Parvati. As spiritual celebrations intensify, technology is also transforming the way people share festive greetings. From AI-generated Lord Shiva images to personalised Maha Shivratri wishes and WhatsApp messages, artificial intelligence helps create meaningful and customised content within seconds. In this article, we have crafted 10 powerful AI prompts using ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Grok and Meta AI to help you design unique greetings, devotional messages and share-worthy images on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook for Maha Shivratri 2026. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Try THESE AI Prompts From ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Grok and Meta AI ChatGPT Write a heartfelt Maha Shivratri 2026 message for my family, including blessings from Lord Shiva for health, success and peace. Keep it spiritual, warm and under 80 words. Add one Sanskrit shloka with meaning Create 5 short and powerful Maha Shivratri 2026 WhatsApp status messages with emojis. Tone should be devotional and positive. Include one line about the significance of Lord Shivas Tandava. Google Gemini Generate a high-resolution digital artwork of Lord Shiva meditating on Mount Kailash under a full moon on Maha Shivratri night. Add glowing Om Namah Shivaya text in elegant golden font. Style should be divine and realistic. Design a Maha Shivratri 2026 greeting card for my parents with soft blue and saffron tones, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati illustration, and a personalised blessing message wishing them prosperity and good health. Grok Write 7 trendy Instagram captions for Maha Shivratri 2026 blending spirituality and modern vibes. Keep it short, impactful and suitable for reels. Create a bold and vibrant Maha Shivratri 2026 poster concept with cosmic background, Shivas Trishul silhouette and glowing typography saying Har Har Mahadev. Make it suitable for sharing on X and Instagram Meta AI Create a devotional Maha Shivratri 2026 Facebook post with a serene image of Lord Shiva, temple bells and diya lights. Include a 60-word emotional message for friends and relatives. Generate a 30-second Maha Shivratri audio greeting in Hindi with calm background mantra music and a blessing message invoking Lord Shivas grace for success and positivity Pakistan's security forces face fresh criticism over claims of enforced disappearances, with at least seven people reportedly missing from Panjgur and Karachi. A student is among the missing, which is increasing worry for families who have dealt with similar disappearances before, according to The Balochistan Post. The report further states that residents described a recent raid in Pulabad, a locality of Panjgur, where armed personnel carried out house searches and detained at least six people. Eyewitnesses said the individuals were transported to unknown locations. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Locals named two victims as Inayat and Rasheed, though other identities remain unverified. Zulfiqar, a 23-year-old from Tasp and son of Hameed, was reportedly grabbed from a marketplace on February 13. Locals claim men from a state-backed armed group, known as a death squad, took part. Since then, relatives have heard nothing about his fate. Another worrying case is Zakir Noor, a Panjgur student allegedly picked up in Karachi on December 30, 2025. The Baloch rights group Paank, which tracks such cases, says security personnel grabbed him without legal documents or charges. Noor hasn't contacted his family since then, raising fears he was moved to a secret detention center where many face torture or worse, as noted by The Balochistan Post. Paank warns that secret detention puts people at great risk and breaks international rules against random arrests. Activists note it mostly hits students and young men who move to big cities for school or jobs. The Pakistan authorities haven't responded to the claims yet, according to The Balochistan Post. Pakistan has been under the global lens recently with the increased Balochistan attacks by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA ) militants in late January 2026, killing dozens, surging enforced disappearances like those in Panjgur and Karachi, and Pakistani military counter-operations claiming over 200 insurgents killed. (with ANI inputs) A local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj was allegedly set on fire in the early hours of Saturday, just days after the partys landslide victory in the February 12 general election, local media reported. The incident occurred around 3:45 am at the Shimulia Bazar area, according to Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shabzel Hossain, as cited by The Daily Star. Unidentified miscreants reportedly smashed a window of the office and threw petrol or similar substance inside before igniting the blaze. Police have identified two individuals as suspects, and an investigation is underway. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mansur Mia, president of the Rupganj union Jubo Dal, said construction of the office began about a month ago and was completed just a week earlier. He noted that party leaders and activists remained at the premises until midnight on Friday, and the fire broke out in the early morning hours. According to The Daily Star, local residents helped extinguish the flames, though furniture and other items inside the office were damaged. We suspect it was a petrol bomb. Otherwise, the fire would not have spread so quickly, Mansur Mia said. Amid speculation over the motive behind the attack, Upazila BNP General Secretary Bashir Uddin Bacchu suggested that members of rival political groups may have been responsible. OC Shabzel Hossain said local BNP leaders are preparing to file a formal written complaint. Necessary legal action will be taken following investigation once a complaint is lodged, he added. The arson incident comes shortly after the BNP, led by Chairperson Tarique Rahman, secured a decisive majority in the 300-seat parliament during the February 12 election. The vote marked the first general election since the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. Voter turnout was approximately 59%, positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Following the announcement of results, the BNP acknowledged a congratulatory message posted on X by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party thanked Modi for recognising Rahmans leadership and reiterated its commitment to democratic values, inclusivity and progressive development, while expressing hope for constructive engagement with India. Modi had earlier extended his warm congratulations to Rahman on X, noting the peoples trust in his leadership and expressing Indias support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh, along with hopes of strengthening bilateral ties. Amid the political transition, the newly elected BNP-led government is scheduled to take oath on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders from 13 countries, China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony, according to Prothom Alo. BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan said on Saturday that he hopes Modi will receive an invitation. He highlighted the partys inclusive foreign policy of friends to all, malice to none, describing it as a matter of general courtesy to include regional leaders in such ceremonies. With inputs from ANI... Washington: Offering a glimpse into the scope of his network, wealth and the elite people who moved within his orbit, the US Department of Justice has released more than 3 million pages of documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files are gradually revealing how he leveraged his fortune and connections to operate a sprawling sex trafficking network that targeted dozens of underage girls over a decade. Epstein was a financier who rose to wealth and influence despite never completing a university degree. He began his career teaching mathematics and physics at the Dalton School in Manhattan before moving to Wall Street. Following a regulatory violation, he left Bear Stearns and launched his own financial management firm, which served ultra-rich clients. In this process, he developed ties with prominent politicians, business tycoons and academicians across the world. He met Ghislaine Maxwell in 1991, and she became his intimate associate and primary coconspirator in his criminal enterprises. Mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law on November 19, 2025, the recent release was intended to make all unclassified records concerning Epstein and Maxwell public within 30 days. Of 6 million pages identified by the Department of Justice, 3.5 million have now been released, including 180,000 images and 2,000 videos. These files comprise emails, text messages, internal investigative reports, financial records, flight logs and FBI interview summaries. All of these are organised into 12 separate datasets. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Datasets 1 through 8 primarily include FBI interviews and police reports from Palm Beach in Florida, documenting the period between 2005 and 2008. Dataset 9 houses private emails between Epstein and high-profile individuals and internal Department of Justice correspondence about the 2008 non-prosecution agreement that granted immunity to Epstein and several coconspirators. Dataset 10 contains heavily redacted photographs and videos seized from Epsteins properties. Dataset 11 includes financial ledgers, flight manifests to Epsteins private island and property seizure records. Dataset 12 contains supplemental materials that require detailed legal review. Compared to other large-scale investigations and leaks, the Epstein files rank among the most extensive in history. His criminal history stretches back to 2005 when the Palm Beach Police Department began investigating allegations that he had molested a 14-year-old girl. The FBI later identified 36 minor victims. In 2007, federal prosecutors prepared an indictment containing 60 counts, but Epstein received a secret non-prosecution deal granting immunity to himself and coconspirators. He later pleaded guilty to just two state charges, served under 13 months in a minimum-security facility and was allowed work release for 12 hours a day. He was a registered sex offender, and subsequent allegations continued to surface. His arrest in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York brought the decades-old case back into the spotlight, only for Epstein to be found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019. The death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging. Maxwell, his longtime associate, was later charged, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in recruiting underage girls for abuse. Epsteins private island, Little Saint James, purchased in 1998 for $8 million, served as the epicenter of his trafficking operations. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the island offered extreme isolation and became the focal point of the investigation. He later bought Great Saint James, a neighboring larger island. In 2023, both islands were sold to billionaire Stephen Deckoff for $60 million. Epstein also owned multiple other properties, including a Manhattan townhouse sold for $51 million, a ranch in New Mexico, a Palm Beach estate demolished in 2021 and a luxury Paris apartment. The Department of Justice also documents also map Epsteins inner circle, revealing the roles of prominent persons who helped manage his finances, coordinate logistics and facilitate access to victims. Ghislaine Maxwell, Jean-Luc Brunel, Darren Indyke, Richard Kahn, Harry Beller and Lesley Groff are among those named. Some of them are now deceased or convicted. Other high-profile persons such as Les Wexner also played a financial role, with Epstein holding power of attorney over his fortune. The files name numerous prominent individuals, though inclusion does not automatically imply criminal involvement. Among those referenced are US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Richard Branson, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and royalty, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Documents include emails, photographs and correspondence detailing interactions with Epstein over several decades. Other individuals mentioned span business, politics and media, including Peter Mandelson, Steve Bannon, Noam Chomsky, Deepak Chopra, Ariane de Rothschild, Sergey Brin and Norwegian officials like Thorbjorn Jagland and Mona Juul. While many of these persons maintain that their interactions were limited to professional or social contexts, the files highlight the extraordinary reach and influence Epstein wielded over global elites. As investigators, journalists and the public sift through this immense trove, the Epstein files continue to illuminate the vast networks of wealth, power and exploitation that allowed his crimes to persist for years. The documents offer both a detailed record of Epsteins operations and a reminder of how privilege and access shielded him for so long. Several European nations have accused the Russian government of poisoning and killing opposition leader Alexey Navalny with a rare and lethal toxin derived from South American dart frogs. Russian authorities have denied the allegations and dismissed them as Western propaganda. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, timed to coincide with the Munich Security Conference, the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands stated that laboratory analysis of samples taken from Navalny's body "conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine." Epibatidine is reportedly a toxin found in poison dart frogs and otherwise absent from Russia. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to ANI, Al Jazeera reported that this marked a dramatic escalation in international condemnation of Moscow's treatment of its most prominent Kremlin critic. The governments claimed that their findings leave no "innocent explanation" for the chemical's presence. "The UK, Sweden, France, Germany, and the Netherlands are confident that Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a lethal toxin," the statement said, asserting that Moscow had the "means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison". Russia's reply to European nations Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said she would comment once the test results are publicly disclosed, a step that has not yet occurred. Meanwhile, European nations say their findings show that his death was not a natural result of ill health but the consequence of deliberate poisoning. ANI reported that the governments announced they would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for breaching the Chemical Weapons Convention, a move that could deepen diplomatic rifts and trigger formal international scrutiny. Who was Navalny? Navalny was a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, who built his reputation campaigning against corruption and authoritarian rule. He died in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, 2024, while serving a 19-year sentence. Navalny's death shocked global audiences in 2024, and at the time, Russian authorities claimed he died after becoming ill following a walk, insisting his death stemmed from natural causes. (with ANI inputs) Also check- US-Iran likely to hold nuclear deal talks on Feb 17 in Geneva Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Saturday expressed condolences after one person was killed when part of the metro pillar collapsed in Mumbai. One person was killed, and three others were injured on Saturday after a concrete slab from an under-construction Metro Line 4 pillar collapsed onto an auto-rickshaw and a car in Mumbai's Mulund area. Following the incident. Shaina NC emphasised the urgent need to maintain rigorous safety standards at construction sites to prevent such fatal accidents. Speaking to ANI, she said, "The Mulund incident has been tragic to say the least. First and foremost, shradhanjali (tribute) to Ramdhan Yadav, who was visiting Mumbai as a tourist from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. We pray that Bablu Yadav and Mahendra Yadav recover as soon as possible. The Mumbai fire brigade, the local police, the metro authorities, the ward staff, the 108 ambulance, all were rushed to the spot for the rescue and relief operations. That said, heads must roll. We need transparent, accountable practices. If there is a shoddy contractor who has not done his job, he needs to be blacklisted." "As Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have asked for the probe, they have also announced 5 lakh rupees for the family. But it's not a question of money; the deceased can never be compensated. We have to see how we maintain safety standards so that such accidents do not happen," Shaina added. On Saturday, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) reported. "Part of the metro pillar collapsed near Johnson & Johnson Company, LBS Road, Mulund (W) today 12.20 pm. During construction, a part of the cement metro pillar collapsed and fell onto a rickshaw. Mumbai Fire Brigade, Police, Metro staff, Ward staff, and 108 Ambulance services are present at the spot. 3-4 people in an auto-rickshaw likely injured," the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Other injured individuals have been identified as Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), who is in a critical condition, Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52), and Deepa Ruhiya (40), who are in stable conditions. (ANI) Bangladesh did not wake up to a revolution. It woke up to a reckoning. The 13th parliamentary election has been widely cast as a dramatic comeback for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which returned to power after 15 years in opposition during Sheikh Hasinas rule. The scale of the victory is undeniable. But the story beneath the headlines is more measured. This was not a tidal wave of popular enthusiasm. It was a calculated outcome shaped by frustration, local networks and the unforgiving maths of first-past-the-post (FPTP). To grasp why the BNP prevailed, one must first discard the easy claim that this was a squandered Jamaat moment. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) won 68 seats, while its broader alliance secured 77 in total, far surpassing its previous best of 18 seats in 1991. For a party long pushed to the margins, that is a historic advance. Pre-election chatter about its growing appeal was not misplaced. The numbers bear that out. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Yet FPTP is ruthless. Rising vote share does not automatically convert into the 151 seats needed for control in a 300-seat parliament. This election followed the mass uprising that forced Hasina from office in August 2024. But the poll itself did not carry the energy of an ideological rupture. There was no sweeping realignment across class, region and gender. No single national mood surged behind one banner. What unfolded was closer to a conventional election, albeit with sharp deviations and heightened stakes. Most party loyalists stayed largely where they were. It was swing voters who tipped the balance. In certain districts, anger at BNPs local leadership led to temporary defections many drifting towards Jamaat or the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP). The anger was palpable. After 5 August, BNPs grassroots machine faltered badly. In district after district, small-time leaders were accused of corruption and extortion. In rural bazaars and on the edges of expanding towns, resentment simmered. Voters were not merely disappointed; as many put it in tea stalls and union parishad courtyards, they were really, really pissed off. That fury explains Jamaats surge. A segment of BNPs base and a meaningful slice of floating voters were drawn to what was marketed as an honest alternative. But drift is not destiny. The BNPs organisational depth, built over decades, did not collapse. Even after losses at the margins, its base remained broader than Jamaats. Crucially, its nomination strategy was canny. While Jamaat often fielded lesser-known but ideologically reliable candidates, the BNP relied on seasoned figures, men with entrenched name recognition and dense informal networks. In rural Bangladesh, that matters. Urban, educated voters may be moved by calls for ethical governance and moral renewal. For them, an incorruptible candidate promises a reset. But many rural voters operate within patronage systems that are practical rather than abstract. An MP is not simply a lawmaker; he is a conduit for jobs, welfare support, security and mediation. Honesty alone does not guarantee access. Familiarity does. This created a clear dilemma. Disgust with BNP excesses tempted many to switch sides. Where Jamaat presented a well-known local figure, some did. Elsewhere, voters faced unfamiliar candidates whose integrity they could not test and whose party offered little beyond moral branding. In those contests, uncertainty favoured the known quantity. They chose the devil they knew. Jamaat also narrowed its own path. Its uneasy messaging on womens rights, shifting between reassurance and dog whistles, failed to persuade large numbers of female voters. This matters in a country where women have steadily expanded their role in the workforce, education and microcredit networks. Any party unable to articulate a credible commitment to gender equality will struggle to build a national majority. More costly still was Jamaats attempt to soften or reinterpret its stance during 1971. The Liberation War remains Bangladeshs moral foundation. Efforts at revision unsettled voters well beyond secular circles. Even conservative households drew firm boundaries around that history. The prevailing sentiment was blunt: one may forgive; one does not forget. None of this erases Jamaats achievement. Seventy-seven seats represent a breakthrough, powered by disciplined organisation and amplified by BNPs own local missteps. In tightly fought FPTP contests, a shift of a few percentage points can flip dozens of constituencies. Jamaat executed effectively in Rajshahi, Khulna and Rangpur, where its networks are strongest. But regional precision is not the same as national breadth. Support varied sharply across class, age, gender and education levels. That is not the pattern of a wave election. Without uniform momentum, translating growth into a parliamentary majority under FPTP is exceedingly difficult. Hovering over the contest was the residual strength of the Awami League (AL). Commentary often focused on a presumed hardcore vote of 5 to 7 per cent. Yet beyond that sat a larger bloc, perhaps 20 to 25 per cent, either undecided or discreet about their preferences. Their behaviour proved decisive. Field research and polling suggested many non-core AL voters leaned towards the BNP. Not out of ideological conversion, but calculation. They assumed the BNP would form the government and wanted proximity to the winning side for access to services and protection. In places where BNP veterans had antagonised AL supporters, some abstained or flirted with Jamaat. Nationally, however, the gravitational pull favoured the perceived winner. Expectation shaped behaviour. Four broad scenarios framed the stakes before polling day. If AL turnout remained low, the BNP would likely secure a narrow plurality. With moderate AL backing, a comfortable majority was within reach. With overwhelming support, even a two-thirds majority was conceivable. Only a full-scale Jamaat wave, cutting across class, gender and region, could have overturned that arithmetic. That wave never came. The BNPs return to power rests on structure rather than inspiration: entrenched networks, pragmatic candidate choices and voters making hard-headed decisions within a winner-takes-all system. Jamaats advance was real but constrained, lifted by anger, limited by message and memory. One final subplot deserves notice. The National Citizen Party (NCP), born from the uprising, captured five seats. In a polarised South Asian polity dominated by established machines, that is significant. It signals a modest but genuine appetite for alternatives beyond the emerging BNPJamaat binary. Under proportional representation, such a force might expand. Under FPTP, five seats is both a breakthrough and a barrier. In the end, Bangladeshs 13th parliamentary election revealed the limits of outrage, the limits of moral branding and the limits of historical revisionism. It also reaffirmed a harder truth: in a system where the winner takes all, organisational depth and voter pragmatism often matter more than passion. The BNP did not triumph because it inspired the country. It prevailed because it read it. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has said that Tehran is prepared to consider compromises to revive a nuclear deal with the United States, provided Washington is willing to discuss lifting sanctions. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi said it was up to the United States to demonstrate its willingness to reach an agreement. He added that if Washington shows genuine intent, progress toward a renewed nuclear deal would be possible. He stated that Iran is open to addressing concerns over its nuclear programme, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, but only if Washington is ready to provide sanctions relief. However, he did not clarify whether Iran is seeking the lifting of all sanctions or only specific ones. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Iran offers to dilute 60% enriched uranium Takht-Ravanchi pointed to Tehrans offer to dilute its 60% enriched uranium as a sign of flexibility. Uranium enriched to that level is close to weapons-grade, fuelling Western suspicions that Iran may be moving towards developing a nuclear weaponan allegation the Islamic Republic has consistently denied. His remarks come as the United States and Israel have intensified pressure on Iran over the nuclear issue. US and Israel step up economic pressure on Iran According to recent reports, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday to step up economic pressure on Iran. Their discussions reportedly focused on curbing Irans oil exports, particularly shipments to China, as part of a broader strategy to restrict Tehrans revenue streams. The renewed push follows an executive order signed by Trump roughly 10 days ago, authorising expanded economic action against Iran. The order allows the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce to recommend tariffs of up to 25% on countries that continue trading with Tehran. Nuclear talks continue amid rising military presence At the same time, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran appears to be continuing. Switzerlands foreign ministry confirmed that a second round of discussions on Irans nuclear programme is scheduled for next week. However, even as negotiations move forward, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the region. The USS Gerald R Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, are already operating in the Arabian Sea. Trump suggests leadership change in Iran Trump has suggested that a leadership change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen, as his administration weighs its options should diplomacy fail. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated following Irans recent crackdown on protesters, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. The United States has warned Tehran of severe consequences if it does not agree to limit its nuclear programme. Despite escalating rhetoric and an expanded military presence, both sides held indirect talks in Oman last week, indicating that diplomatic channels remain open even as tensions continue to rise. An Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate at the University of California, Berkeley from Karnataka who had gone missing earlier, has been found dead, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said on Sunday (IST). In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate said that local police had confirmed the recovery of the missing students body. "The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time," the post read. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services," it added. The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. The Consulate stands India in San Francisco (@CGISFO) February 14, 2026 Saketh Sreenivasaiah was reportedly a 22-year-old Indian student. He had been missing in the United States since February 9, according to an NDTV report. Also Read- Who is Saketh Sreenivasaiah? 22-year-old Indian IIT Madras grad missing in US Berkeley Earlier, in a post on X, the Consulate General had stated, "Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post-graduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student." Indians in US This is not the first time such an incident has come to light. According to ANI, Indian students abroad often complained of alleged discrimination, racist attacks, and negligence by authorities. In a question raised by MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha on student safety abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted its efforts to ensure the safety of Indian students. In its answer to the question by the MP, the MEA stated, "The Government accords high priority to safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents against them are immediately taken up by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that they are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished." "Indian Missions/Posts also take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions and conduct pre-orientation sessions with them upon their arrival in foreign lands to brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas, including issue of advisories from time to time," the statement read. "With the view to ensuring effective communication and timely support, Indian students are encouraged to connect with the local Indian Missions/Posts through various means, including the MADAD Portal of this Ministry, WhatsApp Groups created specifically for Indian students, Consular Camps, Open Houses, emergency hotlines etc.," the statement read further. "Indian Missions/Posts also remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability, economic crises, and where the risks of students being misled or exploited may be higher. Any incident affecting Indian students are immediately raised with host Governments to ensure their safety and appropriate redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support, temporary accommodation, and other essential services, is extended whenever needed. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is utilised to support Indian nationals, including students, in times of distress and extend assistance when necessary," it added. The statement also said that during emergencies, the government has undertaken large-scale evacuation operations to protect and bring home Indian nationals, including students. Notable recent evacuation operations include Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). (with ANI inputs) New Delhi: Following a landslide victory in the recently concluded general elections, the rise of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its chairperson Tarique Rahman has triggered New Delhis attention, as several campaign themes and political signals from Dhaka point to a recalibration in regional equations. From the very start of the campaign, the party projected a sovereignty-first political line. The central slogan placed national interest above all external alignments. The messaging stressed that Bangladesh would not position itself under the shadow of any foreign capital. The reference included both New Delhi and Islamabad. It indicated independence from alleged Indian influence and distance from Pakistans military establishment. During a rally in Sylhet in January, Rahman invoked the memory of the 1971 Liberation War and described the countrys birth as the outcome of sacrifice by ordinary Bangladeshis. He reminded supporters of the scale of human cost that led to the nations independence. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He then referred to religion while addressing the crowd and asked a series of faith-based questions about who holds ultimate authority over the world, the heavens and holy places. The crowd responded in unison, giving the gathering a clear religious tone. The political messaging that followed indicated that sovereignty and faith would be central pillars in his partys politics. The speech had layered signals. The mention of Islamabad conveyed that his administration would not lean toward Pakistans military axis. The reference to New Delhi suggested that policy decisions would not operate under any alleged Indian influence. The religious references reflected the continued importance of Islamic identity in BNPs political vocabulary. Campaign rhetoric often carries heightened emotional charge. Even so, it offers insight into the broad direction a government may take once in office. Several of Rahmans pre-election statements have drawn Indias attention, especially on unresolved bilateral issues. One major point of friction between the two countries is the Teesta river water-sharing. BNP leaders have referred to international water conventions while arguing for equitable distribution. The party has maintained that earlier bilateral arrangements require review to ensure fairness for Bangladeshs interests. In his media attractions, the BNP chief has said that multiple agreements signed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were imbalanced and required correction to reset ties on equal footing. His stated priority placed Bangladeshs national interest and the welfare of its citizens at the forefront before any expansion of external partnerships. For any government in Dhaka, a functional relationship with India is important. Bangladesh is geographically encircled by Indian territory on three sides. The two nations share a land boundary stretching roughly 2,500 miles, one of the longest in the world. India is a major trade partner and a source for essential imports, including cotton, food grains, fuel, industrial inputs and electricity. Another sensitive dimension affecting public perception involves Indias decision to host Hasina after her political exit from power. Policy observers say that sections of Bangladeshs youth view this move negatively. The perception has fed a narrative that India was aligned too closely with the former ruling establishment (the Awami League) even during periods of domestic unpopularity in Bangladesh. Debate over Indias approach intensified during Bangladeshs 2023 election cycle, when questions were raised internationally about electoral conditions. Critics within Bangladesh felt New Delhi continued its backing of Hasinas administration despite growing internal discontent. Within BNPs ranks, some leaders have publicly minimised Indias historical role in Bangladeshs liberation. Statements from senior leaders have described the independence struggle primarily as a domestic achievement rather than a joint military outcome. Such statements have added to unease in Indian policy circles. The continued presence of Hasina in India creates diplomatic sensitivity for both sides. There are demands for her extradition within Bangladeshs political discourse. Leaders associated with the new power structure have indicated that the demand will be pursued through formal channels. Personal political history also influences the rivalry. Rahmans mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia spent extended periods in prison during Hasinas rule, where her health deteriorated. The legacy of that political confrontation continues to influence party attitudes. Academic and geopolitical observers view the election outcome as a turning point in Dhakas regional positioning. They expect the incoming government to articulate a defined foreign policy posture driven by South Asias entrenched rivalries. India-Pakistan hostility and China-India competition are expected to continue to be structural factors influencing Bangladeshs strategic calculations. There is also recognition that India has prior experience working with BNP-led governments. Diplomatic channels between the two sides have functioned in earlier political phases. With the election now settled, engagement will move from speculation to practice. Strategic analysts expect Bangladesh to maintain working relations with India while preserving greater policy space. The anticipated approach points toward calibrated engagement based on mutual respect, sovereign parity and non-interference in domestic politics, along with room for Dhakas independent geopolitical choices. Historical experience influences present caution. After the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s, India initially expected improved ties under a BNP administration. Early exchanges, including high-level visits and trade discussions, generated optimism. That momentum slowed amid Indian allegations that insurgent groups received sanctuary across the border. Progress on water sharing and boundary demarcation were limited. As a result, distrust widened during the previous BNP governments, which were supported by the Jamaat-e-Islami. Domestic political currents inside India have also influenced bilateral atmospherics. Sections of Bangladeshi public opinion perceive New Delhi as having favoured the Awami League leadership. Hasinas continued political messaging from Indian soil has further strengthened that perception. Regional diplomatic space around Bangladesh has grown more competitive. Pakistan has moved to revive strategic outreach. The United States and China have also expanded engagement footprints following Bangladeshs political transition. For India, the emergence of a more assertive opposition bloc inside Bangladeshs parliament adds another variable. Islamist and conservative political forces have improved their electoral performance. Their stronger legislative presence may influence the ideological direction of national politics and exert pressure on a centrist governing line. The coming months will reveal how campaign rhetoric translates into state policy. India and Bangladesh are bound by geography, trade and security interdependence. Political messaging from Dhaka shows a search for greater strategic autonomy. The practical management of that ambition will define the next phase of bilateral relations. Dhaka: Following general elections, Bangladesh is faced with a strange constitutional moment where the results are out but the institutional set-up required to install a new government is absent. The country has no sitting parliament and a speaker. It has created confusion about how the formal transfer of power will begin and who will administer the oath of office to the prime minister. Led by Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will form the government after nearly two decades, following a sweeping victory in the February 12 parliamentary polls. The party has secured a landslide victory and cleared the threshold required to form the next government. Giving it a two-thirds majority in the national legislature, the Jatiyo Sansad, the BNP-led coalition has won 212 seats. The 11-party bloc led by Jamaat-e-Islami has secured 77 seats, while independent candidates have bagged eight seats, completing the final tally. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Under normal circumstances, this would have set off a swift and routine transfer of power. This time the pathway looks more complicated. The constitutional process begins with the oath-taking of newly elected members. That ceremony begins the formal process of government formation. Uncertainty has surfaced over this very first step. In practice, swearing-in often takes place within three days of the final result declaration. Informal tallies released shortly after voting do not count as official results. The constitutional clock begins only after the results are formally published in the government gazette. Once that notification is issued, elected members must take the oath within three days. Administrative procedures linked to gazette publication can take additional time. This has created a short waiting window before the formal ceremony can be scheduled. Officials within the interim administration have indicated that the delay will be limited. The transition process is expected to move quickly once official certification is complete. The swearing-in is likely within days of gazette publication. The question is who will administer the oath. Traditionally, the responsibility lies with the speaker. But this time, the situation is different. At present, the country does not have a functioning parliament. The Office of the Speaker is vacant as well. The deputy speaker is in detention following last years mass protest movement that changed the political order. The constitution provides a backup process for such situations. Article 148 explains an alternative arrangement. If the person assigned to administer the oath does not do so within the fixed time, the responsibility passes to another authority. The first option allows the president to nominate an individual to conduct the ceremony. A senior constitutional functionary can be assigned this role. The chief justice has been discussed as a possible nominee within legal circles. If a presidential nominee does not administer the oath within three days, the mandate automatically passes to the chief election commissioner. The constitution grants the election chief full authority to complete the process under such circumstances. Legal advisers within the interim administration have said that the peaceful transfer of power is the priority. Once lawmakers are sworn in, the next phase begins. The president steps in to invite the majority party or coalition to form the government. The invitation is extended to the parliamentary leader of that majority bloc. Numerical strength is the deciding factor. At least, 151 seats are required to claim the mandate to govern. After receiving the invitation, the majority leader moves to form the cabinet. The president then administers the oath of office and secrecy to the prime minister. Appointment follows immediately after the oath. Constitutional provisions state that the president shall appoint the member of parliament as the prime minister who commands the confidence of the majority. The moment the prime minister and cabinet members take their oath, executive authority transfers to them automatically. The constitutional set-up treats the oath as the final legal threshold. Once sworn in, officeholders are deemed to have assumed charge of their responsibilities. With that step completed, the transfer of power stands formalised and the new government comes into effect. The United States and Iran are expected to hold the next round of talks over the nuclear deal on Tuesday (local time) in Geneva, Switzerland, CNN reported. According to CNN, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend the meetings. This comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump emphasising the need for a deal with Iran, and warning that failure to reach an agreement could be "traumatic." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Speaking to reporters on Thursday (local time), Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good" and 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." Iran and the United States held the previous rounds of nuclear talks in April 2025 in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy. However, 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. The Iranian nuclear deal dates back to July 2015, when the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed between Iran and several world powers, including the United States, which capped Tehran's enrichment level at 3.67 per cent and reduced its uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms. The deal collapsed in 2018 with Trump's unilateral withdrawal of the US from the accord. Meanwhile, according to the Russian news agency TASS, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the trilateral meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the US would be held in Geneva on February 17-18. New Delhi: India has once again placed a major strategic bet on the Rafale fighter jet as it moves to strengthen its military capabilities through one of the largest defence acquisition clearances in recent years. A massive proposal worth Rs 3.6 lakh crore has received approval, setting the stage for a sweeping upgrade of air and naval combat strength. The cleared plan includes the induction of 114 new Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) along with the purchase of Boeing P-8I Neptune reconnaissance aircraft for the Navy. The decision comes at a time when military planners face pressure to speed up modernisation. Continuing tensions with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, have added urgency to this push. The urgency of this push was visible in the Union Budget, which was presented on February 1, where defence spending saw a rise. The allocation was increased by 15 percent, taking Indias defence budget close to $85 billion. The message capability gaps needed faster closure. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In recent months, the operational strength of the IAF has come under pressure. Fighter squadron numbers have dropped to 29. The long-serving MiG-21 fleet exited squadron service last September. Early variants of the MiG-29, the Anglo-French Jaguar aircraft and Mirage-2000 jets are also approaching the end of their service life in the coming years. This phased retirement cycle has created an immediate requirement for replacement platforms. India has historically depended on foreign imports for critical military hardware. In recent years, the focus has moved toward domestic manufacturing. This is one reason why the new Rafale deal carries added weight. It addresses urgent operational needs while aligning with the push for local production. Security assessments linked to challenges along the western and northern fronts suggest that the agreement will enhance Indias combat readiness. Defence officials indicated that, for the first time, Rafale aircraft would be manufactured outside France at scale with substantial localisation. A minimum localisation level of 40 to 50 percent has been sought. Production under the Make in India initiative is expected to take place through a government-to-government mechanism designed to ensure transparency and remove intermediaries. Officials also conveyed that the delivery timeline would support faster induction. Supplies of the naval Rafale variant are expected to begin from 2028. Induction into the Air Force inventory is projected to follow within roughly three and a half years thereafter. Under the approved plan, 18 of the 114 aircraft will be delivered directly from France. The remaining jets will be manufactured in India under the domestic production initiative. Once the agreement is completed, Indias total Rafale inventory will rise to 176 aircraft. Thirty-six are already operational with the Air Force. The Navy has separately placed orders for 26 Rafale Marine jets for deployment aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Defence observers view the development as important, though some say that its roots go back nearly two decades. Negotiations for 126 aircraft had begun around 2007-2008 under the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft programme. The plan had envisaged 18 jets in fly-away condition and the remaining 108 to be manufactured in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Rafale had emerged as the selected platform after competition with five other aircraft. Talks between the manufacturer and the HAL progressed for several years before political change altered the course of the deal. The earlier contract was eventually cancelled. A new agreement replaced it, leading to the direct import of 36 Rafale jets. The present approval for 114 aircraft is being seen as a revival in scale of the earlier vision, adjusted to current operational realities. The focus on Rafale also coincides with the scheduled India visit of the French President from February 17 to 19. Defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently during engagements. Earlier, India had cleared the purchase of 26 naval Rafale jets intended for carrier deployment. The aircraft are planned for operations from Indias two aircraft carriers. Rafales combat reputation has been under discussion since last years India-Pakistan tensions. Islamabad had claimed that multiple Indian aircraft were shot down during Operation Sindoor, a claim denied by India. Comparisons were also drawn in public discourse between Rafale and Pakistans Chinese-origin J-10 fighters. India has not issued detailed disclosures regarding aircraft losses or damage from that conflict. Strategic analysts argue that, in an ideal scenario, India would prefer fully indigenous fighter production. Given present timelines and capability gaps, Rafale is viewed as a practical solution. Technology access, maintenance ecosystems, software support and spare supply chains are seen as critical factors in platform selection. Dependence on suppliers that could impose future restrictions is considered a risk variable. Rafales operational track record and existing integration within the Air Force reduce transition burdens. Air power planners are focussed on squadron strength restoration. The sanctioned requirement stands at 42 squadrons. The present level of 29 includes several units nearing retirement. Jaguar squadrons inducted in the 1970s and 1980s continue to operate despite age. Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 fleets have undergone upgrades, though their remaining operational life is limited to a few more years. Indigenous programmes such as the Tejas light combat aircraft have faced prolonged delays. The project traces its origins to 1981. Over four decades, only two operational squadrons have been fielded, with a third in the pipeline. The gap between planned and available strength has reinforced the urgency for imported platforms that can be inducted faster. Existing Rafale infrastructure, training systems and logistics networks are expected to reduce additional costs. Indias search for advanced fighters dates back to the period following the 1999 Kargil conflict, when the Air Force flagged the need for rapid modernisation. During that war, Mirage-2000 aircraft played a decisive role with precision strike capability, all-weather performance and beyond-visual-range combat features. Their effectiveness influenced future procurement decisions. Subsequent governments pursued a competitive acquisition model aimed at securing a next-generation platform aligned with long-term needs. This process culminated in Rafales selection and later procurement agreements. By September 2016, India had formalised a deal with France for 36 Rafale aircraft valued at roughly Rs 59,000 crore. The agreement became a major milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and laid the foundation for the expanded fleet vision now moving toward execution. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday to intensify economic pressure on Iran, according to a recent report. Their discussions reportedly centred on curbing Irans oil exports, particularly shipments to China, as part of a broader strategy to restrict Tehrans revenue streams. Citing two US officials familiar with the talks, Axios reported that Washington plans to push harder to reduce Iranian oil sales to Beijing. One official said the leaders were aligned on pursuing maximum pressure, especially targeting Irans crude exports to China. China currently buys more than 80% of Irans seaborne oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Because of existing US sanctions aimed at limiting funding for Irans nuclear programme, Tehran has only a limited number of buyers for its crude exports. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The renewed push follows an executive order signed by Trump roughly 10 days ago, authorising expanded economic action against Iran. The order allows the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce to recommend tariffs of up to 25% on countries that continue trading with Iran. At the same time, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran appears to be continuing. Switzerlands foreign ministry confirmed that a second round of discussions on Irans nuclear programme is scheduled for next week. However, even as negotiations move forward, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the region. Trump announced that a second aircraft carrier group would soon be deployed to the Middle East, signalling heightened pressure on Tehran. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford would be repositioned from the Caribbean. Itll be leaving very shortly, Trump said, adding a pointed warning: In case we dont make a deal, well need it. Earlier, after visiting troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump suggested that a leadership change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen, as his administration weighs its options if diplomacy fails. Military pressure amid ongoing talks Trump indicated that the expanded military deployment is intended to strengthen Washingtons leverage during negotiations. He stressed that the situation must be resolved decisively, saying, Well get it settled for once and for all, and thatll be good. He also criticised decades of stalled engagement with Iran. For 47 years, theyve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, weve lost a lot of lives while they talk, Trump said, adding that additional military assets are being moved into the region. Referring to the deployment, Trump described it as a very big carrier group and reiterated his preference for a negotiated solution, while acknowledging that past efforts had failed to yield a final agreement. Heavy US military presence near Iran The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, is already operating in the Arabian Sea. Last week, US forces intercepted and shot down an Iranian drone that approached the carrier, an incident that further heightened tensions. Relations between the two countries have also deteriorated following Irans recent crackdown on protesters, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. The United States has warned Tehran of severe consequences if it does not agree to limit its nuclear programme. Despite the rising rhetoric and expanded military presence, both sides engaged in indirect talks in Oman last week, indicating that diplomatic channels remain open even as tensions continue to escalate. The Uttar Pradesh administration implemented high-security measures on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela as devotees arrive in large numbers on the last 'snan parv' to take a holy dip on Maha Shivratri 2026. Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, "Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of #Mahashivratri2026...10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip so far...The administration has made proper arrangements..." Meanwhile, yesterday CM Yogi also extended warm wishes on the occasion of Mahashivratri and said, "I extend my best wishes to every block and all the people on Shivratri tomorrow. I thank Block Chief Brijesh Ji for developing this block with 1.25 lakh crore rupees. Now you can reach Lucknow from Jungle Kaudiya in 3 hours." Earlier in January Devotees gathered in large numbers at Sangam in Prayagraj during the annual Magh Mela to take a holy dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami. Prayagraj Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma announced that high-tech surveillance, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, was deployed to monitor the massive crowds expected for the holy dip on the occasion. The specialised monitoring system aims to manage the movement of lakhs of pilgrims arriving at the Triveni Sangam for the Magh Mela 2026. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees continued to arrive in large numbers at the Magh Mela held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Magh Mela is a 45-day annual Hindu pilgrimage that runs from January 3 to February 15 2026, centred on the holy Triveni Sangam (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati). As a significant event, it includes holy dips, held from Paush Purnima to Mahashivaratri and featuring massive congregations. Earlier, flower petals were showered on the devotees who arrived for a 'snaan' at the Sangam in Prayagraj on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya. During the festival, the helicopter showered flower petals on the large gathering of devotees present on the Ghat for a holy dip during the ongoing Magh Mela. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Singh is scheduled to visit Coimbatore to participate in the Mahashivaratri festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre later today. Taking to X, he wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Today, I shall be at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore to attend the 'Maha Shivratri' celebrations. Looking forward to it." The Mahashivratri festival at Isha will be celebrated from 6 pm on February 15 in front of the Adiyogi statue and will continue until 6 am the next morning. The festival, which will be held with Sadhguru in front of Adiyogi, will feature powerful meditations, mantra chanting, Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam, and musical performances by top artists. In addition to Rajnath Singh, several central ministers, film stars, and other celebrities will participate in the celebrations alongside lakhs of devotees. Meanwhile, devotees thronged prominent Shiva temples across the country to offer prayers. Many worshippers visited the Dakshina Kashi Kapileswara Temple and other temples in Rishikesh. In Hyderabad, thousands gathered at the Khairatabad Lord Shiva Temple and the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple in Haridwar to mark the festival with prayers and rituals. Meanwhile in Varanasi, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended birthday greetings to Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, lauding his efforts towards strengthening India's self-reliance in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. In a post on X, the Prime Minister praised Puri's contribution to the energy sector and wished him good health and a long life. "Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji on his birthday. His efforts towards ensuring India is self-reliant in the petroleum and natural gas sectors are commendable. Praying for his long life and good health," PM Modi stated in his post. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also conveyed his greetings, highlighting Puri's role in advancing India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency. "Warm birthday greetings to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji. Your committed efforts continue to strengthen Bharat's journey towards self-reliance in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. May Maa Kamakhya bless you with good health, strength, and continued dedication in the service of the nation," he posted on X. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav extended heartfelt wishes and prayed for Puri's long life and continued service to the nation. "Honourable Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, heartfelt birthday congratulations and best wishes. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev that He may bless you with excellent health, long life, and boundless energy for the service of the nation," Yadav said in his message on X. Born on February 15, 1952, in Daryaganj in New Delhi, to a refugee family, Puri is the son of Sardar Bhagat Singh Puri and Sardarni Kundan Puri. Following the partition, his parents initially lived in a refugee camp and rebuilt their lives from the ground up. A former Diplomat and an author, he was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers in September 2017 as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. In May 2019, he was additionally assigned the portfolios of Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. In July 2021, he was sworn in as a Union Minister and oversaw the Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas. He again took oath as a Union Minister in July 2024 and currently serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A 1974-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), he represented India as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in both Geneva and New York and also served in Indian missions in Tokyo and Colombo. (ANI) The Delhi Police successfully nabbed a criminal in North Delhi's Bawana area. The encounter broke out between the Delhi Police and a wanted criminal. After a brief exchange of gunfire. The suspect was shot in the leg and was successfully apprehended by the Delhi police. Earlier, in a different incident on Friday, Delhi Police's Crime Branch Shakarpur team encountered members of Meerut's notorious Asad Gang in Usmanpur. 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. The Crime Branch team received information that the leader of Meerut's Asad gang was planning to visit the Usmanpur area with his associates. 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) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday performed "Jalabhishek" at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple at Chakarpur. CM Dhami performed the revered rituals with full devotion and offered milk, water (Jal), flowers, and Belpatra to the self-manifested Shivalinga. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the portals of the Kedarnath Temple are reopening on April 22, and the state government is working to ensure that the devotees remain safe during their religious visit. "I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Mahashivratri. May Lord Shiva give us enough strength so that we can work together and contribute to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat 2047. On 22nd April, the portals of Kedarnath Temple will be opened. Preparations have already started. We will ensure that all the devotees who come to Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, are safe. The number of Lord Shiva devotees is increasing every passing year, and they are flocking to the religious sites. We are putting efforts to ensure everyone's safety," he stated. The portals of the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23 last year. Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended heartfelt wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Mahashivratri. In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "...Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life for all of you," accompanied by the divine Mahamrityunjay Mantra. Meanwhile, on the occasion of Mahashivratri, a large gathering of devotees visited various Lord Shiva temples situated across the city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand from as early as 4:00 am. Devotees were seen standing in long queues in several temples, including the revered Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, to offer water, milk, fruits, flowers and other sacred offerings to Lord Shiva. All major Shiva temples in the city were decorated with flowers and colourful lights to mark the auspicious occasion. The atmosphere resonated with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole" as devotees gathered in large numbers to pay obeisance. From a security standpoint, adequate police personnel were deployed at key temple locations to ensure smooth crowd management and maintain law and order. Devotees observe day-long fasts and also perform special prayers, night vigils, and Jalabhishek, seeking happiness, prosperity and well-being for their families. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. (ANI) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday took a veiled dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that a "matured" LoP can help ensure the smooth functioning of the House and enrich parliamentary democracy. "A matured Leader of Opposition can be very useful in smooth functioning of the house and in enriching parliamentary democracy," Rijiju posted on X. The Union Minister made these remarks while paying homage to the late Sushma Swaraj on her birth anniversary. "Remembering late Sushma Swaraj ji, Former Foreign Minister, & Leader of Opposition. A woman endowed with powerful oratory, the living symbol of sensitivity and service -- on the birth anniversary of the revered Sushma Swaraj ji, countless salutations to her. Her memory and her ideals will forever continue to guide us," Rijiju added. His remarks come as the first phase of the budget session witnessed huge chaos with LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attempting to quote from a memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. Moreover, Gandhi's comments on the 'Epstein Files' and the India-US interim trade agreement in the Lok Sabha invited criticism from the ruling BJP, which claimed that the Congress leader's allegations were "baseless". Earlier on Friday, Rijiju said the government has decided to drop its proposed Motion against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to the media, the Union Minister said the Centre withdrew the motion after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a Substantive Motion in the House against the LoP. 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." On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday challenged the BJP-led Central government to "bring a privilege motion" against him, asserting his commitment to fighting for farmers. His remarks came after Rijiju said on Wednesday that BJP members in the Lok Sabha will give a privilege notice against Gandhi "for misleading the House and also making baseless statements". (ANI) The Inter-State Cell (ISC) of the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, has arrested four persons involved in a large-scale online investment fraud, officials said. The arrested accused have been identified as Rishu Garg, Amit Giri, Deepak Joon alias Vikas, and Sunil Kumar alias Yash, officials said. Additionally, Renu Garg has been bound under the relevant legal provisions. A complaint was received from a victim who was cheated of Rs 45,25,100 on the pretext of investing in the stock market with promises of exceptionally high returns. The accused contacted the complainant through Twitter (X) and WhatsApp groups and persuaded him to install a fake trading application on his mobile phone. Over a period of about one month, the victim was induced to transfer money through 15 transactions into eight different bank accounts. When the victim attempted to withdraw his invested amount and the promised profits, the WhatsApp group and Twitter account became inactive, and the trading application stopped functioning. Accordingly, a case was filed under Sections 318(4)/319/61(2)/3(5) BNS was registered. A thorough investigation was initiated. Bank account details and statements were obtained from the concerned banks, which revealed that the defrauded money had been routed through various mule (fake) accounts and layered before being siphoned off. During the investigation, it was found that Rs 4,00,000 out of the cheated amount had been credited to the bank account of Renu Garg, a resident of Zirakpur, Punjab. Based on technical surveillance, financial trail analysis, and criminal intelligence, raids were conducted in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. During questioning, Renu Garg disclosed that the bank account was being operated by her son, Rishu Garg. Rishu Garg was arrested after this. During interrogation, Rishu Garg revealed that during September-October 2025, he had provided the net banking ID and password of the account to Vikas in exchange for Rs 25,000 and had increased the transaction limit of the account to Rs 1 crore. Further investigation led to the arrest of Amit alias Rahul, who admitted to facilitating the arrangement of the bank account and receiving commission. A fake SIM card used for communication was recovered. Deepak Joon, alias Vikas, was arrested from Connaught Place, Delhi, along with the recovery of his mobile phone and another fake SIM card. Sunil, alias Yash, was arrested in Greater Noida. He disclosed that he was in contact with a handler named "Max" via Telegram, who arranged mule accounts, logistics, and OTP-based activation of linked services. Mobile phones and SIM cards used in the commission of the crime have been seized during the investigation. The syndicate operated by creating a network of associates across multiple states to procure mule bank accounts in exchange for commission. They obtained SIM cards linked to these accounts to maintain full operational control. The accused created fake WhatsApp groups and Twitter handles to offer stock market tips. They circulated fabricated screenshots of large profits and testimonials to lure victims into installing bogus trading applications on their mobile phones. Manipulated balances and fictitious gains were displayed in the app to encourage higher investments. Once the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the accused terminated communication and turned off the application. (ANI) The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will commence on Monday afternoon with the Governor's Address and is expected to witness intense discussions over the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). This will be the first session of the current calendar and financial year and as per constitutional provisions, will begin with an address by Shiv Pratap Shukla. The sitting will start at 2 pm on February 16. Addressing a press conference at the Assembly complex in Shimla on Sunday and later speaking with ANI, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said the first phase of the Budget Session will comprise three sittings. "The session is beginning on February 16 at 2 pm. Being the first session of the calendar and financial year, it will start with the Governor's Address as mandated by constitutional provisions," Pathania said. He stated that a total of 125 questions have been received for the three-day session, including 111 starred and 14 unstarred. One notice has been received under Rule 62 (Calling Attention Motion), while the government has submitted a proposal under Rule 102 for a discussion on the Revenue Deficit Grant. "As per procedure, on the day of the Governor's Address, no other business is taken up except obituary references, if any. Question Hour will not be held on that day," Pathania added. The Speaker noted that a "new and unusual situation" has arisen following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which has not recommended continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant for eligible states, including Himachal Pradesh. "For several Finance Commissions since the Sixth onward, revenue deficit grants were recommended for states facing revenue shortfalls. However, the 16th Finance Commission has not recommended continuation of this grant. This has created a new financial scenario for the state, and a discussion on the issue has been proposed," he said. Pathania said the Budget will be presented in subsequent sittings and must be passed before March 31, in accordance with constitutional provisions. The session will have multiple phases beginning with the Governor's Address, followed by presentation of the Budget, discussion on the Budget, and voting on demands and cut motions. An all-party meeting has been convened ahead of the session, with the participation of the Leader of the Opposition, the chief whips of both parties and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "We will appeal to both the treasury and opposition benches to ensure the House functions in a cordial and constructive manner. Issues related to the interests of Himachal Pradesh should be discussed meaningfully," Pathania said. He also indicated that after the initial three sittings, the session may resume following a break. "At present, the first phase consists of three sittings. The session may be extended, and after a break, it can be resumed, depending on the business schedule," he said. The detailed List of Businesses for the first day will be notified later this evening. (ANI) Following the sentencing of DMK spokesperson Sivaji Krishnamurthy to three years of imprisonment by a metropolitan magistrate court, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tamilisai Soundararajan targeted the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of speaking about women in a derogatory manner, calling it the "model of DMK". The 10th Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Egmore sentenced Krishnamurthy to three years in prison for making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar in 2023. Metropolitan Magistrate P Revathi on Sunday found the 65-year-old guilty in the case. In addition to the jail term, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. Speaking to the media, Soundarajan urged people to dig into what he said in 2023. "That is the model of DMK. Whatever he spoke, rewind and see... The way they talk about women is highly atrocious," she said. The case pertains to a public meeting organised by the DMK at Krishnamoorthy Hall in Erukkancheri on June 16, 2023. During his speech, Krishnamurthy allegedly used abusive and derogatory language while referring to Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Khushbu Sundar, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, former BJP state president K Annamalai and former minister D Jayakumar. Following complaints, the Kodungaiyur Police registered a case against him under Sections 294(b) (uttering obscene words), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 505(2) (promoting ill will between groups) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was arrested in June 2023 and later released on bail. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence and examining the evidence on record, the court pronounced the verdict convicting him and awarding the sentence. Further legal steps, including the filing of an appeal, are expected. Police said further investigation into the matter is underway. Addressing an event in 2023, Krishnamoorthy had said, "If the Governor refuses to utter the name of Ambedkar in his Assembly speech, do I not have the right to assault him?" "If you (Governor) do not read out the speech given by the Tamil Nadu government, then go to Kashmir, and we will send terrorists so that they'll gun you down," Krishnamoorthy said. (ANI) The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) termed the proposed India-US agriculture trade understanding a "death deal for the farm sector" and announced plans to intensify protests across Punjab and beyond at a meeting held at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh on Sunday. Farmer leaders alleged that the Central government and BJP leaders were misleading farmers by portraying the agreement as beneficial, echoing claims made during the farm laws agitation. They claimed the understanding could gradually open India's entire agricultural market, including wheat, paddy, maize, soybeans, fruits, dairy, and processed food, to foreign imports. According to KMM leaders, heavily subsidised agricultural produce from the United States could hurt Indian farmers, who receive limited financial support, such as Rs 6,000 per year under PM-Kisan. They warned domestic farmers would not be able to compete with foreign produce backed by higher subsidies. The organisation also expressed concern that the agreement could pave the way for genetically modified crops, patented seeds, and provisions under a new Seed Act that could restrict farmers from saving and reusing seeds. Leaders also feared the removal of non-tariff barriers and the opening of markets for processed foods, ethanol, maize, soy products, and dairy products, which they said could benefit multinational corporations at the expense of small traders and the rural economy. On domestic policy, the KMM opposed the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill and the installation of prepaid power meters, alleging they could lead to disconnections if balances run low. The group also criticised the replacement of 29 labour laws with four labour codes and raised concerns about the weakening of MNREGA and worker protections. The farmers' body said it would question the Punjab Chief Minister on the legal guarantee of MSP, farm debt relief, the Centre's agriculture agreement, and compensation for damages during the Shambhu-Khanauri protest crackdown. KMM claimed that tractors, trolleys, and stage equipment were damaged, and compensation of about Rs 2.77 crore remains pending. Announcing protest plans, the organisation said a statewide agitation against the Punjab government would be held in the third week of March, and farmers would peacefully question ministers during their visits. February 21 will be observed across districts as a martyrdom day for farmers who died during the agitation, including Shubhkaran Singh. KMM further said it would attempt to unite different farmer unions, including SKM-affiliated groups and independent organisations, to launch a joint large-scale agitation if required. Raising economic concerns, leaders cited earlier maize imports allegedly lowering domestic prices and claimed the dairy sector is already witnessing falling procurement rates. They warned that continued policies could force farmers to leave agriculture and become labourers. Accusing government spokespersons of spreading misinformation, KMM demanded full disclosure of the agreement and a public debate with BJP representatives on agriculture policy. Prominent leaders present at the meeting included Sarwan Singh Pandher, Coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and General Secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC); Guramneet Singh Mangat; Jaswinder Singh Longowal; Baldev Singh Zira; Manjit Singh Rai; and Sukhdev Singh Bhojraj, among others. (ANI) Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Sunday underscored the collective responsibility of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, for the party's defeats. However, he said that the average Congress cadre has a special relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family, and backed Rahul Gandhi's leadership despite consecutive losses. Speaking exclusively with ANI, he asserted that every political party, barring one or two, are run by families. When asked about Rahul Gandhi's responsibility for defeats in elections, Karti Chidambaram said, "Everybody is irresponsible. Of course, the leadership is responsible. But the point is the average party cadre has a special connection with the Nehru-Gandhi family. And they want that family to be the centre of the leadership of the party." Karti Chidambaram further cited examples of the Samajwadi Party, the National Conference, the Nationalist Congress Party, and others whose leadership has always remained family-centric. "If you go to the national conference, it will be unthinkable for anybody outside the Abdullah family to be a leader. You go to the, say, Mufti breaks away from this, and what does he do? I mean, he's only succeeded by his daughter. Mamata Banerjee breaks away from the Congress and starts a new party. Who's her successor? Her nephew. Sharad Pawar breaks away from the party and forms a new party. Who is his successor? His daughter or his late nephew? You and your father also tried to break away at one point. My father was not the leader of the party," Karti Chidambaram said. Karti Chidambaram also admitted that his and his father, P Chidambaram's, decision to leave the Congress was unsuccessful. Chidambaram formed the Tamil Maanila Congress in 2001, which eventually merged with Congress in 2004. "We broke away unsuccessfully. We came back. Not many, everybody can run. Pranab Mukherjee did not run a successful political party. We came back to the Congress. Everybody doesn't succeed," he said. He further said that many NDA alliance parties are also run by family, citing examples of Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (RV). "And look at the other parties, the parties in which the BJP has an alliance, they have an alliance with Chandrababu Naidu's party. Who do you think is going to succeed Chandrababu Naidu? It'll be his son in Tamil Nadu. What about Paswan's party? So what about the Shiv Sena too, when the BJP had an alliance with?" he said (ANI) On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Minister Ponguru Narayana participated in the celebrations along with his wife, Ramadevi. The Minister and his spouse offered prayers at the Sri Mulasthaneswara Swamy Temple, where they were accorded a traditional Purna Kumbha welcome by temple priests and members of the temple management committee. The couple performed special rituals along with their family members. He conveyed Maha Shivaratri greetings to the people of the state and said he was happy to have darshan of Lord Shiva with his family. "Best wishes to each and everybody on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Today, I am with my family. We prayed to god...Everyone should be happy, " he said. He prayed that everyone be blessed with prosperity, good health, and longevity. Additionally, he stated that the government has presented a budget aligned with the state's development goals, noting that it is industry-friendly and supportive of new investments. He also expressed confidence that employment opportunities will improve, adding that the state's financial situation is steadily strengthening. Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity's blessings. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Meanwhile, devotees flocked to prominent Shiva temples nationwide to offer prayers. Many worshippers visited the Dakshina Kashi Kapileswara Temple and other temples in Rishikesh. In Hyderabad, thousands gathered at the Khairatabad Lord Shiva Temple and the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple in Haridwar to mark the festival with prayers and rituals. In Varanasi, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings. Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described the Mahashivaratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation's Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore as "a special and spiritual experience." Attending the celebrations as the Chief Guest, the Defence Minister addressed the gathering in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue on the auspicious occasion. In his address, the Defence Minister called Lord Shiva "the beginning, eternal and infinite" and reflected on the significance of the Vellangiri Hills, known as the Kailasa of the South. "Being here among all of you on the occasion of Mahashivratri is truly a special and spiritual experience of my life. I bow to Adiyogi Shiva and extend my respectful greetings to all the devotees here. Lord Shiva is the beginning, eternal and infinite... He is the truth, and whatever is true is Shiva. It is believed that these Vellangiri Hills are the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, known as the Kailasha of the South...," the Defence Minister said. Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by his wife Amruta Fadnavis, Union Minister L Murugan and actresses Juhi Chawla and Tamannaah, offered prayers at Surya Kundam and Dhyanalinga at the Isha Yoga Centre. After these events, the dignitaries arrived at the Adiyogi Statue place, where the Bavya Bharat Bushan Awards Medal and certificates, on behalf of Isha Foundation, were given to Artist Dr N.Rajan, Dancer Alamel Valli, Rocket Scientist Dr Nambi Narayanan, Former Chairman of ISRO A.S.Kiran Kumar, Academician Vikram Sampath, Badminton Player Saina Nehwal, Air Marshal Jithendra Mishra (Western Air Command for Operation Sindoor), Admiral Rahul Vikas Khokle (Western Naval Command for Operation Sindoor) and General Northern Command Athithya Vikram. Following the award ceremony, spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, presented shawls to the dignitaries in attendance. Other distinguished dignitaries at the grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore include Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Several other dignitaries, spiritual leaders and artists from across the country are also part of the mega celebration. Themed "Ganga", this year's Mahashivratri focuses on the spiritual, cultural and ecological significance of the sacred river. The night-long event features powerful meditations guided by Sadhguru, vibrant music and dance performances, and live acts by leading Indian artists. Renowned performers will take the stage include Aditya Gadhvi and Prashant Sonagra. Collaborations with Sounds of Isha (SOI) will see performances by Swaroop Khan, Blaaze, Harish Sagane and Dhol Tasha. Swagat Rathod, Prithvi Gandharv, Aishwarya Nigam and Deepali Sahay will also join Sounds of Isha for special musical offerings. Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for devotees to deepen their connection with Yogeshwara Linga. Millions of people from all over the world registered for the free offering, according to a press release. The ongoing livestream of the celebrations will continue till 6 am tomorrow. It will also be available in 23 Indian and international languages, enabling people from around the world to participate in this night of immense spiritual significance, as per the press release. (ANI) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the nation's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based transparent, modern and user-friendly Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi graced the event held at Mahatma Mandir. On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the distribution of chickpeas and tur dal in 1 kg sealed packets, inaugurated the Annapurti Grain ATM facility in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, and initiated the ''Garima Poshan - Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka' campaign, according to the Gujarat Chief Minister's office (CMO). Furthermore, in the presence of the dignitaries, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Food and Civil Supplies Department and the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) to safeguard consumer interests. This MoU will establish a pre-litigation grievance redressal ecosystem to ensure issues are resolved before reaching the courts. Furthermore, the Food and Civil Supplies Department signed an MoU with CARE Ratings and the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) to develop a 'Consumer Responsibility Index' (CRI). On the launch of various projects to digitise and make the Public Distribution System more transparent, HM Amit Shah extended greetings to the nation on Maha Shivratri. The CMO stated that, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the expansion of 'Digital India' has now reached the Public Distribution System. He further noted that a decade ago, nearly 60 crore people in the country did not have bank accounts in their families. However, under the Prime Minister's leadership, India has emerged as a global leader in digital transactions, with nearly half of the world's total digital transactions taking place in India. Speaking further on digital transformation, HM Shri Amit Shah said that technology-driven reform is now becoming a reality in delivering affordable food grains to the poor. Under this initiative, modern systems such as the CBDC project and the 'Made in Gujarat' Annapurti Grain ATM have been made operational. The CMO stated that he emphasised that this new technology-based framework will eliminate corruption and remove middlemen, ensuring that citizens in remote villages, districts, and backward regions receive their full food grain entitlements directly and transparently. Congratulating all participating institutions as well as the Central and State departments associated with the CBDC project, HM Amit Shah said that this modern system truly embodies the Prime Minister's mantra of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.' He further stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 81 crore people across the country are currently receiving free rations from the government. This food security framework has now become digital and transparent. Referring to the Grain ATM, the Annapurti machine, the new pulses packaging initiative, and the Garima Poshan campaign launched during the program, HM Amit Shah termed them as revolutionary initiatives in providing food security to the poor. Elaborating further, Amit Shah stated that the Annapurti machine will enable the distribution of 25 kg of grain in just 35 seconds, ensuring complete accuracy in weight, value, and quality. He added that this system, integrated with the Aadhaar-based biometric mechanism, CBDC, and the payment system of the Reserve Bank of India, will be implemented nationwide over the next three to four years. As a result, beneficiaries across the country will receive their entitled quality rations conveniently and with full transparency. Highlighting the impact of welfare initiatives, Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the holistic development of the poor and every citizen has been ensured through the effective implementation of numerous schemes. He noted that over the past decade, the construction of 4 crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Nal se Jal connections in 13 crore households, LPG connections in around 13 crore homes under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, toilets in 12 crore households under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and 2.91 crore women becoming 'Lakhpati Didis' reflect the success of the government's initiatives, the CMO stated. Emphasising the protection of farmers and cattle-rearers, Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has remained steadfast in its commitment to farmer welfare. He said that over the past decade, procurement of food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has increased fifteenfold, while the agriculture budget has increased from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 1,29,000 crore. He further noted that in International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), India's dairy, agriculture, and fisheries sectors have been provided comprehensive protection, thereby ensuring security for domestic producers while also opening global markets for Indian products. UHM Shri Amit Shah congratulated Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and the Government of Gujarat for choosing Gujarat for the CBDC-based transparent distribution system for this pilot project. He described this leak-proof model as a blueprint for a Viksit Bharat. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of HM Amit Shah, a new chapter in public welfare is being written with the mantra of "Je Kahevu Te Karvu." He added that the Prime Minister has laid a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat through GYAN--empowering the GYAN --Garib (the Poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (Farmers), and Mahila (Women). Referring to the transformative power of technology, CM said that overcoming earlier doubts about digital payments, India has today established itself as the world's largest user of UPI. He noted that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile--strengthened further by AI-based database connectivity--have ensured that the benefits of government schemes reach beneficiaries directly and transparently. Focusing on the four pillars of food, housing, health, and income security, he added, has enabled nearly 25 crore people in the country to rise above the poverty line over the past decade. CM said that 'Grain ATMs' will now be made operational across the state for the distribution of food grains. Through these ATMs, 25 kg of grain can be dispensed in just 35 seconds, and the machines will function around the clock. He added that this facility will enable workers and members of the labour class to collect wheat, rice, and pulses entitled under the National Food Security Act at their convenience, even after working hours, marking a significant step toward empowering each citizen. Speaking about the CBDC-based Public Distribution System, the CM said this technology will provide beneficiaries with precise information on subsidies, product weights, and pricing via digital tokens. He emphasised that digital tracking and real-time monitoring will ensure complete transparency in the delivery of benefits, thereby fulfilling the government's commitment to a 'saturation approach'--reaching every eligible beneficiary without exception. CM expressed confidence that after recently connecting cattle-rearers with AI-driven solutions through Amul, this technology-based initiative in the Public Distribution System would also prove to be a milestone. He added that, following the Prime Minister's mantra of "Sewa hi Sadhana," the state government is steadfastly progressing toward the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat from Viksit Gujarat' @2047, ensuring that technology delivers benefits to the last person in society. Extending greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CBDC-based initiative is not merely a technology app or portal, but a transformative step that will secure the rightful access to food grains for nearly 80 crore needy beneficiaries, the CMO said. He stated that this innovative initiative will further strengthen the world's largest food security program, which is being implemented under the Prime Minister's guidance. He added that integrating advanced technology into the grain distribution system was once a major challenge, but under the 'Digital India' campaign, this task has become significantly easier and more efficient. He stated that with the nationwide digitisation of ration cards, the vision of 'One Nation, One Ration Card' has been successfully realised. Through digital coupons introduced under the initiative of the Reserve Bank of India, beneficiaries can collect food grains at any time by simply scanning a QR code at a Grain ATM. He added that even beneficiaries with basic mobile phones will be able to access the facility, as the system will enable grain distribution via OTP verification sent via SMS. The implementation of this technology has led to the cancellation of nearly 2 to 3 crore fake ration cards, ensuring greater integrity in the system. With the launch of the CBDC-based framework, only genuine beneficiaries will be able to access the benefits. Since the digital entitlement for food grains will be credited directly to the beneficiary's wallet, it can be used exclusively for purchasing grain from fair price shops and Grain ATMs, preventing misuse elsewhere. The introduction of this digital grain distribution model in Gujarat is expected to create a positive ripple effect across other states, helping to eliminate duplicate ration cards and further strengthen transparency nationwide. Union Minister said that the CBDC-based affordable grain distribution system will stand as a 'Digital Satyagraha' against poverty on the banks of the Sabarmati River. He said this initiative will help curb black marketing and ensure that food grains reach needy beneficiaries swiftly and transparently. The Minister added that this innovative model will be expanded nationwide in the coming years. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the nation's digital currency will help ensure food reaches the plates of the poor. He remarked that a new chapter of history is being written once again on the soil of Gujarat. He added that the country is on the verge of witnessing a transformative revolution that will redefine and strengthen the Public Distribution System, not only in Gujarat but across India. Deputy CM added that ensuring food security has long been a significant challenge in a vast country like India. In the past, issues such as middlemen and long queues at ration shops often delayed the delivery of government grain to beneficiaries. He emphasised that the CBDC-based Public Distribution System project will provide a lasting solution to these challenges. He said that traditionally, the initial benefits of new technologies have often reached large industrialists first. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of HM Amit Shah, India has charted a new course--where modern innovations like Digital Currency are being used first to ensure food reaches the plates of the poor. He stated that beneficiaries will no longer have to wait for shopkeepers, as they can collect their entitled grain from a Grain ATM at any time, 24 hours a day, within just five minutes. The system guarantees precision, with not even a one-gram variation in weight, making it a strong example of 'Digital India' in action. He added that Gujarat's forward-looking model--integrating CBDC, Grain ATMs, and biometric-based systems--will serve as a guiding framework for the entire nation, ensuring that the rightful beneficiary receives their due transparently and without inconvenience. In her welcome address, Mona Khandhar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, provided detailed insights into the entire program and its innovative initiatives. She stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing toward a digital revolution. She added that with the introduction of India's Central Bank Digital Currency--e-Rupee--a new era of modern fintech has begun in the country, and Gujarat is poised to take a leading role in this transformation. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Bambhaniya, Gujarat's Minister for Food and Civil Supplies; Ramanbhai Solanki, Minister of State; P.C. Baranda, Mayor of Gandhinagar; Miraben Patel, various MPs and MLAs, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution of the Government of India, Sanjeev Chopra, Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, P. Vasudevan, Executive Director of Punjab National Bank-PNB D. Surendran, along with central and state government officials, other dignitaries, and a large number of beneficiaries, the CMO noted. (ANI) Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 9th Assam State Film Awards for the years 2020 and 2021 held at the Sri Sri Damodardeva International Auditorium on Sunday. According to Assam Lok Bhavan, extending his congratulations to the award winners, the Governor described the ceremony as a living symbol of Assam's artistic consciousness, creative spirit, and vibrant cultural celebration. He said that Assam, known for its natural beauty and rich traditions, has long preserved its identity through language, folk arts, and storytelling, and that cinema has added new dimensions to these traditions by bringing them to wider audiences. Recalling the glorious journey of Assamese cinema, the Governor paid tribute to Rupkonwor Jyotiprasad Agarwala, whose historic film Joymati marked the beginning of Assamese cinema. Despite limited resources, the film laid a strong foundation for the industry and reflected themes of sacrifice, history, and women's empowerment. Assam Lok Bhavan mentioned that the governor also remembered Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, whose music carried messages of humanity, harmony, and national unity, bringing global recognition to Assamese culture. The Governor further acknowledged the immense contribution of the late Zubeen Garg in energising contemporary Assamese music and cinema and connecting the younger generation with their cultural roots. Highlighting the role of the Central Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Governor noted that initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India have opened new avenues for the creative industries, benefiting regional cinema, including that of Assam. Describing cinema as a mirror of society, the Governor said films inspire thought, promote social awareness, and drive positive change by addressing issues such as social justice, women's empowerment, and environmental protection. He expressed happiness that, despite limited resources, the Assamese film industry has achieved notable success at national and international platforms, especially in the digital era. Reaffirming the State Government's commitment to strengthening film infrastructure and nurturing young talent, the Governor emphasised the vision of making Assam a vibrant film hub of the Northeast. The Governor once again congratulated all awardees and expressed confidence that the golden journey of Assamese cinema will continue to progress with renewed vigour and creativity. According to Assam Lok Bhavan, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, and Additional Chief Secretary B. Kalyan Chakravarthy were among the prominent attendees. They were joined by Seemanta Shekhar, Chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation Limited, and Vice Chairman Alekhya Baruah. Rahul Chandra Das, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, was also present along with a host of other dignitaries on the occasion. (ANI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday unveiled a commemorative monolith at Ukhrul headquarters during the celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed-sowing festival of the Naga community, and stressed the urgent need to expedite the long-pending Naga political settlement under the Framework Agreement. Lui-Ngai-Ni, meaning "Seed Sowing Festival," is celebrated by Naga tribes with the onset of spring. The festival marks an auspicious time for sowing seeds and invoking blessings for a bountiful harvest. It was declared a State Festival by the Government of Manipur in 1988, and in 1997, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, recognised it as one of the country's official tourist festivals. Attending the event as the chief guest, organised by the State Level Organising Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council, Rio underscored the importance of unity among Naga communities and reiterated the demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Congratulating Manipur's newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Rio termed his elevation a matter of pride not only for the party but for the Naga people as a whole. He said unity among leaders and communities had ushered in a positive political shift at both the state and central levels. Placing special emphasis on the Naga peace process, Rio referred to the historic Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and Naga political groups, as well as the "Agreed Position" signed on November 17, 2017. He noted that although nearly eight years have passed since the Agreed Position and over a decade since the Framework Agreement, a final settlement has yet to be reached. "Until a settlement is achieved, the process remains alive," Rio said, adding that contentious issues are still being discussed clause by clause. Rio also noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed six resolutions over the decades, beginning on December 12, 1964, and most recently on September 20, 2018, urging the Government of India to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas. He referred to a consolidated meeting held on September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations, including tribal bodies, civil society groups, churches, senior citizens, gazetted officers, student and women's organisations, endorsed a resolution calling for political-level dialogue. The resolution carried 226 signatories. Rio said a Political Affairs Committee comprising all 60 MLAs of Nagaland and the state's two Members of Parliament was formed to pursue the matter. A subcommittee led by him met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 5 to brief him on the situation and press for an expedited political settlement. The delegation included Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, ministers and senior leaders from various parties, reflecting what Rio described as a "party-less government" united on the Naga political issue. While acknowledging that physical integration may face challenges, Rio stressed that "emotional integration" among Naga communities must be prioritised without delay. The programme was also attended by Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Awangbou Newmai, MLAs, and leaders of various civil society organisations. Addressing the gathering, Losii Dikho said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister and through the collective efforts of the party and the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), significant strides are being made towards restoring peace and stability in Manipur. "The Naga people have endured immense struggles and challenges throughout history. Those experiences have shaped and strengthened us, bringing us to a place of maturity and responsibility. Today, we stand not just as survivors of conflict but as contributors to peace and stability in the state," he said. Dikho expressed gratitude to elders and past leaders for their wisdom and resilience, and acknowledged the visionary leadership behind the Framework Agreement, which laid the foundation for dialogue and understanding. "This is our position. This is our vision. Our target is to uphold peace, unity, and progress for our people. We have fought enough in the past. Our history has seen more than its share of conflict. Now, we have no time to fight. From this day forward, we commit ourselves to working for peace and peace alone," he added. The celebration was also graced by MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman, HAC ; President, Naga People's Front, Manipur State Unit and MLA Awangbow Newmai, MLA Ram Muivah, and MLA J Kumo Sha, MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur; MLA SS Olish, and MLA Leishiyo Keishing. (ANI) The students gathered to draw attention to their concerns regarding the administration's policies. Earlier, in one of the strictest disciplinary actions in recent years, Jawaharlal Nehru University has rusticated all four Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) office-bearers, including President Aditi Mishra and Vice President Gopika K Babu, for two semesters over alleged vandalism of university property during a protest. JNUSU General Secretary Sunil Yadav, Joint Secretary Danish Ali, and former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar have also been rusticated for allegedly destroying the Facial Recognition Technology installed at the Dr BR Ambedkar Central Library. The students had also been declared out of bounds on the entire JNU campus, effective immediately. In a statement, the JNUSU condemned the university's action, calling it an attempt to silence student voices ahead of protests against the suspension of the UGC Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026. According to an order issued against Nitish Kumar, the former JNUSU president was found guilty of destroying Facial Recognition Technology (FRT)-based access gates installed at a cost of approximately Rs. 20 lakh at the Dr. BR Ambedkar Central Library on November 21, 2025. The university administration has also imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on Nitish Kumar. (ANI) The United States and Iran are expected to hold the next round of talks over the nuclear deal on Tuesday (local time) in Geneva, Switzerland, CNN reported. According to CNN, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend the meetings. This comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump emphasising the need for a deal with Iran, and warning that failure to reach an agreement could be "traumatic." Speaking to reporters on Thursday (local time), Trump described his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "very good" and 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." Iran and the United States held the previous rounds of nuclear talks in April 2025 in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy. However, 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. The Iranian nuclear deal dates back to July 2015, when the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed between Iran and several world powers, including the United States, which capped Tehran's enrichment level at 3.67 per cent and reduced its uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms. The deal collapsed in 2018 with Trump's unilateral withdrawal of the US from the accord. Meanwhile, according to the Russian news agency TASS, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the trilateral meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the US would be held in Geneva on February 17-18. (ANI) United States President Donald Trump intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war "once and for all," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday (local time). Rubio met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "Met with Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa on Ukraine's security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. President Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all," Marco Rubio wrote on X. The meeting comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18. Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that he briefed Rubio on Ukraine's situation amid the ongoing war, ahead of the peace talks. He also discussed with Rubio the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy resources. "During the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio, I briefed him on the situation at the front, Russian strikes, and the impact of attacks on Ukraine's energy system. We discussed how to help Ukraine protect lives during the winter cold and strengthen our resilience. We also had a detailed discussion about the diplomatic process and trilateral meetings. It is crucial that the talks planned in Geneva be productive, and I thank the United States for their constructive approach. We also addressed the matter of sequencing steps. It is important to make progress on the issues of security guarantees and economic recovery. I am grateful to the United States and to every American heart for the substantial support provided to Ukraine," the Ukrainian premier wrote on X. Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (local time) discussed the upcoming trilateral meetings in Geneva with United States envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stating that Kyiv expects the peace talks to be "truly productive." In an X post, the Ukrainian President wrote, "I had a conversation with envoys of President Trump, @SteveWitkoff and @JaredKushner, ahead of the trilateral meetings in Geneva. We count on the meetings being truly productive. We also discussed some developments following the meetings in Abu Dhabi. Not everything can be shared over the phone, and our negotiating team will present Ukraine's position next week." "I also spoke about our meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We greatly appreciate that America consistently maintains a constructive approach and is ready to assist in protecting lives. I thank President Trump, his team, and the people of the United States for their support," he added. Earlier, the US, Russia and Ukraine held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in January 2026. As reported by TASS, the Russian delegation will be headed by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky for the fresh rounds of talks on February 17 and 18. (ANI) The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath coming Tuesday and the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported. According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reported Prothom Alo. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party's inclusive foreign policy vision "friends to all, malice to none". Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us." Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none." The BNP acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections earlier this month. In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi's message and recognition of its leadership. "Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process." The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens." Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP's electoral triumph, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh's leadership landscape. In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate. "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. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78" The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition. Voter turnout was around 59%, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. Results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal. (ANI) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - African leaders have expressed deep concern over the persistence of conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises in parts of the continent Rohana Hettiarachchie, Executive Director of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), has described Bangladesh's recent national elections as "historic and landmark", while also calling for stronger inclusion and reconciliation efforts in the country's political landscape. Speaking exclusively to ANI, he praised the overall conduct of the polls, noting improvements over previous elections. "In general, our overall assessment is that this is a historic and landmark election in Bangladesh. Because, looking at past elections and how they were conducted, and how inclusive they were, we are talking about recent past elections. And when we talk about the Awami League, we have to consider the political environment and the contest," Hettiarachchie said. While appreciating the electoral process, he emphasised the need for transitional justice and reconciliation moving forward. "Of course, we acknowledge the fact that there should be a transitional justice and reconciliation process for future elections. The politicians and political parties that are willing to take part in the elections should have the opportunity. I think it is one of the key responsibilities of the new government to start the reconciliation process and establish a transitional justice mechanism to get them involved in the Bangladesh elections," he noted. Hettiarachchie also commended the role of the election management authorities. "We need to highlight and appreciate the election management body in Bangladesh's recent electoral history. They have done a remarkable job. I think the elections were peaceful, comparatively peaceful, and orderly," he stated. He added that the polls were, to a certain extent, inclusive and credible, but noted persistent challenges. "To a certain extent, it was inclusive and credible. I think this is always an issue here and in many other countries as well. There are different types of marginalised sectors here," he said. Focusing on political participation, he raised concerns about women's representation. "When it comes to political participation, women are more marginalised. As an outcome, we have only 4% of members of parliament now. There are a lot of barriers for women to engage in politics -- cultural barriers, financial barriers, and legal barriers," he explained. "And legal barriers, in the sense that political parties are not giving them a proper chance to contest. And also the youth -- youth are a very, very important category here. But unfortunately, youth were also marginalised in this election. Even though voter participation from the youth perspective has been given space, political participation is very low," he added. Highlighting representation gaps, Hettiarachchie said, "I think out of the 300 seats, only eight young people got elected. And then there are also religiously marginalised groups. So there are many marginalised groups that we need to seriously consider -- how we are going to bring them into mainstream politics and how we are going to give them a chance to engage with mainstream politics." Looking ahead, Hettiarachchie underscored the responsibility of the incoming administration. "That is a matter for the future government. As I said earlier, the mandate is clear, the party is very clear, and the roadmap is clear. So the new government has to start immediately with the July Charter. I think they have given a time frame as well," he said. Calling inclusivity an "unconditional responsibility" of the ruling party, he concluded, "If a political party goes with policies representing the entire community, it cannot be divided into women or men or youth or marginalised groups. Political parties are for the country, representing the entire community. There should be equal opportunity for all citizens. Different sectors of citizens have to be included in politics. If they are really willing to run the country, it should be an inclusive process." (ANI) In Japan, the World Uyghur Congress welcomed the election triumph of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party, which secured a commanding mandate in the lower house. Takaichi has previously engaged with Uyghur representatives and supported parliamentary outreach on the issue. The organisation also congratulated lawmaker Eri Arfiya, who is of Uyghur heritage, on retaining her seat, expressing hope that Tokyo would maintain a principled voice on democracy and minority rights. Legal scrutiny sharpened in Australia, where the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women's Association asked the Federal Court of Australia to require retailer Kmart Australia to disclose records linked to suppliers allegedly connected to forced labour in the Uyghur region. The action questions whether the company's compliance systems and public assurances meet consumer law standards, as Canberra debates tougher modern slavery obligations for businesses. At an international forum in Geneva, Zumretay Arkin argued that repression has evolved into a deeply embedded system rather than a temporary campaign. She cited family separations, coercive labour transfers and measures targeting Uyghur women, while cautioning governments against rebuilding ties with China without concrete accountability. Across the Atlantic, Rushan Abbas told participants in Mexico that abusive labour programmes reverberate through global manufacturing networks. Referring to the imprisonment of her sister, Gulshan Abbas, she said the debate must remain anchored in individual human suffering, not in abstract trade statistics. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction is rising ahead of the Munich Security Conference, with European officials reassessing engagement formats with China. Activists warn that economic recalibration must not eclipse justice claims. Concern over shrinking civic space also deepened in Hong Kong after media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai received a lengthy prison sentence under national security provisions. Rights groups say the ruling, along with actions affecting relatives of overseas campaigners such as Anna Kwok, signals an expanding reach of punitive measures. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of high-level engagements on the second day of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), reviewing bilateral ties and exchanging views on pressing global developments. In a post on X on Sunday, Jaishankar said he appreciated his conversation with Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026. He described the interaction as a valuable opportunity to present perspectives and exchange views on key international issues at the 2026 edition of the global security conference. In the X post, EAM said, "Appreciated the conversation with Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of @MunSecConf #MunichSecurityConference2026, provided a good opportunity to present views and exchange perspectives." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2022987719253917953 Beginning Day 2 of the conference, the minister met with Jens Spahn, Parliamentary Group Leader of the CDU/CSU. Jaishankar appreciated their support for deepening India-Germany relations and said discussions also covered contemporary global developments. In an X post, EAM said, "Started Day 2 at MSC, meeting with the leader of the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag, @jensspahn, and his team. Appreciate their support to the deepening India-Germany relations. Also exchanged views on contemporary global developments." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2022981753678463028 The CDU/CSU, known as "the Union," is Germany's dominant centre-right political alliance, consisting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU). He also held talks with Romania's foreign minister, Oana-Silvia Toiu. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to work towards fully realising the potential of India-Romania cooperation. In an X post, Jaishankar said," A good meeting with FM Oana-Silvia Toiu of Romania. @oana_toiu. Reviewed our bilateral ties and agreed to realise our potential more fully." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2022985933109579822 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met with G7 Foreign Ministers and their global counterparts at the Munich Security Conference 2026, reiterating India's support for the UN80 agenda and underscoring New Delhi's role in safeguarding global security. The UN@80 agenda focuses on transforming the organisation to be more "agile, integrated, and equipped" for modern challenges. Key pillars include structural/financial overhauls, strengthening multilateralism, advancing the SDGs, and addressing AI governance and climate change. The initiative emphasises "Better Together" to enhance efficiency, with 90+ actions focusing on mandate implementation and program realignment. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to engage with G7 Foreign Ministers today at @MunSecConf. Reiterated India's support of the UN@80 agenda, particularly meaningful reform of the UN Security Council." He added, "Emphasised our role in safeguarding sea lines of communication, serving as a first responder, strengthening port security, and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure." He also emphasised India's role in safeguarding the sea lines of communication, acting as a first responder in crises, strengthening port security, and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure. "Our conversation brought out the many convergences and shared interests between India and the G7", he said further. Jaishankar began his Munich Security Conference 2026 engagements with a roundtable hosted by the Ananta Aspen Centre titled 'Delhi Decides: Mapping India's Policy Calculus'. In an X post, Jaishankar said, "Started my @MunSecConf 2026 engagements with @AnantaAspen's Roundtable 'Delhi Decides: Mapping India's Policy Calculus.' Highlighted the importance of a nimble and dynamic foreign policy to meet the demands of multipolarity.Noted the significance of the India-EU FTA and the India-US trade deal in that regard." He highlighted the importance of a nimble, dynamic foreign policy to address the demands of an increasingly multipolar world, noting the significance of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-US trade deal. On the sidelines of the conference, Jaishankar also met with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Nol Barrot, describing his interaction with the latter as a "great catch-up" at the start of the conference. Sunday will be the last day of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 13 to 15, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and the Rosewood Munich. Led by MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, the conference brings together hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders from around the world to address pressing security challenges. Nearly 50 Heads of State and Government confirmed their participation in MSC 2026, including leaders from most European countries and a large delegation from the German Federal Government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to the MSC website, discussions this year took place against the backdrop of mounting instability, questions over longstanding alliances, and an erosion of the rules-based international order. Key topics included European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, revitalisation of multilateralism, competing visions of global order, regional conflicts, and the security implications of technological advances. The conference continued to operate under the "Munich Rule," which encouraged constructive engagement and dialogue on global security issues. (ANI) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Sunday welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), underscoring efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership. In a post on X, Gor said, "Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations." https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2022991547038642658?s=20 From Februray 3 to 4, India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi to advance cooperation in Defence Science & Technology, according to a Ministry of Defence statement. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO, and Michael Francis Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering. As per the statement, the plenary was conducted in line with the vision and policy guidance of the India-US Major Defence Partnership framework, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and 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. In November, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi concluded his official visit to the United States to deepen the India-US maritime partnership and advance shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. During the visit, Admiral Tripathi held a series of high-level meetings with senior US civilian and military leaders, including US Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen P. Koehler, and US Marine Forces Pacific Commander Lt Gen James F. Glynn. He also met Vice Admiral Yvette DeVids, Steve Parode, and Rear Admiral Raymond P. Owens. The discussions focused on the core pillars of India-US defence cooperation. Both sides reviewed plans to strengthen maritime security and domain awareness, expand operational interoperability, enhance information sharing, protect sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure, and coordinate responses to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, counter-piracy, and other non-traditional security challenges. In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the two countries formalised a ten-year Defence Framework Agreement, marking a major step toward advancing India-US strategic and defence cooperation. The agreement, signed in the presence of senior officials from both sides, establishes a long-term roadmap for military collaboration, capacity enhancement, and joint projects across the Indo-Pacific. Singh termed the signing as the beginning of a "new chapter" in bilateral defence ties. "We have held telephonic conversations thrice. I am delighted to be meeting you in person on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. On this occasion, I believe a new chapter begins today with the signing of the Defence Framework. I am confident that under your leadership, India-US relations will further strengthen," Rajnath said. Hegseth, expressing appreciation for the partnership, described the agreement as a defining moment in the evolving relationship between New Delhi and Washington. "I want to express gratitude to Minister Singh for the partnership we have with India. It's one of the most consequential US-India relationships globally. Our strategic alignment is built on shared interests, on mutual trust and commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," he said. "This 10-year US-India Defence Framework is ambitious. It's a significant step for our two militaries and a roadmap for deeper, more meaningful collaboration ahead. It underscores America's long-term commitment to our shared security and our strong partnership." After the meeting, Singh shared on X, "This Defence Framework will provide policy direction to the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship. It is a signal of our growing strategic convergence and will herald a new decade of partnership." The engagement took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singh was leading the Indian delegation. (ANI) Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, urged US President Donald Trump to assist the Iranian people in overthrowing the current regime, declaring that it was "time to end the Islamic Republic." According to The Times of Israel, speaking to reporters at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Pahlavi called on Trump to deliver on promises of support. "To President Trump... The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them," he said. Pahlavi encouraged Iranians inside the country and in the diaspora to sustain demonstrations against the authorities. He invited them to chant slogans from their homes and rooftops at 8:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, aligning with protests taking place in Germany and other locations. "In this spirit, I invite you, on the evenings of February 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., to raise your voices and chant from your homes and rooftops. Shout your demands. Show your unity. With an unbreakable will, we will prevail over this occupying regime," he said. Pahlavi emphasised that the time had come for decisive change. "It is time to end the Islamic Republic. This is the demand echoing from the bloodshed of my compatriots, who are not asking us to fix the regime but to help them bury it," he told the gathering, according to The Times of Israel. His remarks followed Trump's statement on Friday that a government change in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen." Trump had also ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to increase military pressure on Tehran. Trump had previously warned of possible military intervention to back ongoing street protests in Iran, which reached a peak in January before facing a severe crackdown by security forces. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the verified death toll has surpassed 7,000, including 214 government personnel, with many more feared killed. Pahlavi, who has lived outside Iran since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the monarchy, has repeatedly backed the protest movement. Iranian officials have described the demonstrations as manipulated by "terrorists" backed by the United States and Israel. The 65-year-old opposition figure has indicated his readiness to lead a democratic transition, noting that numerous protest chants have called for the restoration of the monarchy. However, the Iranian opposition remains fragmented, and Pahlavi has drawn criticism for his public support for Israel, including a prominent 2023 visit that hindered efforts to unite various opposition groups. He has also not distanced himself from his father's autocratic governance. (ANI) Member of the Forum for Women's Political Rights and Research Fellow at Aarshi Trust, Nafisa Raihana, on Sunday, expressed concerns about women's political representation following the 13th national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. She alleged the existence of systemic barriers to women's participation in political parties. Speaking to ANI after the results were announced, Raihana said many women were unable to secure party nominations despite being politically active. "Many women could not get nominated this time, and many of the male members of their political parties did not or could not give their nomination. We met various women politicians, and all said that they are active, but it is difficult for them to reach a higher level or even talk to a higher authority," she told ANI. Highlighting the nomination data, Raihana added, "Women got a total of 4 per cent nomination, while it is mentioned in the July tender that all political parties are required to nominate at least 5 per cent women members. But the leaders give excuses such as a lack of women members or their participation, while this is more like gatekeeping." She argued that despite formal commitments to increase women's participation, structural challenges within party hierarchies continue to limit access to decision-making roles. Earlier on Friday, Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said the outcome of Bangladesh's recent 13th National Parliamentary Elections, which saw victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), sent 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. Activist 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." As Bangladesh prepared for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12, the United Nations also underscored that safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right. In which they included the rights of all women and girls, including women with disabilities, women from minority communities, gender diverse people, and others who may face heightened barriers, discrimination or gender-based violence, in their statement on Wednesday. Ahead of the election, the United Nations noted concerns raised by women's groups and civil society organisations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence. Women in public life, including political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, were reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse, including AI-altered and sexualized content, it said. The United Nations said that it has consistently advocated for women's meaningful representation and leadership across all stakeholders and is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission in boosting women's electoral participation and representation. According to the UN, it highlighted that it was essential that all voters, including women, can participate as candidates and voters without intimidation, discrimination, online abuse or fear of reprisals. The United Nations called on all stakeholders, including political leaders and their parties and supporters, to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, harassment, and any other form of violence against women throughout the electoral process. "This applies equally to women candidates and voters, whose participation and safety are essential to inclusive democratic processes. We are confident that authorities will continue to take steps to uphold security and the rule of law, and to ensure the safety and rights of every individual. The United Nations remains committed to supporting authorities in ensuring the safety and rights of every individual", it said. "We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this message on your platform and to your pertinent networks and stakeholders", the statement said. (ANI) A medical team examined PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Sunday, conducting an eye check-up that lasted about an hour, sources told Dawn. The examination followed a Supreme Court order issued after Imran claimed on February 12 that his right eye retained only 15 per cent vision. The court directed the formation of a medical board to assess his condition and allowed him to speak with his children before February 16. Dawn reported that although government officials hinted on Saturday that Imran would be transferred to a hospital, no transfer had taken place by Sunday afternoon. At 3:45 pm, Imran's sister, Noreen Khanum, posted on X that an ambulance had arrived at the jail to move him to a hospital. She added, "But, this is unacceptable to us without us and Khan sahib's personal doctors being taken into confidence." The jail superintendent dismissed reports of a transfer as a "rumour," stating that Imran was only undergoing an examination. "The medical team will examine Imran's eyes, conduct different tests, and decide whether there is a requirement to move him to a hospital or if he can be retained in jail and continue the treatment here," the superintendent said. Sources told Dawn that a team of five doctors conducted a detailed eye examination, collected blood samples, and measured blood pressure. The process began after a two-and-a-half-hour wait, and the team brought its own equipment. A report is expected to be compiled soon. Imran had undergone a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on the night of January 24, a fact confirmed later amid limited information shared with the family. Shortly after the examination ended, around 5:30 pm, PTI rejected the process, calling it "malicious" and noting that Imran's family and personal doctors were absent. The party stated on X, "Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf categorically rejects the recent conduct of the government and jail administration regarding the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan's eye in Adiala Jail. The government's claim that a message was sent to the party leadership to arrive at the jail at the time of the examination is, in fact, a crude attempt to divert attention from the core issue." The statement continued, "This matter was never about the presence or absence of the party leadership. In such sensitive and delicate medical matters, the constitutional, moral, and legal right to make decisions belongs to Imran Khan's family. The family cannot make an informed decision until Imran Khan's personal doctors are present for the examination. Therefore, inviting the party leadership symbolically has neither any moral rationale nor any legal justification." Imran's sister Aleema Khanum earlier insisted that no medical board would be accepted without approval from Imran's personal doctors. She referred to reports that Imran might be taken to Al-Shifa Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi and reiterated, "Our demand has been clear from the beginning. Imran Khan shall not be given any treatment WITHOUT the presence and approval of his personal doctors and family members." She added, "We do NOT accept any medical board they set up and control! We do NOT accept any reports or results they manufacture." Aleema questioned the resistance to involving specialists recommended by Imran's doctors and the exclusion of family members, asking, "Why are they rejecting the supervision by Imran Khan's personal doctors? Why are they rejecting the presence of Imran Khan's family members? Why such fierce resistance? Are they hiding something?" Imran's personal physicians, Aasim Yusuf and Faisal Sultan, issued a joint video statement calling for a comprehensive evaluation at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. "In addition to urgent retina specialist care for his central retinal vein occlusion and severe vision loss, Imran Khan needs a full multidisciplinary evaluation of his underlying conditions at a tertiary hospital like Shifa International Islamabad," their accompanying post read. Meanwhile, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan alliance continued its sit-in at Parliament House for the third day, demanding Imran's treatment at a hospital chosen by his personal doctors. PTI MNA Asad Qaiser told reporters, "We will not compromise on Imran's health." A TTAP leader, speaking anonymously to Dawn, described ongoing confusion in talks with the government. The leader said the initial understanding to shift Imran to Shifa International collapsed due to demands to change the composition of the medical board. The alliance alleged that access to food, water, and medicines inside Parliament House had been blocked for the third day. It described the denial of medicine to Senator Abbas as an "extreme and condemnable act" and stated, "Prioritising any political disagreement over human compassion and medical needs is the worst form of oppression." TTAP vowed to persist, declaring, "History bears witness that tyrannical tricks, sieges, and oppression have never suppressed movements, nor forced those standing firm on the right side to back down from their demands." The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed grave concern over the health of PTI-affiliated prisoners, particularly Imran and Yasmin Rashid, urging authorities to ensure immediate independent medical examinations and uninterrupted access to treatment. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day during his visit to Munich for the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Sunday. The External Affairs Minister had earlier met Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Marko Djuric on the sidelines of the conference on Saturday. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Greetings to FM @markodjuric, the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day. Appreciate our long-standing partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2022933611734012035 In an X post, the Serbian Foreign Ministry said, "Happy #StatehoodDay of #Serbia, #Sretenje! Today, we remember the historic moments that laid the foundations of our modern state and affirmed the ideals of freedom and constitutionalism. Proud of our tradition, we continue to build Serbia's future on the principles of peace, stability, and unity!" https://x.com/MFASerbia/status/2022972183941701866 According to an official press release issued by the Serbian Foreign Ministry, on the sidelines of the MSC, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric met with Jaishankar, with whom he discussed issues important to improving relations and global issues in a changing world. The talks reaffirmed that India and Serbia share a traditional friendship dating back to the Non-Aligned Movement era and are committed to further strengthening comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation, the press release said. Djuric expressed satisfaction over the upcoming participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting the significance of high-level engagements in boosting ties. He also invited Jaishankar to visit Serbia in the near future. During the meeting, Djuric thanked India for its consistent stance on the non-recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence and briefed the Indian side on recent developments related to the EU-facilitated dialogue. The ministers agreed that there is scope to strengthen economic cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Djuric also invited India to participate in Expo 2027 in Belgrade, expressing hope that India would be among the countries showcasing its culture and innovation at the international exhibition, according to the press release. The interaction marked another step in ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Belgrade amid broader discussions at the Munich Security Conference. According to the MEA Brief, India and Serbia (as part of former Yugoslavia) have traditionally enjoyed deep friendship, as co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement. The deep bond of friendship continued in subsequent decades, resulting in close and friendly ties between India and Serbia. In 2023, the two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. India has given principled support to Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has not recognised Kosovo's unilateral declaration of Independence (UDI). India and Serbia share converging views on many global issues and support each other in international fora. To mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a jubilee stamp was issued jointly by the Serbian Foreign Ministry and Serbia Post in December 2023 as a token of friendship between the two countries. The image on the postal stamp is of the Victor monument in Belgrade and the Statue of Unity in India. (ANI) A former Ukrainian energy minister has been detained by anti-corruption authorities while attempting to leave the country in connection with a major corruption investigation, CNN reported on Sunday, citing officials. According to Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), detectives "detained the former minister of energy as part of the Midas case," a sweeping probe into alleged corruption in Ukraine's energy sector that triggered significant political upheaval last year, CNN reported. NABU did not publicly name the former minister and said initial investigative actions are ongoing in accordance with the law. The so-called "Midas" case centres on allegations of kickbacks involving contractors tasked with protecting critical energy infrastructure. The scandal led to the resignation of both a serving and a former energy minister at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both individuals have previously denied any wrongdoing, CNN reported. Investigators allege that approximately USD 100 million was siphoned off through state-owned enterprises, including Energoatom, which operates Ukraine's nuclear power plants. Authorities say payments were made to companies for work aimed at enhancing security at key facilities. At the height of the probe, NABU conducted searches across dozens of properties as part of the investigation, CNN reported. Corruption allegations have continued to challenge Ukraine in recent years. Since 2023, NABU has opened multiple investigations into high-profile cases. In January 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced it had uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme involving military weapons procurement, allegedly amounting to nearly USD 40 million. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (local time) discussed the upcoming trilateral meetings in Geneva with United States envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stating that Kyiv expects the peace talks to be "truly productive." According to the Russian news agency TASS, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the trilateral meetings between Ukraine, Russia, and the US would be held in Geneva on February 17-18. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also discussed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy resources. "During the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio, I briefed him on the situation at the front, Russian strikes, and the impact of attacks on Ukraine's energy system. We discussed how to help Ukraine protect lives during the winter cold and strengthen our resilience. We also had a detailed discussion about the diplomatic process and trilateral meetings. It is crucial that the talks planned in Geneva be productive, and I thank the United States for their constructive approach. We also addressed the matter of sequencing steps. It is important to make progress on the issues of security guarantees and economic recovery. I am grateful to the United States and to every American heart for the substantial support provided to Ukraine," the Ukrainian President said on X. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington has no basis to challenge assessments made by several European governments regarding the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Speaking about his visit to Slovakia, Rubio acknowledged the findings cited by European nations. "Sometimes countries go out and do their thing based on the intelligence they've gathered. We are obviously aware of the report. It's a troubling report." He added that the United States would not dispute those conclusions. "We don't have any reason to question it, or we're not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it, but it was their report, and they put that out there," Rubio said. Rubio's remarks came after five European countries, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, issued a joint statement asserting that Navalny was killed in prison using a rare toxin, according to CNN and Al Jazeera. The statement said laboratory analysis of samples taken from Navalny's body "conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine," a lethal substance associated with poison dart frogs native to South America. The governments said the chemical does not occur naturally in Russia and leaves no "innocent explanation" for its presence. The five nations further stated that Moscow "had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison" while Navalny was incarcerated in a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. Russian authorities rejected the allegations. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, said she would comment once the test results are publicly disclosed. Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16, 2024, in an Arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence he described as politically motivated. European governments say their findings challenge Russia's earlier claim that he died of natural causes. At the Munich Security Conference, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, saying the new evidence casts light on "the Kremlin's barbaric plot to silence his voice." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X that the alleged poisoning underscored that Russia was prepared to use prohibited methods against its own citizens. The European governments said they would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for a potential breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, a step that could trigger formal international scrutiny. Navalny's death in 2024 sparked global outrage. The renewed accusations, emerging alongside the Munich conference, threaten to further strain relations between Russia and Western capitals. (ANI) Log on if you are already subscribed or Subscribe... Abu Dhabi [UAE], February 15 (ANI/WAM): The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council held its second meeting of 2026, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council. Present at the meeting was H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Council. The meeting focused on topics of high priority such as regulating the use of social media by children, promoting robust digital safety measures for children, the development of education policies and curricula, and the results of students' standardised assessments. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that regulating children's use of social media is a national responsibility that requires the development of clear frameworks. These frameworks, the Chairman emphasised, must match the advanced technological transformations and be solid enough to provide a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations. He further explained that the proposed direction is informed by a carefully evaluated, phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This approach prioritises social media platforms, given their significant influence and widespread use among children, and incorporates age-based access regulations tailored to the distinct needs and developmental stages of younger age groups. This will allow the balance between leveraging the opportunities offered by modern technologies and safeguarding societal values. In addition, the Chairman emphasised the importance of the integration of policies related to children, community, and education as this builds the foundation for strengthening family, social, and developmental stability. This integration also promotes generational readiness and supports the country's long-term competitiveness. The Council Chairman noted that the real impact of policies is measured by their ability to contribute to the building of confident individuals who are proud of their identity, equipped with the necessary skills, and capable of actively contributing to the nation's development journey. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the importance of formulating comprehensive national policies grounded in the unique characteristics of the Emirati society. These policies must be responsive to societal needs and aspirations, and adaptable to accelerating global transformations. Such policies should be designed to ensure sustainable impact, enhance quality of life, and strengthen long-term investment in human capital. Furthermore, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the need to strengthen community awareness and ensure effective integration among stakeholders in regulating children's use of social media. This includes coordinated engagement across social, technical, educational, security, media, and health sectors to advance a balanced framework that combines appropriate regulation with empowerment and fosters the responsible use of modern technologies. For her part, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that empowering the family represented a key pillar in addressing rapid digital transformations, noting the importance of equipping families with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently and responsibly navigate these changes, thereby strengthening their role in guidance, supervision, and fostering healthy digital habits among children. She explained that regulating children's use of social media is not only limited to content considerations but also extends to its direct impact on family relationships, the quality of communication at home, children's engagement in real-life activities, and the potential impact on cognitive development. This includes areas concerning the ability to focus, level of attention, and time management. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed further emphasised that early intervention during foundational developmental stages is critical to cultivate healthy digital habits, thereby promoting balanced technology use from an early age and mitigating potential adverse effects on behavioral and cognitive development. She noted that the family serves as the primary reference point for children's digital conduct, and that achieving balance begins with positive role modeling at home, thoughtful regulation of screen time, and strengthened family dialogue. Additionally, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the importance of advancing children's digital well-being and safeguarding their mental health amid increasing engagement with digital platforms, with the aim of ensuring balanced emotional and social development. She affirmed that nurturing a well-rounded generation requires strong alignment between schools and families. This must be supported by a value-based framework that reinforces national identity and belonging, while fostering critical thinking and the responsible use of modern technologies. The meeting, which was held virtually, was attended by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council; Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and Brigadier Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri Rapporteur of the Digital Wellbeing Council. During the meeting, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chairperson of the Child Digital Safety Council, presented the latest developments of the national plan to enhance child digital safety in the UAE. The plan is implemented within a comprehensive national framework led by the Child Digital Safety Council in coordination with relevant entities, aiming to transition from general awareness to an integrated system combining regulation, empowerment, and strengthened community awareness. She explained that the plan is based on developing a national system for classifying digital platforms according to risk assessment, enabling more effective regulation and ensuring that platforms are subject to proportionate and enforceable obligations aligned with the level of risk they may pose to child safety. She added that the first phase will focus particularly on social media platforms and age-based access management, given their high influence and widespread use among children, paving the way for a gradual implementation covering other digital services in accordance with risk assessments. She explained that empowering families is a cornerstone of this path by providing simple and practical tools that enhance parents' ability to manage their children's use of digital devices and applications effectively, alongside raising awareness among children and caregivers and promoting safe and responsible use of digital platforms. As part of the Council's meeting agenda, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, presented the latest developments in public education, such as the development and alignment of educational frameworks and policies that contribute to the establishment of a clear national reference for school education. These also define the profile of the learner in the UAE in a way that reflects national identity and aligns with future requirements and leadership aspirations. In addition, the Minister of Education emphasised the importance of strengthening coherence across all components of the education system, including the national curriculum, assessment and examination frameworks, and strategies for the development, qualification, and empowerment of educational personnel. She noted that such alignment ensures the integration of policies, plans, and initiatives within a phased and interconnected framework, thereby enhancing the quality of educational outcomes and ensuring alignment with societal needs and national priorities. She also presented the results of student standardised assessments, including Arabic language evaluation outcomes, underscoring the importance of leveraging them as diagnostic instruments to inform curriculum development and pedagogical strategies. She emphasised that such data should enable early, evidence-based interventions to address learning gaps and strengthen foundational skills, thereby contributing to the sustained improvement of educational outcomes. The meeting also addressed updates related to the development of Arabic language and Islamic education curricula, in a manner that supports the strengthening of students' foundational skills, reinforces national identity and Emirati values, and enhances consistency of content and educational standards across various stages. The meeting was convened within the broader framework of reinforcing the integration of educational, developmental, and social policies, in alignment with 2026 as the Year of Family. This initiative reaffirms the country's commitment to strengthening family stability, safeguarding future generations, and advancing sustained investment in human capital and knowledge. (ANI/WAM) Tel Aviv [Israel], February 15 (ANI/TPS): A mob of Orthodox (Haredi) men chased two female Israel Defense Forces servicewomen through the streets of Bnei Brak on Sunday, overturning trash cans and a police vehicle before officers managed to extract the soldiers to safety. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparked fierce condemnation across Israel's political spectrum. According to police, the two soldiers, who serve in the IDF's Education and Youth Corps, were in Bnei Brak as part of a welfare home visit to one of their soldiers. They were not military police, despite claims circulating online, the IDF said. Footage shows the women running alongside police officers as a crowd of men follows, shouting and blocking the street. At one point, rioters overturned trash cans and damaged a police car as officers attempted to clear a path. Police said the situation was brought under control within a short time and confirmed that the two servicewomen were not physically harmed. The police said 12 people were arrested. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the violence. "I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and Israel Police officers," Netanyahu said. "This is an extreme minority that does not represent the entire Haredi society. This is serious and unacceptable. We will not allow anarchy, and we will not tolerate any harm to IDF and security forces personnel who do their jobs with dedication and determination." Former Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called for participants in the attack to be expelled from the community. "One must strongly condemn the handful of rioters who desecrate the Name of Heaven. The ways of the Torah of Israel are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace; there is no place for such behavior among us. They must be denounced and cast out from the community," the former chief rabbi said. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also issued a sharp rebuke. "Any harm to IDF soldiers committed by Israeli civilians is a serious crossing of a red line, and the attackers must be dealt with severely." Defense Minister Yisrael Katz echoed those remarks, calling the incident a criminal act. "Anyone who raises a hand against the security forces, IDF soldiers and women, and Israel Police officers crosses a red line," Katz said. "Violence against uniformed personnel is a criminal act for all intents and purposes, not a protest." He called on Haredi leaders to publicly condemn the attack. Opposition figures were even more scathing, accusing the government of enabling an atmosphere of incitement. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid asked, "Who is Netanyahu more worried about: our soldiers or his coalition partners?" Lapid called for immediate arrests, saying it "cannot be that in the State of Israel, IDF soldiers and the police are being attacked," and demanded that anyone involved in the violence be jailed. National Unity chairman Benny Gantz described the images as a "moral low point," saying they had "nothing to do with Judaism." He warned that failure by Haredi lawmakers to condemn the attack could lead to further violence. Integrating Haredi Jews into military life is one of Israel's most politically sensitive issues, as the army faces manpower shortages. In early February, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir signed a landmark order establishing formal guidelines for integrating Haredi Jews into military service. It marked the first time such arrangements were codified in an official General Staff order. Haredi military service has long been contentious in Israel, where most Haredi men have traditionally been exempt from the mandatory draft to pursue religious studies. The issue has intensified since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern communities. Strained by two years of war and extended reserve duty, the army projects it will lack 17,000 soldiers starting in 2027, as troops who enlisted for shortened 30-month terms begin completing service. The military began making plans to draft yeshiva students after Israel's High Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that exemptions for the Haredi community were illegal. Military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens. However, Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, and the country's leading rabbis agreed to a status quo that deferred military service for Haredi men studying in yeshivot, or religious institutions. At the time, no more than several hundred men were studying in yeshivot. (ANI/TPS) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer (party leader) Shafiqur Rahman said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured them of taking action to curb the post-poll violence in the country. Following BNP's landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy visit to the Jamaat chief. Shafiqur Rahman assured him of the party's cooperation in discharging the constitutional duties. In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman wrote, "We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, together with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. In our discussions, he (Tarique Rahman) reaffirmed that steps are being taken regarding incidents of post-election violence, including actions to address harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. We welcome this assurance and reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity." "We will cooperate fully on matters of national interest, yet we will discharge our constitutional duty as a firm and principled opposition. Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight. The people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence," the social media post read. According to Prothom Alo, Tarique Rahman entered the Jamaat Ameer's home in the Bashundhara residential area of the capital at 7:10 pm on Sunday. The meeting was described primarily as a courtesy call, during which leaders exchanged pleasantries and indicated that contemporary issues could also be discussed. The visit takes place amid preparations for forming the new government, following the BNP's commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats required, and positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate. In the same polls, Jamaat-e-Islami, previously an ally of the BNP, contested as a rival and emerged as the second-largest party, establishing itself as a key opposition force. Election Commission figures showed the BNP-led alliance securing 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating. A post-poll violence broke out in Panchagarh district in Bangladesh, with National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam claiming that over 30 homes and businesses belonging to party leaders and activists were targeted after the results were announced, Prothom Alo reported. Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the NCP for the northern region, alleged that attacks occurred at more than 30 locations involving the homes and business establishments of party leaders and activists after the results were declared. Echoing these claims, the defeated candidate of the 11-party electoral alliance in the Panchagarh-1 constituency accused leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of involvement in the incidents, according to Prothom Alo. While in Tetulia upazila, one such account emerged from Swapan Rana, an EasyBike driver who alleged that he was attacked after the election. Rana claimed the confrontation stemmed from his campaigning activities and his daughter's affiliation with the NCP's Nari Shakti unit. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday (local time) thanked the United States and Germany for support to Kyiv's air defence system amid the war against Russia. After returning from the Munich Security Conference, in a video message to Ukrainians, Zelenskyy hailed the drone production line in collaboration with Germany. He added that Kyiv expects to hold meetings with world leaders on new energy packages. The Ukrainian President said, "I am back in Kyiv after two intense days at the Munich Security Conference. There were many meetings, but most importantly, there will be new support packages for Ukraine. The key priority is missiles for air defence, for protection against ballistic missiles. This is why we discussed it in Munich, also with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We hope the agreements will work as needed. Thanks to Germany, we have a new strike drone production line, and will continue to expand these efforts of joint development, joint production, pan-European programs and financial instruments." "Next week, we expect meetings and work aimed at new energy packages. This concerns both recovery after strikes and necessary equipment," he added in the video message posted on X. Furthermore, he asked the public to heed air raid alerts. "Several cold days lie ahead, and everyone has already seen how the Russians exploit this. Please take care of yourselves and heed air raid alerts. We are in constant contact with all partners, emphasising that each such threat only worsens the prospects for ending the war," Zelenskyy said. In Munich, Zelenskyy had unveiled the German-Ukrainian joint venture for producing drones for the Ukrainian Army. In an X post, he said the drone line is "battle-tested and powered by AI." The United Kingdom also announced a new air defence package worth over Euro 500 million for Ukraine. This comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18. (ANI) BEIJING, Feb 16 (News On Japan) - Chinas week-long Lunar New Year holiday began on February 15th, marking the start of the longest Spring Festival break on record at nine days. Families gathered at festival stalls across Beijing on the first day of the holiday, lining up at booths selling lucky charms and intricately crafted animal-shaped candy. Railway stations were also crowded on February 15th, with travelers heading to their hometowns or taking domestic trips with family members during the peak holiday period. Chinese media reported that travel to Japan fell 54% compared with 2025. The Chinese government is offering subsidies for shopping and travel in an effort to stimulate consumption, which has remained sluggish. SHIZUOKA, Feb 16 (News On Japan) - A deep-sea exploration vessel that successfully recovered mud containing rare earth elements from a depth of 5,600 meters for the first time in the world has returned to Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City. The deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, which arrived back at Shimizu Port on the afternoon of February 14th, succeeded on February 1st in retrieving mud containing rare earth elements from the seabed 5,600 meters below the surface in waters near Minamitorishima, marking a world first. Rare earth elements are essential resources for automobiles, electronic devices and other products, and the latest achievement represents a significant step toward future domestic production. Shoichi Ishii, program director of the Cabinet Offices Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, said, "We aim to accelerate production technology for rare earthbearing mud near Minamitorishima as part of Japans economic growth strategy announced last November, which includes ocean development as the 17th pillar under the Takai administration." Chikyu is scheduled to begin full-scale mining tests for rare earth resources from 2027. Source: FNN The Osaka Loop Line, which circles central Osaka, has 19 stations and runs for about 21 kilometers. Despite its circular design, surprisingly few trains actually operate in a full loop. During daytime hours, only about one in three trains runs the complete circuit, while destination boards often display locations such as Nara or Wakayamanames that seem out of place on a circular urban railway. FUKUOKA, Feb 16 (News On Japan) - A severe shortage of truck driversforecast to reach 210,000 by fiscal 2030has prompted a driving school operator in Fukuoka Prefecture to begin recruiting foreign drivers in an effort to support Japans strained logistics sector. Ryousuke Kobayashi of Minami Holdings, which operates driving schools in Fukuoka, traveled to rural towns in Cambodia distributing flyers to recruit prospective drivers willing to work in Japan. The company has established a driving school in the capital Phnom Penh to train drivers for employment in Japan, and when reporters visited in October last year, 12 Cambodian trainees were undergoing Japanese-language education and driving instruction. Tuition, including procedures related to travel and employment in Japan, costs about $3,000 per person, and the business must send more than 100 trainees to Japan annually to remain viable. One trainee preparing to depart for Japan is Chhun Chet, 44, who previously worked for three years as a welding technician in Tochigi Prefecture under Japans technical intern program. After returning home, Chet earned a living as a tuk-tuk driver, but decided to leave his family again to work in Japan in order to cover educational expenses for his two daughters. Training alongside him is Sar Sandy, 30, who hopes to become a truck driverstill a rare career choice for women in Cambodia. Both are set to join Sankei Works, a transport company based in Nogata, Fukuoka Prefecture, which employs 13 drivers and mainly delivers food and alcoholic beverages within the prefecture. Struggling to secure Japanese drivers, the company decided to hire Chet and Sandy as foreign drivers and holds high expectations for their performance. In November last year, the two arrived in Japan and began training to pass the countrys drivers license examination. However, Japans left-side traffic and right-hand-drive vehiclesopposite of Cambodiaproved challenging. Despite undergoing advanced AI-assisted training, Chet made repeated errors, receiving a score of minus 100 out of 100, while Sandy recorded minus 55, highlighting the difficulty of adapting to Japans driving system. Although they continued training daily, both ultimately failed the licensing exam. The question now is whether Kobayashi can establish a stable path for foreign drivers to work in Japan, as he and the two Cambodian trainees take on the challenge of overcoming the hurdles to employment in the countrys logistics industry. Source: BIZ Beyond its European SMR expansion in countries like Czechia and Hungary, Rolls-Royce is also developing a nuclear micro-reactor with a lower power output, which it aims to send to the lunar surface by the early 2030s. The company is developing a 470-MW pressurised water reactor design and is collaborating with Canada's BWXT to secure an international supply chain for components in the UK, Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe. Rolls-Royce has been selected as the UK's preferred bidder for its first small modular reactors (SMRs), backed by $3.3 billion of public investment, with the first project planned for the decommissioned Wylfa site in Wales. British aviation company Rolls-Royce has big plans for nuclear power, as well as other major energy projects, having been selected as the United Kingdoms preferred bidder to build the countrys first small modular reactors (SMRs) last year. The company is expected to fast-track the development of the U.K.s first SMRs, as well as explore other innovative fields, such as producing power from space. In June, the U.K. government announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy Nuclear (GBE-N) to develop SMRs, pledging almost $3.3 billion of public investment for the SMR programme. In November, the government announced plans to develop a first-of-its-kind nuclear power station on the Welsh island of Anglesey, with works scheduled to start in 2026 and first power generation expected by the mid-2030s. After several months of waiting, the government approval means that Rolls-Royce can finally ramp up SMR development this year, with the company expected to make waves in Europe. Rolls-Royce is developing a 470-MW pressurised water reactor, which is expected to provide around 1.4 GW of power for the first three units at the Welsh Wylfa project. The SMRs will be constructed at the site of the decommissioned Wylfa nuclear plant, which closed in 2015. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here The U.K. is expected to be the first European country to deploy commercial SMR technology. In January, a spokesperson from GBE-N said, Well be giving British companies the opportunity to be part of that wider international supply chain, giving them the chance to demonstrate their delivery experience across the U.K., Europe and beyond. Rolls-Royce is collaborating with Canadas BWX Technologies (BWXT) on the design of its first SMR and will procure steam generators from the firm. BWXT has also agreed to support future manufacturing and related activities in the U.K., Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe, to secure a supply of parts including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and tanks. If the first U.K. SMR project is seen as successful, Rolls-Royce is expected to roll out the technology in other parts of Europe, thereby becoming a major early player in the regions SMR industry. In 2025, Rolls-Royce SMR and Czechias largest public company, CEZ, signed an agreement to partner on?the development of 3 GW of SMR power in Czechia. Rolls-Royce also signed a strategic partnership with Czechias Skoda JS to explore the potential for component manufacturing for a global fleet of SMRs in August. Rolls-Royce SMR also signed an agreement with Hungary last year to explore the expansion of the countrys nuclear power capacity through the addition of SMR technology. Hungarys Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Levente Magyar, said at the time, The agreement we signed is a good opportunity to start the essential information exchange between the partners that can contribute to the development of the first SMR of Hungary. The deployment of SMRs on a commercial scale across Europe could rapidly boost the regions nuclear power capacity, as SMRs can be rolled out at a faster pace than conventional nuclear reactors, thanks to their efficient modular design. SMRs can be produced in factories before being transported to site to be assembled, where more SMRs can be added to boost output as required. However, the European Nuclear Societys Communications and Project Manager, Mattia Baldoni, told reporters that greater alignment is needed in licensing approaches, component qualification, and long-term fuel cycle capabilities, to make the deployment of SMRs across Europe a reality. Rolls-Royce will also need to rapidly hire and train staff to support the accelerated development and rollout of its SMR technology. The U.K. approach to SMR development varies from that of the United States, where development is decentralised, with several private companies racing to deploy the countrys first SMRs. In addition to developing its SMR technology on the ground, Rolls-Royce also has big plans for space. The British firm aims to send a nuclear micro-reactor to the lunar surface by the early 2030s. A micro-reactor differs from an SMR, providing a much lower power output of between 1 and 10 MW. As it is smaller than an SMR, it is easier to transport from site to site. In July 2024, Rolls-Royce secured funding from the U.K. Space Agency under the National Space Innovation Programme to support the development of its space nuclear power technology. The firm is collaborating with academic partners from the University of Oxford and Bangor University on the design of the micro-reactor and is reportedly looking for partners from the U.K. and U.S. to send its reactor to space once developed. Rolls-Royce has quickly become a key player in the development of Europes SMRs, with projects planned for the U.K. and several other European countries. If the deployment of the U.K.s first SMR technology is successful, Rolls-Royce could see orders from other parts of the globe, as one of the worlds leading SMR developers. By Felecity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The field of fusion energy is being rapidly advanced by increasing privatization, a flood of agile startups, and advances in magnet technology that are allowing for smaller, more localized reactors to meet decentralized data center energy needs. Nuclear fusion is seen by major tech leaders like Sam Altman and Bill Gates as the potential "silver bullet" solution to provide a clean, limitless source of energy without the hazardous waste of nuclear fission. The exponential growth of artificial intelligence is creating a massive energy monster, with the sector expected to double its energy needs by the end of the decade, rivaling the energy use of Japan. The runaway energy demands of the artificial intelligence boom are pushing a new wave of innovative next-gen energy ambitions. Big Tech is pouring money into fast-tracking the development of futuristic energy alternatives like enhanced geothermal and nuclear fusion in an attempt to stay one step ahead of the energy monster the sector is creating. Large language models are already consuming about 1.5 percent of the worlds energy, according to figures from the International Energy Agency. And as AI models become more advanced, they will only become more energy intensive. The sector is expected to double its energy needs by the end of this decade, at which point AI alone will rival the energy use of the entire nation of Japan. Nuclear fusion has become a sort of tech industry darling, as it has the potential to provide a silver bullet solution to the energy security and sustainability threats posed by AI. In theory, commercial nuclear fusion could provide an essentially limitless source of totally clean energy, leaving behind none of the hazardous nuclear waste associated with nuclear fission. Some of the tech sectors biggest names, including Bill Gates and OpenAIs Sam Altman, are major advocates of nuclear fusion as an answer to AIs ballooning energy problem. In fact, Altman has said that the world simply doesnt have enough energy to support the tech sectors growth trajectory unless we develop new energy sources in the immediate future. "There's no way to get there without a breakthrough," he said at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "It motivates us to go invest more in fusion." Achieving useful levels of nuclear fusion has remained out of reach for over a century, but the science is now advancing at a rapid pace. The increasing privatization of the sector and recent flood of fusion startups has injected huge amounts of cash and competition into the burgeoning field. While Big Tech has been supporting fusion unicorns for years, now even Wall Street is getting in on the action, signalling a critical shift in confidence and a major reconfiguring of the industry. Until recently, only rich governments could afford to conduct fusion experiments, which are often massive in scale, enormously expensive, and slow-moving. ITER, the worlds biggest fusion experiment, is years delayed and about 5 billion over budget. But with the increasing diversification of the field, more and more agile approaches to fusion energy are being tested. Most of them are much smaller than the leading public projects, but still showing huge promise. According to recent reporting from Utility Dive, the future of nuclear fusion may very well trend toward compact and local models as a critical complement to major projects. Advances in the ultra-powerful magnets that fusion projects rely on to control and contain superheated plasma have allowed for the development of much smaller reactors. Moreover, the demand for fusion energy is coming from the local level, as data centers increasingly decentralize energy needs and generate major hotspots in rural areas with little energy infrastructure. The rapid growth and spread of AI integration and its associated resource needs is placing unprecedented strain on electric grids around the world. Regions that have borne the brunt of data center scaling are already crumbling under the weight and cost of the AI revolution. The scale of the problem bridges public and private spheres. As Silicon Valley employs its deep pockets to catalyze the development of new energy sources, policymakers are rushing to keep up with necessary supportive infrastructure like transmission lines. These are no longer just engineering problems. Theyre political, economic and even military issues, Utility Drive writes. A single outage can silence AI services, industrial zones or defense systems. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Locally owned franchises across the nation are honoring more than 25,000 professional caregivers from February 15-21. OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Right at Home is proud to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and resilience of caregivers during Professional Caregivers Week, observed February 15-21. While National Caregivers Day falls on February 20, Right at Home extends this important recognition for an entire week to honor the profound impact caregivers have on families and communities nationwide. "Professional Caregivers Week recognizes family and professional caregivers, as well as the many friends and neighbors who provide essential support to those in need," said Margaret Haynes, President and CEO of Right at Home. "Caregivers spend each day putting others first, often without expecting anything in return. Their time, talent, and compassion are invaluable. As more older adults require care, more individuals are stepping into the caregiving role. During this special week, and throughout the year, we want every caregiver to know how deeply appreciated they are." As one of the nation's leading inhome care providers, Right at Home operates more than 470 locally owned and operated offices across the country. Caregivers are at the heart of the organization's mission to improve the quality of life for those it serves. These dedicated professionals deliver needed support that allows seniors and adults with disabilities to remain safely and comfortably at home. Throughout Professional Caregivers Week, local Right at Home offices across the U.S. are hosting activities, recognition events, and appreciation initiatives tailored to their caregiving teams. These celebrations range from heartfelt thankyou messages and spotlight features to office gatherings, trainingfocused events, and acts of appreciation honoring the people who make compassionate inhome care possible. "As we celebrate National Caregivers Day and Professional Caregivers Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to every caregiver who shows up day after day with patience, empathy, and heart," Haynes added. "Their work transforms lives, strengthens families, and brings comfort to those who need it most." Right at Home encourages communities to join in recognizing caregivers this month and to help shine a light on this meaningful and often unseen profession. ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME: Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client's home. Right at Home's global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 750 franchise locations in the U.S. and four other countries. For more information about Right at Home, visit rightathome.net. Nick Powills Mainland 312-526-3996 [email protected] SOURCE Right at Home The massive unconventional oil boom underway in Argentina continues to gain momentum. During late 2024, Argentina, which is South Americas second largest economy after Brazil, overtook Colombia to become the continents fourth largest oil producer. The surge in petroleum revenues, coupled with President Javier Mielis economic reforms, is a boon for one of the worlds most unstable and crisis-riven economies. There are signs of strong production growth ahead with shale oil and gas output expanding at a solid clip. Government data shows that for December 2025, Argentina pumped a record of 861,380 barrels of crude oil per day. This was 2% greater than a month earlier and an impressive 14% higher year over year. As the chart illustrates, that solid number is nearly double the 494,721 barrels per day lifted for the same period a decade ago. Source: Argentina Ministry of Economy. Natural gas production has also grown significantly over the last decade. December 2025 output of 4.6 billion cubic feet per day was 7.4% higher than a month prior and 5.7% greater than the same month a year earlier, although that number is still below recent historical highs. As the chart below shows, December 2025 natural gas output is well below the record monthly high of 5.7 billion cubic feet per day reported for July 2025. Source: Argentina Ministry of Economy. It is rapidly growing shale oil and gas production, which is responsible for the impressive expansion of Argentinas hydrocarbon output. The successful exploitation of the 8.6-million-acre Vaca Muerta shale formation is responsible for this strong growth in hydrocarbon output, particularly with production from Argentinas higher-cost mature oil fields declining. The rapid growth of unconventional hydrocarbon production in Argentina is occurring despite the naysayers asserting a lack of investment, infrastructure, and expertise is curbing production growth. Government data shows December 2025 shale oil production hit an all-time high of 593,488 barrels per day, with it making up a record 69% of all petroleum lifted. That was 0.6% greater than a month prior and 31% higher year over year, while being more than several thousand times greater than a decade earlier. A similar phenomenon is occurring with shale gas. For December 2025, Argentinas shale gas production of 3 billion cubic feet per day represented a 12% increase when compared to both a month and a year earlier. Although it is 18% lower than the all-time high of just under 3.8 billion cubic feet reported for July 2025. Nonetheless, December 2025 shale gas output was still responsible for 65% of Argentinas total natural gas production. There are signs of significant shale gas production growth ahead, particularly with the Vaca Muerta now the engine room for Argentinas fossil fuel output. It is Argentinas national oil company, YPF, which is the leading developer and producer of hydrocarbons in the Vaca Muerta. The driller is 51% owned by Argentinas state and federal governments after it was nationalized by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in April 2012. YPF plans to become a pure unconventional oil and gas company by the end of the decade. The national oil company for December 2025 lifted 384,397 barrels per day, representing 55% of Argentinas total petroleum production for that month. Of that total petroleum output, 86%, or barrels per day, was shale oil pumped from the Vaca Muerta. YPFs natural gas output for that period was 947,191 million cubic feet per day, which represents 20% of Argentinas total production of the fossil fuel for December 2025. Shale gas comprised 80% of YPFs total natural gas production for the period, underscoring how the company is rapidly moving to a pure play shale oil and gas driller. YPF expects production to grow at a solid clip. Not only is the development of the companys Vaca Muerta acreage at an early stage of development but the integrated energy major plans to spend nearly $36 billion between 2025 and 2030. According to the company, drilling will peak in 2029 with 32 active drill rigs. This will drive higher production with YPF estimating total hydrocarbon output of 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, nearly double the 553,009 barrels produced during December 2025. That will be 47.5% weighted to crude oil, with the remainder comprised of natural gas (440,000 barrels) and natural gas liquids (75,000 barrels). Other energy companies are investing heavily in the Vaca Muerta. Hydrocarbon investment for 2026 is expected to reach $11 billion, a 17% increase over $9.4 billion for 2025. Most of that capital will be directed toward the Vaca Muerta shale play. The hydrocarbon-rich geological formation, which contains an estimated 16 billion barrels of shale oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of shale gas, is attracting considerable attention from Big Oil. Supermajor Shell, which recently dismissed speculation that the company was planning to divest its Vaca Muerta assets, committed to spending $700 million on the shale play during 2026. Colombia-headquartered independent oil and gas producer GeoPark recently secured $50 million of financing to develop acreage in the Vaca Muerta. The company previously announced plans to invest in developing the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste Blocks, which were purchased from Pluspetrol during September 2025. This signals the entry of another intermediate exploration and production company in the Vaca Muerta, underscoring the shale plays solid economics, with the average breakeven price as low as $36 per barrel, which makes it attractive for smaller drillers. The rapid development of the Vaca Muerta not only reversed Argentinas crippling energy deficit, which hit an all-time high of $7 billion during 2013, but has made the crisis-prone country a net energy exporter. That, along with President Javier Mileis economic shock therapy, where fiscal spending was slashed, and the currency stabilized through a managed floating rate, is delivering a massive economic dividend for Argentina. The presidents plans to reduce regulation while removing strict currency and capital controls will drive further foreign investment, particularly for the Vaca Muerta, which is the engine room of Argentinas hydrocarbon sector. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Canada-based Ensign Energy Services has been working in Venezuela for 25 years and has never left the country, where rig counts have plummeted, and the political and regulatory landscape has been a minefield to navigate. Were the only Canadian company the only oilfield service drilling company operating in Venezuela, Bob Geddes, Ensign Energy Services president and chief operating officer, told the Financial Post in an interview. Weve stuck through Venezuela, thick and thin, and here we are with a little bit of blue sky ahead, the executive noted. The comments come as the Trump Administration this week further eased the sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry by allowing U.S. firms to provide services and technology for oil and gas exploration and production in the South American country that holds the worlds largest crude oil reserves. The general license of the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) notes that U.S. entities or persons are now authorized to provide goods, technology, software, or services for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in Venezuela under certain limited conditions. While the license will mark a widely expected return of services giants such as Halliburton and SLB, the Calgary-based Ensign Energy Services will have a head start in the race for Venezuelas drilling opportunities. Ensign is reportedly working for Chevron, currently the only U.S. exploration and production company authorized to operate in Venezuela. In its latest earnings release in November, Ensign said that As part of the Companys international operations, it provides oilfield services in Venezuela pursuant to contractual arrangements, which have recently been reactivated. As of November, Ensign had one rig that restarted in Venezuela and expected a second rig to be added by the end of 2025. It flagged as a credit risk a net accounts receivable balance of about $4.2 million for work performed in Venezuela. Ensign has a history of collecting payments it is owed, but noted in November that due to the continuing political unrest in the country as well as imposed sanctions there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in collecting all of such accounts receivable outstanding. The situation in Venezuela has drastically changed since November 2025, with the U.S. ousting Nicolas Maduro, taking over control of the countrys oil sales, and urging American companies to invest billions of U.S. dollars to revive the struggling Venezuelan oil industry and fix severely outdated or damaged energy infrastructure. Working in Venezuela is not for the faint-hearted, Ensigns Geddes told the Financial Post. It is not clear how soon companies could return to the country or how much money they would be willing to spend, especially until reforms in the industry and the political and security backdrop guarantee oil firms and drillers would not have to flee Venezuela in a few years again. Services provider Ensign could soon be joined by the giants Halliburton and SLB, who have already expressed interest in returning to Venezuela operations. Halliburton CEO Jeff Miller told analysts on the Q4 earnings call in January that he is confident that we could move fairly quickly in Venezuela. We're working through the mechanics around license and things that we're certain will get in place, Miller said last month. SLBs chief executive, Olivier Le Peuch, said on the earnings call at the end of January that the oilfield services giant remains confident that with appropriate licensing, safety parameters, and compliance measures in place, we can rapidly ramp up activities in support of the oil and gas industry in Venezuela. We are excited and we are already receiving a lot of inquiries from our customers, Le Peuch added. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation, Oregon State Senator Fred Girod is devotedly working with other lawmakers to try to get the State of Oregon to purchase the Abiqua Falls as it is up for sale. This waterfall is current owned by Mount Angel Abbey, a Benedictine community of monks under a private foundation. They seek to sell it in search of land closer to their Abbey. It is hard in Oregon for a private foundation to own a waterfall. For starters, Oregon is famous for being an extreme liability cost state. Making the news recently, Timberline Lodge is facing a staggering 586% increase in liability insurance costs since 2020. Outdoor touring companies are leaving Oregon due to high liability costs. Just last year a man was injured at Albiqua Falls. It is hard for private foundations to find mega-donor sponsors. You may not have noticed, but several longtime festivals and legendary Oregon events have been cancelled, in part, over rising costs and declining sponsors (Brew Fest, Cycle Oregon Classic event after 33 years, Oregon Jamboree after 30+ years, Feast Portland, Willamette Country Music Festival, and Bend Brewfest). The loss of Oregons major sponsors is a direct result of high taxes and big corporations leaving Oregon. Lawmakers have addressed this decline by awarding one Portland non-profit $3 million to fund various Portland waterfront festivals. Funding festivals is not a proper role of government. Not everything of natural value needs to be government owned. For instance, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado is one of Americas only privately owned zoos and they just happened to be listed as among the best zoos in the world. Yet, Oregon may be unable to obtain such entrepreneurial endeavors because of its current risky environment, which means having state ownership may be the option by default. The sale of this waterfall should be a good time to self-analyze the bigger picture on how friendly Oregon is to private partnerships of natural landmarks. Justice Mohamed Khadar Ibrahim made history as the first Kenyan of Somali origin to rise to the countrys highest judicial office, leaving behind a legacy defined by legal excellence, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice and democracy. Justice Ibrahim was formally admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya on January 11, 1983, becoming one of the earliest members of the Kenyan Somali community to reach senior professional status in the legal field. At a time when representation of minorities in the judiciary was rare, his achievement marked a turning point for inclusion and recognition. In 1994, he established his own private law firm, Mohammed Ibrahim & Co., which later expanded in 1997 and was rebranded as Ibrahim & Isaack Advocates. Through the firm, he built a reputation as a disciplined, principled, and highly respected lawyer. Beyond private practice, Justice Ibrahim was also a founding member of Mwangaza Trust, a human rights organization known for its advocacy on social justice and the protection of marginalized communities. His work placed him among the most prominent voices calling for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya. That commitment came at a personal cost. In July 1990, during the authoritarian one-party era under President Daniel arap Moi, Justice Ibrahim was detained without trial for one month at Kamiti Prison. His detention was linked to his legal advice and support for pro-democracy activists, as well as his opposition to elements of the ruling political system at the time. In later years, Justice Ibrahim played a critical institutional role by serving as a key link between the High Court and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, strengthening coordination between judicial and electoral bodies during sensitive national processes. His judicial career spanned 23 years, during which he held several senior positions. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court of Kenya, he served with distinction at the Court of Appeal, earning respect for his legal reasoning and integrity. Justice Ibrahim was part of the Supreme Court bench during the landmark 2017 presidential election petition filed by opposition leader Raila Odinga against then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. During the proceedings, he fell ill and was placed under medical care, a development formally communicated by then Chief Justice David Maraga. Despite his absence, the court proceeded in accordance with constitutional provisions requiring a minimum quorum of judges. On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Justice Mohamed Ibrahim passed away at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi at the age of 69, according to fellow judge Mohamed Warsame. Chief Justice Martha Koome led tributes, offering condolences to his family, colleagues, and the wider legal community. Justice Mohamed Ibrahims life journeyfrom a pioneering advocate to a Supreme Court judgestands as a powerful testament to perseverance, principle, and public service. For Kenyas Somali community and the nation at large, his legacy endures as a reminder that justice, when pursued with courage and integrity, can reshape institutions and inspire generations. AMPI hosts Tulum and Riviera Maya Real Estate Fair offering free public advice Tulum, Q.R. The town of Tulum held its first ever Tulum & Riviera Maya Real Estate Fair over the weekend. The two day exhibition ran February 13 and 14 in the town center next to city hall, attracting dozens of prospective buyers. The Tulum & Riviera Maya Real Estate Fair 2026 was hosted by the AMPI (Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) branch of Tulum. The fair was held next to Tulum City Hall February 14, 2026. Participants included local real estate developers, banks, legal firms and real estate companies. The goal was to promote real estate throughout the area to those looking to buy, sell or invest. Several government agencies, including Infonavit and the Ministry of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development (Sedetus), in addition to Tulums Urban Development and Cadastre, were also on site. The public event offered free advice to interested parties to receive guidance on deed registration processes, property regularization, urban procedures and legal requirements to carry out safe transactions. Conferences were also held for the general public and industry professionals, who are certified real estate professionals. People were able to talk with experts, compare options and make decisions based on reliable information. The goal, organizer and Tulum AMPI President Mario Antonio San Miguel Herrera said, was to raise the standards of real estate activity and reduce unethical practices. Mario Antonio San Miguel Herrera February 13, 2026. The fair was also meant to counter some of the bad press Tulum has had over the past 18 months with the closure of numerous illegal projects. In September of 2025, the Secretariat of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development (Sedetus) reported on the closure of 26 real estate developers that were actively selling without permits. Sedetus (Secretaria de Desarrollo Territorial Urbano Sustentable) reported that all 26 companies were selling properties while in violation of state laws, which promoted a public alert. Costa Maya fishermen assist boat of Cubans found adrift off coast of Mahahual Costa Maya, Q.R. Seven people of Cuban origin were rescued off Costa Maya earlier this week. The rescue happened Wednesday, but was not made public until now. The seven men were all found to be in good health February 11, 2026. On February 11, seven men from Cuba were rescued by Costa Maya fishermen who found them adrift off the coast of Mahahual. The fishermen were eventually assisted by the Mexican Navy in coordination with personnel from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanap). The Secretariat of the Navy reported that personnel through the Eleventh Naval Zone provided medical attention to seven people who were located near the island of Banco Chinchorro. According to the official report, the seven individuals, all Cuban nationals, were reported seen adrift in a makeshift vessel off the southern coast of Quintana Roo. The boat, carrying 7 men, was spotted by island fishermen Wednesday morning February 11, 2026. They were spotted by local fishermen near the island of Banco Chinchorro south of Mahahual around noon Wednesday. The fishermen who saw them transported them to the island where they were met by federal Conanp (Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas) personnel. At the scene, Conanp requested transportation support from the Mexican Navy for a water transfer to the mainland at Mahahual. Conanp personnel requested assistance from the Marina to help transport the men to the mainland February 11, 2026. Marina personnel used their Interceptor Patrol Vessel Rasalhague to transport the seven Cuban nationals to a Mahahual fishing pier. At the pier, they were met by waiting National Migration Institute (INM) officers. All seven were found to be in good health and were processed by federal immigration officers. The men were transferred by the Marina to the mainland where they were met by INM immigration officers February 11, 2026. Legal proceedings by the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) were started to determine their immigration status in Mexico. While makeshift vessel sightings are not uncommon off the coast of Quintana Roo, the fuel crisis in Cuba is making things worse. An INM officer is seen here photographing the men found adrift off Mahahual February 11, 2026. According to CBC News, many Cubans have reported struggling to find food and going without electricity for five hour stretches to ration what is left of the islands fuel. The more fortunate islanders still have bouts of power in their homes for 30 minute sessions a few times a day. On February 6, an official notice posted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website said Havanas Jose Marti International Airport was nearly out of jet fuel. The following day, major airlines across Canada pulled their flights to the island. This week, Mexico sent over 800 tons of humanitarian food and supply aid to the island with another shipment pending. 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The pieces, which were returned in 2023, can be viewed at the Templo Mayor Museum in Mexico City. The sculptures of a star warrior and a macehual, repatriated from New York, were added to the public exhibition earlier this week, the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH) reported. Alejandro Bautista Valdespino, the Deputy Director of the Registry of Movable Archaeological Monuments of the INAH, stated that the two Mexica-style sculptures now exhibited are part of a lot of 14 pre-Hispanic pieces that, in November 2023, a private collector handed over to the Mexican Cultural Institute of New York. The restored objects, he added, represent styles from different cultures, the oldest belonging to the Olmec civilization centuries before our era, in the Early Preclassic, up to the Mexica sculptures dating from the 15th century. Susan Bridenstine, Counselor for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, highlighted the cooperation between the two governments which facilitated the recent repatriation. They consists of Monument 9 from Chalcatzingo, a 2,500-year-old relief as well as two manuscripts signed by Hernan Cortes. These recoveries demonstrate a profound respect for Mexicos history and identity, and reinforce the shared values that unite our nations. The national coordinators of Legal Affairs and Museums and Exhibitions of the INAH, Enrique Alvarez Tostado and Juan Manuel Garibay Lopez, respectively, considered that the return of said archaeological monuments, regardless of their size, reflects an act of restitution of historical memory for the places and communities from which they were taken. The director of the Templo Mayor Museum (MTM), Patricia Ledesma Bouchan, highlighted that the basalt piece (1.64 m high by 57 cm wide, and weighing half a ton) represents a star warrior, brother of the goddess Coyolxauhqui. These sculptures (of which seven have been found at the Templo Mayor) were considered guardians of sacred spaces and were usually displayed in pairs. A green stone, symbolizing their heart, was placed in the circular perforation on their chest. The archaeologist explained that the artistic style of the Late Postclassic period (1325-1521 AD) was shared by other locations, such as Texcoco, Tacuba and the southern part of the Valley of Mexico, so it is likely that this sculpture and that of the macehual, The opening event of the exhibition was also presided over by the director of Contentious Affairs of the INAH, Eduardo Garcia Torres. Proactive approach: City starts installation of sargassum barriers ahead of official arrival Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Municipal officials have gotten a head start on the installation of anti-sargazo barriers. Playa del Carmen City Council has already started protecting a five kilometer stretch of Riviera Maya beach ahead of its arrival. In a proactive approach, barriers are being installed ahead of the official sargassum season. Kandy Mendoza, the PDC Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, said the installation began near Parque Fundadores and the Constituyentes pier. The city will continue to extend the at-sea barriers toward Playa Golondrinas as a start. Sections consisting of 15-meters each are being installed before the seaweed begins its official arrival. Mendoza says the citys goal is to cover the entire public coastal beach strip from Playa Cisne to Punta Esmeralda. According to Kandy Mendoza, the city cleared 30,580 tons of sargassum during 2025, the highest figure recorded in the last four years. She reported that so far in 2026, 1,288 tons has already been cleared from public beach areas. She also noted that the barriers are being placed ahead of the official start of sargassum arrival, which is usually the month of March. Mendoza explained that Playa del Carmen City Council approved the use of 45 million pesos from the Environmental Sanitation Fund to cover the cost of the barriers. She said although the barriers do not completely prevent the seaweed from reaching shore, they significantly reduce the volume that does make landfall. Preventing landfall not only keeps the sand clear, but also prevents it from decomposing on land. At the moment, there are currently 15 collection points operating where the sargassum is being disposed of by approximately 150 workers. The workers, who clear the beaches manually, are being supported by 70 members of the Secretariat of the Navy, who collect the sargassum at-sea. The coast is currently registering minimal amounts of seaweed Playa del Carmen beach February 13, 2026. The entire coast of Quintana Roo remains clear of any significant sargassum landfall. The Home Depot name on a cell phone and on the wall in the background - Ployker/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When it's time to shop for items to complete our DIY projects, we often compare prices and availability between Lowe's and Home Depot to see which store offers the best deal. Since we can generally find at least one competitively-priced version of what we need at either store, sometimes the difference comes down to which store is more convenient. Both Lowe's and Home Depot offer online shopping and expansive stores with knowledgeable retail associates to help you select DIY products, Pro Desk services to streamline your business, and rental counters that provide access to the tools and equipment you need on occasion but don't want to purchase. The big-box home improvement stores each sell a number of popular name brands and some that are unique to each. Home Depot has its own private label brands, Husky is one example, while Lowe's carries its Kobalt brand tools. Some name brands only appear at one or the other, like Lowe's sells Craftsman tools but not Milwaukee, while that situation is reversed at Home Depot. Other than the particular brands found at Lowe's and Home Depot, another difference is the number of physical locations they offer. Home Depot's website boasts "more than 2,300 stores across North America," while Lowe's claims it "operates over 1,700 home improvement stores." Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 13 Milwaukee Tools Even Haters Of The Brand Will Love Home Depot's tool and equipment rental service outshines Lowe's Using a Kubota skid steer rented from Home Depot to move dirt. - Home Depot Lowe's and Home Depot are just two of the stores that offer tool rental services. I have personal experience with Home Depot's rental counter because it was the closest place available to rent a mini excavator on a sub-zero New Year's Eve morning to repair a waterline break at my house. However, I haven't used Lowe's rental services. On that day, there was a Lowe's that might have been closer, but it didn't have a rental department, which is one of the things that makes Home Depot's rental service better: it's available in more locations. For example, while there are several Lowe's stores within 50 miles of northeast Oklahoma, the nearest Lowe's with a rental department is in Farmington, Missouri, over 300 miles away, according to the Lowe's store finder. Both stores offer a wide variety of tools and equipment for construction, lawn care, portable power, painting, and floor care. While we didn't compare prices and specs of every rental product, many of the items were of similar quality with nearly identical prices and terms. One specific equipment rental category where Home Depot outshines Lowe's is skid steers. Advertisement Advertisement Lowe's lists a single model, a John Deere Wheeled Skid Steer 318G, on its website. It comes on a trailer and has a combined weight of 8,842 pounds, requiring a -ton or larger pickup equipped with a 2-5/16-inch trailer hitch ball to tow it. Lowe's rental fees range from $284 for four hours to $379 for 24 hours and $1,137 for a full week. Home Depot rents a similar machine for a few dollars less, but really outshines Lowe's with its selection of seven skid steer classes offering both wheeled and tracked versions, plus two more mini skid steer options. Home Depot's Husky 14-inch pipe wrench outshines Kobalt Using the Husky pipe wrench from Home Depot to tighten a pipe coupling. - Home Depot A pipe wrench is a must-have tool to have on hand before starting a plumbing project. Pipe wrenches can also serve as a heavy-duty wrench to loosen stubborn nuts and bolts, as long as you don't care what they look like when you're finished. Home Depot and Lowe's both sell pipe wrenches, of course. You will find Husky and Kobalt pipe wrenches featuring aluminum and cast iron construction in a variety of lengths at their respective stores. A common pipe wrench selection with a variety of DIY applications is the 14-inch cast iron version. That specific pipe wrench from the Lowe's Kobalt brand lists for $26.36, whereas the Husky 14-inch Cast Iron Pipe Wrench from Home Depot is a couple of bucks less at $23.97. Both pipe wrenches have a 2-inch maximum jaw opening designed to work best on pipes up to 1.5 inches in diameter. However, the Kobalt pipe wrench lists its minimum pipe diameter at -inch compared to Husky's -inch. They also each have a lifetime warranty. Advertisement Advertisement While the Husky 14-inch cast iron pipe wrench from Home Depot beats the Lowe's Kobalt pipe wrench on price, it's also better quality, according to a video review posted to the Catus Maximus YouTube channel. Maximus reports that both pipe wrenches are less expensive and lighter than premium brands, while the Husky is a little lighter than the Kobalt. The Husky 14-inch pipe wrench really outshines the Kobalt with its superior movable jaw. While pipe wrench movable jaws always have some play, the Kobalt design has an excessive amount that makes it less efficient to operate. Maximus demonstrates that Kobalt uses a movable jaw that's thinner than Husky's, resulting in a larger gap between the jaw and the frame and allowing for more side-to-side movement. Entry-level DIY 2-tool combo kits The Ryobi 2-tool combo kit in action. - Ryobi Whether it's time to replace your old power tools or you're just starting your collection, choosing a brand you can grow with is important. One reason is that whichever brand you go with will use batteries with proprietary designs. That means you'll want to choose from a selection of power tools designed for that battery system going forward. Home Depot carries Ryobi power tools, a popular entry-level DIYer budget-friendly option, and part of my personal tool kit. If you're just starting to dip your toes into the proverbial power tool pool, Ryobi is a great brand with several tool options, but you won't find them at Lowe's. Advertisement Advertisement Ryobi also has one of the least expensive options to get started. Home Depot lists a Ryobi 2-Tool Combo Kit for $99.00. The kit includes a -inch capacity drill/driver, an impact driver with a -inch quick-connect collet, a 1.5 amp-hour lithium-ion 18-volt battery, and a battery charger. The 2-speed drill/driver provides up to 515 inch-pounds of torque and speeds up to 450 rpm in low range or 1,750 rpm in high. The impact driver delivers 3,450 impacts per minute (IPM) and up to 1,800 in-lbs of torque. Both tools have integrated LED work lights. The least expensive comparable power tool kit from Lowe's is the Black+Decker Drill Impact 2 Kit at $119.00. Lowe's doesn't provide detailed specs for the drill provided with the kit, but the impact driver generates up to 1,375 in-lbs of torque with 3,900 IPM. Generally, reviews comparing Ryobi power tools to Black+Decker find the Ryobi brand superior. How we chose these Home Depot finds Perusing the aisles inside a Home Depot store. - ACHPF/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement The process of choosing Home Depot finds that outshine those from Lowe's in quality and price involved the author's personal experience and a lot of combing through offerings from each home improvement store to compare prices and online reviews to ensure superior levels of quality. As always, prices and availability can vary in different parts of the country. Sale prices can also create instances where Lowe's products beat those from Home Depot. In general, manufacturers of name-brand products, tools, and appliances control pricing, so the cost of those items is largely the same at both stores. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, Im a cis man and have been with my wife for 20 years. We have an active and varied sex life with good communication. One thing that could be better is that Id like to be able to ejaculate during blowjobs. I come during vaginal and anal intercourse and titfucking, all usually while Im thrusting pretty deeply. Shes enthusiastic about giving oral, and everything she does with her mouth and hands feels amazing, but I can never seem to finish. I can come while actively fucking her mouth (when she wants that), but wed both love it if sometimes I could come mostly from what shes doing rather than mostly from what Im doing. How could I learn to orgasm from what shes giving so well? Not Receiving Well Dear Not Receiving Well, The simple truth is you may never make it there. For whatever reason, there are guys who can come from one kind of stimulation and not the other. Anecdotally, I cant come from head, is something Ive heard quite a bit on apps and in just general sex talk. For some, this may have something to do with mechanicsthrusting can induce orgasm in a way that sitting back and getting serviced does not. You have discovered a workaround (fucking her mouth), and you can orgasm by many other means on top of that, so your question is one of optimization. Youre looking for perfection, and youre just a few points away. Still, there are things you can try, albeit none of them are guaranteed to get you off. Abstinence from orgasm (sex and masturbation) can make you more sensitive and it can make coming easier when its finally time to do so. Try it. Go a few days or even a week and see if anything shifts. During the blow job, you can also experiment with prostate stimulation, as that pushes some guys over the edge. A finger will work, as would a toy (like the kind of stimulators that Aneros makes). A vibrator on your penis might help increase sensation, too, and you can always introduce porn and/or fantasizing while she blows you, potentially turning up the heat. Finally, you mention that what shes doing with her mouth and hands feels amazing, so this might not apply, but just in case: She can stroke you while she sucks you in one motion. Sometimes the hand grip plus mouth suction is a winning combination. If you havent tried that, ask her to give it a whirl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have a question about sex? Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, My wife and I got together in 2010 during my senior year of college and married in 2017 at her behest. While in school and early career, our relationship was fun, exciting, and boozy. The relationship, sex, and romance were great. Things waned over time, and with clear hindsight I dont think we should have ever got married. We were soulmates and when things were good they were great. Those intoxicating moments of passion slowed over 15 years. I thought we had settled into a mature mid-30s relationship. I havent seen a perfect one and I at least thought we were doing quite a lot better than most. Back in August, she left with relatively little warning (Im sure shed disagree). She moved five hours away and left me to serve as undertaker to the marriage. I had to sell the house and try to grieve a wife that effectively died suddenly with no wake, ceremony, or burial. That grief was tremendous and Im still feeling it months later. Advertisement I try to let go but theres definitely resentment in how she left. So now the question: How in the world do I start a relationship when Ill only ever be remembering her? It feels entirely unfair. And to boot, with an older and not a younger love. Hoping for a New Soulmate Advertisement Dear Hoping for a New Soulmate, Breakups are hard. If they were easy, we wouldnt contend with the concept of heartsickness in this context and you wouldnt have written the letter that you did. You wouldnt be wondering how to move onyoud have moved on. But as you say, you are still grieving. You are coping with the loss of a 15-year relationship. Thats not something that is easy to conquer in a few months. Give yourself time and patience. Feel the pain. Trying to skip over this part would be futile and it wouldnt properly honor your loss. You can distract yourself, sure. Go on dates, have meaningless sex, take up hobbies, get in touch with old friends. But know that sadness is natural and inevitable. It speaks to the love that you had. Sometimes a bitter aftertaste is an inevitability. That doesnt make the main course less meaningful. Advertisement Advertisement Maybe part of you never does get over it, and you carry around some amount of pain from this with you for the rest of your life. Youll still be fine. You can still be OK even when your life isnt perfect. The sadness is what you have in your wifes absence. Its part of you, and its informed by the happiness that was. Of course being upset is not ideal, but that sadness is yours. Its what you get to keep. Advertisement Advertisement It is quite possible that when you are ready to look for a new relationship, you wont find someone who compares to your wife. This is not a liability; its a gift. From your past relationship, you have insights. You know what worked and what didnt. There is probably some stuff that you wish you could have done differently and a new relationship will allow you a redo. You may think about your ex as you venture out. You may think about her a lot. Maybe when you meet someone who takes up more of your brain space and you realize your ex-wife is taking up less of it, thats when youll know you have found a relationship thats worthy of your devotion. This person may be wonderful in ways that you cant predict. They may possess goodness that is appreciable in its own right and not in contrast to your exs. This is not always easy to find. It may take you a while. Let it. Its all part of the process. Advertisement Dear How to Do It, I want to store my sex toys in my bathroom. I wash them after use and I also feel most comfortable giving them a rinse and pat dry before use, so between uses it just feels pointless to put them away in my bedroom when theyre gonna end up in my bathroom again anyway. Right now Ive been leaving them just on my sink, but its suboptimal (if I have a guest who needs to use it, I end up just tossing the toys on my bed), and I have a tiny shower with a shelf that barely holds my shampoo bottle, let alone three dildos and a vibrator that isnt completely waterproof anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Would cloth storage bags in a tray under the sink be safe, or would there be a mold risk? Are there safe hard case storage options for sex toys? Would it be best to just actually put them away in my bedroom? Sinkside Drawer Advertisement Dear Sinkside Drawer, According to Lisa Finn, a sex educator for the sex-toy boutique Babeland, it would indeed be best to actually put them away in your bedroom. In a phone conversation about your letter, she explained why leaving your toys on the sink is suboptimal for reasons beyond optics. When you take a shower, the air becomes filled not only with the steam from the shower, but also with all the products that youre using in the shower, she said. And steam will also catch any of the dust thats in the air, so you have the potential for everything thats floating around in that steam to get onto your toys as well. As your vibrator isnt completely waterproof, the moist environment could also kill its motor over time. Mold is a risk if storing your toys in any kind of damp environment, Finn explained, though the risk is much higher if you are using a toy made out of porous material. Non-porous materials like glass, stainless steel, and pure silicone can be washed completely (and boiled even, if they dont have motors). A silicone blendjelly rubber, elastomer, latex, vinyl cyber skin, or really any silicone blend that isnt represented in packaging as 100 percent siliconeis porous and much more vulnerable to the elements. Those have the ability to get mold and mildew into those pores, even if you cant see it, said Finn. Eventually, harboring mold/mildew could make the toy unsafe to use and/or destroy it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finn recommends storing toys in a cloth bag (like one made out of satin), only after they have been completely dried. This is important no matter where youre storing them. And then, if you are storing them in the bathroom, youd want to store them in a sealed container to keep moisture out. Also be aware of the kinds of chemicals you are storing them next to, in the event that something should spill or leak. In terms of cleaners, Finn recommended the One Toy Cleaner and Wicked Simply Cleene Antibacterial Toy Cleaner, both spray-ons. I understand your desire for convenience, but in this case, its not that much more work to store your toys away from the humid environment of your bathroom. So do that. Rich More Sex Advice From Slate Im a gay man who dramatically prefers to bottom for anal. Its my favorite part of sex. My internal organs disagree. I have frequent diarrheanot so unpredictable that Id cause a mess during sex, but definitely enough that I dont feel clean enough for anal most of the time. I know sometimes poop happens, but I am sufficiently turned off by it that I need to be clean. Im really missing my preferred penetration. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. My first month of 2026 was not a true, nary-a-drop Dry January. I did, however, keep my drinking to a minimum over the course of the 31 days. (I learned after the fact that this method already has been branded Damp January.) Previous half-hearted attempts to imbibe a little less had proven that white-knuckle willpower is a losing strategy. So, I stocked the fridge with fizzy stand-ins to satisfy the muscle memory of holding a drink, and just before January commenced, I started watching YouTube to remind me the mission was noble and right. At first, I streamed a few videos: testimonials about the first week or month or year without liquor, full of promises that quitting alcohol can change everything about ones mental and physical well-being. The platform got the hint. It then fed me my first video from neuroscientist and podcast host Andrew Huberman. In the video, Huberman and fellow self-improvement podcaster Chris Williamson riff on familiar refrains of evangelical nondrinkers: how deeply the combination of tradition and marketing has embedded alcohol into our lives, and how booze is the only drug that leads friends and strangers to treat you like a leper if you quit. Huberman is disarming and approachable. As I listened, I did not dwell on the fact that the same man is routinely accused of shilling for supplements based on pseudoscience, promoting shaky science, and sowing distrust of evidence-backed medicine. By then, the algorithm was convinced. Hubermans admonishments to give up alcohol peppered the page, as did vertical Shorts of his quotes on the life-changing power of sobriety. I watched one, and another, nodding along to the digital daily affirmation. The dam broke. My recommendations pagewhich heretofore had been more likely to push instrumental versions of the Jurassic Park themefilled with macho wellness soundbites about how, and why, to get sober. The site was clearly trying to push me, a 41-year-old coastal liberal, down a testosterone-fueled rabbit hole. It got weird, fast. The weird thing is: It kind of worked. Hubermans aesthetic reflects the unofficial uniform of the manosphere health department. He is tatted, burly, and often dressed in black, with just enough gray in his beard to scan as learned. The sobriety he offers aligns with a very online worldview. His videos, and most of the others YouTube fed me afterward, frame teetotaling without the humility and powerlessness associated with recovery, but instead as a Tony Robbins act of seizing ones power that leads to weight loss, mental clarity, even better sex. The manospheres sobriety is robed in strength and self-actualization, no different than the sleep routine, supplements, and squats that will sculpt the best version of you. Twelve reps, not 12 steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet it resonated with me. Like millions of Americans, I wanted to quit or dramatically cut my drinking. But I didnt want to surrender to anything, nor to spend my whole life making amends and walking a path of eternal deprivation and self-denial like I saw in popular recovery communities. I needed agency, a plan of action to see booze as the enemy of the better, healthier, more optimized meand, apparently, routine reminders in video form that drinking sucks. YouTube had my back. The more videos I watched, the more YouTube surfaced content from the kind of people, mostly men, I would otherwise never listen to. A random assortment of celebrities like Nikki Glaser, Mel Gibson, and Ben Affleck. Fitness guys like ultra-athlete Rich Roll and Trump-endorser Joe Rogan. Of course, that way MAGA lies, so outright villains entered the feed, too: Jordan Peterson promoting sobriety with Theo Von, the comedian and podcaster who performed standup before a presidential appearance in Qatar last year because Barron Trump is a fan. And Tucker Carlsons sobriety story, where even in a moment of honest vulnerability, one can feel the fictional character he plays on television ready to subsume the man at any moment. Advertisement It is difficult to rectify all this with life in a crumbling democracy. Id almost rather drink away my health if being sober means keeping the company of MAGA, MAHA, or Silicon Valley microdosers. Purity is a pipe dream, though, because the politics of quitting booze are, like drinkers themselves, messy. Regarding the supposed backlash to Dry Januarys omnipresence, the New Yorker cited conservatives who see the growing sobriety push as a strike against fun and freedom by the risk-averse nanny state, not to mention an opportunity for smug lefties to virtue-signal on social media. On the other hand, the worlds most famous nondrinker is President Donald Trump, and some data suggests that as society drinks less, Republicans are drying up at an especially fast pace. The man-sobriety that invaded my feeds is no product of the left; a lot of the wellness enthusiasts who are right on alcohol are also given to woo-woo grandiosity and MAHA magical thinking. Advertisement Advertisement A previous me wouldve loved to use the productivity cults abstinence as a reason to keep guzzling. It buttresses the case that the good and the interesting people of the world are happy to knock one back with you and that sobriety is for suckers, or technocrats with no soul. Now that I have a 2-year-old daughter, though, any reason not to drink to excess, no matter the messenger, is a good one. Advertisement Advertisement As January drew to a close, I weaned myself off the motivational videos. In their place, I spent hours lurking in r/stopdrinking, the remarkably warm Reddit community dedicated to sobriety, where members manage to rally support no matter what a persons temptation to drink might be or how many times they find themselves back on Day 1. The only noticeable break in the group hug came after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents killed civilians in Minneapolis, and lots of posters felt the understandable urge to break their sobriety to numb the feeling. Mods locked such posts for breaking forum rules; talking politics, after all, is the enemy of judgment-free support. (They would later create an open thread to discuss Minnesota.) The only thing more bipartisan than booze is feeling bad about how much you drank. Sure, it would be tidier, and feel better, to get all of ones support from like-minded individuals. But sometimes the person trying to help you through a weak moment is, for the duration of that task, just a personnot a pundit or podcaster with problematic leanings. There is sympathy for the devil if hes struggling to get sober, too. Saulsbrook Victor went gate-to-wire to score at 12-1 in the $40,000 Open Pace on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, securing his first victory since he returned to Mohawk in January. Saulsbrook Victor flashed early speed from post five for driver/owner Brett MacDonald and settled into the top spot as the field reached the first turn. After pacing the quarter in :26.1, Saulsbrook Victor took a major breather to the half in :56, leaving him with more than enough to defend from the first-over Dublin Dasher (Travis Cullen) as that opponent mobilized first-up nearing three-quarters in 1:23.2. Dublin Dasher chased the leader into the stretch, locking in pocket-sitter Brue Hanover (James MacDonald), and Its Saturday Night (Louis-Philippe Roy) wound up off cover down the lane. Saulsbrook Victor was full of pace late though and he held off Its Saturday Night by a length to win in 1:50.2. Brue Hanover finished third. Saulsbrook Victors win was his first of the campaign, which began with a fourth-place finish in his return start at Mohawk on Jan. 3. The eight-year-old son on Source Of Pride-Atlanta Girl spent much of last year racing in the Opens of Ohio and Kentucky and was most recently at Dayton Raceway. Ron MacDonald trains the gelding, now a 35-time winner with $889,445 in earnings from 143 starts. The winner returned $26.60. Fresh off his sweep of the Snowshoe Series, Rbstenacious T notched his fifth straight victory in the fifth-race optional claiming event, which carried a purse of $22,000. Travis Cullen hit the gas on the stallion to reach past Zebs Krafty (J.R. Plante) for the lead in a :27.2 quarter and the four-year-old son of Freaky Feet Pete-Aunt Marlene went without challenge through the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:27.2. Rbstenacious T turned for home with a sizable advantage and finished strong, holding a 1-3/4-length margin over the closing Longshot Panic (Jody Jamieson) for a 1:54 victory. Zebs Krafty was third. Rbstenacious Ts win streak has his record at five-for-six so far in 2026,and the Jodie Cullen-trained stallion improved to 10-for-25 lifetime with $101,222 in earnings with the latest tally. He is owned by Ron Cullen and Travis Cullen of Dundas, Ont. and Deborah McLeod of Edmonton, Alta. The win payout was $4.80. To view Saturdays harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) The ByteDance logo is seen at the company's office in Shanghai (Refiles to add missing quote mark in headline) By Eduardo Baptista BEIJING, Feb 14 (Reuters) - China's ByteDance has rolled out its Doubao 2.0 model, an upgrade of the country's most widely used artificial-intelligence app, the company said on Saturday. ByteDance is one of several Chinese firms hoping to generate overseas and domestic buzz around its new AI models during the Lunar New Year holiday, which starts on Sunday, when hundreds of millions of Chinese partake in family gatherings in their hometowns. Advertisement Advertisement The company, like rival Alibaba, was caught off-guard by DeepSeek's meteoric rise to global fame during last year's Spring Festival, when Silicon Valley and investors worldwide were shocked by how a Chinese firm had come up with a model comparable to OpenAI's best but seemingly developed at a fraction of the cost. The release of Doubao 2.0, ahead of a highly anticipated new DeepSeek model, is likely aimed at preventing such a scenario from repeating itself. A video-generation AI model that ByteDance released on Thursday, Seedance 2.0, has already drawn comparisons with DeepSeek's success last year after going viral on Chinese social media and drawing praise overseas on platforms like X, including from its owner Elon Musk. Doubao 2.0 is positioned for the "agent era", where AI models are expected to execute complex real-world tasks rather than only answer questions, ByteDance said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The model's pro version includes complex reasoning and multi-step task execution capabilities that match OpenAI's GPT 5.2 and Google's Gemini 3 Pro, while reducing usage costs by roughly an order of magnitude, according to the company. "This cost advantage will become even more crucial as real-world, complex tasks involve large-scale inference and multi-step generation that will expend a huge amount of tokens," ByteDance said, referring to the unit of data processed by an AI model. Doubao leads all AI chatbot apps in China with 155 million weekly active users, with DeepSeek second at 81.6 million, according to information provider QuestMobile's most recent data, published in late December. But Doubao 2.0's release could help ByteDance fend off recent pressure from domestic competitors. Advertisement Advertisement Alibaba on February 6 announced it was spending 3 billion yuan ($400 million) on a coupon giveaway campaign to attract more users to its Qwen AI app, allowing them to use the incentives to purchase food and drink directly in the chatbot. This led daily active users on Qwen to skyrocket from 7 million to 58 million, just 23 million shy of Doubao's figures on the same day, according to QuestMobile. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Additional reporting by Kevin Yao; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) 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 Lori Sepich smoked for years and sometimes skipped taking her blood pressure medicine. But she never thought shed have a heart attack. The possibility just wasnt registering with me, said the 64-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, who suffered two of them 13 years apart. Shes far from alone. More than 60 million women in the US live with cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease as well as stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. And despite the myth that heart attacks mostly strike men, women are vulnerable too. 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. 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. APRA Professional Development Award 2026 recipients Screen composer Paul Nicolaou to receive $10,000 towards professional development. The 2026 APRA Professional Development Award recipients have been announced by APRA AMCOS. 13 songwriters and composers have been awarded $10,000 each to spend on their professional development. This years recipients include classical and screen composers like Lizzy Welsh and Paul Nicolaou (pictured), pop sensation REDD, country music sweetheart, Queenie, and Noongar electropop artist, Boox Kid. Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, explains: The recipients of this years awards demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but a strong commitment to their craft. Together they showcase the breadth of incredible talent we have in this country right now. These awards play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing the next generation of talent, highlighting the importance of investing in the future of Australian songwriters and composers to give them the best opportunity to be seen and heard both at home and on the global stage. Recipients were selected by an experienced judging panel comprising journalists and presenters like Sosefina Fuamoli and Tim Shiel, along with artists and producers including Adalita, Dallas Frasca, Danny Harley and previous PDA recipients Ninajirachi and Sam Marks. Past recipients who have gone on to great things have included Angie McMahon, BARKAA, Baker Boy, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Melanie Dyer, Miss Kaninna, Rebecca Bracewell, Sara Berki and Yirrmal. A playlist featuring the work of PDAs finalists is available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music. Rated 0 out of 5 Rated 0 out of 5 Four Corners Patricia Karvelas reports on the Liberal Partys battle for the partys identity and future. 8:30pm Monday on ABC. HA LEJONE, Lesotho (AP) In the snow-topped mountains of Lesotho, mothers carrying babies on their backs walk for hours to the nearest health clinic, only to find HIV testing isnt available. Centers catering to the most vulnerable are shutting their doors. Health workers have been laid off in droves. Desperate patients ration or share pills. This Lesotho was unimaginable months ago, residents, health workers and experts say. The small landlocked nation in southern Africa long had the worlds second-highest rate of HIV infections. But over years, with nearly $1 billion in aid from the United States, Lesotho patched together a health network efficient enough to slow the spread of the epidemic, one of the deadliest in modern history. Then, on Jan. 20, the first day of U.S. President Donald Trumps second term, he signed an executive order freezing foreign aid. Within weeks, Trump had slashed overseas assistance and dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development. Confusion followed in nearly all the 130 countries with USAID-supported programs. Nine months later in Lesotho, theres still little clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the single stroke of a distant presidents pen, much of a system credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives was dismantled. Its a moment of chaos and temporary solutions Weeks ago, the U.S. announced it would reinstate some of its flagship initiatives to combat HIV worldwide. Officials here applauded the move. But the measures are temporary solutions that stress countries must move toward autonomy in public health. The State Department told The Associated Press in an email that its six-month bridge programs would ensure continuity of lifesaving programs including testing and medication, and initiatives addressing mother-to-child transmission while officials work with Lesotho on a multiyear agreement on funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those negotiations will likely take months, and while programs may have been reinstated on paper, restarting them on the ground takes considerable time, Lesotho health workers and experts told AP. HIV-positive residents, families and caregivers say the chaos that reigned most of this year has caused irreparable harm, and theyre consumed with worry and uncertainty about the future. Most feel deep disappointment even betrayal over the loss of funds and support. Everyone who is HIV-positive in Lesotho is a dead man walking, said Hlaoli Monyamane, a 32-year-old miner who couldnt get a sufficient medication supply to support him while working in neighboring South Africa. HIV prevention programs targeting mother-to-child transmission, encouraging male circumcision, and working with high-risk groups including sex workers and miners were cut off. Unpaid nurses and other workers decided to use informal networks to reach isolated communities. Labs shuttered, and public clinics grew overwhelmed. Patients began abandoning treatment or rationing pills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts with UNAIDS the U.N. agency tasked with fighting the virus globally warned in July that up to 4 million people worldwide would die if funding werent reinstated. And Lesotho health officials said the cuts would lead to increased HIV transmission, more deaths and higher health costs. Calculating how many lives are lost or affected is a massive task, and those responsible for tracking and adding data to a centralized system were largely let go. Lesotho Health Secretary Maneo Moliehi Ntene and HIV/AIDS program manager Dr. Tapiwa Tarumbiswa declined repeated requests to be interviewed or comment about the aid cuts. But Mokhothu Makhalanyane, chairperson of Lesothos legislative health committee, said the impact is huge, estimating the country was set back at least 15 years in its HIV work. Were going to lose a lot of lives because of this, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lesotho reached a milestone late last year UNAIDSs 95-95-95 goal, with 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those in treatment, and 95% of those with a suppressed viral load. Still, the nation must care for the estimated 260,000 of its 2.3 million residents who are HIV-positive. Overall, Lesotho and even global HIV efforts accounted for small parts of the United States massive international aid efforts. USAID spent tens of billions of dollars annually. Its dismantling has rocked the lives of millions of people in low- and middle-income nations around the world. For patients, this has been the most difficult time For many in this mountainous country and elsewhere, a positive HIV test 20 years ago was akin to a death sentence. If untreated, most people with HIV develop AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. At the height of the epidemic in 2004, more than 2 million people died of AIDS-related illness worldwide 19,000 in Lesotho, UNAIDS estimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2003, the U.S. launched the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR became the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease, and its main implementing partner was USAID. PEPFAR became so important and well known in Lesotho and other countries that health professionals and residents use the term as shorthand to refer to any HIV aid. When foreign assistance was frozen, Lesotho lost at least 23% of PEPFAR money, putting it in the top 10 countries for share of such funding cut, according to the Foundation for AIDS Research. Mapapali Mosoeunyane is among Lesotho residents who credit PEPFAR with helping save them. After learning she had the virus in 2009, she was certain dying was just a matter of time. Neighbors gossiped, she was fired, and she considered giving up her two young sons for adoption. But around 2013, she got access to antiretroviral medication which suppresses HIV levels in the blood, with the potential to bring it to undetectable levels. In 2016, Lesotho was the first African country to test and treat all everyone who tested positive was prescribed ARVs. That work, officials say, was possible because of PEPFAR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, 62-year-old Mosoeunyane leads a peer support group in her village, Ha Koloboi. Neighbors ask for advice and trust her with their green medical booklets, where they record medical history, viral load, symptoms and medications. Lately, the group mostly worries about the future, losing medication access, getting sick again. This has been the most difficult time for me, Mosoeunyane said. Many in Mosoeunyanes group wish Trump himself could hear their concerns. Trumps decision is already translating into real life, said Mateboho Talitha Fusi, Mosoeunyanes friend and neighbor. The worries span Lesotho society: from rural to urban, low to middle income, patients to officials. Many Basotho as people in Lesotho are known feel hopeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since aid was cut, confusion and changes havent stopped When Trump dissolved USAID, Lesotho leaders said they tried to talk to U.S. officials, even through their South African neighbors after failing to connect directly. But, they said, they got more information from news reports. For Lisebo Lechela, a 53-year-old sex worker turned HIV activist and health worker, the news was fast and blunt. Days after Trumps order, she was about to distribute medication, but a call from her boss interrupted her. Stop work immediately, she was told. Lechelas organization, the USAID-funded Phelisanang Bophelong HIV/AIDS network, had drop-in centers at gas stations where sex workers could seek services. Workers set up tents outside bars with condoms and the prevention medication known as PreP. Teams delivered medication directly to patients who wouldnt step foot in public health clinics, for fear of discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lechelas group earned the trust of the skeptics and the stubborn. All that work is gone, she fears. She still gets calls from people desperate for services and refills. She does what she can, and their stories haunt her. Among them is a textile factory worker who turned to sex work at night to support her three children. She used to take PrEP and isnt sure how shell protect herself. Most clients wont use condoms, she said, some turning violent if sex workers insist. I have to put bread on the table, said the woman, speaking on condition of anonymity because her husband, who works in South Africa, wouldnt approve of her sex work. She cant miss a day of factory work to wait in line at a clinic. Visiting the woman at home, all Lechela could do was demonstrate how to use a female condom and hope her clients wouldnt notice or protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With nearly all community groups and local organizations like Lechelas closed and 1,500 health workers fired, some Lesotho officials see overdue signs that their nation and others must stop relying on international aid. This is a serious wake-up call, said Makhalanyane, the health committee chair. We should never put the lives of the people in the hands of people who are not elected to do that. Rachel Bonnifield, director of the global health policy program at the Center for Global Development, called the Trump administrations new vision for PEPFAR with funds sent directly to governments rather than through development organizations ambitious but high-risk. It is disrupting something that currently works and works well, albeit with some structural problems, in favor of something with high potential benefits ... but is not proven and does not currently exist, she said, noting that U.S. House Republicans recently said theyd like to see PEPFAR funding cut in half by 2028. Lesotho had made recent gains UNAIDS main goal is to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. Lesotho had made enough progress in reducing new infections and deaths to be on track, according to Pepukai Chikukwa, UNAIDSs country director in Lesotho. But after the aid cuts, things were just crumbling, she said, though she commended Lesothos efforts to mitigate the impact. Lesothos made progress one should not overlook; at the same time, it is still a heavily burdened country with HIV. Chikukwa was optimistic about the September announcement by the U.S. State Department which took over implementation of foreign aid programs that it would temporarily reinstate some lifesaving programs, including one to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. She also applauded U.S. efforts to buy doses of a twice-a-year HIV prevention shot and prioritize them for pregnant and breastfeeding women in low- to middle-income countries, including Lesotho, via PEPFAR. We lost some ground, she said. The uncertainty was very high; now there is some hope. But its not clear how much the U.S. bridge programs will close the gap, added Chikukwa, even as shes leaving Lesotho. Her role was eliminated because of the aid cuts. The South Africa UNAIDS office will oversee Lesotho, she said, but she wasnt sure where shed be reassigned. In its email to AP, the State Department said Secretary Marco Rubio had approved lifesaving PEPFAR programs and urged implementers to resume their work. The email emphasized that officials will work with Lesotho to continue providing health foreign assistance, but didn't give specifics about the amount of funding. Lesotho funded only 12% of its own health budget. The U.S. and other foreign donors provided the rest. USAID alone accounted for 34% of the budget; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26%, according to a May presentation to lawmakers. Health committee chair Makhalanyane said this month that it remains unclear how much U.S. aid is being reinstated, even if temporarily. There had been only verbal promises, nothing in writing, he noted, and hundreds of health workers who had been promised theyd be absorbed by the national health system remain unemployed. Unlike other PEPFAR-supported countries, Lesotho funded medication for 80% of its HIV patients a figure officials tout as they try to move toward a self-sustaining system. Still, the aid cuts sparked panic over supply and distribution. Lesotho regularly gave patients a six- to 12-month supply to help its mobile population, including many who work in South Africa, stick with treatment. But when the cuts were announced, some nurses gave out even more drugs than usual. Nurses were told to cut back. Patients grew alarmed. Miner Monyamane said he got a three-month supply, not his usual 12. So instead of continuing to work in South Africa, he decided to remain in his small village of Thaba-Tsoeu Ha Mafa. Like many miners, he chose his health over a job and steady paycheck. He fears diseases such as tuberculosis a leading cause of death in Lesotho, attributed to weakened immune systems may creep up on him if he interrupts treatment. You cant just hang a shingle The system propped up by foreign aid was always meant to be temporary. But public health experts say the shift to Lesotho and other countries becoming self-reliant should have been gradual. At the United Nations General Assembly last month, Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane acknowledged the threat posed by declining foreign aid but fell short of pointing fingers. He said Lesotho is mobilizing domestic resources to address gaps. But Catherine Connor, of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, emphasized that any step backward creates a risk of resurgence. In the 16 years her organization has worked in Lesotho, HIV transmission from mother to child dropped to about 6% from nearly 18%. Lesothos government should get credit, Connor said, but her group and others were key in targeting childrens treatment and prevention. Since 2008, Connors group received more than $227 million from the U.S. for Lesotho programming, USASpending.gov data shows. This fiscal year, about half the work it planned has been terminated. You cant just hang a shingle that says, Get your ARVs here, and people line up, Connor said. Most at risk, she and others stressed, are children. As of late August, half of PEPFAR funding targeted toward children in Lesotho was terminated, and 54% of infants tested for HIV before their first birthday in fiscal year 2024 were evaluated by programs that had been cut, according to Foundation for AIDS Research data. When a child never gets diagnosed, it feels like a missed opportunity, Connor said. When a child who was receiving treatment stops getting treatment, it feels like a crime against humanity. A lack of trust in what remains of the system Rethabile Motsamai, a 37-year-old psychologist and mother of two, has worked since 2016 for aid-funded organizations. But months ago, her HIV counselor role was eliminated. She worries for the populations her work served. They have to travel for themselves to the facilities some are very far, she said, adding that she knows some patients simply wont try. Theyll just stop taking their medication. Those who do make the trip may be met with a dead end. Clinics have continued to close. For Lechela the longtime activist the upheaval and loss of her job mean she once again depends solely on sex work. As she walked by the closed doors of her former clinic, passersby stopped and begged her to reopen. I dont trust anyone else, a young woman called out. Please! Please! Lechela smiled but couldnt bring herself to reply. Like many here, she simply has no answers. _____ Pascalinah Kabi and Limpho Sello in Maseru, Lesotho, and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse ____ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. The Somali military recently over a number of M48 and M60 tanks. The military took possession of the tanks at dockside. Turkey also has some of its Mi16 aircraft stationed in Somalia. Last month an American drone attack killed two senior Al Shabab technical experts. Abdullahi Osman Mohamed/Engineer Ismail, and Abdikarim Mohamed Hersi/Qoorleex. Ismail was in charge acquiring explosives and designing bombs. Qoorleex was in charge of propaganda operations in Somalia. Somalia hasnt changed much during the last few years. In 2025 the UN continued to maintain a peacekeeping force in Somalia. U.S. drones and warplanes continue to attack Islamic terrorist operations in various areas of Somalia. Islamic terrorist group Al Shabab continues to be active. Piracy returned to waters off the Somali coast. Al Shabab and militia violence continues against government officials. Governments dont function well in Somalia but criminal organizations are another matter. The largest criminal organization in Somalia is al Shabaab. Given the history of Somalia that should not be a surprise. Britain and Italy administered Somalia from 1884 to 1960 and after much effort imposed more peace, prosperity and unity than the region had ever known. That lasted until about two decades after independence and then the usual bad habits began tearing Somalia apart again. The tribal/clan rivalries kept the pot boiling and even the rise of a clean government party and Islamic Courts after 2001. This was based on installing a religious dictatorship. That backfired and turned into another warlord group called al Shabaab. That caused even more Somalis to flee their homeland and led to even more problems as Somali refugees throughout Africa and worldwide misbehaved in the nations that took them in. While doing that Somalis acquired a reputation for organized violence and criminal behavior as well as entrepreneurial success. This led to a current decision by the United States to deport a number of Somali refugees who were caught defrauding social service agencies of nearly $10 billion. Despite relative peace and prosperity, by 2025 Somalia was unable to turn that into a more permanent condition by holding national elections. Instead, most Somali factions agreed to rely on a system that involved clan elders meeting and working out agreements. Somalia has long been a failed state and, after over a decade of peacekeeping, massive foreign aid and visible progress, corruption and tribalism continued to block economic progress. Al Shabaab, a local Islamic radical group, was defeated and driven from cities and towns in 2011 but is still around. So is the traditional clan violence, organized crime, and banditry. All these are ancient Somali traditions and al Shabaab survives by reverting to that and becoming the major criminal organizations in some parts of the country. Extortion, smuggling, ransoms and so on have sustained the Islamic terror group. One of the most lucrative sources of plunder is the elected Somali government, propped up by foreign aid, most of which gets stolen. Despite all that, Somalia is still a failed state that defies every attempt at nation building. The situation is worse than it appears because Somalia was never a country, but a collection of clans and tribes that fight each other constantly over economic land and water issues. The country remains an economic and political mess, a black hole on the map. Not much hope in sight. There is not a lot of enthusiasm among local leaders for a national government, but all that foreign aid is welcome because it can be taken without risking another clan feud. Piracy has returned and so has political violence. Somali smolders as it always has and not a lot has changed while some aspects have gotten worse. Meanwhile, al Shabaab still has a lot of popular support. The majority of Somalis oppose Islamic terrorism but up to 20 percent support or tolerate groups like al Shabaab. The main reason for the support is desperation for a solution to the poverty, corruption, factionalism and chaos that makes Somalia such a dangerous place to live in. Overcoming those ancient traditions is the main obstacle to peace and there is no quick solution. Al Shabaab survives because its leaders concentrate on finances and pay its bills. The source of the piracy problem is chaos in the African nation of Somalia on the east coast of the Red Sea and the Arab nation of Yemen on the west coast. In Somalia, Al Shabab Islamic terrorists and smugglers turned pirates have been attacking shipping for over a decade. Worldwide, attacks on cargo ships, and an occasional tanker, are still a problem. Many ships were boarded and the crews robbed. There are also attempts to kidnap crew members and hold them for ransom. The hostages are used for taking control of the ship and moving it to a different location. Pirates rarely have any knowledge or experience operating these ships. Kidnapped crew are taken ashore and held until a ransom is paid. In December 2023 a large cargo ship was hijacked and taken to Somalia. This was the first hijacking since 2017. As recently as 2018 piracy was still a problem off the Somali coast, just not the kind that creates headlines in the international mass media. The pirates adapted and in 2017 there were nine pirate attacks off the Somali coast, up from two in 2016. This was notable because worldwide pirate activity hit a 22 year low with 188 attacks in 2017, mostly far away from Somalia in places like the west coast of Africa and Southeast Asia. Those 188 attacks created damage worth $7 billion, with 80 percent of it absorbed by the ships and their owners. Higher insurance rates and operating costs were the major additional costs. That is an issue off Somalia where higher insurance costs are still a problem and getting worse because of the ineffectiveness of defending warships this time. Back in 2011 there were 327 attacks off the Somali coast. The solution was an international anti-piracy effort that continues. But shipping companies still have to pay higher insurance rates for their ships that operate in the danger zone extending far out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of 2017 the maritime insurance companies had real reason to be worried. In November 2017, for the first time since 2014, the international anti-piracy patrol arrested six Somali pirates who were caught firing on and trying to board ships off the Somali coast. Now the peacekeepers and western special operations forces are returning. Since East African nations suffer from the disrupted trade, they are sending more of their soldiers to help reduce the mayhem and attacks on shipping emanating from Somalia Major suppliers of foreign aid restored suspended aid programs. The United States ordered several hundred special operations and other troops to return to Somalia. American Special Forces and SEAL operators were again training and advising their Somali counterparts. The American troops in Somalia also handled intelligence collection and monitoring things in general. This continued from a major American special operations base in neighboring Djibouti as well as the use of American drones, also based in Djibouti, to search for Islamic terrorists and carry out airstrikes when the opportunity presents itself. After a year or so of indecision by the Americans, the U.S. resumed regular air strikes against Al Shabab and other groups interfering with aid shipments or the new Somali government. This led to several hundred drone airstrikes that killed thousands of al Shabab and other Islamic terrorist group members. For this African son-in-law, Vietnams traditional Lunar New Year carries a special meaning, allowing each person to truly feel the warmth of family. Excited to celebrate Vietnamese Tet Bya and Mozie officially became husband and wife after 10 years apart. H Thin Bya (36, an E De woman from Dak Lak) and Mozie Uchenna Clement (a Nigerian national) once captured social media attention with their cross-border love story that lasted a full decade. The couple officially married in 2023 after meeting in person only twice. After the wedding, they chose to live and work in Vietnam. Mozie is happy to be a son-in-law in Dak Lak. However, he spends most of his time working in Ho Chi Minh City and returns to Dak Lak once or twice a month to visit his wife, their child and her family. Before marrying Bya, Mozie had lived in China for several years and was already familiar with the concept of Lunar New Year. Yet it was not until he became a son-in-law in Dak Lak, celebrating Tet in the embrace of family, that he fully grasped the depth of this special occasion. Tet 2024 was the first time Mozie celebrated Vietnamese Tet. It was also our first New Year together after so many years apart. I took him to the Tet market and taught him how to wrap banh tet. He did everything with excitement and joy. Perhaps that was the Tet we will remember most vividly, filled with emotion, Bya shared. According to Bya, Tet among the E De people includes traditional rituals such as visiting the graves of loved ones, cleaning and decorating the house, preparing the year-end feast, making offerings at midnight on New Years Eve and paying New Year visits. Mozie took part in every activity with enthusiasm. Whenever he did something with his wife, he would ask about its meaning. And as he came to understand the significance behind each custom, he grew to appreciate Tet even more. Every Tet, he helps me clean and decorate the house. He especially enjoys wrapping banh tet. Our family often cooks the cakes overnight, and he is willing to stay up with my father to add water and firewood so they cook properly. Visiting the graves to light incense on the morning of the first day of Tet also made him curious. I explained that it is a way to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. He was deeply moved, Bya recounted. Mozie is also proactive in preparing the year-end and New Year offerings on the evenings of the last day of the year and the mornings of the first three days. In the past, most of the preparations were handled by Byas mother. Since Mozie joined the family, the African son-in-law has become a reliable helping hand. Bya revealed that Mozie prepares chicken quickly and skillfully. He does not hesitate to stand beside his mother-in-law, carefully arranging the offering trays to present to the ancestors at the turn of the year. In love with one Tet dish Covers content Not interested Inappropriate Seen too often ADBRO is the full service ad network for high impact contextual advertising with direct access to the exclusive in-image inventories across major local publishers. We provide free creative adaptation into rich media, interactive and playable ads formats. Campaigns in our channel are delivered under guaranteed prices for actions with programmatic & managed delivery. We provide contextually segmented in-target audiences for over 60 industries with a full range of brand safety solutions. ADBRO operates across SE Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. To test our channel for your advertising campaigns or consider partnership programs for publishers, please contact us at www.adbro.me Bya and Mozie watching fireworks to welcome the New Year during Tet 2025. Mozie helps his mother-in-law clean the house and wrap banh tet. Mozie is warmly welcomed by relatives during New Year visits. Mozie and the whole family gather around the Tet meal. Mozie is especially fond of mashed ca dang on the Tet feast tray. Bya shared that the Tet meal of the E De community typically includes boiled chicken, braised pork in caramel sauce, aspic, pumpkin soup, ca dang and several other pork-based dishes. Among them, two dishes have completely won over the African son-in-law: mashed ca dang and pumpkin soup. Mashed ca dang is a Central Highlands specialty known for its gentle bitterness, heat and rich texture. The bitter eggplants are soaked in salted water to reduce their sharpness, then pounded with birds eye chili, wild shallots or small onions, herbs and dried fish to create a thick mixture best enjoyed with hot rice. At first, Mozie was slightly cautious about the dishs bitterness and spiciness. Yet after trying it a few times, he found himself irresistibly drawn to its distinctive Central Highlands flavor. He also enjoys braised ca dang with fish and ca dang soup. As for my mothers pumpkin soup, he says he absolutely loves it because it tastes so unique and delicious. My mother cooks very well. He often jokes that Mom is number one, Bya said with a laugh. Tet 2026 will be even more special for Bya and Mozie as they celebrate with their one-year-old son. The couple has no plans to travel far. For them, the most complete Tet is simply gathering with family, decorating the house, wrapping banh tet, preparing offerings and sharing the festive feast. My husband often says Vietnamese Tet is like Christmas in his hometown. Everyone looks forward to it because it is a time to reunite with loved ones. He always feels fortunate that, even thousands of kilometers away from home, he can still feel the warmth of family, Bya expressed. Thanh Minh Speaking at the closing session of the 14th National Party Congress, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the spirit of say it and do it, do it immediately, do it right, act decisively, see it through, and deliver results. The Central Committee has issued an action program to implement the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress. And the issue of accountability of heads of agencies has once again been placed squarely on the table. Legal basis for personal accountability Clearly, as phrases like "fear of mistakes," "passing the buck," and "evasion" become hot keywords in the assembly halls, the story of leadership responsibility has been stirred up intensely. Public service ethics and a daring spirit are always affirmed, but Vietnam needs a transparent tool to measure them. That tool is a quantitative set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), where the political fate of "commanders" is tied to eloquent figures. In traditional governance thinking, a leader's position is often viewed through the lens of power and political qualities. However, the New Public Management (NPM) wave has been completely changing this concept globally. NPM views citizens as customers and the leader as a CEO hired to run the apparatus. Under this approach, a leadership position is not a privilege or a reward for seniority, but a public service delivery contract. This shift requires the relationship between the State and the head of the agency to be governed by numbers rather than trust or voluntarism alone. Theory shows that without output monitoring tools such as KPIs, leaders, who possess superior information, tend to choose safe options, remain inactive, or maximize personal interests instead of the public interest. In Vietnam, Decree 90/2020/ND-CP and Politburo regulations on cadre evaluation are already in place. In practice, however, qualitative criteria still outweigh quantitative ones. A department director may be rated excellent in political qualities, yet the sectors public investment disbursement rate remains low or citizen satisfaction indices fall. Globally, applying KPIs to senior leaders is no longer novel. For developing countries with contexts similar to Vietnam, technology and transparency are the key. Malaysia applies a model in which ministers and their teams work together for six weeks to map out detailed, step-by-step plans. Once the plans are finalized and made public, ministers cannot claim that targets are unachievable. Ministers KPI results are published annually, creating intense social pressure. India addresses the chronic problem of file stagnation through the SPARROW system. If a superior fails to complete a subordinates evaluation by the deadline, the system automatically locks and records the fault. Everything is transparent on a digital platform, eliminating subjective, closed-door assessments. No more holding hot seats while avoiding hard work Vietnam does not lack talent, but lacks a sufficiently strong measurement institution to unlock that talent. The absence of KPIs for top leaders is the key bottleneck. To remove it, Vietnam needs a governance mindset shift, from cadre management to performance management. Based on international experience, a roadmap for building KPIs for leaders can be outlined around three main pillars. First is institutionalizing the responsibility contract. It is time for a mandatory legal instrument requiring heads of administrative agencies to sign a responsibility contract (or performance commitment) with their direct superior at the start of the term and at the beginning of each year. This contract must include quantitative targets, such as reducing traffic accidents by 5 percent, increasing online application rates by 10 percent, or disbursing 100 percent of public investment capital. Most importantly, the contract must separate individual accountability from collective achievements. If targets are not met, the head bears primary responsibility and cannot hide behind the shield of collective decisions. Second is applying a balanced scorecard to avoid overheated growth. Learning from Chinas experience, where localities chased GDP at the expense of environmental indicators, Vietnams KPI framework should be balanced, with proposed weights including executive effectiveness (40 percent), covering disbursement rates, PAPI/PCI indices, and administrative reform; social impact (30 percent), covering economic growth, social welfare, and poverty reduction; and capacity building and integrity (30 percent), covering succession training, digital transformation, and, crucially, zero corruption within the unit. Third, the Politburos Regulation 41-QD/TW on dismissal and resignation has opened a new path. To bring this regulation into real life, concrete KPI-based evidence is needed. Clear rules should stipulate that if, for two consecutive years, a leader achieves below 70 percent of the KPI targets in the responsibility contract, resignation or dismissal becomes mandatory. At that point, resignation is no longer a matter of self-respect or sensitivity, but a routine technical process of the administrative system. This would eliminate the mindset of holding hot seats while avoiding hard work. Nguyen Phuoc Thang, Hoa Binh University The double-decker river bus route in Ho Chi Minh City offers foreign travelers panoramic views of both riverbanks while immersing them in the cultural space of Central Highlands gongs during Lunar New Year. The gong culture of the Central Highlands - recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - has been incorporated into the river cruise experience since late January 2026. Performances take place in the late afternoon and evening, from 4pm to 10pm, serving both domestic and international visitors during Tet. Throughout the 45-minute journey, guests listen to bilingual Vietnamese-English commentary about the landscapes, historical sites and architectural landmarks along the Saigon River. They enjoy light pastries and beverages while watching live gong performances. Artist Krajan Dion, 50, from the Co Ho ethnic group, has devoted 23 years to gong music and traditional Central Highlands instruments. He said this marks his first time performing on a cruise in the middle of a river, instead of within the communal spaces of his village. In the village, gongs are part of community life and social exchange. On the cruise, the format shifts to a stage performance, but the cultural spirit remains intact, he said. Currently living in Langbiang, Lam Dong Province, he only travels to Ho Chi Minh City when scheduled to perform. He expressed joy at having the opportunity to introduce his peoples culture to visitors. I try to keep the original melodies and let the music flow with the river. Seeing the audience listen attentively moves me deeply, he shared. Joining him is artist Ka Hem, 32, who learned gong music and traditional instruments from a young age in her village and regularly performs at community festivals. Two pieces are featured on the cruise: Hello Vietnam, performed with Central Highlands instruments, and Co gai nho, a folk melody of the Co Ho people. Passengers are also invited to interact, keep rhythm and dance alongside the artists on board, creating a lively atmosphere rather than a purely passive performance. Cherish, a visitor from St Lucia, said she traveled to Vietnam this year and had the chance to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City with a friends family. She described feeling excited and curious experiencing Tet in Vietnam for the first time. The gong performance on the cruise left a strong impression. The music is very unique and distinctive, she said. According to Cherish, the Saigon River cruise offers a different perspective of the city, allowing guests to observe the illuminated riverside scenery at night. A representative of the Saigon River bus operator said that in Vietnamese cultural life, images of rivers and wharves are closely tied to collective memory and community activities. Organizing traditional art performances on the Saigon River not only creates a distinctive experiential space, but also conveys regional cultural values to visitors. We want each journey to become a cultural storytelling voyage about Vietnam, especially for travelers from afar, he said. Notably, the lower deck of the cruise boat is decorated with 1,000 multicolored Thanh Tien paper flowers, creating a vivid visual highlight along the river journey. The handmade paper flower craft of Thanh Tien village in Hue has a history of nearly 400 years. In the past, during Tet, five-colored paper flowers were commonly used to decorate royal spaces. Last Tet, passengers enjoyed classical opera performances on the Saigon River cruise. This year, Thanh Tien paper flowers and Central Highlands gongs continue to be introduced on the river, enriching Ho Chi Minh Citys waterway tourism offerings. The journey lasts about 45 minutes and offers three ticket categories. The Sky ticket costs VND679,000 (approximately US$27) for second-deck seating, including light snacks and drinks, with a panoramic view of both riverbanks. The other categories are River at VND479,000 (approximately US$19) and Cabin at VND399,000 (approximately US$16). Tickets can be purchased directly at Bach Dang Wharf or booked online. Central Highlands gong performances are introduced on the Saigon River cruise during Tet 2026. Photo: Nguyen Hue. Artist Krajan Dion performs gong music aboard the cruise instead of in his villages communal space. Photo: Nguyen Hue. Visitors can interact and dance with the artists during the performance. Photo: Nguyen Hue. Cherish from St Lucia experiences Vietnamese Tet for the first time on the Saigon River. Photo: Nguyen Hue. The lower deck is decorated with 1,000 multicolored Thanh Tien paper flowers. Photo: Nguyen Hue. Nguyen Hue The Galaxy S24 Ultra has become a premium option at a highly attractive price when compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Photo: CNET So what exactly separates the Galaxy S25 Ultra from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and do users truly need to spend extra for the newer version? You do not have to chase the newest Galaxy Ultra to enjoy a premium experience - and more importantly, you can save a substantial amount of money. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts some of the most powerful hardware currently available in the smartphone market, but it comes with a hefty price tag of around US$1,300. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in 2024, still offers formidable specifications. Despite being just one generation older, it is now sold new for around US$950. On the used market, prices can drop to roughly US$544 - less than half the cost of the latest model. That makes it a genuine bargain. Of course, if you are currently using an S24 model and looking to resell it, this level of depreciation may not feel pleasant. But if you are upgrading from an older phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra suddenly becomes a high-end option at a highly attractive price. Is one generation worth the difference? The question is whether a single generation gap is enough to put the Galaxy S24 Ultra at a disadvantage against the current flagship. On paper, at least, it is remarkably difficult to tell them apart. Both phones feature large displays with identical resolution and refresh rates. Both run on high-performance Qualcomm chips paired with 12GB of RAM, offer 200-megapixel main cameras, titanium frames and IP68 water and dust resistance. And of course, both house the S Pen inside the body for note-taking or sketching during work. In fact, the S Pen on the S24 Ultra retains certain features that were removed from the stylus on the S25 Ultra. With the Galaxy S26 lineup, including the S26 Ultra, already rumored to launch soon, the pattern feels familiar. If current leaks prove accurate, the S26 Ultra may bring only modest upgrades. At that point, the S25 Ultras price will likely drop sharply, and the cycle of buy last years flagship to save money will repeat itself once again. Camera: differences that are hard to see Camera upgrades are typically the centerpiece of each annual smartphone refresh. On paper, the Galaxy S25 Ultra does introduce some improvements, such as a higher-resolution 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. However, Samsung has not dramatically changed its camera formula in recent Ultra models. In real-world use, photos from the two phones are extremely difficult to distinguish. Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra deliver images with wide dynamic range, accurate colors and high levels of detail. Their zoom capabilities are equally impressive, and night mode performance remains among the best available. The higher-resolution ultra-wide camera may capture slightly more detail, but the difference is noticeable mainly when comparing images side by side. In daily use, most people are unlikely to see a meaningful gap. Performance: stronger, but necessary? One of the biggest upgrades on the Galaxy S25 Ultra lies in its processor. It runs a customized version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Benchmark tests suggest the newer chip is about 25% more powerful. Yet in everyday usage, the difference is not dramatic. Both devices run demanding 3D games such as Genshin Impact and PUBG at maximum settings with stable frame rates. Photo editing in Adobe Lightroom feels smooth, and Android 16 with Samsungs One UI 8 responds quickly and fluidly. The S25 Ultra is undeniably more powerful, but do you actually need that extra headroom? It is a bit like comparing a Ferrari with a Mercedes - the Ferrari may offer superior performance, but the Mercedes easily covers 98% of daily driving needs. Software and long-term support On the software side, both phones run Android 16 with Samsungs latest One UI 8 interface. AI features such as live translation, noise removal, drawing assistance, and Google tools like Gemini Live and Circle to Search are available on both models. The primary difference lies in support duration. As the newer device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will receive updates one year longer than the S24 Ultra. However, Samsung has committed to seven years of software support for the S24 lineup, meaning it will continue receiving updates and security patches at least until 2031. In other words, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still has a long life ahead. Battery and overall experience Both Ultra models are equipped with 5,000mAh batteries, and real-world battery life is nearly identical. Users can comfortably get through a full day of use, often with power left for part of the next day. In some continuous video playback tests, the Galaxy S24 Ultra even achieved slightly better results. If purchasing a used S24 Ultra, the battery may have experienced minor wear, but after one year of use, degradation is typically minimal. Both devices support 45W wired fast charging and reverse wireless charging. Price makes the decision At first glance, many might expect the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra to differ significantly. In reality, they are strikingly similar across camera performance, battery life, software features and overall user experience - with the main distinctions being the processor and price. Given the current price gap, choosing the Galaxy S24 Ultra, especially on the used market, is a highly sensible decision. You save hundreds of dollars while still owning a powerful, premium device with long-term software support. And this logic extends beyond Samsung. As companies like Apple, Google and OnePlus continue offering high-performance smartphones with extended software updates, consumers may find that buying brand-new models is no longer essential - at least not in the near future. Hai Phong Curious about the traditional holiday Before meeting Thai Thao, born in 1996 in Da Nang and now his wife, Heiko, born in 1991 in Munich, Germany, had visited Vietnam several times as a tourist, including trips that coincided with Lunar New Year. Back then, he was neither particularly curious nor enthusiastic about Tet. As a traveler, he often found it inconvenient when many shops were closed. The couple held their wedding in 2023. Thai Thao and Heiko held their wedding in 2023. However, once he began dating Thao and celebrated Tet with her family, his perspective changed completely. Listening to her explain customs such as visiting ancestral graves, wrapping banh tet, pickling scallion bulbs, cleaning the house, polishing the ancestral altar, preparing the year-end offering tray and welcoming the New Year at midnight, Heiko grew curious about every ritual. Lunar New Year 2024 marked his first time experiencing a full traditional Tet as a family member. Previously, he had attended death anniversary ceremonies with his wifes relatives, so he somewhat understood the cooking and gathering aspects. Yet Tets formal rituals still fascinated him. Heiko helped my family prepare the year-end offering meal, carried dishes to arrange neatly on the altar and burned votive paper. Whatever he did, he always asked me, Why do we do this? or What does this mean? I would explain everything carefully, Thao shared. Though everything was new, Heiko performed tasks surprisingly skillfully. Perhaps his habit of close observation and genuine enthusiasm helped him adapt quickly. A German son-in-law fluent in Tet traditions Heiko prepares the year-end offering tray and joins his wifes family in visiting ancestral graves. The German son-in-law helps his parents-in-law arrange the Tet offering meal. By Lunar New Year 2025, Heiko once again celebrated Tet in Vietnam. This time, he was more familiar with the customs and more confident in the preparations. On the last day of the lunar year, he and his wife went to the morning market to buy flowers and fruit for the ancestral altar. He then helped his parents-in-law prepare the year-end and New Years Eve offerings. At the stroke of midnight, Heiko stood respectfully beside his father-in-law as incense was lit for the ancestors. Afterwards, he assisted in burning votive paper and joined the family in watching fireworks. It seemed he truly felt the sacredness of that moment, when Vietnamese people officially bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. He was also touched by the warmth of reunion and the strong family bonds in Vietnam, Thao said. On the first day of Tet, Heiko accompanied his wifes family to visit relatives and extend New Year greetings. Remembering the phrases Thao had taught him, he confidently wished elders van su nhu y, tien vo nhu nuoc and nam moi manh khoe. His heartfelt greetings, delivered in a charming foreign accent, delighted everyone. Heiko eagerly gives lucky money to elders and children on the first day of Tet. Photos: Provided by the family Heiko was particularly enthusiastic about giving lucky money. He prepared red envelopes and personally presented them to his grandparents-in-law and parents-in-law. When visiting relatives, he generously gave lucky money to children, understanding that it is a way Vietnamese people share blessings for the year ahead. The custom that surprised him most was the year-end offering and cooking banh tet. He couldnt understand at first why such a lavish meal had to be prepared before Tet. But once I explained that it was a way to bid farewell to the old year with respect, he found it meaningful. The same with wrapping banh tet. After learning about the origins of banh chung and banh tet, he became very excited. He carefully wiped each banana leaf and learned how to wrap the cakes neatly. He especially loved the moment when the whole family gathered around the wood stove, watching the pot of banh tet simmer overnight, Thao recalled. Videos capturing the German son-in-law celebrating Tet with his wifes family were shared on TikTok and drew millions of views. Images of Heiko carrying offering trays, giving lucky money and burning votive paper with ease charmed many viewers. Thao herself was surprised by how widely those tender moments resonated. In 2025, Thao moved to Germany to settle with her husband. The Vietnamese-German couple therefore missed Lunar New Year 2026 in Vietnam. Where Thao now lives, there are not many Vietnamese people, so there are few traditional Tet activities. Making and cooking banh tet in Germany is also difficult due to limited access to ingredients. Not only Thao but Heiko as well felt a sense of regret at missing Tet in Vietnam. To make up for it, my parents will send some traditional dishes so we can feel a little bit of Tet. This year, Heiko plans to take me to a larger city where there may be Tet events for Vietnamese people, or to a Vietnamese restaurant for a festive meal. In previous years, he celebrated the New Year in Vietnam with me. This year, its my turn to celebrate the New Year in his homeland, Thao shared. Thanh Minh As many as 5,000 workers and their relatives in Ho Chi Minh City on February 12 got on buses to return to their hometowns in the central and northern provinces to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) with their families under the Trade Union Bus Trip Spring programme. The programme, organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation, is part of activities to care for union members and workers during the Tet holiday. In addition to free bus tickets, the federation also gave out gifts worth 300,000 VND (11.55 USD) a person and lucky money for workers children. Speaking at the farewell ceremony for workers returning home for Tet on February 12 morning, Bui Thanh Nhan, chairman of the federation, said that the federation supported a total of 350,000 union members and workers in difficult circumstances during Tet with the joint efforts of 146 ward, commune, and special zone labour unions and and more than 20,000 grassroots labour unions. After its merger with Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces, Ho Chi Minh City has more than 7.2 million workers, with the majority of them being immigrants. Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation and trade unions at all levels have implemented various programmes to care for union members and workers during the Tet holiday. It provided 2,293 train tickets, 820 airplane tickets, and 5,000 bus tickets to union members and workers in difficult circumstances who had not been able to return home to Tet for many years. More than 350,000 union members and workers in difficult circumstances received financial support worth a total of 350 billion VND through bank transfers. The federation also coordinates with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and local authorities to visit, give gifts, and support union members who remain in the city during the Tet holiday./. VNA The Governments approval of a pilot scheme to develop a smart border gate at the Mong Cai (Vietnam) Dongxing (China) international border gate pair marks not only a major technological step forward but also a clear demonstration of strong political resolve to translate strategic commitments between the two countries into reality, opening a new chapter for cross-border trade. Strategic consensus Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, on January 26, signed a decision approving the pilot scheme. The decision establishes the legal foundation for the first smart border gate model in Quang Ninh province, and is the result of long-term strategic planning aligned with the Two Corridors, One Belt framework and Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. The smart border gate will be based on Industry 4.0 technologies, with cross-border data connectivity serving as its core. Beyond modernising a single customs checkpoint, the project aims to create a regional-scale digital gateway facilitating more efficient trade flows. Once put into operation, customs clearance time is expected to be reduced to just four to six hours, compared with one to two days under traditional procedures. Meanwhile, costs related to yards, transportation and ancillary logistics services are projected to fall by 3040%. A key technological highlight of the project is the deployment of unmanned intelligent guided vehicles (IGVs), operating on 5G networks and satellite positioning systems. Capable of operating around the clock, these vehicles will enable uninterrupted and contactless cargo flows, particularly for fresh agricultural products and electronic components. The system is designed to ensure safety and stability even in extreme conditions such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks. Mong Cai international border gate aims to become a model, smart, and advanced facility. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) The Governments consensus is reflected in the decision to grant Quang Ninh province a high degree of operational autonomy, while maintaining close coordination with ministries and central agencies. The Prime Ministers decision clearly stipulates that implementation must ensure full synchronisation of infrastructure and planning with the Chinese side, sending a strong message about an open economy where borders are seen not as barriers but as dynamic buffer zones driving sustainable development. Quang Ninh as the conductor As the lead authority, Quang Ninh has drawn up an ambitious implementation roadmap with total projected investment exceeding 4.5 trillion VND (173.2 million USD). The plan is divided into two main phases, with phase one, scheduled for 2026, focusing on upgrading existing infrastructure at the Bac Luan I and II bridges. This includes the installation of IGV equipment and e-Gate systems using biometric facial and fingerprint recognition, along with the establishment of an Intelligent Operations Centre (IOC) to integrate data from all relevant functional forces. Phase two, covering the 20272030 period, will see the expansion of the border-gate boundary and the establishment of specialised functional zones such as a high-tech logistics centre, a cross-border e-commerce zone, and internationally accredited testing laboratories located directly at the border. By 2030, Mong Cais customs clearance capacity is expected to triple compared with current levels. The implementation of an unprecedented model is expected to face challenges related to legal frameworks, technical standards and capital mobilisation. To address these issues, the Government has instructed the Ministries of Public Security, National Defence, Finance, Industry and Trade, and Foreign Affairs to coordinate with local authorities. In addition, Quang Ninh is working to diversify funding sources, with a strong emphasis on private-sector participation. Negotiations on customs data connectivity and mutual recognition of inspection results between Vietnam and China are also underway, to realise a single window, single stop mechanism and further facilitate cross-border trade./. VNA The event was jointly organised by the CanadaVietnam Association and the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, with the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to Canada Pham Vinh Quang and representatives of Vietnamese associations across the country. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent a congratulatory message, recognising the contributions of the Vietnamese community to Canadian society. The initiative aims to both maintain cultural traditions and strengthen connections among overseas Vietnamese while introducing Vietnamese products more widely to the Canadian market. According to Trade Counsellor Tran Thu Quynh, the launch is part of efforts to boost Vietnams exports to Canada and enhance production linkages between the two economies. The section will highlight the diversity of Vietnamese goods, particularly processed foods and agricultural products. These products currently account for about 4% of Vietnams total export value to Canada but are considered a priority sector as they are closely linked to farmers. However, the sector faces challenges due to Canadas strict quality standards. The Trade Office regularly updates businesses on technical requirements and warning cases, and works with Canadian authorities to invite experts to support Vietnamese enterprises, especially SMEs, in meeting market standards. Vietnams exports to Canada have doubled over the past five years to more than 13 billion USD, reflecting strong cooperation potential, especially as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) continues to take effect. The organisers expect the new section to serve as an effective bridge linking Vietnamese businesses with Canadian distributors and the overseas community, helping Vietnamese products penetrate deeper into North American supply chains./.VNA February 13 marks a significant milestone in Vietnams journey to strengthen its national digital infrastructure, as the Radio Frequency Department officially granted a license for the use of radio frequencies and radio equipment to Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. The event is more than an administrative decision. It signals that Vietnam is opening itself more decisively to next-generation space technology, where Internet access is no longer constrained by mountainous terrain, offshore islands or long-standing infrastructure blind spots. Under the issued radio frequency license granted to SpaceX, the initial deployment phase will include four gateway stations and a maximum of 600,000 user terminals in Vietnam. The scale reflects a methodical, carefully controlled rollout aligned with the national telecommunications infrastructure roadmap. Being licensed to use radio frequencies means the system can legally deploy transmission and reception infrastructure in Vietnam, fully complying with regulations on radio frequency management and ensuring no interference with existing wireless communication networks. This is a critical factor for sustainable market development, preventing technical conflicts and safeguarding information security. Notably, this first approval underscores an evolving regulatory mindset: tightly managing the finite national resource of radio spectrum while simultaneously creating controlled space for breakthrough technologies to be tested. Establishing a clear legal corridor for expanding Internet coverage from low Earth orbit satellites lays the groundwork for a stable and long-term digital connectivity ecosystem. Beyond technology, the move reflects Vietnams proactive vision amid the global commercialization of space technology. As the world extends its connectivity footprint into orbit, Vietnam is preparing its foundation to ensure it is not left behind. The February 13 decision can therefore be viewed as a strategic boost to connectivity infrastructure, formally integrating Internet-from-the-sky into the countrys digital development strategy, with the goal of comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable connectivity in the new era. Earlier media reports indicated that SpaceX, the space company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, plans to invest US$1.5 billion in Vietnam. The investment is aimed at deploying Starlink satellite Internet services, expected to provide broadband connectivity across the entire territory of Vietnam, particularly in remote, border and island areas where traditional Internet infrastructure remains limited. The rollout of Starlink services is anticipated to accelerate digital transformation and narrow the digital divide in Vietnam. However, achieving optimal effectiveness will require close cooperation between SpaceX and domestic telecommunications enterprises, alongside investment in infrastructure and supply chains. Such collaboration would contribute to narrowing the digital gap and expanding access to digital services for citizens nationwide, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with fixed broadband or 4G and 5G networks. However, Starlinks business model in Vietnam has not yet been disclosed. The pilot period will last up to five years from the date the enterprise established by SpaceX in Vietnam is granted a telecommunications service business license, and will conclude before January 1, 2031. Thai Khang Vietnam ranks fourth in the world and leads in Southeast Asia in pork consumption with nearly 39kg per person in 2025, according to a report released recently by the Ministry of Industry and Trades Department of Domestic Market Management and Development. The high consumption has demonstrated that this food item continues to play a dominant role in the daily meals of Vietnamese people and its significant impact on the countrys Consumer Price Index (CPI). Data shows that domestic pork consumption has continued to increase year after year in the country. In 2021, a person consumed about 30kg on average; approximately 37kg in 2024 and continued to rise to approximately 39kg last year. Pork currently accounts for more than 63% of the consumption structure of livestock products. According to the department, pork has a significant impact on the food market and the consumer price index (CPI). As Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, the demand for pork increases by approximately 10-15%. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, last year the livestock industry experienced strong growth, producing 8.6 million tonnes of various meats, including 5.4 million tonnes of pork, sufficient to ensure adequate supply for this year's Tet holiday. Pham Kim Dang, deputy director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environments Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, said that demand for pork is very high and the country was concerned about a shortage of supply due to natural disasters and disease outbreaks last year. However, total number of pigs currently still reaches 31.4 million, which is completely sufficient to meet the supply for the Tet holiday. Currently, the price of live pigs on the market is trading around 71,000-74,000 VND (2.73-2.85 USD) per kg. Although slightly lower than last month, experts believe the price is still very high. In January, there were times when the price was pushed up to 81,000 VND per kg, which is unusual. Nguyen Xuan Duong, chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, believes pork prices are influenced by speculative trading and the psychology of small traders. With a large proportion in the Vietnamese consumer basket, pork is also one of the essential goods. Therefore, if pork price rises too high, it will not only directly impact people's lives but also affect the national CPI./. VNA A 2019 Big Apple Times article on Google Search confirmed that images of child sexual abuse had been found on Google and that the company had been reluctant at times to take away them. In 2003, The New York Times complained about Googles indexing, claiming that Googles caching of content material on its website infringed [] A 2019 Big Apple Times article on Google Search confirmed that images of child sexual abuse had been found on Google and that the company had been reluctant at times to take away them. In 2003, The New York Times complained about Googles indexing, claiming that Googles caching of content material on its website infringed its copyright for the content material. In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Courtroom upheld using search history requests to identify suspects in a 2020 arson, later stating that it is not a broad proclamation and noted that the warrant did not have an individualized probable cause. Google searches have additionally triggered keyword warrants and geofence warrants in which information is shared with regulation enforcement, resulting in a felony case. 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Speaking at the ceremony on February 13, Cuban Deputy Minister of Agriculture Telce Abdel Gonzalez affirmed that Cuba will create all favourable conditions for AgriVMAs rice production project in Los Palacios district, Pinar del Rio province, with a view to expanding the model to other localities across the country. He highly valued Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cubas agricultural sector, noting that their operations have helped boost agricultural output and ensure food security for the Caribbean nation. The Deputy Minister also expressed his hope that Vietnamese agricultural businesses will continue to expand their investment in Cuba, not only in rice cultivation but also in other agricultural products. He further stated that agricultural cooperation contributes to elevating bilateral economic ties to match the two countries sound political relations. For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long underlined the significance of the event, saying it reflects the confidence of Vietnamese enterprises investing and operating in Cuba despite the difficulties the country is facing. The continued operation and expansion of Vietnamese businesses in Cuba stand as vivid evidence of the special solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, he said. The ambassador thanked the Cuban ministry for its timely support for Vietnamese enterprises over the past time, affirming that promoting agricultural cooperation and assisting Cuba in ensuring food security have consistently received high attention from Vietnamese leaders. Meanwhile, Dang Quang Thuy, Executive Director of the AgriVMA rice project in Los Palacios district, reaffirmed the companys determination to step up production in Cuba, thereby contributing to consolidating the VietnamCuba comprehensive collaboration. At the event, representatives of both sides signed a handover record for the 250 tonnes of rice, the first batch that Vietnam has presented to Cuba in 2026 under the bilateral agreement. The rice is produced from the CT16 hybrid variety, which yields over 7 tonnes of fresh paddy per hectare. The variety is currently cultivated by AgriVMA on more than 1,000 hectares in Los Palacios./. VNA by Katalin Balog Winners and losers It might seem that the idea that one should remain indifferent to success is for losers. Yes, it is my own professional and personal setbacks that all of a sudden so sharpened my insights into the downsides of success. But actually, I am not new to this idea. I am not a virtuoso of failure and decay like Emil Cioran, but I come from a part of the world, East-Central Europe, where there is a venerable tradition of looking with suspicion at the ambition to succeed, to be a winner at life. The tradition, vaguely defined as it is, stretches from Russia through East-Central Europe to Germany and north to Scandinavia. In this tradition, we venerate martyrs and hopeless causes, the heroic individual who dares ignore received opinion, whereas our Western counterparts celebrate achievement and lionize winners. The collapse of the Hungarian regime in 1989 and, ironically, the rise of one of todays most successful strivers, Viktor Orban started with the ceremonial reburial of five of the martyrs of the 1956 revolution against communism. Hundreds of thousands showed up for the reburial in Budapest, and millions more watched it on television. During the revolution, the Soviet army invaded the country and put down any resistance, installing a puppet government that went on to rule the country for another 30 years. The Prime Minister of the revolution and four of his closest associates were executed in a special secret trial, their bodies dumped in an unmarked mass grave one early morning in June 1958. Their families learned of their deaths from the newspaper the next day. Hungarians collective psyche was very much attuned to these facts at the time of the reburial. That being a hero might preclude success; that it might get you to suffer much indignity. Those in the Hungarian Communist Party who made peace with Moscow and carried out the imprisonment and execution of thousands might have had their years of success. But members of the democratic opposition of the 1970s and 1980s, people whom the Western press liked to call dissidents, looked askance at this so-called success. I didnt know anyone in Budapest at the time who wouldnt have been disgusted by the suggestion that they should be caring about their career. Though an exaggeration, we believed that only the most craven opportunists were supposed to have a career. Most of my friends either didnt have jobs because the regime deemed them unreliable or hostile, and so worked in the gig economy (as translators, research assistants, sometimes as pump attendants at gas stations, etc.) or had jobs, but their center of gravity lay elsewhere. Dissidents in Czechoslovakia had it worse; many of them ended up, upon the collapse of the regime in 1989, in the straight-from-prison-to-government pipeline. The cult of winning I have had plenty of status anxiety in those times. Of course, the striving for success, for status, is a human universal even if capitalism intensifies and democratizes that drive. But so is suspicion about it: contempt of the world, a warning that real value can be found not in gaining worldly status. Kierkegaard, for example, says that wherever the crowd is, there is untruth, so that even if every individual possessed the truth in private, yet if they came together into a crowd untruth would at once be let in.[1] Except, in the US, where I ended up right after the reburial, this scepticism seems to be in short supply. Of course, having a career in America doesnt (necessarily) mean having to suck up to the regime. But lately, more and more of life is under the sign of the market. This, coupled with the ideology of meritocracy, where position in life is taken as an expression of merit results in competition for literally every advantage. These circumstances would create a perfect environment for opportunism, even without our recent authoritarian turn, where many careers now like back in Communist Hungary are literally dependent on sucking up to the worst causes, the worst people. One of the intriguing features of the Epstein scandal is that it provides an interpretive tool for what happened in the first year of Trump 2.0. What the Epstein files show is that there is a significant portion of the current elite the winners of the meritocratic race that is either willing to associate with a known criminal in the hopes of social contacts, money, and perhaps sex, or at least willing to overlook tell-tale signs of his fuckery. Woody Allen, in his birthday note to Epstein, compared his Upper East Side mansion to Draculas castle, an indication that the nature of his activities registered with his guests. And so there was this Epstein class and it turns out they prized status above anything else. One might get the sense that the difference between those members of the ruling class who were Epstein associates and those who were not is a matter of degree. It is not a qualitative difference between people who care deeply about things beyond their careers and those who dont. One should be forgiven for the impression that the Epstein class rules. This mentality explains Republican capitulation to Trump. But capitulation is not just a Republican thing. American elites irrespective of party affiliation have proven themselves to be surprisingly cowardly in the face of the authoritarian onslaught of the second Trump administration. Eastern Europeans feel a little bit of glee watching the American bloodbath, remembering how haughtily Americans used to lecture them on their lack of democratic tradition and the resulting deficit of its principled defense. Institution after institution compromised in the hopes of holding on to their position, rather than standing up and risking losing status and advantage. Universities, business, big law, and the media have all capitulated to varying degrees to a grotesquely self-serving and corrupt president. They all, after all, have lived for a long time with the understanding that success matters most. Trump is only the most extreme and bold-faced exemplar of the American worship of winning. Thank God for so-called ordinary Americans who have marched in numbers, and for the brave people of Minneapolis, who have salvaged the good name of the country. The Trump regime has laid bare the emptiness at the heart of the meritocratic regime. The tech elite, the richest and most powerful Americans, these role-models for success, have taken this the farthest as usual. Having given up the pretense of caring about the future of humanity, unable to process the thought of their own mortality and limitations, they no longer want to share in the human lot; instead, they want to live forever by becoming one with the machine. The prize is not all Rot from the top, and cynicism from below, is not a world-historical rarity. But times were quite different as recently as the 1960s and 70s. There was a counterculture in the US that valued authenticity, freedom, and openness to experience. There was also a mainstream cultural consensus that there is more to life than advancement and success; literature, and art, and music, and dance had mass appeal. That is no longer true. The reasons why, as a society, we struggle to uphold those values are no doubt many and complex; streaming technology, social media, AI, and the culture of meritocratic striving are all part of it. It is clear, though, that the pressure to self-promote cheapens the culture. Patti Smith achieved cult status without doing any of what artists are expected to do today. These days, she writes great books, but she still doesnt curate or package herself; in her Substack videos, she ad-libs, forgets things, but in the end often manages to say something worthwhile. The problem is not success in itself. But failure has its charms, too. Freed from expectation, a kick in the mouth can help steer one to a truer path. The latest, as yet untranslated novel of Laszlo Krasznahorkai, a recent Nobel recipient, safeguards this freedom of failure. It takes an unusual angle on self-promotion by featuring a character called Laszlo Krasznahorkai, a famous writer, as well as a loquacious and self-centered man. Krasznahorkai is passionately interested in big questions about life and the universe, but his personal hygiene is sketchy. The other main character thinks of him just as the pee-smelling celebrity. Well, winning is for losers anyway. *** [1] For the Dedication to That Single Individual, in The Point of View, Kierkegaards Writing, vol. 22 (eds. Hong and Hong). 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8 Mar (21) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (22) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (25) 8 Feb - 15 Feb (25) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (21) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (23) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (19) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (35) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (23) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (27) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (28) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (23) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (22) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (19) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (22) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (19) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5) Senedd Members from across the political divide have united to call for legislative reforms that would strengthen justice and provide greater dignity for victims and their families affected by the most serious of crimes. Known as Helens Law Part 2, campaigners are hoping to make the desecration of a body an offence, believing there is currently a gap in the existing legislation that causes profound and lasting harm. Helens Law requires the parole board to consider whether convicted murderers have disclosed the location of their victims remains or whether a sex offender had identified the victims of their crimes when making parole decisions. Introduced in January 2021, Helens Law is named after Helen McCourt, a 22-year-old woman from Merseyside who was abducted, raped and murdered in 1988 while walking home from work. Despite being convicted of her murder, Helens killer has never disclosed where her body was hidden. More than three decades later, Helens remains have never been recovered. The non-disclosure continues to cause significant and life-long distress to the victims family. Campaigners in support of Helens Law Part 2 argue the legislation should be strengthened and believe the desecration of a body should be made a criminal offence. As the law does not specifically decriminalise discretion, there is currently no clear deterrent to prevent these unimaginable acts, often attempted by perpetrators to try and avoid justice. Lesley Griffiths MS is a supporter of Helens Law Part 2 and took part in a Senedd debate on the subject brought forward by Cefin Campbell MS. She said: I recognise this is an incredibly harrowing subject. Fortunately, it is something many of us will not ever have to contemplate but it remains a very important issue and it does affect families in Wales. Helens Law makes it harder for killers to be released if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victims body. However, while this is an important step forward, it does not address what happens when a perpetrator deliberately conceals, destroys or desecrates a victims body. These horrific acts inflict enduring trauma for families and is a continuing form of harm. Helens Law Part 2 would seek to close the gap in the legislation. During the Members Debate, Senedd Members highlighted Charlottes Law which looks set to be introduced by the Northern Ireland Assembly. This proposed legislation named after murder victim Charlotte Murray would encourage killers to volunteer information about where victims remains are. Those who refuse to disclose information would serve longer sentences. Lesley Griffiths MS added: While criminal law is ultimately the responsibility of the UK Government, Charlottes Law in Northern Ireland demonstrates what we can do here in Wales in order we are able to promote dignity and justice for victims and their families. I am pleased the Senedd is united on this important issue and I encourage the Welsh Government to work closely with the UK Government to see what further legislative changes can be brought forward. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com by Dilip DSouza Nearly six years ago, I lost a good friend to cancer. It was tragedy compounded, because he had lost his wife to cancer a few years earlier. That left their two daughters, orphaned in their 20s. More recently, another good friend has been struck with the disease. I know others too, as Im sure you do as well. Whats clear to me by now is that this is a relentless disease, not often defeated. With my friend and his wife, both were first diagnosed all the way back in 2004, within months of each other, when their girls were under ten years old. Both went through treatment and lived several happy, fulfilling lives, raising their daughters. But then the disease struck back with menace and intensity, showing up unpredictably in different parts of their bodies. They fought hard, but the cancer finally won. Wrenching times for them, the daughters and for all of us who knew them, yes. Through it all, and in the years since, I often found myself musing about what it all meant, or came down to. Every time my friend went through a particular procedure, hed tell me something about what the chances were of its success. Though he knew, and I knew, that success was really a euphemism for his survival. Its 75 percent if nothing else comes up, hed say, or some other such number. Presumably he had been told so by his doctors. Whatever the number, it was invariably hard to hear. Because each time, it hammered home the full import of that word survival. Because each time, it made me conscious of how these odds are calculated at all: by accounting for the people the disease takes from us. One of every four gone? Theres your 75 percent figure. And if thats just obvious stuff, consider the same numbers this way. Suppose you suffer from a rare and dangerous disease. A doctor examines you and spells out two possible treatment routines. You do your homework and find that treatment A gives you a 75 percent chance of recovery. With treatment B, one of every four patients dies. Choose, says your doctor. I suspect your choice would be A, and the same for most of us. Thats the power of merely mentioning death. Yet both statements say exactly the same thing. So if you had to decide between A and B without knowing anything more about the treatments, might as well toss a coin. For some time after the reality of my friends death sank in, and given his mentions of his chances, I was mildly obsessed with figures like these. No surprise, it turns out that they have a grounding and a definite meaning in statistics. That they are a little more intricate in their implications than I might have guessed. The survival rate my friend would quote typically refers to the fraction, of people known to have that cancer and that treatment, who have survived five years after being diagnosed. But look a little beyond and things are a little more complex. Now the numbers I heard from my friend came from graphs that years of cancer-driven epidemiology have produced and well, we are of course looking at cancer here. But graphs like those are also useful in analyzing unemployment, or estimating how long mechanical parts will last before they fail (four years, in the case of a certain switch in my kitchen), or more. In 1958, Edward Kaplan and Paul Meier submitted similar papers on drawing and analysing such graphs to the Journal of the American Statistical Association. Noticing the parallels, JASAs editor persuaded Kaplan and Meier to join forces. Their resultant paper their combined effort is a well-known and widely cited primer on how to handle observations that are essentially incomplete. What statisticians now know as Kaplan-Meier curves help us estimate the probability of something like a patient surviving, but also like a switch failing happening in a given interval of time. Such times-to-events may differ from subject to subject, and these curves offer us a way to make reasonable predictions. Not that I want to beat this into the ground, but the issue of switches is a minor head-scratcher for me. For on a wall not far from the switch that failed within four years is another that has lasted 45 years and counting. With daily use. Is this an outlier? Do Kaplan-Meier curves account for it as well? As long as it works like a charm, does it even matter? Be that as it may, you can imagine a study in which several cancer patients are given a particular treatment. The patients take the treatment knowing that a cure, or survival, is not guaranteed, especially if the treatment is experimental. But they want to know, as anyone would, the chances that they will survive. Kaplan-Meier curves offer clues. For a random example, six Japanese scientists published a paper a few years ago, presenting the results of studying 178 patients with large brain metastases that is, tumors larger than 10cc in volume. Specifically, they were interested in the effect of a particular treatment Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKS) on these patients. (Comparison of two-stage Gamma Knife radiosurgery outcomes for large brain metastases among primary cancers, Daisuke Ito et al, Journal of Neuro-Oncology, March 2020). Note that data from 178 patients is, by necessity, a set of incomplete observations obviously, the scientists did not have data on everyone who has these tumors. But the 178 make up a sample. The statistical assumption is that when you have a sample thats large enough, you get a close enough approximation to the survival rate for everyone suffering from such tumors. The tumours had been caused by three types of cancers breast, lung and gastro-intestinal. Thus there are three Kaplan-Meier curves in the paper. Each plots survival rate among the patients against time, measured by years after the first GKS. Wny, you might wonder, are these not smooth curves, but instead descend step-wise? Thats because this is a sample. Every vertical segment represents the death of another patient. The greater the sample size, the smoother the curve. Note a few things immediately. First, the median time of survival the time until exactly half the patients have died is 6.6 months. Second, breast cancer is noticeably less lethal than the other two, and gastro-intestinal cancer is clearly the most threatening. The gap between GI and the others widens dramatically after that median point. The scientists acknowledge these findings: Compared with patients with [breast] and [lung cancers], patients with [gastro-intestinal cancers] had shorter [survival rates] and a higher incidence of [death]. Compared with patients with [lung] and [gastro-intestinal cancers], patients with [breast cancer] had significantly higher tumor reduction rates. So what does this paper offer to people who have brain tumours? If their tumours have metastasized from breast or lung cancers, they should consider GKS. If from their gastro-intestinal system, GKS should be carefully considered and adapted to each unique case. Maybe thats not saying very much. But I know, from following what happened to my friend, how eager he was for any information anything that could give him and all of us some hope. I know he would have devoured findings like these. Then again, he lived 16 years after he was first diagnosed with cancer, 18 months after the disease returned, metastasized, to ravage him. Does that make him an outlier? The thing is, over the years these curves develop ever-longer tails, obvious even in the image above. This is because some patients live with their cancers for years. Each one who does adds something to the tail of the relevant Kaplan-Meier curve. Only, it is never possible to decide where exactly on the curve your patient is. (With a switch, it probably doesnt matter.) As the late Paul Kalanithi neurosurgeon and author, taken by cancer in 2015 once wrote in the New York Times: Its impossible, irresponsible even, to be more precise than you can be accurate. So I dont know if my friend was an outlier. Im just grateful for those 18 months, those 16 years, and really, all his 60 years. As always, Valentine's Day brought in tons of customers at local restaurants. For example, Washoe Public House said they saw about 90 reservations, with 220 people expected to dine in. "Even as of now, I can tell you the phone's ringing, people asking for reservations, and we are completely booked," said Brent Ross, the owner of Washoe Public House. Ross said that around 2 p.m. on Saturday, a full three weeks after their reservations filled up for the holiday. Even though it's a big day for business, Ross said they did not run a special menu for valentine's day. "We're not bringing anything special just for it, because the prefixed menu is not what our guests want," he said. "They want our in-house normal menu, and we give them exactly what they like." But that doesn't mean some tweaks were made. "We decrease the overall item count because we write some specials," Ross said. 'We structure it a little bit more, but our volume is probably up 30 or 40%." Fewer dishes, and more food to go around. Plus, some dishes got a little extra fancy for the holiday. "We're probably going to run some kangaroo this evening," said Ross. "We'll probably have mahi-mahi as our fish. We're going to upgrade our pasta and probably just float it with a little bit of extra pork or anything like that." Ross added "we're going a little above and beyond for Valentine's Day." Ross said reservations are king on a day like this, but he might be able to make something work otherwise. "We'd love to see you down for Valentine's Day," he said, "but we are so small that if you didn't get in three weeks ago, I probably can't squeeze it. But I'll do my best for y'all." Whether it's Washoe Public House or another small space, Reno has some great places for a romantic holiday. "I love Reno & keep it growing, guys," Ross said. AceShowbiz - Victoria Monet is back in the spotlight, ushering in a new chapter following her monumental success at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The acclaimed R&B artist delighted fans with her latest single, "Let Me," which arrived just in time for Valentine's Day on February 14, 2024, offering a warm embrace for lovers and dreamers alike. This release marks a significant moment as Victoria Monet continues to build on the incredible momentum generated by her critically acclaimed *Jaguar II* era. The sultry new ballad sees Victoria Monet at her most intimate, extending an invitation for vulnerability and unwavering support. With its smooth, classic '90s R&B inflections, "Let Me" encourages a partner to shed their defenses and allow her to be their steadfast companion. The track oozes with a comforting warmth, perfectly capturing the essence of deep connection and trust, making it an instant classic for those seeking peace of mind in a relationship. At the heart of the song is an irresistibly catchy chorus that resonates with heartfelt sincerity: "Let me be your ride or die / Let me love you back to life, babe / Let me give you peace of mind." These poignant lyrics are delivered with Victoria Monet's signature honeyed vocals, gliding effortlessly over a soulful sonic landscape crafted by producer Camper. Known for his versatile touch across hip-hop and R&B, Camper's impressive production discography includes collaborations with industry giants such as Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Ye, Coco Jones, H.E.R., and Big Sean, ensuring "Let Me" possesses both depth and widespread appeal. This fresh single arrives on the heels of a triumphant period for Victoria Monet, who captivated audiences and critics alike with her *Jaguar II* album. Her hard work culminated in a remarkable showing at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she proudly took home three coveted trophies: Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. These accolades solidified her status as a formidable force in contemporary R&B, celebrating her unique artistry and meticulous craftsmanship. Prior to "Let Me," Victoria Monet's last release was the deluxe edition of *Jaguar II* in October 2024, which featured exciting collaborations with fellow R&B luminaries Bryson Tiller and Usher. Looking ahead, fans will have the opportunity to experience Victoria Monet's captivating live performances as she joins Bruno Mars on the European/U.K. leg of his highly anticipated "The Romantic Tour" this summer. Her stadium appearances are slated for major cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Milan, and London, promising unforgettable nights for concertgoers. With "Let Me," Victoria Monet not only delivers a soothing anthem but also reinforces her position as a leading voice in music, continuing her journey of artistic excellence and global reach. Her latest offering is a testament to her evolving sound and her commitment to creating music that truly resonates, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its calming embrace. AceShowbiz - In today's music landscape, earning a sustainable income as a songwriter is tougher than ever. Ryan Tedder, a renowned artist and producer, along with David Israelite, president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), recently discussed the significant challenges facing contemporary songwriters in the Billboard On The Record podcast. The conversation highlighted how various factors, including the evolution of streaming services and the decline of traditional radio, have reshaped the music industry. As Israelite pointed out, the diminishing importance of radio has created a ripple effect, threatening the income streams that songwriters heavily rely on. Moreover, both Tedder and Israelite examined how the rise of writing rooms and increased usage of samples have impacted the compensation structure for songwriters. The proliferation of collaboration in songwriting, while fostering creativity, has also led to a dilution of earnings for individual contributors. The trend of offering courtesy credits to non-writing artists further complicates the financial landscape for those who craft the songs. Ryan Tedder, known for his work with artists like Tate McRae and Beyonce, discussed his creative approach, emphasizing collaboration as a crucial element in producing successful hits. He shared insights on how his experiences have shaped his songwriting process, allowing him to navigate the challenges of the modern music industry effectively. As the discussion progressed, the implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, were also addressed. Both men acknowledged the potential for AI tools like Suno to create new opportunities for songwriters, suggesting that these innovations could help artists adapt to the rapidly changing musical environment. Furthermore, Israelite highlighted the lucrative potential of genres such as K-pop, which has gained significant traction globally and offers promising avenues for songwriters seeking financial stability. This genre's unique structure and fan engagement strategies have created a surge in demand for quality songwriting, presenting a rare opportunity in an otherwise challenging market. The overarching theme of the podcast was clear: the complexities of the current music industry landscape have made it increasingly difficult for songwriters to thrive. As Tedder and Israelite articulated, understanding the evolving dynamics of the industry is crucial for aspiring songwriters aiming to carve out a sustainable career. If you're interested in gaining deeper insights into the music industry and songwriter challenges, be sure to follow Billboard On The Record on platforms like Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to stay updated on future episodes. This podcast is produced in collaboration with SickBird Productions, featuring host Kristin Robinson and executive producers Diona DaCosta and Jade Watson. AceShowbiz - Ryan Seacrest, the renowned host of American Idol and Wheel of Fortune, has kept his love life largely private in recent years. After a challenging period marked by personal loss, he recently shared touching details about his Valentines Day plans, which have taken on a deeper meaning this year. Ryan Seacrest has long been considered one of Americas most eligible bachelors. His most talked-about relationship was with Dancing With The Stars alum Julianne Hough. The couple dated from 2010 to 2013 but parted ways due to diverging career goals. Their breakup was difficult for many fans who hoped the pair would eventually marry. Despite the split, the two have maintained a respectful and amicable relationship. In 2021, Ryan Seacrest was linked to model Aubrey Paige Petcosky. While they appeared together publicly on several occasions, they mostly kept their relationship out of the spotlight. The couple separated in 2024 by mutual agreement. Since then, Ryan Seacrest had not been seen publicly with a new partner and was reportedly not actively seeking a relationship. However, Ryan Seacrest recently surprised fans by revealing his Valentines Day plans on his radio show. Earlier this week, he shared with co-hosts Tanya Rad and Sisanie that he will be spending the day with a very special woman in his life. I didnt even realize that, on Saturday night, I do have a Valentines Day date. I didnt realize when we planned for her to come visit me, it was Valentines Day, he said. To everyones delight, the Valentines date is his mother, who is visiting him over the weekend. Because he had forgotten about the holiday, Ryan Seacrest had not made any plans or bought gifts. His co-hosts encouraged him to make the day memorable, with Sisanie suggesting he surprise his mom with cozy pajamas and heart-themed slippers for the occasion. This Valentines Day holds particular significance for Ryan Seacrest and his family. In October 2025, he experienced a heartbreaking loss when his 79-year-old father passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. Ryan Seacrest was at his fathers side in Atlanta, Georgia, during his final moments. The grief also brought about noticeable changes in Ryan Seacrests health, including a substantial weight loss, which sparked concern among fans and the media. Spending Valentines Day with his mother not only offers a chance to celebrate love but also serves as a healing moment for both of them. Fans have expressed heartfelt support online, praising Ryan Seacrest for honoring his mom in such a meaningful way. Comments from fans include A Valentine doesnt always have to be your partner, a Mom is a great Valentine! Shower her with love, Ryan! and This is your moms first Valentines Day without your father. It might be really tough on her. Others remarked on the special bond they share, saying, Imagine how special it will make her feel that her baby boy took the time to be thoughtful and make her feel special. Ryan Seacrests openness about his personal life during such a difficult time resonates deeply with fans. His decision to cherish this Valentines Day with his mother highlights the importance of family bonds and the different ways love can be celebrated. AceShowbiz - Gilbert Flores/Penske Media is reigniting his ongoing feud with 50 Cent after 50 called him King Rat in response to Verzuz battle discussions. Despite T.I.s willingness to face off on the Verzuz stage, the G-Unit mogul appears uninterested in accepting the challenge from the self-proclaimed King of the South. On February 10, hip-hop historian Nuface shared a resurfaced 2020 video on Instagram featuring T.I. on a phone call with comedian Kevin Hart. In the clip, T.I. urged Hart to convince 50 Cent to battle him in Verzuz, confidently asserting his dominance in Southern hip-hop. Im the king below the Mason-Dixon line, T.I. declared. King of the South. I speak for all of the Southern people. New York been saying st under they breath bout us and having little bullst, slick a comments bout us, thinking its all slow down here. But they wanna come down here and go to our malls and go to our clubs, but then they wanna kick it like we substandard Well, that st stops right now. Shortly after this clip went viral, 50 Cent responded in the comments by labeling T.I. as King Rat. The Atlanta rapper fired back swiftly, accusing 50 of being a rat in real life and announcing he had lost all respect for the Queens rapper. You playing on MY NAME when only one of us a rat in real lifeyou know I got your paperwork right? And my transcript is available online, T.I. wrote. Your excuses is useless. Get yo h a in the box or STFU and live in fear. You soft son. Youve lost my respect. Fckn [duck emoji]. This feud reignited after T.I. brought up the Verzuz topic again during a recent appearance on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco, where he accused 50 of avoiding the confrontation. He dont want no smoke, though. I called my man out, he dont want no smoke, T.I. said in a clip posted on February 8. Known for his sharp trolling, 50 Cent responded by posting a 2010 Crime Stoppers ad featuring T.I. on Instagram on February 5, telling him to keep his name out of his mouth. I know Atlanta pick and choose who they support, but yall gotta do better, 50 wrote. LOL keep my name out ya mouth! The rapper didnt stop there, later posting a clip on February 7 of T.I. allegedly testifying in a 2006 murder case involving his assistant Philant Johnson in Cincinnati. No, no, I dont like it, 50 joked. No verses lets do (The stay away challenge) and stay away from me. LOL. The public dispute continues to build tension between these two hip-hop heavyweights, with T.I. eager to settle the score in Verzuz and 50 Cent seemingly uninterested in engaging. AceShowbiz - The Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches are reportedly 90 per cent finished with their upcoming album, promising a fearless and powerful new sound that aims to captivate and surprise listeners. Following their 2021 release, Screen Violence, the band spent the next two years touring, including a notable support slot for Coldplay at Milans Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. After this extensive run, they took a break before announcing last summer that work on a new record had begun. Martin Doherty and Jonny Scott, key members of Chvrches, recently spoke to NME about the albums progress and direction. Doherty described the project as the bands most fearless record yet, emphasizing their determination not to repeat past work. Its diminishing returns if the fifth record sounds like the first, he explained, highlighting their commitment to innovation and growth. Both Doherty and Scott have been deeply involved in the creative process, with Scott contributing to every track and staying closely connected throughout production. Doherty also hinted at the albums intensity, saying it will rip some faces off while maintaining the bands recognizable sound and core identity. The new material was recorded in Glasgow, grounding it in the bands Scottish roots. Doherty reflected on how their environment influenced the music: When you look outside and see rain and anger, you write the rain and you write the anger. Thats where our heads are at. This connection to place and mood is expected to imbue the album with a distinct British and Scottish feel. Regarding the bands recent hiatus, Doherty opened up about the challenges they faced. After a decade of nonstop touring and releasing four albums, the group needed a break. He revealed that his bandmates, Iain Cook and Lauren Mayberry, were eager to pursue solo projects, which he supported, even though it left him feeling uncertain and fearful. Wed been on the road for 10 years after making four records bang-bang-bang-bang, Doherty said. On paper, we had everything we wanted, but when they said, We want to do something else for a year, I was completely lost. This period of reflection allowed the members to explore new creative directions without dissolving the band. Doherty admitted to struggling with the unknown during the hiatus, especially given personal challenges and the global crises unfolding around them. However, that uncertainty has fueled their motivation for this new project, ensuring it is not just a continuation but a bold step forward. Chvrches fans can look forward to an album that pushes boundaries while staying true to the bands signature synth-driven style. The groups commitment to risk-taking and authenticity promises a record that will both surprise and delight, proving that even after years in the industry, they remain a vital creative force. Investigative reporter Aaron Sibarium has written an extraordinary account of a condominium complex whose residents are enduring hell because the local Democrats have allowed a homeless encampment, a thriving drug market, and foreign gangs to take over the area. This is happening in Prince Georges County, Maryland, which gave Kamala Harris her highest vote-share of any county in the United States: 86%. It appears that the residents of this condominium complex voted closer to 90% for Harris. So, in a very real sense, the residents are living the nightmarish consequences of voting for Democrats. Advertisement Sibariums detailed description deserves to be read in its entirety because it serves as a horrifying warning of the outrageous harms Democrat politicians are willing to inflict upon law-abiding citizens. If Democrats would do this to Americans who vote exclusively for Democrats, consider what those Democrat politicians would be willing to do to American communities that vote for them only sixty or seventy percent of the time. Heres the crux of the story: Relatively poor, non-white condo-owners live in this private complex. A few years ago, a homeless encampment took over the complexs backyard and transformed it into a crackhouse, a bathroom, and the entrance to an open-air drug market, which has become a magnet for organized crime and caused millions in property damage. Vandals routinely break into buildings and smoke crack in the stairwells. Condo-owners have to navigate needles, feces, and sleeping bodies as addicts nap half-naked in the hallways. After criminals ransacked the boiler room around Thanksgiving, half of the complex has had no heat. Without heat, pipes have burst in many buildings. Because trespassers are illegally using the complexs electricity and because private owners have been forced to use space heaters to survive this years cold winter, many units have lost electricity, too. Advertisement Rather than deal with the homeless, criminal army occupying the complexs grounds, county Democrats have ordered owners without heat and electricity to vacate their homes. In other words, the Democrats controlling the local government and police force would rather make private homeowners homeless than deal with the dangerous and unacceptable homeless problem that Democrats have allowed to fester right outside those homeowners front doors. Sibarium quotes a deputy chief administrative officer for public safety and homeland security as telling condo-owners, We have to be compassionate, and a police major as insisting, Were not criminalizing the unhoused. Just who are these unhoused and uninvited guests? Trespassers regularly assault residents, start fires, and relieve themselves in hallways, leaving some carpets with permanent urine stains. There are drug dealers driving luxury vehicles making drop-offs late at night. Masked gang members patrol the encampment. Prostitutes turn tricks. AK-47s have been found in the nearby woods next to graffitied trees and buildings that suggest the area has become MS-13 territory. Essentially, Democrats have allowed an international gang of narco-terrorists to build a shantytown that provides cover for an open-air market for crack, fentanyl, weapons, prostitution, and who-knows-what-else. Advertisement The real estate company that manages the condo complex has repeatedly tried to get police and local officials to address the dangerous crime and has even offered to pay off-duty officers to provide private security but the cops have no interest in defending the community from well-armed members of MS-13. After failing to convince police and county officials to take any action against the violent criminals who had effectively colonized the condo, the real estate company stopped repairing broken door locks because there were simply too many break-ins to repair. When even police officers are afraid for their safety, how in the world are residents expected to survive? The local Democrats dont appear to care whether they do or not. In fact, Sibariums report exposes county officials who are more interested in punishing the residents and the managing real estate company than they are in punishing the criminals engaging in acts of vile barbarism in broad daylight. Democrat officials have threatened to sue the condos management for failing to fix the millions of dollars in property damage that the criminal gangs have caused. Permitting and inspections boards have issued an onslaught of citations that have essentially bankrupted the condos operating budget. So many wires have been installed aboveground either to steal electricity or keep space heaters working that local fire chiefs have hit the condo association with additional citations. Because of the local fines and the complexs costly disrepair, banks are unwilling to finance any security improvements. The propertys insurance carrier canceled coverage due to ongoing vandalism. Building inspectors have deemed many units unfit for human habitation, and the county Democrats are trying to enforce evacuation orders against numerous condo owners. Meanwhile, Democrats running the countys social services division continue to deliver food to the homeless camp, effectively incentivizing all the criminal activity that has destroyed these homeowners properties. Advertisement A reader responding to Sibariums expose on X summed up the Kafkaesque situation nicely: Democrats will not criminalize the unhoused so the vagrant camp and open air drug market proceed unimpededbut when that camp of vagrants destroys the boiler room of a nearby apartment complex, they immediately evict the residents bc it is very illegal to live in a building without heat. that would be unsafe. has to be dealt with, we live in a society of laws, you understand. Thats the Democrat Partys brand of craziness in a nutshell. This whole story feels like a microcosm of Democrat Party policy across the nation. Prominent Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been encouraging leftist agitators to attend training sessions during which they will learn how to obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and doxx federal agents. Democrat members of Congress are effectively conspiring with domestic terrorists to endanger the lives of federal officers working to arrest violent criminals. Foreign-born Democrat Congressman Shri Thanedar promised in an open committee last week that Democrats would prosecute Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott for doing his job. In other words, Democrats refuse to arrest violent illegal aliens who have broken into the United States but insist upon arresting federal law enforcement officers for protecting Americans from foreign nationals who wish them harm. Advertisement What is the result of Democrat policies engineered to protect criminals? Violent illegal aliens rape and murder young women and girls across the United States. Immigrant populations run billion-dollar social welfare fraud operations in Democrat-run cities such as Minneapolis. During the four-year Biden administration, 8% of Nicaraguas population illegally entered the United States. Over 7% of Cubas population illegally entered the country. Over 5% of the populations of Haiti and Honduras crossed Americas borders illegally. And these are only the official numbers. Who knows how many people made it across without being noticed! Democrats flew millions of illegal immigrants in the dead of night and dropped them off in unsuspecting communities around the country. Then they sued local officials in Texas and Arizona for trying to protect their own borders. Is there any wonder why an astounding 28% of states voter verifications with the Social Security Administration cant be matched to existing U.S. social security numbers? Advertisement When aiding and abetting crime is official Democrat Party policy, elections get stolen. Vulnerable Americans are robbed, victimized, and murdered. Entire condominium complexes are handed over to drug dealers and international gangs. Americans are discarded as insignificant collateral damage. When the most Democrat-voting county in America treats fellow Democrats as worthless trash, theres no limit to how much harm Democrats are willing to inflict upon citizens across the United States. The upcoming midterm elections later this year matter. Why? Because American lives are at stake. Democrats see the lives of fellow Democrats as expendable. They certainly dont care about yours. Image via Picryl. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8) Advertisement In the United States, a movement is building to push back on the LGBT agenda. Of all the groups taking a stand, no one has taken a stand like MassResistance. I have worked for this organization for over ten years, and in the last two, we have gone after the heart of the matter. We are not just calling out the fundamental lies of the LGBT movement, but we have been demanding the overturning of Obergefell v Hodges, the judicial travesty that imposed same-sex marriage onto the country. Not waiting for someone else to move, MassResistance submitted a Resolution Against Obergefell, through which state legislatures can declare to the United States Supreme Court that it must revisit and reverse that terrible decision. Last year, our Resolution passed the Idaho and North Dakota Houses of Representatives. We are trying again in Idaho this year. Advertisement Other brave legislators in Republican states introduced our resolution. However, even in red states like Mississippi, Iowa, and Montana, they have not given our bill a committee hearing, or they have voted it down in committee. These are supposedly conservative bastionsand they wont take a stand for the family. The really big irony about Republican inertia on the issues comes from those states that have made open professions of their faith in Christ. Advertisement Last year, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring Christ is King. Celebrating this measure with great fanfare, the legislature announced: [T]he resolution affirms Oklahomas deep-rooted spiritual heritage and the enduring faith that unites communities. The Sooner State is not ashamed of its signature standing as the Buckle on the Bible Belt! Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement Later that same year, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a similar Resolution recognizing November 23 as Christ the King Sunday. The author of the Resolution, Rep. Schriver, is unashamed of his Catholic faith. Nine of his colleagues co-sponsored the resolution with hesitation, and the Michigan House had no problem supporting the measure The language of the Resolution is inspiring in its Christian boldness: Advertisement Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 23, 2025, as Christ the King Sunday in the state of Michigan. We encourage Michiganders to join in reflection, service, and acts of kindness that honor the moral and spiritual values exemplified by Christ the King. This year, the South Dakota state legislature passed a Resolution urging the people of the state of South Dakota to seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy upon South Dakota. This country needs prayer, wisdom, and the grace of God, no doubt about it! We should celebrate the restoration of Christian faith and its proclamation in the halls of our state legislatures, but there is a stark and discouraging contrast. In Michigan, State Rep. Schriver also introduced our Resolution against Obergefell. Broadcast media mocked his press release, and Democrat leaders immediately protested his effort. Republican leadership dumped the resolution in the Michigan House Government Operations committee, where most bills go to die. In Oklahoma, State Senator (and Pastor) Dusty Deever took up our Resolution against Obergefell. He even obtained co-sponsorships from the majority of his state senate colleagues. Yet the leadership in the Oklahoma State Senate will not move the legislation. No one in the Oklahoma House has offered to introduce a companion resolution, either. In South Dakota, State Representative Ton Randolph, the same state representative who introduced the Resolution to Call on the Lordcarried our Resolution against Obergefell, too! In fact, he has fought for our Resolution two years in a row. Both times it has gone before the South Dakota House Judiciary Committee. Both times, the committee (this year, all Republican members since the lone Democrat switched parties) killed the resolution with little fanfare, hiding behind silence or meandering arguments about the complexities of the marriage issue or the harms that our resolution may cause. Republican legislators will say Christ is King! They will pray for His help. They love to talk about Jesus. They place crosses on their social media profiles. They open their campaign with prayer. Many of them have commemorated conservative activist and martyr Charlie Kirk for his Christian faith. And yet they wont fight for or vote for a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith: the sanctity of marriage. But they cannotor will notstate Marriage is for one man and one Woman. What is going on here? Why would they balk at this? If these Republicans think Christ is King, they should honor His teachings: Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (Matthew 19: 4-5) Republican legislators, especially in supermajority red states like Oklahoma and South Dakota, are taking conservatives, Christians, and, in particular, Evangelical voters for a ride. How can Red State lawmakers call themselves conservatives, but refuse to move forward a Resolution against one of the most anti-conservative attacks on a fundamental institution? Why are they refusing to allow the discussion in some states? It all comes down to grandstanding, cowardice, and hypocrisy. And the votersmost of them Christianare letting them get away with it. These lawmakers know the importance of the church vote, so they draw near to God with their lips. They talk Churchianity with measured fluency, exuding public devotion, folding their hands in piety, then pass around their campaign collection plate, all while quoting Bible verses. Churches are falling for it, like Eve giving into the Serpents subtlety. These legislators do not fear God. They fear man, but not the voters who got them elected. They fear the nasty attacks from the press, or they fear death threats from the LGBT mob and its allies. In North Dakota, state senators received all kinds of threats, but refused to release them to the public or to proper authorities so that those criminals could be held accountable. Ultimately, the North Dakota State Senate voted down our resolution on a verification vote, i.e., the record never indicated how the senators voted. They fear the LGBT lobby and all its corporate backers. They fear the shame and opprobrium of their gay colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors. In other words, the politicians dont fear God nor believe in Christ the King. Citizens should demand that Biblical truth and natural law be restored in the culture. They must start sorting the wheat from the chaff: ask candidates questions, probe their values, and review the voting records of incumbent Republicans. Do they believe in Jesus? Thats nice, but will they stand up for His precepts, including the natural and supernatural truth that marriage can only be between one man and one woman? Christian voters must exercise wisdom like a serpent and learn to tell the sheepthe Republicans who take their Christian faith and doctrine seriouslyfrom the goats, i.e., the legislators who tell pious lies for a vote. If the politicians wont revere Christ, they need to start fearing the Christian voters. It is mid-winter in Onsong, North Korea, close to the location of most of the countrys political prison camps. And it is cold, very cold, with highs in the twenties and thirties and lows in the teens and twenties (and one night this week with a low of minus five). For the 190,000 prisoners in North Koreas six political prison camps, winter is the most difficult time of year not just for the cold temperatures, in which inmates are forced to work, but also for the severe lack of food. For many, it is not just a matter of everyday ills, such as frostbite, hunger, and disease; it is a matter of life and death. Advertisement The world knows, or should know, about conditions in North Koreas prison camps. They have been documented in a number of revealing books, including The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag (New York, 2005) and Escape from Camp 14: One Mans Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West (New York, 2013) and in hundreds of articles and online posts. While only a handful of persons have ever escaped from the camps, others who have been released after serving their sentences have fled North Korea and written accounts of conditions in the camps. It is not necessary to repeat what has often been written about the horrific conditions in these labor camps. There exists a system of repression involving widespread malnutrition, exposure to cold, lack of adequate housing, torture, rape, and executions (often for seemingly minor infractions such as stealing small quantities of food or speaking against authority and, of course, attempting to escape). Anyone wishing to learn more can access Amnesty Internationals site detailing abuses in the camps (an extremely valuable and factual detailing of hundreds of abuses), read the books cited above, or visit the website of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea with its excellent reporting on human rights violations in the three worst camps and its extensive library of publications. NK News also publishes many articles documenting what takes place in the countrys prison camps, such as a recent article showing extensive upgrades to the camps likely to ... handle more inmates, as revealed by detailed satellite imagery. Advertisement What is not often discussed is the apparent lack of concern on the part of Western leaders, media, and the public. While Kamala Harris promised not to cozy up to Kim, her emphasis was entirely on neutralizing missile launches and use of nuclear weapons; nothing was said about the camps. Lee Jae-myung, the recently elected president of South Korea representing the Democratic Party of Korea, has spoken of making South Korea a bridge of exchanges and cooperation and is widely expected to revert to his partys progressive policies emphasizing intergovernmental cooperation and dialogue with North Korea. In 2024, President Biden revealed his lack of concern (or lack of cognitive awareness) by calling Kim Jung-un the president of South Korea! Even President Trump has spoken of Kim Jong-un as his friend, though this might be considered a negotiating tool. Not only our leaders, but the Western media and the public itself waste little time thinking about the North Korea prison camps. It is true that the State Department and Voice of America have condemned the camps, with VOA quoting special envoy Julie Turners call to immediately dismantle political prison camps, release unjustly detained political prisoners, and institute protections against arbitrary detention that guarantee respect for fair trials and other protections. The response has been mostly words, though in 2024 South Korea halted all humanitarian aid, and the U.S. position had hardened after the Hanoi Summit ended without an agreement between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Yet among European nations, all but two (France and Estonia) have maintained diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and France maintains a French Bureau for Cooperation in North Korea. Advertisement Whereas American media regularly cover developments in North Korean ballistic missile production, there is little if any reporting on the prison camps. Some 200,000 souls are left to their fate without any apparent interest or compassion. At the very least, there should be frequent reports on conditions in the camps and interviews with those who have survived them. That kind of reporting is rare. As for what the U.S. can do about the camps, our options are limited. A military attack on North Korea is out of the question. (Even if successful, camp guards reportedly have been instructed to execute all inmates before they can be rescued.) The city of Seoul lies just 36 miles from the N.K. border. The powerful North Korean army could overrun the city and much of South Korea before a response could be mounted, and the destruction would be immense. We can continue with trade embargoes and blockage of foreign aid, but these are countered by the support and trade North Korea receives and conducts from and with China and Russia. Advertisement Even if we cannot take military action, we should not allow the N.K. prisoners to be forgotten. At the very least, the existence of these prison camps should be made known to the American public. Young Americans in particular those from the generation that voted for socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York need to know what is happening in this and every other communist country. All Americans need to understand that communist regimes rely on force and terror to maintain their power, and they do so in similar ways. If communists (under the name of democratic socialists) gain control of the U.S., it will be not at all different here. We must be compassionate toward the victims of North Korean repression, and we must also heed the warning that it represents. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Advertisement Image: Monument to the Founding of the North Korean Workers Party, Pyongyang. Credit: Joseph Ferris via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). On June 4, 1940, Winston Churchill rallied his countrymen to defend not only their lives, but their way of life, concluding what many consider his most famous speech with the hope that Great Britain would persevere until, in Gods good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. The Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives heard testimony recently that could be characterized as the old world appealing again to the new for defense of Western civilizations bedrock principle of free speech. Advertisement Just as America did not enter the fray of the twentieth centurys bloodiest conflagration until the war came to our shores, the specter of European censorship was a point of principled, if only theoretical, concern while it remained in Europe. But Americas pragmatic inaction gives way to principled action when foreign ills infect our own body politic. That day is here. The findings by the Judiciary Committee make clear that European Union leaders have been pressuring American Big Tech platforms like Google, Meta, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn to censor content, including content they knew to be true, since at least 2015. Those findings show that E.U. officials met with American tech companies more than 90 times between 2022 and 2024 to push restrictive speech policies. The E.U.s Digital Services Act has already been used to fine X $140 million and launch multiple investigations. Advertisement Chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, the committee released subpoenaed evidence and convened a hearing. ADF International lawyer Lorcan Price and Irish comedian Graham Linehan, who recently found himself welcomed home to the U.K. by five police officers at Heathrow Airport over an X post he made while in America, were joined by Dr. Paivi Rasanen. Rasanen recalled her initial shock at being interrogated and later prosecuted three times under a Finnish war crimes law, all for peaceably expressing her views online and quoting scripture to support them. During one exchange in the hearing, Price remarked, We wish we had your First Amendment in the U.K. And yet, the First Amendment will be of little comfort to Americans if European bureaucrats coerce American companies into their global censorship regime. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on the very real threat posed to both American tech companies and the millions of American citizens who express their ideas on those companies platforms every day, Rep. Jamie Raskin and others attempted to hijack the hearing to talk about Minneapolis and the clashes between law enforcement and those who would impede it. Advertisement In the 18th century, Americans fought a war with King George III over laws passed in his Parliament, where we had no representation. The philosophical foundation of our Declaration of Independence was influenced by Europeans like Locke, Blackstone, and Montesquieu. To see our European allies today, including the country from which we draw our constitutional inheritance, abandon the love of human liberty and embrace the tyrants tool of censorship is a disappointment that spans oceans of time. Just as Americans painfully learned in the twentieth century that our oceans were no longer an effective barrier to foreign conflicts, we now know that in the internet age, the world is even smaller. Online platforms are the new public square, and the right to speak freely in it is under threat at home and abroad. The battle for free speech is global. Advertisement Another statement widely attributed to Churchill, though elusive to confirm, is that Americans can always be trusted to do the right thing, once all other possibilities have been exhausted. We have exhausted all other possibilities. It is time to do the right thing, because if we are unwilling to stand for free speech now, we may be unable to later. Lathan Watts is the vice president of public affairs for Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) and its sister organization, ADF Action. He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Mississippi. Advertisement Image: Benjamin Balazs via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. It sounds like time is running out over in France. Advertisement According to the Daily Caller: France is using an unorthodox and very personal method to encourage younger citizens to make babies: personal letters. Advertisement The government plans on dashing off letters to 29-year-olds, reminding them, specifically women, that they have a biological clock and should have children before its too late. According to the nations health ministry, the letters will provide targeted, balanced and scientifically based information on sexual and reproductive health. Oddly enough, Muslims in France do not need to be sent such an, ahh, encouraging letter, as they already reproduce at levels approaching that of zebra mussels. Advertisement Which is odd, if you think about it. The wealthy, famously romantic if a bit snooty French have to be pushed and bribed to have kids while the poorer immigrant Muslims, many of whom bitch about France and set cars on fire via protest or for amusement, are shooting kids out like a berserk Pez dispenser. There may just be a lesson there, albeit one that we may not wish to learn. Nations have a biological clock, as well, and that clock ticks ever faster when they insist on being bio illogical and reality-resistant. Advertisement But it is not only low fertility rates that will spell our demise. What Western nations need more of is targeted, balanced and scientifically based information on Marxism and Sharia law. So, while I sympathize with the concern and the message, what other letters might governments start sending out to us? Advertisement Dear Mademoiselle LaRouche, congratulations on the recent birth of your new baby. However, it appears to us as if you are not breastfeeding the infant as per National Health Service guidelines. Please commence doing so immediately. Dear Robert Smythe, according to our records, you have not yet received the second COVID-27 booster shot. While we are sure that this has simply been an unfortunate oversight on your part, if you do not receive the third edition of the wonderfully effective mRNA vaccine by the end of this month, we will have no choice but to remove your children, immobilize your automobile, cancel your internet privileges, and suggest that your employer terminate your position. Respectfully, your beneficent government. Advertisement Dear valued citizen: as you live in a now predominately Muslim neighborhood, for obvious reasons of cultural sensitivity and neighborliness, your government must insist that you cease playing music in your home, which should assumedly also keep you from dancing -- the former of which can conceivably be heard outside your dwellings walls, and the latter of which can be observed through your living room window. We also require that you immediately cease all consumption of alcohol and have your dog put to sleep. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but its better than inconveniencing our newly arrived Muslim friends. Have a great day! Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License In the United States and in the West in general, Islamophobia is a hate crime, and even non-offenders of Islam dread an accusation of Islamophobia. Conversely, in the Muslim-majority states, particularly in the Middle East, Christians have been persecuted, discriminated against, and abused. The judicial system in most of these states encourage anti-Christian persecution. Advertisement In Western capitals, where religion has become an individual matter and multiculturalism a virtue, Muslims have taken control the streets of London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin at will. However, one would be hard pressed to find any instances of Christians parading in the name of Christianity in Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, Gaza, Istanbul, Tehran, Doha, or Riyadh. Western politicians seem to be ignoring the suffering of Christians in the Middle East. Christian persecution is currently characterized by a threshold genocide status, resulting from a combination of extremist violence, legal discrimination, and mass displacement. Christians in the Middle East were 12.7% of the regions population in 1900 and are 4.1% in 2025. Advertisement Genocide Watch, quoting Al-Monitor (June 27, 2024), reported that Coptic Christians in Egypt have faced attacks in the past week, raising concerns about the minority groups safety in the country. Several Coptic homes were burned in the village of Fawakher in Egypts northern Minya governorate while residents were still inside. Al-Arabiya and The New Arab reported that the attack came in response to purported plans to build a new church in the area. There is a long history of persecution and violence against Copts in Egypt, especially in Minya. In 2018, a police officer was charged with murder over the shooting of two Copts. The following year, Al-Monitor reported from Minya that some Coptic places of worship had been forced to close due to violence and intimidation. Egypt is a major recipient of U.S. economic and military aid. Yet Cairos officials look the other way when young Coptic girls are kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. Advertisement In Iraq, the Christian population has plummeted from approximately 1.5 million in 2003 to roughly 150,000 today. Although ISIS has been largely defeated, its aftershocks remain, and many families are still unable to return to destroyed homes in the Nineveh Plains. Irans Christians, especially those who have converted from Islam, are treated as national security threats. As of early 2026, many continue to be sentenced to long prison terms (often 510 years) for propaganda or practicing their faith in underground house churches. Advertisement Under the rule of Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Julani), the jihadist leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and now the president of Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, Christians in Syria face heightened insecurity. The transitional governments reliance on Islamist factions is creating risks of targeted violence and societal and religious marginalization. Key examples include the 2025 bombing of a major church in Damascus and intimidation by armed jihadists. The 2025 Open Doors World Watch List ranked Turkey 41 among the 50 countries where Christians face the most challenges in practicing their faith. Regarding Turkey, this years findings highlight a troubling mix of cultural, legal, and social challenges that continue to marginalize the Christian population, which includes the deportation of foreign Christian workers considered to be a security threat. In 1915, Turkey perpetrated a genocide by murdering 1.5 million Christian Armenians. More than a century later, Turkeys current Islamist dictator, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, still holds Christians in dangerously low regard. Advertisement Christians in the West Bank and Gaza are facing significant persecution and hardship, which has resulted in a dwindling population (less than 2% in the West Bank, around 1,000 individuals in Gaza as of 2025). In Gaza, Christians experience violence and coercion to convert. In Bethlehem, Jesuss birthplace, Christians made up the majority until the late 80s. Today, Christians account for less than 10% of its population. When in 1991, this reporter interviewed the Christian mayor of Bethlehem, Elias Freij, and asked him where the Christian population was, he responded by pointing his finger westward and said, Santiago de Chile. Qatari Christians living inside the country must use extreme caution when gathering for worship, while Christians who are not citizens must worship in a government-controlled compound that is closed to Qatari citizens. About 65 percent of the countrys population is composed of foreign workers mostly Filipinos. Foreign Christians in Qatar have been deported for evangelistic activities among native Qataris. Advertisement Saudi Arabia severely restricts Christian practice and bans public worship, churches, and proselytizing. Those who openly practice or convert from Islam are at risk of arrest, detention, and deportation. Christians, especially converts, face surveillance, discrimination, and mistreatment. The demise of ideologies such as pan-Arabism and secular socialism in the Arab world opened the door for Islamism to thrive once again. Islamism in Iran and Yemen made Christian life in these states virtually impossible. The situation in the rest of the Muslim Middle East is not much better; the mixture of hatred for the West, which is identified with Christianity, has placed the decreasing number of Christians in the region at risk. Fearing to offend authoritarian Arab regimes, and feeling colonial guilt, Western states have done little to alleviate the poor condition of Christians in the region. Ironically, Western guilt has also manifested by allowing millions of Middle Eastern Muslims to come to Europe and America, rather than being absorbed in the vast oil-rich lands of Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Algeria. Although antisemitism in the Muslim Middle East is rife, there are hardly any Jews left in the region. Thus, the next best target for the Islamist regimes are the Christian believers. It is high time for the U.S. and its Western allies to settle on reciprocity. Treat Jihad-inclined Muslims in the West as Christians are being treated in the Middle East. Image: Ian and Wendy Sewell via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. In a recent piece published on Harbingers Daily titled Our Culture Is Tearing Itself Apart Because It Rejects Authority, author Owen Strachan offers a sweeping diagnosis of Americas current malaise. Drawing on a biblical worldview, a worldview with which this writer largely concurs, Strachan argues that the rise of groups like Antifa, self-proclaimed anti-authoritarians who nonetheless use violence and intimidation to silence opponents, exemplifies a deeper crisis: the wholesale rejection of divine authority that began with the Enlightenment and has culminated in secular chaos, moral decay, and even echoes of twentieth-century totalitarianism. The solution, he contends, is a return to the absolute authority of Scripture, which alone can restore order and human dignity. Advertisement Strachans article is passionate and theologically consistent within its evangelical framework. He rightly highlights a glaring irony: activists who denounce authoritarianism and fascism often employ authoritarian tactics shutting down speech, disrupting events, and justifying force in the name of tolerance. He also makes a valid philosophical point that no one is truly anti-authority; everyone submits to some ultimate source of truth, whether God, self, ideology, or the state. Yet the piece ultimately overreaches, veering into hyperbole and oversimplification that weaken its persuasive power for a broader audience. Tracing a straight line from Voltaire and Rousseau to the French Revolution, Napoleon, Nazism, communism, and finally to modern acceptance of evolution, transgender identity, and abortion is a familiar trope in certain Christian culture war circles, but it collapses under historical scrutiny. Secularism was one of many factors, including but not limited to nationalism, economic crises, ethnic resentments, and raw power struggles, that played far larger roles in the horrors of the twentieth century. To pin the arguably bloodiest century in history primarily on indifference to God risks reducing complex events to a single theological cause, while ignoring that deeply religious societies have also produced atrocities. Additionally, many among those who use violence and threats of violence, for example, to oppose ICE deportations or the Trump administrations focus on law and order are professed believers and often invoke God to justify their deeds. Advertisement More problematically, the argument frames biblical submission as uniquely non-coercive while portraying secular alternatives as inevitably tyrannical. This overlooks an uncomfortable symmetry: The impulse to impose ones convictions on others is not exclusive to the godless left. Religious conservatives, too, sometimes seek to encode their moral vision into law, using state power to enforce compliance. The difference lies in the content of the beliefs, not in the human tendency toward coercion itself. A stronger, more empirically grounded diagnosis of our cultural fracture avoids these pitfalls. The deeper problem is not primarily the rejection of God (though many conservatives, including this writer, believe that contributes), but the rising authoritarian temperament across the ideological spectrum an increasing willingness to force others to conform to ones own opinions and beliefs, often through social ostracism, institutional pressure, or outright coercion. Advertisement This coercive intolerance manifests differently on left and right, but the pattern is unmistakable. On the left, it appears in cancel culture, mandatory diversity statements, deplatforming, and the Antifa tactics Strachan correctly critiques, using intimidation to enforce ideological purity under the banner of anti-fascism. On the right, it can surface in efforts to ban books, restrict classroom discussions, or leverage government to privilege one religious or cultural vision over others. Both sides claim to defend freedom or truth while shrinking the space for disagreement. What fuels this? The erosion of shared authorities, whether religious, constitutional, or procedural, has left competing tribes with no neutral ground for deliberation. In a pluralistic society that no longer agrees on first principles, conviction hardens into compulsion. When persuasion fails or seems too slow, coercion beckons. Social media amplify this dynamic, rewarding outrage and punishing nuance. Advertisement The antidote is not simply proclaiming one sides ultimate authority as superior (however convinced we may be of its truth), but recovering the classical liberal virtues that once held America together: tolerance of difference, commitment to free speech, and restraint in the use of power. This does not require abandoning religious or moral convictions far from it. It requires defending the right of others to be wrong, trusting that truth wins in open contest rather than enforced silence. Christians can lead here by modeling humble confidence rather than cultural domination, remembering that Christs kingdom is not advanced by worldly coercion. Secular conservatives can insist on neutral public procedures that protect liberty for all. Only by resisting the authoritarian impulse within our own ranks can we credibly confront it in others. Advertisement Our culture is indeed tearing itself apart, but not because it has rejected God alone. It is fracturing because too many of us, whatever our worldview, have grown impatient with persuasion and too eager to impose. The path forward lies in rediscovering the difficult art of living with disagreement, not in winning the power to eliminate it. Advertisement Image: Don Hankins via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). The facts are irrefutable: Democrats had exclusive access to everything Epstein for four years. If there were anything in all that material damaging to Donald Trump, they certainly would have released it long ago when they were doing their best to put him in prison and bankrupt him and his family. They surely would have released any negative information during the 2024 campaign as they watched Kamala Harris self-immolate. Advertisement But they didnt. That hasnt stopped Democrats from trying various narratives suggesting Trump must be withholding something particularly vile. After all, there are a few old photos of Trump in the company of Epstein, apparently before Trump threw him out of Mar-a-Lago. Back then, they ran in the same social circles, so such photos prove precisely nothing. Advertisement Now, Trump has released millions of pages of documents, apparently everything the government has ever had. We now know the Biden/Garland/Wrey DOJ/FBI redacted a huge amount of information in those documents, and a new release of additional documents obliterated every Democrat narrative: Advertisement Graphic: X Post Mar-A-Lago is a mixture of everyone. DONALD TRUMP told [blacked out] that he threw EPSTEIN out of his club. TRUMP called the PBPD [Palm Beach Police Department] to tell him thank goodness youre stopping him, everyone has known hes been doing this. TRUMP told him people in New York knew EPSTEIN was disgusting. TRUMP said [GHISLAINE] MAXWELL was EPSTEINs operative, she is evil and to focus on her. TRUMP told [blacked out] that he was around EPSTEIN once when teenagers were present and TRUMP got the hell out of there. TRUMP was one of the very first people to call when people found out that they were investigating EPSTEIN. Advertisement Trump made that police report in 2006, and expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in 2003. It wasnt until 2008 that Epstein was arrested and convicted on a variety of charges. But this revelation immediately birthed another Democrat narrative: Trump must have had personal knowledge about Epsteins crimes, and thats just as bad as if he participated in them! Yeah, not so much: Advertisement Um, well, as Rusty Weiss pointed out at RedState: Trumps comment [in 2019] came in direct response to reporters asking if he had any knowledge that Epstein had molested girls. He was denying awareness of Epsteins crimes or the allegations of molestation/sex trafficking that surfaced prominently around Epsteins 2019 arrest. Advertisement Nowhere in this FBI interview does it indicate he had specific knowledge of the criminal molestation, sexual abuse, or trafficking details that later emerged in the full Epstein investigation or his 2008 plea deal. Its Trump saying he had heard from others about disgusting behavior and how he was so creeped out that he had to remove Epstein from his club. Countless people in Palm Beach social circles noticed Epstein had a pattern of questionable behavior with young women, without having direct evidence or knowledge of the felony-level crimes. Good try, media. Every media/Democrat attempt to link Trump to Epsteins voluminous crimes has failed and failed badly, yet they cant help themselves. The fallout from the latest revelations has caused a number of Democrat and Republican business, legal, and political figures to abruptly resign their positions, but little of that fallout has settled on Trump Administration figures. National Review has a useful article on that topic. One of those figures, Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D/Virgin Islands), allegedly had close ties with Epstein: Graphic: X Post She barely survived a censure motion. The current Democrat narrative is that Trump must be withholding evidence of his Epstein wrongdoing because they just know he must have done something wrong, and since that evidence of his wrongdoing hasnt been released, that just proves hes hiding it. There are many problems with that assertion, apart from Trump Derangement Syndrome. There are still plenty of deep state operatives in the FBI, DOJ, and every other federal bureau. Would any one of them, if there really were Epstein dirt on Trump, pass up the chance to be one of the most exalted and rewarded figures in Democrat history? Sadly, for Democrats, all credible evidence indicates Donald Trump recognized earlier than most that Epstein was bad news and did everything he could to distance himself from him, likely long before the idea of running for POTUS ever occurred to him. No amount of TDS will change that. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Growing up in a Cuban home means we used to hear stories that some of you may have heard in history class. Our family was typical of many Cuban families. My parents were born in Cuba, and so was I. Our grandparents were children and grandchildren of Spanish immigrants. Some of my past relatives in the 19th century fought for Spain, and others fought for independence. There were passions on both sides, as I would often hear in those family stories. Advertisement One of those stories was the USS Maine, which exploded in Cuba on this day in 1998: A massive explosion of unknown origin sinks the battleship USS Maine in Cubas Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, killing more than 260 of the 350-plus American crew members aboard. Advertisement One of the first American battleships, the Maine weighed more than 6,000 tons and was built at a cost of more than $2 million. Ostensibly on a friendly visit, the Maine had been sent to Cuba to protect the interests of Americans there after a rebellion against Spanish rule broke out in Havana in January. The explosion of the Maine started the four-month Spanish-American War, which changed Cuba forever. It also made a national hero out of Theodore Roosevelt. After the quick victory over Spain, President McKinley selected Mr. Roosevelt as his running mate in 1900. A year into his second term, T.R. assumed the presidency when McKinley was assassinated. Advertisement And Cuba? The island became an independent country in 1902, and you know the rest of the story. What makes the events of 1898 relevant today is that we may see more U.S. involvement in Cuba. It wont be done by soldiers, but rather by business interests that will go to the island to rebuild the dead infrastructure. Advertisement As a Cuban American, I hope for such involvement. Only the U.S. can lead a reconstruction of Cuba as it did in 1898. And there are over a million Cuban Americans like me who will do whatever we can to assist in the reconstruction of our parents land. We owe it to them after all of their sacrifices to come here and allow us to grow up in freedom. I am not really hoping for another ship to explode. But we need a spark to make something happen and liberate Cuba from communism. Advertisement PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Advertisement Image via PickPik. Dorian Puka (Instagram) An Albanian criminal has hosted a champagne-soaked celebration to mark a decade of remaining in Britain despite being ordered to leave. Dorian Puka, 29, who has served two prison sentences for burglary and been removed from the country twice before smuggling himself back in, commemorated the milestone with a lavish bash at a London nightclub, complete with burlesque performers and expensive champagne. Video footage showed the convicted thief partying with a person with dwarfism, performing karaoke and puffing on a shisha pipe during Wednesday evening's revelries. Puka secured VIP access at Cirque le Soir, a trendy venue popular with Hollywood stars, then shared clips of the evening on Instagram. (Instagram) Over the last 12 months, Puka has brazenly mocked immigration officials on social media by flaunting his opulent lifestyle, posing with half a dozen Rolex timepieces and premium supercars including Ferraris and a 2022 Lamborghini URUS V8 valued at 180,000. Immigration officials have conceded they're unable to expel Puka once more until tribunals resolve his pending asylum request, though they insisted foreign offenders should harbour "no doubt" about enforcement action. Puka's criminal record in Britain began on 17 February 2015 when officers arrested him for raiding a property in Twickenham, south-west London, during the owner's French holiday. The victim watched the break-in unfold through a webcam feed and alerted authorities. He served nine months behind bars and consented to deportation following his release. Despite this, he managed to slip past frontier security within a year and launched a fresh burglary campaign across London's suburbs. Officers in civilian dress finally nabbed Puka during patrols in Surbiton, another south-west London neighbourhood, after locals reported a surge in property crimes. He was sporting a valuable timepiece taken during a raid. Albanian authorities received him back in March 2020 after he completed a three-and-a-half-year custodial sentence. During his incarceration, Puka achieved infamy by obtaining a contraband smartphone to upload Instagram selfies from inside his cell. One photograph showed him alongside a crime boss imprisoned for 12 years on cocaine distribution and money laundering convictions. After spending months in Albania, he crossed through Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands before slipping past British border security in December 2020, Instagram posts suggest. Threatened with removal, he filed for asylum protection and has lived under immigration bail conditions with an electronic monitoring device fitted since 2023 while tribunals review his case. A Home Office spokesman said: "This Government will not allow foreign criminals and illegal migrants to exploit our laws, which is why we are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system, allowing us to scale up deportations. "The Home Secretary announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times, which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants and will make it easier to remove and deport them." Seventeen days after China promised Sir Keir Starmer that tourists and business travellers from the UK would gain visa-free admission, Beijing has set a date. At present, prospective British visitors to the Peoples Republic must apply no more than three months in advance, pay a minimum of 130 and visit a Chinese visa office in London, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh to be fingerprinted. But UK passport holders travelling to China will be able to avoid the tangled red tape as early as Tuesday 17 February. Also from that date, Canadians will gain the same visa-free status. In a statement on Sunday, Chinas foreign ministry said: To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. It brings the UK into line with the European Union, Australia and dozens of other countries. The statement from Beijing adds that the concession is at present temporary and will apply only until the end of 2026. While the visa-free policy is likely to be extended indefinitely, prospective visitors for next year may choose to hold off booking until an extension is confirmed. Wendy Wu founder of the eponymous tour operator told The Independent that the relaxation of the tough and expensive visa process is likely to trigger an increase in travel to the Peoples Republic. Its a genuinely significant shift, she said. Removing the visa requirement takes away one of the biggest practical barriers for British travellers and immediately makes China feel far more straightforward. Since the initial announcement, weve seen enquiries up around 35 per cent year-on-year, with bookings following clear pent-up demand. Louisa Trickett, product manager for China at Audley Travel, said: We expect to see enquiries rise from those who have been intrigued by China and the incredible experiences it offers, but were put off by the visa application. Other leading Asian destinations, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, do not require visas from British visitors. Neil Taylor, former director of Regent Holidays and now a tour leader and guidebook writer, said: This will make China suddenly competitive with all its neighbours. But he warned: Air fares may go up in price now unless the airlines expand massively on the basis of this new potential. UK travellers who have already applied and paid for Chinese visas but who have yet to travel will not get refunds. Read more: Heres why you should visit China now Jonathan Powell (right) is reported to be considering leaving No 10, days after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney (left) was forced out - Bloomberg The architect of the Chagos Islands deal is reportedly on the verge of stepping down as Sir Keir Starmers National Security Adviser (NSA). Jonathan Powell is said to be considering leaving his Downing Street post before the end of the year in a further significant departure from the Prime Ministers team. Since last Sunday, Sir Keir has lost Morgan McSweeney, his chief of staff, Sir Chris Wormald, his Cabinet Secretary, and Tim Allan, his communications chief. All three left in the wake of the Mandelson-Epstein revelations. Mr Powells deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is highly controversial. It led to a political row after it emerged that Britain would pay 35bn over 99 years to lease back Diego Garcia, which hosts a military base. According to The Guardian newspaper, Mr Powell rejected an offer to replace Mr McSweeney as chief of staff, saying he did not want to go back to the job he had under Sir Tony Blair. He instead plans to return to a lucrative consultancy he set up in 2011. The loss of Mr Powell would be another blow to Sir Keir Starmer, whose own position is seen as far from secure - AP Mr Powell also helped broker Sir Keirs closer relationship with China, which culminated in the Prime Ministers visit last month. However, his position came under scrutiny late last year following the collapse of the trial of two men accused of spying for Beijing. Downing Street denied he had failed to label China a security threat, which was vital for the case to succeed, and instead blamed the Crown Prosecution Service. News of the potential departure comes a week after Downing Street forced out Sir Chris as Cabinet Secretary, the countrys most senior civil servant, and awarded him a six-figure payout. The Tories have accused Sir Keir of a cover-up and said he had questions to answer over claims he sacked the civil servant because he feared he was going to release too many government files detailing ministers and aides contact with Lord Mandelson. Sir Keir was forced by the Conservatives to release all the documentation, but the Prime Minister insisted on excluding files that put national security or international relations at risk. Mr Powell constructed a deal for Britain to lease back Diego Garcia, home to a crucial military base, after giving away the Chagos Islands - AFP Sir Chris was charged with collating all the information and deciding which should be excluded, in concert with the Commons intelligence and security committee. However, Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, suggested that Sir Chris may be being forced out for wanting to be honest with MPs and the public. He said: Once again it looks like Keir Starmer is covering up incriminating material in a desperate attempt to save his own skin. As Kemi Badenoch has warned, Chris Wormalds exit raises serious doubts about the Governments honesty. Starmer has serious questions to answer. The Prime Minister cannot be allowed to conceal information about this appalling scandal. He must pass all documentation to the Intelligence and Security Committee without delay and ensure full transparency in the process to replace the Cabinet Secretary. A No 10 source denied that Mr Powell had any plans to step down from the role. They said he would not be leaving Downing Street and would continue as NSA, adding that it was untrue to say he had been offered the chief of staff role. The Guardian also reported that Mr Powell had strongly advised Sir Keir not to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. No 10 would not comment on advice to the prime minister. Almost four years after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation on the ground and in the diplomatic arena has become critical. Our report from Kyiv graphically depicts the plight of so many residents in Ukraines capital city, who face nightly Russian air raids, targeting primarily civilian power supplies, in mid-winter. The intensity of the attacks, the damage sustained for want of sufficient air defence, and the winter temperatures have all been markedly worse than in previous years. The human aspect, as ever, is the most poignant: nursery-age children who have learned to distinguish outgoing from incoming fire; a parliamentarian relieved that his family lacked the money to buy a flat in an adjacent high-rise that turned out to be more vulnerable than his ground-floor flat in an older building; no hot water, no heating or power, for all but two of 24 hours, all detrimental for wellbeing and morale. If this is what it is like living an MPs relatively privileged life in Kyiv, the conditions for others, including those living further east, in the actual battle zone, must be many times worse. Yet Ukrainians fight on, demonstrating admirable, almost superhuman, fortitude in their determination not to cede land to the Russian aggressor, and especially not the fortress belt that Russia has not been able to win on the battlefield and is seen as crucial to Ukraines security, now and in the future. Those who argue that it is time to stop praising Ukrainian resilience and time instead to focus on the actions that have made that resilience necessary are not wrong. But without Ukraines resilience, this could be a very different story. Nor is it only on the ground that the situation has reached a critical point. The diplomacy that dates from the start of Donald Trumps second term in office appears to stand at a potentially pivotal point, too. Both the dangers and, alas, the rather fewer hopes for peace, were on display this weekend at the Munich Security Conference. This time last year, Europe was reeling from the speech at that same conference of the US vice-president, JD Vance, and what appeared his shocking litany of charges against Europe. This year, the most senior US speaker was the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, who sounded a more emollient and reassuring note, underlining a continuing US commitment to Europe, and paying tribute to European cultural achievements. But he also left two raw realities in place. There would be no going back on the demand that Europe take responsibility for its own defence. And Ukraine which he did not mention once by name in his speech, although that was more than made up for during questions and side-meetings was primarily a European problem, and would be entirely a European problem if the current, US-led, diplomacy failed. He also noted that any agreement would require hard concessions on the part of Ukraine. If that was intended to be a signal in advance of a new round of talks, involving both Ukrainians and Russians, due to take place in Geneva this week, it received a distinctly frosty response from Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team of officials, who were also in Munich. Their view was that the US consistently made more demands of them than of the Russians, that further territorial concessions were out of the question, and that the prospect of elections in Ukraine mooted last week was barely on the drawing board. Discussions, on and off the podium, at Munich, underlined not only the fitful and inconsistent nature of Mr Trumps so far failed peace efforts on Ukraine, but also the extent of Europes exclusion, despite European leaders having made valiant attempts to be heard in the early months of Mr Trumps second-term presidency. Now, once again, they find themselves on the outside, but with their solidarity weaker than it was, with divisions about how much support can be afforded for Ukraine and whether perhaps to open a channel to Moscow. As so often, the European case was made most persuasively by Polands foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski. Now that Europe was effectively paying for Ukraines defence, he said, which includes funding weapons purchases from the United States, then the Europeans deserved a say in any talks and in what happens next. It is a position that is hard to argue with, but which could also come back to haunt the Europeans, who would be left with the sole responsibility, should Mr Trump decide to give up. This makes the state of diplomacy at least as perilous for Ukraine as the increasingly difficult situation on the ground in Kyiv and elsewhere. Mr Zelensky sees the United States as essential to any peace, because he believes that it alone has the power to implement the security guarantees Ukraine needs. The growing detachment of the US administration from the whole process, however, was clear for all to see at the Munich conference, which is why the talks set to convene in Geneva are make-or-break as almost never before and not just for Ukraine, but for relations between the US and Europe. DNA pulled from glove found near Nancy Guthries home as FBI believe it may belong to suspect seen in doorbell cam The FBI said a glove found two miles from Nancy Guthries Arizona home could match the gloves worn by an armed person seen in surveillance footage outside her front door the morning she disappeared, according to the Associated Press. This comes after the FBI released new photos and videos from Guthries doorbell camera of a suspect, who was wearing a ski mask and gloves, approaching her front door. Police said the man was armed and appeared to tamper with her camera. The glove, which the agency said could match those worn by the suspect, has reportedly been sent off for DNA testing. While investigators have received the preliminary results, theyre still waiting on official confirmation, the AP reports. The agency reportedly said about 16 gloves have been found near Guthries home, most of which were later identified as gloves used by searchers that had been discarded. A glove found near Nancy Guthries Arizona home could be a match to those worn by the masked individual seen on her doorbell the morning she vanished (Pima County Sheriffs Department) Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills, a quiet community just outside of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. She was reported missing the next day. The masked individual seen at Nancy Guthries front door has been described as a man with an average build who is between 59 and 510 tall. He was wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, the FBI noted. On Thursday, the FBI also announced a new reward of $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Savannah Guthries mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 (Instagram/@savannahguthrie) This comes after law enforcement officials carried out operations in the Tucson area Friday related to Guthries disappearance. Investigators searched a residence about two miles from Guthries home Friday night, with a warrant that was based on a lead, a Pima County Sheriffs Department spokesperson said Saturday. No arrests were made. Around the same time, officials conducted a separate traffic stop, also near Guthries home. Investigators questioned an individual, but no arrests were made, the sheriffs department spokesperson said. The search for Guthrie is now entering its third week. Investigators wont quit their efforts to find Guthrie, even if it takes years, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times. Maybe its an hour from now, Nanos said Friday. Maybe its weeks or months or years from now. But we wont quit. Were going to find Nancy. Were going to find this guy." Her disappearance has sparked a massive search involving state and federal law enforcement agencies. Guthrie relies on daily medication, and there could be fatal consequences if she doesnt take it, Nanos has said. When she vanished, police also flagged that she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and cardiac issues, according to a 911 dispatch audio. Savannah Guthrie has said she believes her mother is still alive. The Today show anchor recently shared an old video of her mother on Instagram with the caption, We will never give up on her. She also shared the footage of the masked man and asked for anyone with information to come forward. Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home, she wrote on Instagram. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. Border Patrol agents stand outside a Home Depot store on 19 November 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images (Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images) Homeland Security watchdogs who were forced out of their jobs warn that the Trump administrations alarming rush to deputize hundreds of local police departments to enforce federal immigration law while gutting independent oversight risks a threat to civil rights nationwide. When the experienced civil rights watchdogs had their jobs cut last year by the Trump administration, they were in the process of scrutinizing the controversial federal program allowing local police to conduct federal immigration enforcement work, an investigation by the Guardian can reveal. The vexed program gives local, county and state law enforcement officials unusual powers to detain, arrest and interrogate immigrants and turn them over to federal immigration authorities a system critics say is open to abuse and risks alienating communities from local police. The program is known by its technical name, 287(g), after a section in the Immigration and Nationality Act, and has been expanding fast since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The watchdogs had compiled a report, mandated by Congress in 2024, that would have revealed red flags about suspected civil rights violations by some local police and sheriff agencies partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sources familiar with its contents have disclosed to the Guardian. But the report has still not been published and its status is unclear, leading some former officials to express fears that it is being suppressed by Trump administration officials to thwart unfavorable news and further scrutiny of the program. The former officials who spoke to the Guardian previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the watchdog office for the department. They were speaking up to warn that the Trump administrations slashing of guardrails while expanding the 287(g) program dramatically risks turbocharging civil rights violations. The [CRCL] office doesnt exist now at least not in its previous form. How could there be meaningful oversight of the 287(g) program? Peter Mina, the former deputy officer for CRCL, said in a telephone interview with the Guardian. Mina was among the officials ousted from the CRCL last spring by the new administration, when they were told their jobs were going to be eliminated. He ultimately resigned. Mina is now a civil rights lawyer in Washington DC. ICE, which has DHS as its parent agency, has been signing more and more agreements to give local agencies the power to interrogate and arrest suspected undocumented immigrants, which is traditionally the jurisdiction of the federal government. Local police departments or sheriffs offices, for example, become designated under the program as ICE task forces a significant escalation in deputizing immigration enforcement not seen in over a decade. Those new task forces are aggressively boosting the US presidents anti-immigration crackdown. Related: The federal agents deployed in Trumps immigration crackdown visualized I understand the premise behind 287(g). But the execution is severely lacking, Mina added. In addition to execution, training is severely lacking, increasing the risks of civil rights violations, such as racial profiling. From January to mid-October 2025, 7,000 people were arrested via the expanded 287(g) program, according to ICE data gathered by the Deportation Data Project. This is a sharp increase from 2024, where the apprehension method for 287(g) lists just over 3,000 arrests. However, the publicly available data is unclear. According to DHS, in a statement to the Guardian, the agency said it has had tremendous success when local law enforcement work with us, including 40,000 arrests in Florida [alone]. The department did not respond to requests to explain that figure. Taking a problematic enforcement program, that reintroduces models of enforcement that were discontinued because of demonstrable civil rights violations and super-sizing it while removing all internal guardrails, is more than alarming, said Katerina Herodotou, one of the former CRCL officials who was ousted last year. It is a threat to civil rights nationwide. The Guardian previously reported that the Trump administrations gutting of the watchdog office within DHS has stoked experts fears that ICE lacks effective safeguards and could abuse people with impunity. Related: Gutting of key US watchdog could pave way for grave immigration abuses, experts warn According to a series of interviews with five former civil rights officials from the watchdog office, similar fears extend to 287(g) partnerships, and CRCL was examining various aspects of the program before they were ousted. The ex-watchdogs said that: Before Trump returned to office, civil rights officials completed a congressionally-mandated report on the program, finding some jurisdictions, particularly in Florida, were suspected of violating civil rights in 2023. Despite Congress requiring the report be published, it appeared to go into limbo after Trump took office again. An internal DHS advisory board tasked with reviewing new 287(g) applications was dissolved days after Trumps second term began. CRCL had played a key role on the board, investigating local agencies applying to the program, looking for civil rights concerns. It is now unknown how much oversight exists when signing new agreements. Officials planned a trip in February 2025 to conduct oversight of some 287(g) jurisdictions in the US South, where the program has since dramatically expanded. It was canceled at the last minute. One DHS official learned early in the new administration that decisions surrounding the program were suddenly coming from top DHS leadership. ICE officials normally in charge of 287(g) at the agencys Washington DC headquarters did not have any control over the expansion of the program, the former official said, suggesting the expansion has been mandated by political appointees. An increasing number of local law enforcement agencies throughout the country have signed 287(g) agreements in the past year to actively cooperate with ICE. In January 2025, fewer than 200 jurisdictions were involved. Now, more than 1,400 local, county and state agencies have signed on to aid DHS in its immigration enforcement work. We used to do oversight, and monitor, to make sure that those jurisdictions did not have a record or concerns about violating peoples civil rights, like racial profiling or just pulling people over because theyre Latin, said one former civil rights official, who asked the Guardian to withhold their name for fear of retaliation by the Trump administration. But added that now: I dont think anybodys doing any of the 287(g) oversight work. In the first weeks of 2026 alone, almost 150 more local agencies have signed onto the program, according to a review by the Guardian. DHS defended its current civil rights-related work. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) receives, reviews, and investigates complaints against 287(g) task force officers, DHS said in a statement sent to the Guardian. DHS CRCL is performing all legally required functions, but in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without hindering the departments mission of securing the homeland. DHS added that the watchdogs who left had obstructed immigration enforcement rather than supporting law enforcement efforts, they often functioned as internal adversaries that slowed down operations. Prior to the second Trump administration, the 287(g) program almost exclusively focused on local immigration enforcement inside jails. Under those agreements, local officials may identify immigrants already in jail as undocumented and place them in immigration proceedings, or serve ICE arrest warrants to them. But Trump has now escalated the program by reintroducing the more aggressive and powerful task force model, which had been disbanded in 2012 after concerns of civil rights abuses. Now deputized local officials can interrogate anyone they believe is in the US unlawfully about their immigration status in the course of their regular police work. And they can detain people and turn them over to ICE without the pretext of a criminal arrest, purely on suspicion of violating immigration law despite that being a federal, civil offense. The reintroduction and rapid expansion of the task force model just fits in with the larger picture of targeting Black and brown people, or people with accents, detaining them and deporting them if possible, just to meet numbers and not with any actual public safety goals in mind, said Herodotou. They just want to detain and deport immigrants it doesnt matter if theyre a danger, or safety, if they have status or not. They just want to get rid of everyone, she added. The Guardian reported last April that the program grew after Trumps return, despite past concerns of civil rights violations. But since then, critics say the situation has become more treacherous because: Former CRCL officials submitted a whistleblower complaint about the gutting of the watchdog team. ICE has radically increased partnerships with local law enforcement. Some states have established detention centers for people picked up on immigration concerns by local agencies in the 287(g) program, including Alligator Alcatraz and the Deportation Depot in Florida, the Speedway Slammer in Indiana, and the Cornhusker Clink in Nebraska, drawing protest and legal challenges. The Big Beautiful Bill legislation drenched the program with funds. DHS began offering financial incentives, criticized as a bounty hunter system by a former CRCL official who spoke to the Guardian, for local officials to arrest more immigrants. The Guardian also discovered that ICE is attempting to establish regional command or call centers to better coordinate with local officials, according to a current DHS source and news reports. The DHS source, who still works in the department and requested anonymity to speak freely about internal agency matters, revealed that in Georgia, ICE established a command center within its Atlanta office especially to coordinate with local partners in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, where many 287(g) agreements exist. Its really just a call center, the DHS source said, adding that the local agencies dont have access to all the databases that ICE has, so they call the command center to run checks on the people they encounter and suspect of being undocumented. ICE did not comment on the existence of this command center, despite multiple requests from the Guardian. Overall, the 287(g) push and the Trump crackdown in general has highlighted an enforcement patchwork across the country. Some places facilitate ICE activity while others legislate to ban cooperation, such as sanctuary cities, with critics of partnering often saying it weakens trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, while sanctuary status strengthens it. But the issue has become much more sharply political in 2025 and 2026, and those areas signing up becoming much more proactive in assisting ICE. The 287(g) program was established in 1996, but no local law enforcement agencies were signed until 2002. The program exponentially grew in the years that followed, including with the increasing use of task forces. We started looking at the 287(g) agreements in the middle of Obamas first administration, said Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute (MIP), the Washington DC-based think tank. Chishti has been studying the program for years, observing its evolution and documenting concerns about how it is implemented. In a 2011 MIP report, Chishti and his colleagues found both alleged and proved civil rights violations by local law enforcement officials in 287(g) arrangements carrying out immigration enforcement arrests. We recommended that the task force model be terminated, Chishti said. One of the most striking examples was in Maricopa county, Arizona. Federal investigators in 2011 found Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his agency were violating constitutional civil rights by racially profiling Latinos, and illegally detaining people. After a lengthy lawsuit, Arpaio was convicted in 2017 for refusing to stop his anti-immigration patrols. Trump pardoned Arpaio soon after. Following the Arpaio civil rights controversies, among others, the task force model was discontinued in 2012, leaving intact other 287(g) partnerships allowing local officials to hold immigrants for ICE. The program expanded to 152 agreements under the first Trump administration. The Biden administration merely paused new enrollments. But now it is growing exponentially with seemingly no civil rights oversight. After Congress required CRCL to review and report back on various criteria within the program that could lead to civil rights concerns, the CRCL office was very actively working on that report, one of the former officials told the Guardian. They looked at every single jurisdiction with a 287(g) agreement as of 2023, the most up to date ICE data they had, which was limited at the time because the program was narrow. We drafted this report and it went through multiple rounds of clearance within CRCL and then with a variety of DHS components, including ICE, said one of the former officials. We were just awaiting the very final levels of clearance from the [DHS] secretarys office. Then Trump returned to the White House and the report just went into limbo at that point, the former official said. The status of the report remains unclear. When the watchdogs were forced out they lost access to the content and workings of the report. But according to Herodotou, who worked on it, ICE statistics they reviewed showed jurisdictions in various parts of the country were using the program to target people for immigration enforcement, rather than target people for serious criminal activity that was endangering public safety. Another former official added that some jurisdictions, particularly in Florida, may have had civil rights and civil liberties violations. Now, Florida has become one of the states with the most 287(g) agreements, with 342 and counting. DHS and ICE did not respond to questions about the status of the report. Historically, CRCL was part of a program advisory board that decided whether to accept or reject new 287(g) agreements, and investigated whether there were civil rights concerns within local agencies applying to join. There were concerns, such as racial profiling, lack of access to due process, etcetera, one of the former officials said. But in late January, 2025, the Trump administration did away with the advisory board. In February, the CRCL oversight trip to 287(g) jurisdictions in Georgia was canceled at the last minute without a convincing explanation. DHS and ICE did not respond to questions about 287(g) oversight and whether the department checks for civil rights risks when accepting new local law enforcement applications. Then in late March, the watchdogs were ousted without warning. Recent court records suggest the CRCL office now has only two full-time employees, working with around 20 outside contractors, a reduction from an oversight office of around 150. Big Beautiful Bill funding is now used for incentivizing local agencies to deputize more of their officers for ICE task forces, offering $7,500 for equipment per new task force officer, $100,000 for new vehicles per agency and full reimbursement for the salary and benefits of each task force officer. The supply of money creates the demand thats where the [arrest] targets come, Chishti said. Once you have the money, you have to meet the target, so that creates an incentive in itself. When arresting immigrants, the infusion of cash creates motivations for going beyond [targeting only] dangerous crime, he added. The Trump administration in October also began offering monetary performance awards to local agencies based on the number of undocumented immigrants they identify, including up to $1,000 per officer, per quarter. One CRCL official was shocked to learn of this. They have essentially set up a bounty hunter system and are incentivizing local/state law enforcement to detain anyone who appears to be undocumented, they told the Guardian. In their statement, DHS said that by joining forces with ICE, law enforcement agencies are not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities they are becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family. We would love for state and local law enforcement to sign more 287(g) agreements, DHS added. Some places are now pushing back. Danny Ceisler, the new Bucks county sheriff in Pennsylvania, ended his agencys 287(g) partnership that had 16 task force officers deputized by ICE. The certain public safety costs of this ICE partnership are greatly outweighed by any potential public safety benefits, said Ceisler. The Black Cube development in Florence has been criticised over its brutal architectural design Not far from the banks of the Arno River, an ultra-modern block of upmarket flats nicknamed the Black Cube casts a gloomy shadow over the butter and cream-coloured villas lining the embankment. Brutto [ugly], says resident Stefano Pieri, shaking his head as he peered across the river at the dark, burnished brass facade of the building in the heart of Florence. Some might say it is beautiful modern architecture when it stands alone. The problem is it is completely out of context here. The building is indeed out of place so much so it is now subject to a police investigation, dragging in everyone from architects to councillors. Even the citys nobility have intervened, breaking cover to stop any further developments from spoiling a skyline that has changed little in hundreds of years. The Black Cube officially called the Teatro Luxury Apartments is a stones throw from the US embassy and the Santa Maria Novella train station, and includes smart restaurants, spas and underground parking. The modern palazzo, managed by the Star Hotels chain, offers 150 short-term rental units for high-income students and professionals. The black-clad apartment building has blocked out views of famous monuments for some residents of Florence - Nigel Morton Florentine prosecutors are now questioning 12 people who are under investigation for irregularities in the permitting, planning and zoning process that paved the way for the Black Cube to rise high above the former site of the Teatro Comunale. They are trying to trace how the property was decommissioned and sold in 2013 by the then Matteo Renzi city administration. What they know so far is that the property passed through a state entity then was auctioned off to an Italian investment subsidiary. From there it was sold to a joint venture formed by property giants Blue Noble and Hines, within the Future Living fund managed by London-based Savills. Hines maintains it constructed the building with all the necessary permits in place. Here in the centre of the Renaissance city of the 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio, Giottos Campanile and Brunelleschis Dome, residents cannot even change the shade of their window shutters without an extensive bureaucratic permit process. People are now questioning just how a US property developer was granted permission to build something locals also refer to as The Monster of Corso Italia. More than a dozen people are formally under investigation over the building of the Teatro apartments A powerful group of ancient noble families has called for a moratorium on further high-end developments down river from the Black Cube in a former industrial area near the former Leopolda railway station. In a letter to the mayor, the 16 noble families said: We must save Florence from any other black cubes. No more violence toward our city. Some of the letters signatory families have owned property in the city since the Medici era (1434 to 1737). Convincing them to speak out has been called Operation Blue Blood by local media, and is largely thanks to a lobbying effort by Roberto Budini Gattai, an architect nicknamed the Communist Nobleman, who has been at the forefront of the protests. According to Italian media, the letter of protest was drafted over an elegant lunch, where the members of the ancient families finally agreed to sign up to the cause. Among the signatories is Claude Marie Agnes Catherine dOrleans, 82, a French princess and former Duchess of Aosta, who married Prince Amedeo of Savoy in 1964 and has lived in Florence ever since. Construction work continued on the former site of a theatre despite objections from residents The Princess is not one to mince her words. The Black Cube and the Social Hub on Viale Belfiore are monstrosities, she told the Corriere Fiorentino. I apologise to the architects who designed them, but thats the way it is. I dont understand why, when you do something new, you dont try I dont mean copying but perhaps taking inspiration from older buildings. It is the question on everyones lips here. Its obviously not for Florentines, said Jacopo Palorni, 37, as he walked along the riverbank with his wife and toddler in a stroller. Palorni and Maria Christina Silvestre are among many residents who have been forced to move out of the historic centre of Florence and find somewhere more affordable on the outskirts. Like many, they feel their concerns about the urban future of their city go mostly unheeded. They said: When they began construction we sent several emails, but never got any response. Growing up in a cold and dark Ukraine under constant Russian attack: My 4-year-old can tell the bombs apart The tawdry routine of everyday misery of cold, darkness, and fear that grinds at the human soul: that is Vladimir Putins strategy of attacking civilians across Ukraine and could break the countrys will to fight on. But its unlikely. Showers in darkness, a shave in cold water every morning, two small children who know the Russian president is trying to kill them, and dawn runs to a streetside stall for coffee and cocoa, the only morale booster for a new day. These are the routines of Kyiv residents like Oleksandr Merezhko. He knows he is lucky. His four-year-old daughter Sophia is the same age as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The elder, Lilian, is seven, so neither have known a world in which Russian troops are not fighting inside their country. Sophia can tell an outgoing missile blast from an incoming Shahed drone attack. She attends kindergarten. Her older sister has learning difficulties, so Sophia grabs her hand when the sirens scream, and the air buzzes with what the family calls bees incoming drones. Read our latest updates on the Ukraine invasion HERE She then leads her sister to safety in the Soviet-era bunkers outside their old but untargeted ground-floor apartment, where school carries on. Sophia, age four, pictured right with her seven-year-old sister Lilian, mother and father (The Independent) For them its normal. They cannot imagine their life without it, Oleksandr explains. They know that when they go to the kindergarten we still dont have power in the flat. When they come back there is no power. They have learned how to play using little lights and how to play in darkness. Better than adults I think, children are more adaptable. And they never complain. A couple of weeks ago what he thinks was a Shahed drone smashed into the top floors of the building next door, setting fire to two flats and injuring three people in the Kremlins ongoing campaign. Fragments, bits of plastic and yellow foam of the Iranian-designed autonomous plane loaded with 40kg of explosive, still pepper the snow outside the building where this member of Ukraines parliament has lived with his family for four years. We almost bought a flat in the new highrise but we could not afford it, so bought on the ground floor next door luckily for us just before the full-scale invasion of February 2022, says Oleksandr, who is chair of the parliaments foreign affairs committee. A former human rights lawyer married to an academic, he can bring warm food to his small children from the parliamentary canteen. His cooker at home is electric and theyre unlikely to get power for more than a couple of hours in 24 and usually after midnight. Roughly half of Ukraines power-generating capacity has been destroyed by Russia. Most of these attacks have come since Donald Trump ended military aid to Ukraine last year in the 36th month of the full-scale invasion by Russia. Two-thirds of its nuclear capacity has fallen and GDP is expected to take a 3 per cent hit. Oleksandr Morezhko, along with his wife and two young daughters, are among millions in Ukraine battling for survival in freezing temperatures and daily power cuts (The Independent/ Sam Kiley) I started to plunge into a kind of depression and apathy because when its cold, when for the whole day you cannot even warm up food, and its dark, and its cold it is difficult psychologically for me, and for many people. It looked endless, you know, just endless. And everything came at once, this cold weather which we havent had for years since the full-scale invasion, this darkness, says Oleksandr, warming his hands on a mug of green tea. When power does come, usually between one and two in the morning, he likes to stay up with all the lights on just to recharge his psychological batteries. Millions of other Ukrainians go through the same experiences every night. They have done so for months. They are all fed up with lofty pompous phrases about plucky Ukrainian resilience, which Oleksandr calls the adaptation that has been forced upon us. It is clear why he thinks Putin has focused so heavily on civilian targets and energy systems. The apartment block next door to Oleksandrs home was heavily damaged by Russian drones just two weeks ago (The Independent/ Sam Kiley) He realised that he cannot win on the battlefield. And he decided to focus on our critical infrastructure and to create conditions which are uninhabitable. Thats his goal. To break our defiance to make them more submissive to his peace plan, says the MP, a member of Volodymyr Zelenskys ruling Servant of the People Party. He goes on to explain that Putins scheme will not work because historically it never worked. If you take the example of the Blitz, it didnt work. If you take Sarajevo as an example, you cannot do it by bombing and killing the civilian population. You cannot make people more receptive to the capitulation, to surrender this way. The US under Trump has been pushing Ukraine to accept the loss of all of the territory now held by Russia in Ukraine, roughly 20 per cent. Moscow insists it will not consider a deal that does not give it further control over all of Donetsk province and the fortress belt which has held back Russian assaults for more than a year and where Nato estimates over 400,000 Russians have been killed or injured. Both Russia and the US have claimed, wrongly, that Zelensky lacks a democratic mandate; they demand that he seek re-election. Local residents inspect damaged cars at the site of a Russian attack in Odesa on 13 February (AFP via Getty) Putins focus on civilian attacks is an obvious attempt to drive Ukraine into a deal that Europe, the UK, Canada and many other allies see as a capitulation. Oleksandr sees the Russian/US demand that Ukraine give up on territory as an obvious ploy to cause internal divisions many Ukrainians are bitterly opposed to any concessions and all are opposed to giving up their defensive line. Doing so could split us apart, says the MP and anyway territorial concessions are not in the gift of the government, or parliament; they would require a national referendum under Ukrainian law. Nato intelligence officers have repeatedly said that Ukraines immediate challenge is to get through the winter. European aid to Ukraine, including the UK, is estimated by the Kiel Institute to be worth 380bn, including all pledges compared to the US contribution of a little over 115bn far short of the mendacious 350bn claim made by the Trump administration. Residents cope with electricity, heating and water outages following Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure in Kyiv (Reuters) Nato intelligence estimates suggest that it would take Russia many years to capture the extra territory that it demands as part of the latest peace process with the US mediating. Putins logic is first peace treaty and then ceasefire. So while were negotiating, he can ruin the country, he can continue to destroy critical infrastructure, says Oleksandr. And Trump has agreed to this logic and thats why its not going to work. Its not going to work. For us, the biggest issue, and it's our absolute red line, is withdrawal of our troops from Donetsk. We will never agree to that. We just cant. Its absolutely out of the question. An instructor for a Texas scuba diving class where a 12-year-old girl drowned admitted to investigators he hadnt slept in nearly 30 hours at the time of her death, according to a new report. Dylan Harrison, 12, died in August 2025 after drowning during a class at The Scuba Ranch, a training lake in Terrell, Texas, according to Fox 4 News. Now, new allegations have come to light about her instructor, William Armstrong. Armstrong was reportedly teaching a class of eight students, including Harrison, when the incident occurred. Harrison went missing during the class, and her body was found at a depth of 45 feet, Fox 4 News reports. Armstrong was arrested on Friday, February 6, and charged with injury to a child, according to the outlet. He was released after posting a $150,000 bond and reportedly made no comments to reporters as he left the Kaufman County Jail. Dylan Harrison, 12, drowned in August during a scuba diving class in Texas (Scott Olson/Getty Images) An affidavit obtained by Fox 4 News said Armstrong admitted to investigators he had been awake straight for approximately 29 hours, working three jobs when Harrison drowned. According to Fox 4 News, the document indicates no one was in the water searching for Harrison, and Armstrong was standing on the dock without diving gear on, when rescue officials arrived at the scene. Investigators also collected Harrisons dive watch, which appeared to indicate she wasnt weighted properly, Fox 4 News reports. Weighting is a key safety measure that helps divers control their buoyancy, as well as the speed at which they dive and resurface, according to Scuba Diving International. Armstrong has since been permanently suspended from teaching at The Scuba Ranch, according to the outlet. Armstrong also worked as an assistant chief deputy at the Collin County Sheriffs Office, but has since resigned from his role, Fox 4 News reported. In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson for The Scuba Ranch confirmed the instructor was "permanently suspended" from teaching at their facility following the incident. "The Scuba Ranch does not employ Dive Instructors, and does not provide, direct, or supervise instruction received. All Dive Instructors are independent of The Scuba Ranch and not affiliated with us other than as a customer," the spokesperson said. The Scuba Ranch has been fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and remains committed to supporting all efforts to understand what happened," the spokesperson added. We pray this family receives the answers, justice, and closure they deserve, and that all of the dive community would be strengthened through what we learn from this tragedy, they said. The Independent has contacted an attorney representing Harrisons family for comment. The Independent was unable to identify an attorney for Armstrong. Italys famous love arch collapsed overnight on Valentines Day following days of bad weather across parts of the country. Torre SantAndrea in Puglia, a popular tourist spot in the south of Italy, caved in on Saturday night after several days of heavy rain and winds. Nicknamed the arch of love, the rock formation and its surrounding crystal clear waters have long attracted visitors to the beach on the Melendugno coast. Protruding into the sea, it connected a rocky stack used for cliff jumping and sunbathing. Pictures showed that the attractions bridge appeared to have crumbled apart overnight, leaving a large pile of rocks on the shore. Its a devastating blow to the heart, Maurizio Cisternino, the mayor of Melendugno, said. One of the most famous tourist attractions on our coast and in Italy as a whole is disappearing. I am deeply sorry for what happened; this is an unwanted Valentines Day gift. The lovers arch no longer exists. An icon of our territory is shattered and lost at sea, and the sadness affects me as mayor and the entire community that loves our towns, he told Quotidiano di Puglia. A pile of rubble is all that is left of Torre SantAndrea As legend goes, the rock formation became known as the love arch after a young couple were caught in a sudden, violent tide while sharing a kiss under the bridge and died when they were swept out to sea. Despite the tragedy, local tradition has transformed the site into a symbol of devotion. It is said that couples who swim through the arch together will have an unbreakable bond of love. Italy has been hit with extreme weather in recent weeks, with catastrophic flooding battering parts of the southern and central regions. The Puglia regions civil protection department issued a yellow weather alert, warning of high winds, on Saturday. Firefighters have carried out more than 2,000 emergency operations in Calabria, Sardinia and Sicily since Feb 12. Marine erosion has always shaped the Salento coast, forming the heel of Italys boot, but recent weather events probably sped up the deterioration of the cliff, with heavy rains, hail, lightning and wind hitting the town over the weekend. The vulnerability of the love arch has been discussed for years and parts of the area surrounding the formation have been off-limits since 2014, Sky TG24 reported. Millions of renters will have to wait nearly a decade to have a decent home as Labour pushes back its flagship plan to force landlords to improve conditions in rental properties. The government has announced that the decent homes standard requiring landlords in England to provide homes in a reasonable state of repair and be free of damp and mould will not be enforced until 2035, prompting a furious response from MPs, campaigners, and renters. More than a fifth (22 per cent) of privately rented homes in England are non-decent, according to the English Housing Survey published at the end of January. This means more than a million properties across the country are not up to the standard, a figure that has remained steady since 2019. Tish moved into a flat in Liverpool in 2017, with the expectation that stuff would be sorted out during the tenancy. What she instead experienced was eight years of murder as unresolved damp, mould and disrepair put her into ill health and, at points, physical danger. Responding to the governments decision to delay the enforcement of the decent homes standard, she says: I think thats absolutely disgusting. Mould forming inside a cupboard in Tishs Liverpool home (Supplied) If landlords knew that there was a more robust system there they wouldnt try and pull half the stuff they do. The mother-of-ones first warning sign was a flat roof extension that was leaking as soon as we moved in. Ignored by the landlord, it would ultimately collapse in 2024, flooding the kitchen. If someone was standing underneath, it wouldve killed them, Tish says. Over the course of her tenancy, Tish dealt with numerous cases of disrepair, including a lack of railing on the staircase, crumbling stairs, cupboards falling off the walls, and a rusted bathtub. But one of the worst issues were the carpets, which she describes as having spores from the mould, creating this acrid smell and attracting rodents. My daughter and I both suffered really bad ill health from all of it, Tish says. We had breathing issues. There wasnt a day that went past we didnt feel unwell. Disrepair in Tishs Liverpool home (Supplied) My dog went to the vet four times with skin problems and breathing problems, she says, adding: [My landlord] knew he would get away with it, and he has. Under current rules, private landlords must make sure their homes are free of Category 1 hazards, such as severe mould and disrepair that could cause ill health or injury. Local authorities are able to enforce this, and can issue fines of up to 30,000 for non-compliance (rising to 40,000 in May). The decent homes standard which already applies to the social rented sector will take this further. It requires things like windows and boilers to be in reasonable repair, fairly modern facilities like kitchens and bathrooms, and to be sufficiently heated. Adrian Fletcher, 54, moved into his current flat on the South East coast in December 2024 after being served a Section 21 eviction notice on his previous property of 11 years. After struggling for four months to find somewhere to live, and facing imminent eviction due to his landlord giving the statutory two months notice, Adrian was only able to find somewhere indescribably horrible. He says cupboards and shelves have fallen off the wall, with damp and mould in nearly every room. The worst, Adrian says, is the spare room, where there is constant wet on the wall. Mould forms on the window in Adrians bedroom (Adrian Fletcher) You put your hand on there, and you take it away, and you can actually see the moisture on your hand. Its that wet, he says. Adrian has been using the space for his belongings, so it currently houses many cardboard boxes. To his horror, he recently found that DVDs in plastic cases inside one of the boxes had been eaten by mould. He says he is appalled by the delayed changes: I understand ... that this is not something that can happen overnight. But to put a near 10-year limit on it seems absolutely ridiculous. Adrian says that his lounge gets incredibly cold due to not having a double-glazed window and rising damp on one of the walls. I have to wipe down all the windows with a sponge due to all the condensation, Adrian says. He adds that these conditions exacerbate his chronic pain caused by a spine injury several years ago. Following his previous experience, Adrian says he does not want to push too hard to have work carried out until he is sure that he cannot be issued a Section 21 notice. The controversial no fault eviction power is set to be banned from May under Labours Renters Rights Act. Mould forms by the sink in Adrians bathroom (Adrian Fletcher) Paul Shanks, spokesperson for the RRC, said: A fifth of rented homes in England fail to meet the governments Decent Homes Standard. A range of issues, from damp and mould to faulty boilers and broken windows, blight the lives of millions of renters, many of whom pay through the nose for the privilege. The governments lack of urgency gives neglectful landlords a green light to continue profiting from rotten homes, and will have real consequences for the health and wellbeing of millions of tenants. We're asking the government to bring the timeline forward renters cannot afford to wait a decade for these basic protections. An MHCLG spokesperson said: The current rules are clear that landlords need to fix serious problems where they exist now, and councils can issue large fines to landlords in the worst cases. Through the Renters Rights Act and Awaabs Law, were making sure tenants have safe, decent homes were working on extending Awaabs Law to private rentals and from winter this year, we will roll out the Private Landlord Ombudsman to resolve complaints quickly and fairly. Some of the Decent Home Standard measures, such as the updated Minimum Energy Efficient Standards, will be implemented sooner, leading to cheaper energy bills and warmer homes for tenants. A man has been arrested in New York after one woman was pushed onto the subway tracks and another was repeatedly punched in the face, police said. Curtis Signal, 25, was arrested following the violent attack in Brooklyn Saturday and at a nearby mens shelter. The incident occurred around 8.45 a.m. on the R subway line at 53rd Street and Fourth Avenue in Sunset Park, sources toldThe New York Post. A man first pushed the 51-year-old onto the tracks without warning, causing her to suffer three broken ribs, then turned on another woman, 43, who was standing on the platform. She was taken to hospital with facial injuries. The guy was sitting on the platform and they were standing, bystander Al Rivera told The Post. All of a sudden he pushed her on the tracks and then he turned around and pounced on the other lady. He was hitting her, punching her in the face. A man has been arrested in New York after pushing one woman onto the subway tracks before punching another repeatedly in the face, police sources said. The incident occurred around 8.45 a.m. on the R subway line (Getty Images) Two other people immediately rushed to help the woman who had been pushed onto the tracks and dragged her back onto the platform, eyewitnesses said. I can only imagine how petrified they were, Rivera said. Signal was charged with reckless endangerment, assault, and harassment, police said. The Independent has contacted the NYPD for more information on the incident. The Post reports that Signal is a repeat offender and is on probation until June 2027. Saturdays incident was not the first assault at a subway station he is alleged to have been involved in. In early September 2023, he allegedly punched a 67-year-old woman multiple times in the face while waiting for an F train at 169th Street in Jamaica, Queens. Signal allegedly fled and was only connected to the assault months later when he was arrested for fare evasion. Less than a week later he also assaulted a cop at the Grand Concourse/Tremont Avenue station in the Bronx, leaving the officer with a broken nose, sources told The Post. In that incident he was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstruction of governmental administration. Signal was also charged with assault in May 2022 and acting in a manner injurious to a child, after allegedly hitting his 13-year-old sister and giving her a black eye. A banner with well-wishes from supporters and a photo of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, outside KVOA newsroom in Tucson, Arizona. Photograph: Rebecca Noble/Reuters (Photograph: Rebecca Noble/Reuters) The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBCs Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week, as investigators ask neighbors within a two-mile radius to share home video footage and authorities await DNA test results from a pair of gloves found near the home. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of 31 January, when she was dropped off at her home in the Catalina foothills north of Tucson, Arizona, after having dinner with her older daughter and son-in-law. She was reported missing the following day, after she failed to arrive at a friends house to watch a church service. Authorities have been investigating her disappearance as a kidnapping, and as of Sunday morning, two weeks since she was reported missing, no arrests have been made and no one is in custody. Related: A missing woman, bloodstains and a masked intruder: tantalising clues but few leads in hunt for Nancy Guthrie On Sunday, the FBI said in statement reported by several news outlets, that the gloves found around two miles from Guthries home among the roughly 16 collected by investigators in recent days appear to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video. The agency said that they sent the gloves to a lab in Florida for DNA testing, and that they received preliminary results on Saturday and are awaiting quality control and official confirmation today. This process typically takes 24 hours from when the bureau receives DNA, the FBI added. Most of the gloves collected by investigators for examination turned out to have been dropped on the ground by searchers in the vicinity, the FBI said. But the one with a DNA profile recovered from it is different, according to the FBI statement. Investigators have released doorbell camera footage recovered from Guthries home, which showed a masked individual arriving in the early morning hours of 1 February, carrying a backpack and what appeared to be a holstered handgun. On Thursday, the FBI released new details about the person in the video, describing them as a male, approximately 59 510 tall, with an average build. As the search continues, authorities are requesting that residents within a two-mile radius of Guthries home submit any surveillance footage recorded between 1 January and 2 February. They have asked neighbors to provide all video footage that includes vehicles, vehicle traffic, people/pedestrians, and anything neighbors deem out of the ordinary or important. As the investigation enters its third week, and continues to draw huge national attention, some crime bloggers and true crime podcasters have traveled to Arizona to cover the case. On Saturday night, the Arizona state representative Alma Hernandez, released a statement, saying that she was sick of watching the insane speculation, lies, and BS by random wannabe journalists and YouTubers who have now caused more harm than good to this entire situation and put this serious case in jeopardy. Please GO HOME, she said. Let law enforcement do their jobs. Stop following them during swat operations and playing detectives. Late on Friday night, law enforcement officers converged on an area around two miles from Guthries home, where they searched a home, and also investigated a car at a nearby Culvers parking lot. On Saturday, the Pima county sheriffs department confirmed that a federal court-ordered search warrant had been carried out at a residence in connection with the case. But they said that no arrests were made during the operation. Related: Police seal off road near Arizona home of Today show host Savannah Guthries missing mother Authorities had briefly detained a man earlier in the week, but he was released after questioning. Investigators have said that splashes of blood found on the front porch of Guthries home tested positive for her DNA. They also said that additional DNA collected from her property, that does not match Guthrie or those in close contact with her, is undergoing testing, along with several gloves reportedly discovered several miles from her residence. All collected evidence has been submitted for laboratory analysis, officials said this week. The FBI has increased the reward to $100,000 for information that helps find Guthrie, or leads to an arrest and conviction of those involved in her disappearance. The bureau has said it has received more than 13,000 tips from the public about the case since 1 February. There have also been unverified reports about ransom notes sent to several Arizona television stations, and celebrity news website TMZ. Since Nancy Guthries disappearance, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have posted several videos on social media, pleading for help from the public in finding their mother. A spokesperson for the Pima county sheriffs department told CNN on Sunday that no news conferences are currently planned. Yvette Cooper has defended her decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror group, despite a High Court ruling that deemed the move unlawful and "disproportionate". The current Foreign Secretary, who served as home secretary when she banned the group in July last year, spoke out after the judgment on Friday. The High Courts decision, which came after a challenge brought by Palestine Action, could have significant implications for thousands of individuals arrested for supporting the group at protests across the country. While the ban currently remains in place, Ms Coopers successor as Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has confirmed her intention to appeal against the courts ruling. Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years. Appearing on the Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme on Sky News, Ms Cooper explained her rationale. She stated: "I followed the clear advice and recommendations, going through a serious process that the Home Office goes through, involving different agencies and police advice as well, which was very clear about the recommendation for proscription of this group." She added: "And the court has also concluded that this is not a normal protest group, that it has found that this group has committed acts of terrorism, that this group is not simply in line with democratic values, and has promoted violence." Yvette Cooper said she followed clear advice and recommendations over the proscription of Palestine Action (PA) (PA Wire) When pressed to disclose the specific advice that informed her decision, Ms Cooper declined, instead saying: "So I was given significant evidence and advice around risks of violence and risks from public safety, and that is what you take seriously." She further emphasised: "If you ignore advice that you are given about risks to public safety then youre really not taking seriously the responsibilities of home secretary." According to police figures, Palestine Action has carried out 385 direct actions since 2020, protesting the situation in Palestine and the actions of the Israeli government. The High Court acknowledged that a "very small number" of these actions amounted to terrorism. Palestine Actions co-founder, Huda Ammori, initiated legal action against the Home Office following Ms Coopers decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ban was announced shortly after the group claimed responsibility for causing an estimated 7 million in damage to military tanker planes at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. In a 46-page ruling, Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, concluded: "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." The High Court ruled against the Governments ban after a challenge was brought by Palestine Action (PA) (PA Wire) Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel expressed her dismay at the High Court ruling, telling Sky News it was "right that it should be appealed". She added: "I think the public would be absolutely horrified to see that these individuals have been able to essentially get away with the type of activity that they have been able to thus far." Conversely, a group of 26 Labour MPs and peers, including Blair-era former minister Lord Peter Hain and senior MP John McDonnell, have written to the Government, urging it not to proceed with its planned appeal. Ross Kemp is set to return to EastEnders for a short stint as Grant Mitchell makes a dramatic return to Walford. The 61-year-old previously reprised his Albert Square role after almost 10 years away during its 40th anniversary celebrations in 2025. Grant left Walford again for his home in Portugal, but is set to return again after being called upon by estranged son Mark. Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with @RossKemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint. Full story here https://t.co/YmXlAnlDYc #EastEnders @BBC @BBCOne @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/gfNJEis7D2 BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 14, 2026 A statement on the EastEnders Facebook page said: Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint. Grant was last seen in February 2025, returning briefly to Albert Square for the shows 40th anniversary due to Nigels concerns about Phils deteriorating mental health. This year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage. Grants arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long time family friend Nigel. While full details of Grants comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama. On his return, Kemp said: Im truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchells shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year. As well as exploring Grants attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, its especially an honour to be part of Nigels powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life. Kemp went on to produce a number of documentaries after first leaving EastEnders in 1999 including Ross Kemp On Gangs, Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World. He began on the soap in 1990 and his previous appearance prior to his 2025 return, in 2016, marked his on-screen mother Dame Barbara Windsors final episode as Peggy Mitchell. The actor hosts the BBC gameshow Bridge Of Lies, which challenges contestants to cross a digital bridge by choosing a true statement over a set of wrong ones. EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders defining dynasties, and we cant wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him. Alexander Perepilichny collapsed and died while jogging near his Surrey home in 2012 Britain is facing calls to reopen the botched investigation into the death of a Russian businessman who died with similar symptoms to those of Alexei Navalny. Alexander Perepilichny, a whistleblower on organised crime and corruption in Russia, collapsed and died while jogging near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, in 2012. An inquest in 2018 found that the 44-year-old was likely to have died of natural causes, but said he may have been poisoned, with the coroner blaming Surrey Police blunders for a lack of evidence. Perepilichny suffered a bout of vomiting before his death, similar to Navalny, a critic of Vladimir Putin who died in 2024 while languishing in an Arctic penal colony. On Saturday, the UK revealed that Navalny was killed with a rare and exotic poison dart frog toxin, prompting calls from Perepilichnys allies for his case to be reopened. Bill Browder, who helped Perepilichny to expose a $230m (142m) money-laundering operation in Russia, told The Telegraph he was struck by the similarities between the two deaths. Mr Perepilichny died close to his home in Weybridge, Surrey - Vagner Vidal/INS Mr Browder, an American-British financier who successfully lobbied for the creation of the Magnitsky Act, which sanctions Russian human rights abusers, said: We were trying to determine what type of poison was used on Alexander Perepilichny in 2012, and with this new information on the Navalny poisoning, it has many similarities. Its a shame that the law enforcement authorities in Surrey were so quick to conclude that it wasnt a suspicious death and therefore [did] not preserve the evidence. It would have been nice to know what really killed him. In light of this new evidence in the Navalny case and all the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Alexander... I would hope that the UK would reopen the case that they so negligently closed for lack of crime. The 2018 inquest heard that crucial evidence, including the contents of Perepilichnys stomach, had been lost or disregarded, deepening the mystery over his death. The inquest also heard that Surrey Police failed to check CCTV from the area in which Perepilichny collapsed. Ultimately, the inquest found that he probably died of natural causes, caused by Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, though the coroner said he could not completely eliminate all possibility he was poisoned. Alexei Navalny, seen appearing via video link during a court hearing in Moscow in 2023 - YULIA MOROZOVA/REUTERS Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and arch-critic of Putin, died suddenly in a Siberian penal colony on Feb 16 2024, while he was serving a 19-year prison sentence. On Saturday, Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden said in a joint statement that they had identified a rare toxin that was used to murder him. The conclusions were based on UK-led analysis of tissue samples from his remains, which were studied at the Porton Down research centre in Wiltshire. The United States was not a signatory to the joint statement, which identified the toxin used to kill Navalny as a synthetically created version of epibatidine, first discovered in Ecuadorian frogs. But Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said he was aware of the troubling statement and had no reason to question its findings. Sir Keir Starmer with Morgan McSweeney, his ex-chief of staff. Mr McSweeney is the former head of Labour Together - Story Picture Agency Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to sever all ties with an influential Labour group accused of a smear campaign against journalists. The Prime Minister is facing demands to turn down funding from Labour Together, the think tank previously run by Morgan McSweeney, his former chief of staff. Labour Together paid a public affairs firm to investigate the backgrounds and motivations of journalists researching the sources of its funding, with its final report falsely suggesting they were part of a Russian conspiracy. The think tank has been central to the Prime Ministers rise to power, campaigning against Jeremy Corbyns hard-Left leadership and helping to ensure Sir Keir was elected in his place. Several Cabinet ministers, including Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, and Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, helped create the group, which has donated more than 2m to the party, MPs and candidates since 2024. Worrying contempt for free press The row over the smear campaign has prompted the Conservatives to write to Anna Turley, the Labour Party chairman, urging MPs to stop receiving funding from Labour Together and cut off all contact with the organisation. Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory chairman, demanded Ms Turley explain whether she considers it appropriate for Labour MPs to continue to receive cash from Labour Together. He also called on her to suspend all Labour Party engagement with Labour Together until all allegations have been independently investigated. Ms Turley was also urged to investigate Josh Simons, the former chief executive of Labour Together, who commissioned the report. Mr Hollinrake said that the role of Mr Simons, who is now a Cabinet Office minister, should be examined, along with the decision to ask the public affairs firm Apco to compile the report. Labour Togethers behaviour shows a worrying contempt for the free press, a fundamental foundation of our democracy, the Tory chairman said. With its close and widely known links to the heart of Government, serious questions must be answered about who was aware of these actions, including whether senior figures around the Prime Minister knew. After Starmers attempts to deflect from the Mandelson-Epstein affair, the public will accept nothing less than full transparency. Alison Phillips, the CEO of Labour Together and former editor of the Daily Mirror, wrote to staff saying she was horrified by the allegations despite being assured it was not the intention to look into the background of reporters. The row over the smear campaign is the latest test for Sir Keir after he survived the worst week of his premiership in the wake of further revelations of the close relationship between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. Mr McSweeney, who had become the Prime Ministers right-hand man in Downing Street, quit over the crisis last weekend, taking responsibility for recommending that Sir Keir appoint Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US. The fresh crisis over Labour Together will disrupt the Prime Ministers efforts to introduce another reset of his administration. Labour Together paid Apco, a US public affairs firm, 36,000 to compile the report into the journalists in November 2023 after The Sunday Times revealed that it had failed to declare 730,000 of donations between 2017 and 2020. The Electoral Commission found that the group had breached 20 campaign finance laws, and fined it in 2021. The Sunday Times raised questions about the role of Mr McSweeney in not declaring the donations. He had been responsible for making decisions at the time as he was chief executive. Deeply personal and fake claims Apcos 48-page report, codenamed Operation Cannon, was completed in January 2024 and marked private and confidential. Its findings were shared with senior Labour figures including advisers, a branch of GCHQ and current members of Sir Keirs top team. The report included claims about Gabriel Pogrund, The Sunday Times Whitehall editor, and Harry Yorke, its deputy political editor, who were both named as persons of significant interest. The Sunday Times said there were almost 10 pages of deeply personal and fake claims about Mr Pogrund. It also discussed his Jewish ethnicity and included false claims about his upbringing and his personal and professional relationships. It said Mr Pogrunds reporting on the Royal family could be seen as destabilising to the UK and also in the interests of Russias strategic foreign policy objectives. The report looked into the sourcing, funding and origins of The Sunday Times story into Labour Together using documents and discreet human source inquiries. It claimed the emails which backed up the published story could have come from a suspected Kremlin hack of the Electoral Commission. The likeliest culprit is the Russian state, or proxies of the Russian state, the report stated. Mr Pogrund is sanctioned by Russia, which included him on a no-travel list after the invasion of Ukraine. Only a clown wouldnt know what was happening The report was compiled by Tom Harper, a senior director of Apco and a former home affairs correspondent for The Sunday Times. The content of Apcos report will raise concerns about the commitment of senior Labour figures to the freedom of the press. Labour has already been criticised for restricting journalists access to No 10 by scrapping afternoon briefings two months ago. A Downing Street source insisted there was no reason for the Prime Minister to have known about the document, as he was not in charge of the think tank. But Sir Keir is now facing mounting calls from Labour backbenchers, as well as Reform and the SNP, to prove he was not complicit in the groups investigation. One backbencher said: The sad truth is if he didnt know then one has to question his ability and his grasp of reality. Only a complete clown would not know what was happening. The most plausible explanation is that he knew the broad outline of what was happening but chose, for plausible deniability, to not know about the details. He knew what Morgan McSweeney and his core team were just as he knew what Peter Mandelson was and reputation. So did he know the detail? Probably not. Hes not a detail person. But in that deliberate grey area he obviously encouraged, he knew the gist of what would be happening to those that got in the way of the plan to get them into No 10. So complicit, yes. Labour MP Clive Lewis, an ally of leadership hopeful Andy Burnham, also demanded an investigation. The Labour Party, and the Prime Minister, should now commit to full co-operation with an independent inquiry to establish the facts: what was commissioned, who authorised it, who knew about it, and how far it went, he said. It is not sufficient for those at the top to shrug or plead ignorance. Leadership, as the PM frequently opines, carries responsibility. Without independent verification, this issue will continue to hang over the party and over our politics more widely. At a time when authoritarianism is advancing across the world, and when trust in democratic institutions is already fragile, anything less than full and frank disclosure would be seen as evasive and deeply damaging. As such the PM should ensure it happens immediately. Mr Lewis added to pressure from Nadhim Zahawi, the former Tory chancellor who has defected to Reform UK. Mr Zahawi said: This is a huge story. If this was any other party, the calls for an investigation would be deafening. We need to know who knew about this inside Labour. Did the PM know? Nadhim Zahawi has demanded an investigation - Lucy North/PA Another Labour backbencher called for an investigation into Mr Simons for commissioning the research. I definitely think there should be an investigation followed by immediate disciplinary action if the facts are verified, one MP said. The SNP demanded that Sir Keir sack Mr Simons and asked whether the Prime Minister knew about the claims when he appointed him as a minister. Stephen Flynn, the partys Westminster leader, said: Keir Starmer must sack the Labour party minister at the centre of this creepy spy scandal. Yet again, Starmer has serious questions to answer about his judgment and his own role in this scandal. Why did he appoint Josh Simons and why has he failed to take any action despite these allegations being in the public domain? Mr Simons told The Sunday Times: I was surprised and shocked to read the report extended beyond the contract by including unnecessary information on Gabriel Pogrund. I asked for this information to be removed before passing the report to GCHQ. No other British journalists were investigated in any document I or Labour Together ever received. A spokesman for Ms Nandy said she had resigned as a director of Labour Together long before the report was commissioned, while Mr Reed said: I had no role in Labour Together when the report was commissioned or delivered. I never saw it, read it, or was told it existed. Steve Bannon discussed plans to take down Pope Francis with Jeffrey Epstein, according to new files shared by the Department of Justice. Will take down [Pope] Francis, Bannon appears to have written in a message to the pedophile financier in June 2019. The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU come on brother. Bannon, a former presidential advisor to Donald Trump and who reportedly identifies as a Roman Catholic, was highly critical of Francis, viewing his progressive global agenda as contrary to his own sovereigntist stance. In a 2018 interview with The Spectator Bannon described the Pope as beneath contempt, and accused him of siding with globalist elites. The exchange with Epstein appears to show Bannon trying to further his plans, asking whether the financier has read In the Closet of the Vatican, a 2019 book by French journalist Frederic Martel that included the bombshell claim that 80 percent of the clergy working in the Vatican are gay. Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein. The former White House advisor previously shared plans to take down Pope Francis with the pedophile financier, new documents suggest (House Oversight Committee) Bannon had previously appeared to have expressed interest in turning the book into a film, telling Epstein you are now exec producer of ITCOTV. It is unclear how serious that offer was. The financier replies saying Chomsky asking when film, in apparent reference to intellectual Noam Chomsky with whom Epstein was known to be close with. Elsewhere in the files, documents show that Epstein emailed himself on April 1 2019 a message reading in the closet of the Vatican, and also sent Bannon an article titled Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose. Bannon was apparently highly critical of Francis, viewing his progressive global agenda as contrary to his own sovereigntist stance (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Easy choice, Bannon replied. The Independent has contacted representatives of Steve Bannon for comment. Bannon is not the only MAGA acolyte to have run-ins with Pope Francis. Though he paid tribute to the pontiff following his death last year, describing him as a good man, [who] worked hard and loved the world, Donald Trump also had historic disputes with Francis. Ahead of Trumps first presidency in 2016, Francis criticized the incoming president over this vow to build a wall between Mexico and the U.S., saying a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. In January last year, one day before Trumps second inauguration, Francis spoke out about the Republican presidents plans to carry out mass deportations. Vice president JD Vance reported good relations with the pontiff during his trip to Rome, meeting with him on Easter Sunday last year and sharing a homily with him. Pope Francis died a day later on April 21 2025 (Vatican Media) "If it is true, it will be a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the imbalance. It won't do. This is not the way to solve things," the Pope wrote. The Pope also clashed with Vice President JD Vance, who is a Roman Catholic. In an interview Vance had put forward an idea known as ordo amoris, saying: Theres this old school and I think its a very Christian concept, by the way that you love your family and then you love your neighbour and then you love your community and then you love your fellow citizens and your own country, and then after that you can focus and prioritise the rest of the world. Francis contradicted the idea that there should be a hierarchy of love, writing: Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups. Vance later met the pontiff during his trip to Rome, meeting with him on Easter Sunday last year and sharing a homily with him. Pope Francis died a day later on April 21 2025. 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 Great Britains most successful Winter Olympics in history reached new heights on Sunday as skeleton racers Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker clinched gold in the mixed-team event. The result meant that day nine of Milano-Cortina was Team GBs most successful ever at a Winter Games, with two gold medals won in the space of around five hours, and three in 48, having never previously won more than one gold in a single Games. Weston, 29, has made history twice at these Games, winning Britains first mens skeleton Olympic gold on Friday before becoming the first Briton to win two medals at the same Winter Olympics on Sunday. Pretty special to be a part of that, to be honest, Weston said. Im extremely proud of what Ive been able to achieve in the past couple of days, especially to win the first-ever team event. Its absolutely amazing, and to win it with such a great teammate is just the icing on the cake. Im a bit more in control of my emotions this time! Im just absolutely over the moon. Westons two golds put him among Britains most successful Winter Olympians, but he said: I think to even consider putting my name next to those is a massive honour. I dont want to be the one to say what position I am in there, but to have my name next to those is absolutely amazing. A lot of those guys have been a massive inspiration, especially within the sliding sports. The success that theyve had has only opened the door for us to come here today and excel. Stoecker is an Olympic champion in her first appearance, improving on her fifth-place finish in the womens event. What an honour, its incredible, said Stoecker, still in disbelief. The medals really heavy, its gold, I get to share it with Matt its more than I could have ever hoped for. To be honest, I cant even remember my run now. Its just been such a whirlwind of emotions. I was trying to make some improvements on yesterday. Im just really proud of myself to come away from my first games, a decent result yesterday and then a gold in the team event. Weston and Stoecker were the last team to set off in the inaugural mixed competition on a freezing night at the Cortina Sliding Centre. Stoecker was in the green for the first half of the track but lost time further down, leaving Weston with a 0.3-second deficit to overhaul. And claw it back he did, finishing in 58.59 as the pair set a new track record time of 1:59.36, 0.17 seconds ahead of the German pair of Susanne Kreher and Axel Jungk, who added team silver to both their individual silvers. Stoecker and Weston in Cortina on Sunday (Reuters) On watching Weston bring home the gold, Stoecker said: Ive got a lot of trust in him. Hes the individual Olympic champ before this, and his standard of sliding is insane. So I had a lot of faith that he was going to lay down another exceptional run, but also its always nerve-wracking when you have to watch the clock and the splits and youre not sure like how its going to go, but the flow that he has on the sled, its just unmatched, so from about halfway down I could feel that it was gold. Weston had no knowledge of how much time he had to make up. He said: When Im at the top of the track, I kind of put my helmet just low enough that I can't see what the splits are. All I was doing was listening to my coach telling me the timings, and all I could think of was dont false start. So I was just staying very calm, and trying to be as collected and as boring as possible, just tick the boxes, get the job done. Weston is famously a perfectionist, and asked whether this was finally a perfect run, he said: I think corner nine, I wasn't exactly smooth coming out. That didnt matter, however, and the pair can now celebrate a hugely successful end to their Olympic campaigns with a few pints and pizza, Weston said, as well as with their families and friends, who all turned out to cheer them on despite -8C weather in Cortina. Stoecker and Weston celebrated on the podium (PA) Stoecker said: I got to put my little my gold medal on my niece and nephew and they were saying how heavy it was, and thats a moment that is going to last forever for me and hopefully for them too, so that was just incredible. After a slow start to this years Games, Team GB enjoyed a Super Sunday with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale winning the countrys first-ever gold medal on snow earlier in the mixed snowboard cross. There was very nearly a third medal too as Britains second pair, Marcus Wyatt and Freya Tarbit, finished fourth in Cortina. In a sign of Britains strength in depth, Tarbit was the fastest female athlete on the night. The 25-year-old raced the course in 1:00.47 to shave 0.3 seconds off the previous leading time, set by China, with Wyatt maintaining their lead to shoot to the top of the standings. The pair set a then-track record time of 1:59.65 and watched on nervously as Kreher and Jungk set off. Wyatt and Tarbit finished fourth, 0.29 off Weston and Stoecker (Getty) Kreher finished a mere 0.12 seconds down on Tarbit and Wyatt crossed his fingers in the leaders area as Jungk pushed off. The German clawed back precious milliseconds over the second half of the track, where he has been particularly strong this year, to push the British pair down the order by 0.12 seconds and guarantee a medal. Germanys Jacqueline Pfeifer and Christopher Grotheer who both took bronze in their individual events claimed another bronze, finishing 0.01 seconds down on their compatriots. The mixed skeleton event sees the female athlete race down the track with the male athlete following immediately afterwards. Their times are added together, with the lowest aggregate time determining the winning team. Unlike in individual events, which are made up of four heats, every team only gets one run, with a Formula One-style reaction start and time penalties imposed for false starts. The Taliban has published a new penal code enshrining some of its most backward practices into the law of the land in Afghanistan, with women in particular set to suffer at the hands of the courts. Signed by the hardline Islamist groups supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the 90-page criminal code includes anachronistic stipulations harking back to Islamic scripture, such as different levels of punishment depending on whether the offender is free or a slave. It effectively creates a new caste system of upper and lower members of Afghan society, allowing religious leaders or mullahs at the top virtual immunity from criminal prosecution and setting out the harshest punishments for those of the working class. Perhaps most alarmingly, the code effectively appears to put women on a par with slaves, with clauses stating that either slave masters or husbands can mete out discretionary punishment in the form of beatings to their wives or subordinates. The Independent has seen a copy of the criminal code, called De Mahakumu Jazaai Osulnama, which has been distributed across courts in Afghanistan. Many people are afraid to speak out against the code for fear of recriminations from the Taliban, even on condition of anonymity. After ripples of discontent started spreading online and via activists based outside the country, the Taliban has now issued a separate ruling stating that even discussing the new code is itself an offence, rights groups say. The code states that corporal punishment for serious crimes will be carried out not by the correctional services, but by Islamic clerics. Taliban workers from the Department of Immigration Affairs register an Afghan woman returnee from Iran in Herat (AFP via Getty) It encourages less serious misdemeanours to be dealt with through a tazir (discretionary punishment) in other words, in cases where the offender is a wife, a beating by her husband. The code does provide a route to justice for women who are assaulted, but they are required to prove they have suffered serious bodily harm by showing their wounds to the judge, while at the same time being required to remain fully covered. They are also required to be accompanied to the court by their husband or male chaperone (mahram) even though the majority of offenders in such cases are the husbands themselves. A legal adviser working in the Afghan capital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Independent that women faced an extremely lengthy and difficult process to get justice for assaults under Taliban law. She cited one of her recent cases where a woman was beaten by a Taliban guard during a visit to her husband in prison. When she complained to the authorities, she was told her plea would not be heard without her male chaperone being present the husband who was behind bars. She told them that if she had a chaperone, a mahram, the Taliban guard would not have assaulted her in the first place, the legal adviser said. She cried and shouted in the public that death is better [than the process she is going through], she said. It is impossible for women to get any justice for an assault that happens to them. It is a stark deterioration from the progress made under the previous Nato-backed Afghan administration, which had introduced tough new measures against forced marriage, rape and other forms of gender-based violence. Domestic violence against women invited punishment from three months to one year. Under the new code, even if an Afghan woman gets through all the legal and social hurdles to prove she has been the subject of a serious assault by her spouse, the husband will be given a maximum sentence of 15 days. The Taliban has neither condemned nor explicitly prohibited physical, psychological or sexual violence against women in the new code, human rights experts told The Independent. One of the only paths to justice for women who have been severely beaten is to show their wounds to a judge while at the same time remaining fully covered (AFP via Getty) Rawadari, a human rights movement tracking the hardline Islamist regime in Afghanistan that mostly operates in exile, said another part of the code does not allow women to take safe sanctuary at their parents home. Article 34 states that if a woman repeatedly goes to her fathers house or that of other relatives without her husbands permission and does not return home despite her husbands request, the woman and any member of her family and relatives who has prevented her from going to her husbands house are deemed criminal and will be sentenced to three months imprisonment, the organisation said in a statement. This provision, particularly in the case of women who take refuge at their parents house and relatives homes from violence and maltreatment by their husbands, exposes them to continued domestic violence and strips them of family and community protection, the only remaining protection for women victims of domestic violence in absence of formal and legal remedies, Rawadari said. Shaharzad Akbar, Rawadaris executive director, said that the code makes religious scholars responsible for enforcing systemic restrictions on the rights of women, girls and minorities, while the mullahs themselves are granted sweeping immunity from legal consequences. The new legal system also effectively institutes a caste system in which punishment is decided not by the nature of the crime, but the social status of the criminal. At the top of the hierarchy are religious scholars, followed by the elites, the middle class, and the lower class at the bottom. If a religious scholar commits a crime, they will receive advice regarding their actions. A member of the social elite would receive a maximum punishment of advice and a court summons if needed. For the middle class, the maximum punishment is imprisonment, while for the lower class, it is imprisonment combined with corporal punishment. So the mullah is king now, Akbar says. The mullah calls the shots, and the mullah gets all the privileges that ordinary people cant, because theyre put even above elites. The British defence secretary, John Healey, visits British personnel at the Tapa military base in Estonia in December 2024. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images (Photograph: WPA/Getty Images) Britain and Germanys highest ranking military leaders have made an unprecedented joint appeal to the public to accept the moral case for rearmament and prepare for the threat of war with Russia. Related: Britain needs to go faster on defence spending, Starmer says The pair said they were making the plea not just as the military leaders of two of Europes largest military spenders, but as voices for a Europe that must now confront uncomfortable truths about its security. Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the UKs chief of the defence staff, and Gen Carsten Breuer, Germanys chief of defence, said Russias military stance had shifted decisively westward and a step change was needed in Europes defence and security. In a joint article published in the Guardian and the German newspaper Die Welt, in the wake of the Munich Security Conference, the defence chiefs said they had a duty to explain what is at stake so that the public could understand why the UK and Germany have committed to the biggest sustained increases in defence spending since the end of the cold war. There is a moral dimension to this endeavour. Rearmament is not warmongering; it is the responsible action of nations determined to protect their people and preserve peace, they write. There is significant reluctance among voters in Britain and Germany to accept economic pain in return for rearmament, even while majorities in both countries believe the outbreak of a third world war is more likely than not in the next five years. In Britain, polling this month by YouGov found that a minority favour tax rises (25%) or spending cuts (24%) to fund greater spending on the armed forces including those who say it is very important to increase UK hard power. German and French voters are also now less likely than they were last year to support increased defence budgets if it meant a trade-off with other investment, according to a poll for Politico this month. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said at the weekend that there was an urgent need for Britain to have a closer defence relationship with Europe, covering procurement and manufacturing, so that the UK would be at the centre of a stronger European defence setup. In a visit to the Munich Security Conference, he told the audience: We are not the Britain of the Brexit years as he argued that the long-term threat posed by Russia and the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence required the UK to integrate more closely on defence procurement with European allies. Europe was, he said, a sleeping giant but there had been fragmented industrial planning and procurement Knighton and Breuer write: If Russia perceives Europe as weak or divided, it may be emboldened to extend its aggression beyond Ukraine. History teaches us that deterrence fails when adversaries sense disunity and weakness. We know that Russian aggression and intentions extend beyond Ukraine. Echoing language used by government figures in Britain, Germany and other European states, Knighton and Breuer said the complexity of threats demanded a an honest continent-wide conversation with our publics that defence cannot be the preserve of uniformed personnel alone. They called for a whole-of-society defence with resilient infrastructure, research and development in technology from the private sector, and national institutions prepared to function under increasing threats. The UK and Germany have committed to deepening security and defence cooperation and signed what became known as the Trinity House agreement in 2024. The German government is under pressure to meet its promise to revive economic growth after a prolonged downturn and to ramp up defence spending amid concerns over Russian aggression. Germany is permanently stationing a combat brigade of 4,000-5,000 troops to Natos eastern flank and has amended its constitution to make essentially unrestricted funding available for defence. Procurement of several thousand armoured vehicles has also started, alongside an expansion of industrial capacity. Britain is building as many as six munitions factories, which are aimed at generating what the Ministry of Defence describes as an always on capability to sustain munitions stockpiles. The debate about European security almost four years after Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and amid increasing ambiguity around the extent of US support for Nato after Donald Trumps return to the White House comes as the governments in Germany and the UK seek to rebalance spending after an era of investing a supposed peace dividend in public services. Nato leaders at last years summit in The Hague committed to spending 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035. Such a move would expand the British economy in the short term, according to research, but there is still opposition on the left of the Labour party to defence hikes at the cost of spending on health and alleviating poverty. That debate is even more polarised in Germany, with opposition to increased defence spending on the left and, to a degree, from the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party. Speaking on the opening day of the Munich conference, Germanys chancellor, Friedrich Merz, singled out the threat Russia posed to Europe, warning freedom can no longer be taken for granted. We have to understand that in the era of big powers, our freedom is no longer a given. It is at stake. We will need to show firmness and determination to assert this freedom, he said. 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. On the anniversary of Michael OSullivans tragic death, his brother Alan has spoken of the emotion of life without his brother and how honouring his memory is inspiring his own journey in the saddle. It was on February 6, 2025 that the Cheltenham Festival-winning rider suffered a fall at Thurles that would ultimately claim his life 10 days later on February 16. OSullivans death united racing in sorrow, and few would have blamed his brother if he had decided never to set eyes on a horse again. However, racing is in the blood of the OSullivan dynasty and out of the visceral darkness of the last 12 months has come the inspiration to follow in the footprints of his sibling and continue living out their deep-rooted equine dreams. Michael OSullivan surrounded by packed crowds at Cheltenham after Marine Nationale won the Supreme Novices Hurdle (David Davies for The Jockey Club) (David Davies for the Jockey Club) I was Michaels shadow growing up, following him everywhere, said OSullivan. When its just the two of you, you do everything together and have the same interests. He was my big brother and I was trying to do whatever Michael was doing. At first I thought I might not want to (ride again), but there hasnt really been that moment yet and as soon as I got on a horse it just felt as natural as it does for any horseman. My mother is a worrier and I didnt want to put her through any more strain, which I think would stop me, but she told me to keep going and doing what I love. I suppose its comforting that Michael was able to do what he loved. He wasnt here very long, but he never had a day where he wasnt fulfilling his dream. He was never short of confidence and he just enjoyed life. When he was riding in the big races he was doing what he loved and his confidence would always come through when he was riding. His achievements inspire me and he would want me to keep going too, he knew how much I loved it. You are just trying to make him proud and if I could achieve half of what he achieved then I would be a happy man. Alan OSullivan is congratulated by owner JP McManus (left) and trainer Emmet Mullins after winning at the Galway Festival (Niall Carson/PA) (Niall Carson) There are no rules when it comes to grief, with the occasional high often swiftly followed by the deepest longing for those lost. They say time heals the broken heart, but for the OSullivan family the second-hand has barely stopped turning during a 12 months where inner resolve faces daily questioning on the route to a new normal. Speaking to the Press Association, OSullivan said: The last year has flown by and it still feels like yesterday. Its been very tough, but weve been very lucky with the people we have around us. Its been a case of taking things day by day. Its still pretty raw and its only been a year and you have times where you think has it really happened. It probably wont get any easier, but we just have to keep driving on. My parents are doing as well as can be, my dad as well as being a racing man is a farmer and he keeps himself busy working incredibly hard and that hasnt changed. Both my mother and father are incredibly strong people. It is a new normal for us and its just getting used to that, but were not the only ones who have gone through loss. We are just learning to get on with things and take it day by day. It was in 2023 when OSullivan shot to prominence with a double at National Hunts showpiece meeting, excelling aboard Barry Connells Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices Hurdle before adding the Fred Winter aboard Jazzy Matty later that same day. Queen Camilla (left) speaks with Charlotte Giles, partner of the late Michael OSullivan, during last years Cheltenham Festival (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph) (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph) Both horses would strike again on an afternoon of raw emotion at the Cheltenham Festival held little under a month after the jockeys death moments of togetherness with the close-knit racing community that have provided comfort for a family appreciative of their sport. That support has been evident on days of triumph for the younger OSullivan during his own fledgling riding career, such as his emotional victory in the famous JP McManus silks often worn by his brother during the Galway Festival. OSullivan said: The racing community on both sides of the Irish Sea have been brilliant to us and have helped a lot. Given how close we were, theres been times I would love to just pick up the phone to Michael, but Ive been lucky with the people I have around me. I might not not be able to pick up the phone to Michael, but there are still people there to talk to. You have to take the highs as well as the lows and there have been some great days in the last year among the sadness, the race in Galway with Filey Bay and I won the race in memory of Michael at Fairyhouse not so long ago with all the family there. Were a big family and very close, so youre never alone, but there are some high and lows, like there are in everyones life. I guess for us its just a bit more extreme. Just like his brother, the younger OSullivan has continued his education in his native Cork, soon to graduate with a degree in Pharmaceutical biotechnology. Alan OSullivan looks to the skies following Filey Bays victory at Galway (Niall Carson/PA) (Niall Carson) The technology lab may be a far cry from the racecourse, but that is where the heart and soul of the family will always lie and he will soon undertake the same decisions Michael himself faced when deciding to turn professional and making the early inroads in a career ultimately cut short far too soon. Im in my final year of college now and looking forward to getting that out the way, OSullivan explained. Im studying Pharmaceutical biotechnology so a totally different world to racing, but it allows me to ride as an amateur still. Once its out the way Im looking forward to giving the riding a good go either as an amateur or professional. At the moment I dont know which and Ill have a think about it between now and Punchestown (Festival). Im following a very similar path to Michael and whether I can match his achievements I dont know, but its nice to follow in his footsteps. Donald Trump has claimed that the board of peace has pledged more than $5bn (3.67bn) towards rebuilding Gaza. The US presidents board of peace was originally envisioned as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but the Trump administration has since suggested it could play a role as a global conflict mediator after inviting dozens of nations, including Ukraine and Russia to join. In a post on Truth Social, the president said that member states would be meeting next week at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where they would announce the pledge of billions of dollars alongside thousands of personnel set to maintain security and peace in the war-torn strip. Delegations from more than 20 countries, including heads of state, are expected to attend. Trump announced a meeting of the board of peace members next week (Truth Social/ @realDonaldTrump) The Board of Peace has unlimited potential, he wrote on Truth Social. Last October, I released a Plan for the permanent end to the Conflict in Gaza, and our Vision was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council. Shortly thereafter, we facilitated Humanitarian Aid at record speed, and secured the release of every living and deceased Hostage. Just last month, two dozen distinguished Founding Members joined me in Davos, Switzerland, to celebrate its official formation, and present a bold Vision for the Civilians in Gaza, and then, ultimately, far beyond Gaza WORLD PEACE! US president Donald Trump listens at the board of peace meeting during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Concerns have been raised by European nations over the unexpected invitation extended to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has waged a brutal war in Ukraine since February 2022. There has also been anger among Arab states over the inclusion of Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose war in Gaza has led to the deaths of 72,000 Palestinians. Concerns have also been raised about the role of former British prime minister Tony Blair, who is expected to sit on the founding executive board despite concerns raised about his involvement in the Iraq war. Dozens of countries have so far committed to joining the board, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Trump continued: On February 19th, 2026, I will again be joined by Board of Peace Members at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where we will announce that Member States have pledged more than $5 BILLION DOLLARS toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts, and have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans, he continued. Many countries have already accepted invitations to join Trumps board (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization. The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman, he added, signing off with his full name in capital letters. Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire plan last year, with it officially taking effect in October, although both sides have accused each other repeatedly of violating the terms. More than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the territory since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel has said four of its soldiers have been killed by Palestinian militants in the same period. Rupert Lowe announced in Great Yarmouth that his Restore Britain movement would become a national party. Photograph: Jason Bye/The Guardian (Photograph: Jason Bye/The Guardian) On a cold night in a dilapidated theatre tucked away at the end of Great Yarmouths Britannia Pier, Rupert Lowe was launching a far-right revolution. Millions will have to go, the MP said as he pledged a policy of mass deportations to rapturous applause and foot stamping from the hundreds of people gathered for what had been billed as the launch of a local Great Yarmouth First party. But after introducing five councillors who will stand at the next Norfolk county council elections under that banner, the former Reform UK figure went further by announcing that his Restore Britain movement would become a national party. In an electoral battlefield littered with failed startups, Lowes new party is, for now, little more than a pebble in the shoe of Nigel Farages Reform, from which he parted ways last year after a bitter falling out. However, over the weekend other parties and figures to the right of Reform quickly rallied behind the new party. Advance UK, led by the former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib and backed by the far-right activist known as Tommy Robinson, said it would consider a merger. Such a force could cost Reform a number of seats and potentially even power, in a wafer-thin general election result by splitting support among those drawn to hard-right anti-immigration populism. One seasoned Tory strategist said: Weve had a general election with a big Labour win but where a lot of their MPs had margins of around 1,000 votes, so you could see small challengers on the right disrupting Reforms attempts to follow that. In 2024, 46 seats were won with a margin of less than 2%. While Reform has placed great store in social media, Habib and, in particular, Lowe have significant presences on X, where each have been amplified by Elon Musk, who funded Robinsons legal bills last year. Musk, who has taken a dislike to Farage in favour of Lowe, retweeted the latter on Saturday, saying: Join Rupert Lowe in Restore Britain, because he is the only one who will actually do it! A cohort of young rightwing would-be influencers pushing a more exclusive, ethnically nationalistic view of British identity have flocked to Lowe, who had attained a cult appeal among many Reform members. Among those at his event in Great Yarmouth was Lucy White, an activist and sometime GB News contributor accused of racist tweets. Steve Laws, a prominent activist and ethnonationalist influencer, tweeted: Rupert Lowe is our leader. GET IN LINE. Other figures such as the millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne and the actor John Cleese have also given approving signals. Advance UK, meanwhile, has cultivated street protest. Large numbers of its flags in some cases handed out to people unaware of the group were prominent among the thousands of people who marched through the town of Crowborough last month against the use of a former military base to house asylum seekers. Reform are vacating the part of the political spectrum on which it was founded. Were the old Reform, and Reform is becoming the Tories 2.0, Habib said before the launch of Advances first policies at the Emmanuel Centre, a Westminster venue let out by an evangelical church. The former Brexit party MEP says he has put 100,000 into the party and it has raised 600,000 from other sources. We have people joining us because theyre fed up with the way Reform is run, or because they have an ideological conviction and see Farage changing the message, he said. Our original Reform manifesto had rejected the World Economic Forum and yet there was Farage taking an Iranian billionaires money to go to Davos. An early indication will come this month in the Gorton and Denton byelection where Advance is standing Nick Buckley, who received an MBE for his charity work but who has since become known for his extreme language on race and Islam. Lowes party, meanwhile, has adopted a decentralised structure that is likely to show up the top-down approach of Farages party. The Great Yarmouth First party is aiming to win all of the nine seats in the borough whenever postponed county council elections take place. This will be a pilot for Restore Britain, which will act as an umbrella for others. Separated from Reform, Lowe has proven himself able to attract attention. A self-styled inquiry that he set up into the grooming gangs scandal attracted the involvement of Tory MPs including Nick Timothy, Esther McVey and Gavin Williamson. In Great Yarmouth, one of the English coastal towns with high levels of deprivation, which Reform used as a springboard for its 2024 breakthrough, a clash between Lowe and his old party looms at the next general election. We won it last time and we will win again, Reform sources said. But Lowe remains a rallying point for others. Rightwing activists and former Reform supporters had travelled from as far away as Scotland to attend the event. They included Maria Bowtell, an East Riding of Yorkshire councillor and single mother who was once regarded as a Reform rising star and who had driven down with her young son. Reform used to stand for something hopeful but its clear they wont really change anything, plus people like me just werent supported, Bowtell said. I went on Womans Hour and was hung out to dry. Im attracted now to the idea of independents getting together. Russia is suffering crazy losses in Ukraine, tallying about 65,000 soldiers over the last two months, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said in Munich. Separately, he told a media roundtable that the Nato alliance was strong enough that Russia would not currently try to attack it. We will win every fight with Russia if they attack us now, and we have to make sure in two, four, six years that same is still the case, he said. Michelle Stone was beaten with a chair by a student with a history of violence - Thompsons Solicitors/Solent News A headteacher who now needs a wheelchair after being attacked by a pupil with special needs has won a six-figure payout. Michelle Stone, 50, was working at a school in Hampshire when she was beaten with a chair by a student with a history of violence. Mrs Stone, who had stepped in to help a colleague, suffered serious spinal injuries, broken ribs and a fractured collarbone. Her injuries were so severe, she was forced to leave her job of seven years. She now suffers with chronic pain and psychological trauma. Mrs Stone was forced to leave her job and now suffers with chronic pain and psychological trauma - Thompsons Solicitors/Solent News In the months before the attack, in May 2019, the same pupil had seriously injured two other members of staff, and four or five adults often had to be present to keep their behaviour under control. Mrs Stone says she repeatedly raised urgent concerns with senior leadership from late 2018 onwards, warning that both staff and pupils were being placed in danger. However, no additional support was provided and no changes were made. Although the school denied liability, it has now agreed an undisclosed six-figure settlement, lawyers representing Mrs Stone said. Speaking of her injuries, Mrs Stone, of Bournemouth, said: There hasnt been a day that I havent been in pain. I have had numerous surgeries. People ask when will you be recovered? Unfortunately it is not recovery, it is degenerative. The surgeries and the medical intervention is to slow down the degeneration rather than help me to recover. Following the assault, Mrs Stone instructed Joanne Soccard, a workplace assault specialist with Thompsons Solicitors, through her membership of NAHT, the school leaders union. Her legal team said that the school which has not been named failed to act, ignored repeated warnings and failed to respond appropriately to previous attacks. Mrs Stone said staff at the specialist school were highly trained and experienced in managing potentially dangerous situations but that the behaviour of this pupil went beyond what we were equipped to manage safely. I was worried not only for my staff, but for the safety of the pupil and the other children in the school, she added. She went on: I loved my job and worked hard to support my students and staff. But I was placed in an impossible situation one that was preventable. I want to make sure no one else goes through this. Ms Soccard described the case as deeply troubling, adding: Our client followed every procedure, raised concerns, and asked for help but the support simply wasnt there. There are teachers all over the country working in increasingly complex environments without the protection they deserve. If schools are serious about staff wellbeing, they must learn from this and act. The closure of the Coore Arms means there is no longer a village pub in Scruton, North Yorkshire An award-winning pub recognised for helping those forced to isolate during the coronavirus pandemic has blamed Rachel Reevess tax raid for its closure. The Coore Arms, a village pub in Scruton, North Yorkshire, closed last Friday. Its owners accused Labour of creating an environment where survival is no longer possible. During the pandemic, the pub served as a lifeline for vulnerable villagers by providing grocery deliveries to those forced to shield or self-isolate. It was recognised by the local district council and given a special award by the Campaign for Real Ale for its not-for-profit grocery collection service. However, owner Mark Brown announced last week that the pub would close because of the Chancellors decision to raise employers National Insurance contributions, minimum wage and alcohol duty. The Telegraph is campaigning to save Britains pubs, which have been hit by tax rises and surging energy bills. In her November Budget, Rachel Reeves announced that Covid-era business rates relief would end in April, and hit pubs with a revaluation of the tax. UKHospitality, the industry body, had warned that the typical pub faced a 15 per cent increase in its rates bill in 2026, amounting to 7,000 extra per year by 2028-29. Ms Reeves was forced into announcing a support package worth 80m a year following a backlash from Labour MPs, opposition parties and industry leaders. Mr Brown said: The truth is stark: we are making no money. Our operating costs have risen dramatically, and the recent Budget has placed additional burdens on hospitality businesses that we simply cannot absorb. The increase in the minimum wage, employers National Insurance contributions, alcohol duty combined with rising energy costs and the ongoing pressures on small businesses, have created an environment where survival is no longer possible. He added: Please do not think I have just given up I have carried on until we simply cannot go any further. I have drained every last ounce of my own money to keep the place going. But we have reached the point where continuing would mean pouring money into a venture that grows more unsustainable by the day. Local residents expressed their disappointment at the pubs closure on social media, with one writing: I am very sorry to hear that. Rural pubs are the lifeblood of villages. Another wrote: Such a shame, we used to go there when I visited home. Well done Labour, another business and community hub shut down. The pub has been listed for sale since last year, but no buyer has so far come forward to meet the 295,000 asking price. On Friday, the landlord challenged customers to drink us dry by offering all the pubs remaining drinks at half price before shutting its doors for the final time. The closure means Scruton has become the latest village to lose its last remaining pub. Since Labour came to power, Britain has lost more than 500 pubs, analysis of figures from the Valuation Office Agency shows. Last week, the UK Statistics Authority criticised Ms Reeves for misleading the public over her tax raid on pubs. The watchdog said she should have been clearer about the true effect of her tax plans when she claimed they would cut business rates to a 35-year low. Anyone who pulls out a knife in public should expect to be shot by police, the leader of Scotlands police union has warned. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said that officers needed better protection against increasing numbers of knife attackers. Mr Kennedy told The Herald: If you walk out into the street in Scotland with a knife you should expect to be shot by police. British police officers are routinely unarmed, with only a small number of specialist firearms officers allowed to carry guns. However the SPF which represents 98 pc of the countrys police officers is pushing for change as it sets out its key demands ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May. The organisation wants New Zealand-style rules, which would mean firearms in every police car, allowing officers to access guns quickly if there is a threat to life. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said that rising knife crime means officers need better protection - Andrew Milligan/PA The demand comes after police arrested two teenage boys carrying knives last month. Footage showed one of the boys carrying what appeared to be a machete on Rose Street in Edinburgh in the middle of the day. Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were seriously injured in a stabbing attack at a school in north London last week, with a teenage boy arrested after he fled to a nearby mosque. Mr Kennedy told The Telegraph: There seems to be a culture of more knives. I believe that anybody willing to be caught with a machete in public should be mindful of the fact that it will be a firearms team that deals with them. Under current rules, he said, police officers attend such incidents armed only with a baton or a Taser when ideally it should be a firearms team that is sent to respond. The protocol should be that if youre in public with a knife, it should be met with force, Mr Kennedy said. Stabbing spree Police officer David Whyte was injured when he responded to an asylum seekers stabbing spree at a hotel in Glasgow in June 2020. Officers attempted to use non-lethal weapons to disarm Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh, 28, before he was shot and killed. An inquiry into the incident will start next month. The Scottish police federations proposals go further than those made by its equivalent south of the border, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). The PFEW has not said that people who wield knives should expect to be shot, nor has it called for all officers to be armed. However, it did say forces should train more officers who voluntarily choose to arm themselves. A spokesman said: PFEW believes that police officers should not be routinely armed on duty. Officers who choose to carry a firearm are volunteers. The Police Federation believes there are insufficient numbers of authorised firearms officers [AFOs]. There should be an urgent assessment of the police services firearms capability and more AFOs trained. Police Scotland also refused to back Mr Kennedys proposal. A spokesman for the force said: All firearms officers undergo robust training which focuses on de-escalation and communication, which is always the primary objective when responding to incidents where there is a potential risk of serious harm. The Wegovy pill got off to a strong start in January, with health analysts calling it the fastest drug launch ever. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images (Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images) I just felt slow: I want to be able to do anything my kids want to do and not have weight be a factor. Even a ride or a water park things have weight limits, says Melody Ewert, 44, from Minnesota. Ewert has just switched from Eli Lillys Zepbound weekly injection to Novo Nordisks new daily Wegovy pill. Analysts believe the arrival of easy-to-take tablets could push weight-loss treatments further into the mainstream in a year that has been described as pivotal for the booming anti-obesity market. The new pills, like the jabs, mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 that regulates appetite. Denmarks Novo set down a marker last month, with the US launch of its daily pill the first oral GLP-1 drug for weight loss. The Wegovy pill has got off to a strong start in the US, with 50,000 prescriptions a week by late January, more than for the Wegovy shot after launch in June 2021 and rival jabs at that stage. It was the fastest drug launch ever, according to health analysts at Leerink Partners, after the US regulator FDA gave the green light on 22 December. However, concerns over the price, global supplies and side-effects of treatments persist in the rapidly growing sector, estimated to be worth $200bn (145bn) by the end of the decade. Making the switch Determined to lose weight, Ewert initially lost 16.6kg (37lb) without medications, but quickly put most of it back on, and started taking Zepbound in late July. She shed 22.7kg, enabling her to ditch the seatbelt extender on planes. To be able to shop in the normal shop is a big deal; before I would have to just order clothes, try them on at home and then return them, she says. She switched to the Wegovy pill because her health insurance changed, meaning that she would go from paying $25 a month to $449 a month for Zepbound. Ewert, who runs a graphic design and video production business with her husband, says she feels better on the medications and has been eating more protein, fibre and vegetables, and avoiding deep-fried food. Unlike with the Zepbound jab, when she had higher appetite in the last two to three days before her next dose, on the Wegovy pill it is consistent every day how my appetite feels and the food noise is very low, even on the starter dose, although she loved only needing to take the shot once a week. Dr Eric Perakslis, chief science officer at the US weight-loss tracking app Shotsy and a former chief scientist at the FDA, says there has been a flood of both new patients and people switching to the Wegovy tablet from jabs. Its very simple, just to take a pill, says Patrick, 33, a parts manager for a fire truck repair facility from New Jersey. He has been on the Wegovy tablet for a month and has lost 6.8kg on the starting dose. He had used the weekly Wegovy injection a couple of years ago and lost 34kg in six months, but stopped taking it because his new health insurance did not cover it after he changed jobs. He regained three-quarters of the weight and, when the Wegovy pill came out, decided to pay for it out of his own pocket, at $150 a month for the starter dose. He is hoping to lose as much weight as last time by taking higher doses that cost up to $300. A growing market Pills are likely to attract people who are averse to needles; they are also cheaper than injections, and do not need to be kept in the fridge. In the UK, the Wegovy pill is being assessed by the medical regulator and expected to hit the market later this year, but it is too soon to say whether it will be available on the NHS. There are already fears that fake versions could flood the market because pills are easier to manufacture for fraudsters than jabs. Despite many reports of British users secretly taking the drugs or appearing to have Ozempic face, there are signs the stigma is fading and more people are open about taking them. There were 1.6 million users in England, Scotland and Wales between early 2024 and early 2025, twice as many women as men, typically people aged 45 to 55, according to a study by UCL researchers. Many are paying out of their own pockets as NHS coverage is limited to the most obese. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults were overweight or obese in England in 2022. Another 3.3 million people were interested in using weight-loss drugs in the near future, especially people who are struggling financially, among whom obesity is more prevalent, the study said. This means nearly one in 10 adults in Britain have recently used a weight-loss drug or would like to use one. This compares with one in eight users in the US, a recent KFF poll showed, even though half say the drugs are difficult to afford. This week, high street retailer Boots launched a pilot of an in-store service which will allow customers in London, Manchester and Edinburgh to be assessed to see if they are eligible for a weight loss jab. With global obesity levels forecast to accelerate rapidly this decade, particularly in lower-income countries, demand for weight-loss medications is soaring. The GLP-1 market is expected to ramp up from $75bn at present to $200bn by the early 2030s, JPMorgan Chase analysts predict. More than half of adults are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2050, according to a study in The Lancet. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found last summer that, despite other health benefits such as reduced risk of strokes and heart attacks, GLP-1 injections fell well short of standard benchmarks for cost-effectiveness for governments because of their high cost. However, researchers, led by Dr Jennifer Hwang from the university, believe pills could be more cost effective for the US government. A recent study showed people who stop taking GLP-1 jabs regain all the weight they lost in under two years. There can be significant side-effects, and experts have called for more research into a potential link between GLP-1 jabs and a rise in gallbladder removals by NHS England. Big pharmas race The cash price of the Wegovy pill ranges from $149 to $299 a month depending on the dose, less than the recently lowered cash prices for injectable products after pressure from Donald Trump. Novo shares plummeted 17% in a single day in early February when the company forecast a steeper-than-expected drop in sales and profits this year, after meteoric growth that made it Europes most valuable company, worth more than the entire Danish economy. It issued several profit warnings and cut 9,000 jobs last year. There was some scepticism that Novo could quickly ramp up manufacturing of the tablet, which is a reformulation of semaglutide, the same ingredient as in the Wegovy jab, but at a much higher concentration. This means it has to be taken on an empty stomach with a small sip of water. Novos main rival, Eli Lilly, the maker of the popular Mounjaro and Zepbound jabs, is not far behind, with the US launch of its weight-loss pill orforglipron expected as soon as April. Unlike the Wegovy pill, it is a small molecule, not a peptide (large protein), and more easily absorbed by the body, without a fasting requirement. Many people have been opting for Mounjaro over the Wegovy shot because clinical studies show it leads to greater weight loss. Analysts at Goldman Sachs predict 2026 will be a pivotal year for the development of the obesity market with the launch of the Novo and Lilly pills, potentially significantly increasing the addressable population for obesity medications. Crucially, the US Medicare health insurance programme will start covering GLP-1 medications for the first time from April. Analysts at UBS forecast peak annual sales of $3.25bn for the Wegovy pill, compared with $16bn for the injection in the coming years, pointing to a higher drop-out rate in studies (one in 10 stopped taking it because of side-effects, including nausea and vomiting). Both the Novo and Lilly pills are less effective than GLP-1 injections. Analysts say obese people who need to lose more weight will probably stick with jabs, while pills could attract new patients who are overweight or mildly obese. There are other pills in development, notably from the California biotech companies Structure Therapeutics and Viking Therapeutics. Britains biggest drugmaker AstraZenecas obesity and diabetes pill, acquired from the Chinese drug developer Eccogene, is in mid-stage clinical trials. Companies such as AstraZeneca are also working on injectable drugs targeting the hormone amylin for enhanced weight-loss regimes, combining different drugs and medicines designed to preserve muscle mass. Dr Sophie Dix, head of medical affairs at the UK online pharmacy MedExpress, who previously worked for Lilly, says: If were looking at the global impact of these [GLP-1 drugs], we havent even scratched the surface yet in terms of the global eligible population. She takes Mounjaro. I personally prefer to take a weekly jab rather than a daily pill, just in terms of remembering. We still have a lot of people to reach, says Hwang. Because the price is coming down, and there are more options in terms of formulations and very high efficacy drugs, hopefully it will go in the right direction. A view of the Cambrian mountains, the part of mid-Wales where the rewilding project will take place. Photograph: shoults/Alamy (Photograph: shoults/Alamy) A Welsh charity has bought more than 480 hectares (1,195 acres) in Ceredigion to establish Cymrus flagship rewilding project, helping the country catch up with large-scale nature recovery projects under way elsewhere in the UK. Tir Natur (Natures Land), founded in 2022, announced it had acquired the site at Cwm Doethie in Elenydd, or the Cambrian mountains, after a fundraising drive launched last year raised 50% of the 2.2m purchase price. A philanthropic bridging loan enabled the sale. Fundraising efforts to begin early restoration work and community activities on the rewilding site Waless largest are ongoing. The naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams, an ambassador for the charity, said: I am hugely excited by their efforts to purchase land and showcase the benefits of rewilding, not only to wildlife and the physical environment but to farming, Welsh communities and culture. Nature needs this. Tash Reilly, Tir Naturs chair, said: This site will demonstrate whats possible when we allow nature to take the lead and work for people again. Its a hopeful, practical vision anyone can contribute to. Related: Elk could return to UK after 3,000 years in rewilding project Tir Natur says the project will restore Cwm Doethies natural landscape, which includes rivers, peat bogs and ancient woodland, acting as a carbon sink and reducing the risk of flooding downstream. It aims to encourage the return of red squirrels, pine martens, polecats, curlews and hen harriers, and to create new nature corridors and habitats for beavers and butterflies. The charity plans to use a wild grazing system involving traditional cattle, pony and pig breeds to act as ecosystem architects that kickstart natural regeneration by turning over soil. The site had previously been considered poor for grazing and unsuitable for commercial forestry owing to its location in a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Ian Rickman, the president of the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW), told Cambrian News the union had concerns over the scale and transparency of this project. He said: While it is positive that the role of livestock has been acknowledged, questions remain over how such a large area of land will be managed and funded in practice. He said the FUW would seek to work with the charity to ensure the voices of local farmers and rural communities are properly heard and considered. Reilly said Tir Natur was seeking a long-term approach and was keen to engage with farmers and their representatives as the project moves forward. We respect that there are different views about rewilding, she said. The recent Natural Resources Wales and Welsh government reports show nature in Wales is continuing to decline, which is our motivation We will improve this sites ecological health while ensuring it is a working rural landscape. The valley in the Cambrian mountains is set to become Waless largest rewilding site by far: some of the biggest in the UK are Cairngorms Connect at 60,000 hectares, Rewilding Affric Highlands, currently 80,000 hectares, and the Lake Districts Wild Ennerdale (4,400 hectares). The UK ranks 229th out of 240 nations, with an average score of 50%, in the Natural History Museums biodiversity intactness index. In 2017, another major rewilding project in Wales, Summit to Sea, aimed to establish a protection area stretching from the Pumlumon massif in Elenydd to Cardigan Bay, encompassing 10,000 hectares of land and a 28,000-hectare marine zone, but it faced criticism from the local community. It was re-established as Tir Canol (Middle Ground) in 2020 and is now focused on a smaller area of mountainous Elenydd. Idaho is known for its farmland and natural beauty, not necessarily its architecture. But that doesn't mean the Gem State is lacking when it comes to buildings that will make you take a second look. In fact, Idaho is known for some unusual, quirky, and downright weird buildings. From unique places to stay to a historic church, the following is what I believe to be some of the strangest buildings in Idaho. Would you agree? 1. Big Idaho Potato Hotel Boise One of Idahos most well-known, unusual-looking buildings is the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. Once a 6-ton potato that traveled around the U.S. on the Idaho Potato Commission's Big Idaho Potato Tour, it is now a delightful Airbnb just a short drive from downtown Boise. Located on gorgeous farmland and boasting cozy furnishings, this tiny home vacation rental is truly one of the most unique places to stay in Idaho. It's not every day you can say you slept inside a massive potato. 2. Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) Boise JHVEPhoto stock.adobe.com I remember the first time I saw Jack's Urban Meeting Place, better known as JUMP. I was truly intrigued by the building. This is a creative activity center in downtown Boise with spaces for classes, meetings, workshops, exhibitions, and more. Here, there is constantly something going on, something to learn, and something to do, regardless of your age. Plus, you'll find unique features like a five-story tube slide, a three-story outdoor net to climb, a beautiful front lawn, a collection of vintage tractors, and so much more. 3. Schweitzer Castle Sandpoint You wont find many castles in Idaho, but Schweitzer Castle's Chateau de Melusine, located just a short drive from Schweitzer Mountain Resort in northern Idaho, is truly one of the most remarkable. This unique building is actually an Airbnb that transports you into a storybook world the minute you arrive. The details both inside and out of this property are extraordinary, from a mote you must walk across to the stained-glass windows and spiral staircases. And while you can live out a childhood fantasy in this themed vacation rental, I recommend you explore the town of Sandpoint, or spend a day on the slopes or a nearby hiking trail. There is so much to love in this corner of the state. Advertisement 4. Mission of the Sacred Heart Coeur d'Alene Old Mission State Park JHVEPhoto stock.adobe.com The Mission of the Sacred Heart may not look as strange as other buildings on our list, but it certainly has a unique history and is a destination that will make you stare. The Sacred Heart Mission Church was built between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest building in Idaho. One fun fact about this unique church is that no nails were used in its construction. Rather, it was built using wooden pegs and stone, along with wattle and dub, which is twigs and wooden strips covered in a mixture of clay, mud, straw, dung, etc. 5. Johnny Sack Cabin Island Park Maybe it's because of my love for Island Park, but one of my favorite unusual buildings in Idaho is the Johnny Sack Cabin. This piece of history is nestled at Big Springs, just a few miles east of Mack's Inn. You have to take a short walk if you wish to see the cabin up close, but you can also enjoy the views from a distance. This unique cabin was built by a German cabinet maker named Johnny Sack in the early 1930s. And while there are hundreds of cabins in the Island Park area, this one is unique not only for its age but also for its craftsmanship. Look closely and you'll notice that bark is still left on much of the lumber around the home. This creates a unique texture and color to the wood. What do you think of these unique buildings in Idaho? Each one certainly has a story to tell and that's what we love-connection, community, creativity. What other weird architecture in Idaho deserves to be on this list? Can you think of any buildings? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you. If you are ready to plan your own Idaho adventure, make sure to use our Only In Your State itinerary planner for your activity, lodging, and restaurant recommendations. The Duchess of Edinburgh took the time to open a new community hub in Hampshire this week. Sophie visited Brendoncare Knightwood in Chandlers Ford to open the Knightwood Community Hub. The duchess, who is a patron of Brendoncare, also planted a magnolia tree to mark the occasion. Michael Cruthley, the chief executive of Brendoncare, spoke on the visit, saying: We were delighted to welcome The Duchess on such a happy occasion. Duchess of Edinburgh | Source: GETTY We are thrilled she continues to take such a keen interest in our activities across our network of community clubs in Hampshire, and our seven care homes. During the visit, Sophie met with members of the club as well as staff and volunteers. She also tried her hand at kurling, one of the most popular activities that takes place at the venue. She spoke with residents from the Knightwood Court care home and Knightwood Mews extra care housing development. Sophie met with longtime resident Brendoncare Knightwood, Derek Ball, who has lived there since 2006. Mr Ball also took part in the laying of the stone work in 2005, which the Duchess also attended. The outing came just a few days after she appeared in public, just hours after Prince Edward was questioned in Dubai about the latest Jeffrey Epstein files. Advertisement Duchess of Edinburgh | Source: GETTY Sophie joined the King and Queen at St Jamess Palace to recognise the work of local and regional Government employees across the United Kingdom. Their Majesties hosted a reception at the Palace for around 350 guests from local authorities across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Sophie, 61, was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as part of the Royal Family presence for the event. The reception was held to mark the contribution of local Government to communities throughout the UK, with invited guests representing a wide range of roles. Attendees included social workers and leaders working on Violence Against Women and Girls, as well as head teachers, public health workers and disability services coordinators. Prince Edward did not attend the reception because he was in Dubai for the World Governments Summit. While there, he was asked about the newly released tranche of US Department of Justice material connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Duke of Edinburgh | Source: GETTY In his response, the Duke of Edinburgh did not address the substance of the allegations against his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. However, he stressed the importance of focusing on those harmed by Epstein, saying it was really important always to remember the victims and adding there were a lot of victims. The comments were made during an exchange filmed at the summit. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter Donald Trump is still all about purchasing Greenland.MEGA; Annie Spratt /Unsplash Donald Trump is still on a mission to gain control of oil-rich Greenland and RadarOnline.com can reveal European leaders are now weighing what officials describe as "last-ditch" methods to block him from seizing the Arctic territory. The Trump administration has justified its position from the standpoint of "national security," warning it will "do something" about Greenland, "whether they like it or not." 'The End of NATO' Denmark's Prime Minster, Mette Frederiksen, has warned that an invasion would end NATO as it stands.MEGA Greenland, a largely self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is not a member of the European Union, but Denmark is and the island is covered by Nato guarantees through Copenhagen's membership. That legal and political overlap has placed the EU and the transatlantic alliance in a difficult position, with sovereignty, territorial integrity, and alliance unity at stake. Diplomatic efforts are already underway. Denmark's ambassador to Washington, Jesper Mller Srensen, and Greenland's envoy, Jacob Isbosethsen, have been lobbying U.S. lawmakers over Trump's plan. Officials are expected to emphasize a 1951 U.S.-Danish defense treaty updated in 2004 already allows for significant expansion of the American military presence on the island, including new bases. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has framed the stakes starkly, warning any U.S. attack on or invasion of Greenland would mean "the end of Nato." A European diplomatic source said: "The core message being delivered to Washington is that Nato is built on mutual obligation solidarity is not a one-way street. If one ally begins to disregard the sovereignty of another, the entire foundation of the alliance is called into question. That is something European capitals take extremely seriously." EU Warns of Last-Ditch Measures NATO ambassadors have agreed to boost Arctic military spending.MEGA The source added, "If the United States were to act unilaterally over Greenland, Europe would be compelled to respond. It would not be a symbolic protest or a strongly worded statement it would trigger last-ditch measures designed to protect Greenland's territorial integrity and uphold international law. "No one wants escalation, but European governments are making clear that they cannot simply stand aside if the rules-based order is breached from within the alliance itself." Nato ambassadors are said to have agreed to increase Arctic military spending, expand exercises, and deploy additional equipment. European officials have also floated modeling a security push on Baltic Sentry, a Nato mission to protect infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, and Eastern Sentry, aimed at countering threats on Europe's eastern flank. Diplomats privately acknowledge while Trump's claim that Greenland "is full of Chinese and Russian ships everywhere" is exaggerated, a coordinated Western security initiative could offer a face-saving compromise. Advertisement Former UN official Jean-Marie Guehenno warned that Europe's digital and defense sectors are dangerously dependent on the U.S.MEGA Economic leverage is another option. The E.U.'s anti-coercion instrument dubbed the "trade bazooka" would allow the European Commission to bar U.S. goods and services, impose tariffs, and restrict investments. But that tool requires unanimous political will. Jean-Marie Guehenno, a former senior U.N. official, warned: "Whether it is data protection, artificial intelligence or software updates, including for defense, Europe remains at the mercy of American goodwill." Greenland's economic dependence on Denmark has also drawn scrutiny. A draft European Commission proposal from September suggests doubling E.U. financial commitments to the island to match Denmark's grant, with additional funding available for remote associated territories. One E.U. official said: "If Trump talks about pouring billions into Greenland, the European response would not be to match rhetoric with rhetoric, but to offer a credible, long-term partnership. Brussels has the capacity to structure sustained investment, infrastructure funding, and economic cooperation that ties Greenland's future to Europe in a stable and predictable way." The source added: "The strategic objective would be to ensure Greenland remains economically anchored in Europe not abruptly pulled into Washington's orbit by headline-grabbing promises. "Financial support from the E.U. would be framed not as a bidding war, but as a reinforcement of existing ties with Denmark and the broader European framework. The message is that Greenland's prosperity and autonomy are best secured through steady partnership rather than sudden geopolitical realignment." 'Repercussions Would Be Profound' Security experts warned that a military move would fracture transatlantic relations.MEGA The most dramatic proposal involves troop deployment. In a paper for the Bruegel think tank, economists Moreno Bertoldi and Marco Buti argued E.U. governments should "proactively protect Greenland from U.S. expansionism" and activate the bloc's rapid deployment capacity of up to 5,000 troops. They wrote European forces should be stationed on the island "as a signal of Europe's commitment to Greenland's territorial integrity." Germany's government spokesperson said Berlin was developing plans "including European deterrence," while France's foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, previously raised the possibility of a French contingent. One global security expert said, "There is no serious voice in Europe arguing that a confrontation between the U.S. and the E.U. would be either desirable or capable of producing a winner. The economic, political, and security costs on both sides would be immense. It would fracture decades of cooperation that underpin the transatlantic relationship." They also warned: "However, if the United States were to undertake a military move against territory linked to an E.U. member state, the repercussions would be profound. "Defense collaboration would be severely damaged, financial markets would react sharply to the instability, and Washington's credibility as a reliable ally would suffer globally. The shockwaves would extend far beyond Greenland, reshaping how partners and adversaries alike view America." A group shares a Spanish-style meal made with food products from La Tienda, a family-owned company based in Virginia with more than 80 suppliers in Spain. Courtesy of La Tienda / Used with Permission (The Center Square) La Tienda has been delivering the best of Spanish cuisine to Americans for three decades, but the task has become more expensive after President Donald Trump's tariffs. Last year, La Tienda paid about $200,000 in import taxes, said Jonathan Harris, a second-generation member of the Virginia-based family business. "That's hard for a small business like ours," Harris told The Center Square. "We really focus on the highest-quality products." Switching to lower-quality products to save money wasn't an option, Harris said. "These tariffs have made us less competitive, so we really have to focus on service and make sure that every product is delighting our customers," he said. Trumps tariffs, including at least 10% on imported goods from all trading partners and up to 15% on Spanish imports, added up for La Tienda, which works with 80 different vendors in Spain. "It's been a year of shocks," Harris said. The origins of La Tienda trace back to the 1960s, when Don Harris fell in love with Spain while stationed in Valencia with the Navy. The family launched La Tienda in 1996, in the early days of e-commerce. The business also offers catalogs. The Harris family takes time to get to know the company's suppliers. They share the stories of those small Spanish businesses with American consumers. Harris was meeting vendors at a Madrid food show when Trump announced his "Liberation Day" tariffs in April 2025. "Spanish people are very nice and they were mostly just giving me hugs and asking me how I was doing," he said. Trump suspended those "Liberation Day" tariffs days after announcing them while working on more tailored trade deals with other countries. Advertisement Later, La Tienda asked its suppliers what they could do to lower prices. Some of the larger companies helped; others couldn't. The next challenge was figuring out how to make it work for La Tienda's U.S. customers. For months, it was clear that imported products would face tariffs, but just how much was unclear. "We basically just held the line, we raised a few prices," Harris said. After months of uncertainty, Trump and EU leaders announced in August a deal capping tariffs at 15%, which Harris said was a relief to finally know. "Once it finally became clear, we had to make a lot of individual decisions, just like thousands of companies across the country, how much do you absorb and how much do you pass on," Harris said. Recent studies have shown that American businesses and consumers are bearing most of the costs of Trump's tariffs. Trump says the tariff burden has "fallen overwhelmingly on foreign producers and middlemen, including large corporations that are not from the U.S. However, that contradicts several recent reports on who pays the tariffs, which can be a complex negotiation between all parties involved. Nearly all tariff costs fall on American importers and consumers, according to a report from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank. A recent National Bureau of Economic Research paper found that nearly the entire tariff burden is passed on in the form of higher prices, directly impacting American businesses and consumers. Uncertainty over Trump's tariffs persists as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a legal challenge to the president's authority to issue tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Harris said the company's customs broker keeps an eye on the latest news, but even the looming Supreme Court decision won't end the uncertainty. "There are a lot of unknowns, even if the Supreme Court does make a decision. What's the timeline for rebates? Or is a new tariff going to be imposed immediately afterward? Is it retroactive?" he said. "There are so many questions." The Supreme Court is expected to decide a case challenging the president's tariff authority before the end of July, but a ruling could come sooner because the court agreed to expedite it. FILE PHOTO: People gather near a missile on display during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran February 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Feb 15 (Reuters) - Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that delivers economic benefits for both sides, an Iranian diplomat was reported as saying on Sunday, days before a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington. Iran and the U.S. renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme and avert a new military confrontation. The U.S. has dispatched a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, U.S. officials have told Reuters. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a news conference in Bratislava, said President Donald Trump had made it clear that he would prefer diplomacy and a negotiated settlement, while making clear that may not happen. "No one's ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran but we're going to try," Rubio said. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the Middle East if it is attacked by U.S. forces but on Sunday took a conciliatory line. "For the sake of an agreement's durability, it is essential that the U.S. also benefits in areas with high and quick economic returns," foreign ministry deputy director for economic diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari said, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. "Common interests in the oil and gas fields, joint fields, mining investments, and even aircraft purchases are included in the negotiations," Ghanbari said, arguing that the 2015 nuclear pact with world powers had not secured U.S. economic interests. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the pact that had eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, and re-applied tough economic sanctions on Tehran. On Friday, a source told Reuters that a U.S. delegation including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would meet Iranian officials in Geneva on Tuesday, a meeting later confirmed to Reuters by a senior Iranian official on Sunday. "Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be traveling, I think they are traveling right now, to have important meetings and we'll see how that turns out," Rubio said, without providing further details. Advertisement While talks leading to the 2015 nuclear pact were multilateral, the current negotiations are confined to Iran and the United States, with Oman acting as mediator. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi left Tehran for Geneva to take part in the indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. and meet the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and others, his ministry said. OPEN TO COMPROMISE Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signalled Iran's readiness to compromise on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, telling the BBC on Sunday that the ball was "in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal." The senior official referred to the Iranian atomic chief's statement on Monday that the country could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of sanctions as an example of Iran's flexibility. However, he reiterated that Tehran would not accept zero uranium enrichment, a key sticking point in past negotiations, with Washington viewing enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking such weapons. In June, the U.S. joined Israel in a series of air strikes that targeted Iranian nuclear sites. The U.S. is also stepping up economic pressure on Iran. At a White House meeting earlier this week, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that the U.S. would work to reduce Iran's oil exports to China, Axios reported on Saturday. China accounts for more than 80% of Iran's oil exports so any reduction in that trade would significantly lower Iran's oil revenue. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru and Dubai Newsroom; Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Budapest, Editing by William Mallard, Michael Perry and Christina Fincher) House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answers questions during a press conference at the US Capitol on Thursday. - Win McNamee/Getty Images As Hakeem Jeffries sits in the minority of a GOP-controlled Washington, he is still haunted by a Republican gerrymandering gambit that he believes cost him the speakers gavel and cost his party control of the House. This time, hes making sure Democrats fight back. Jeffries is leading the Democratic partys counterpunch to President Donald Trumps aggressive mid-decade redistricting push. Hes going all in with money, legal firepower and his own political capital to make sure no seat is left on the table for Democrats forcing the party to abandon the lefts longtime moral opposition to party-line map meddling. Republicans started this redistricting war, and Democrats have made clear, were going to finish it, Jeffries said in an interview with CNN. When they go low, we strike back. Top Democrats, including Jeffries, are buoyed by signs of surging anti-Trump sentiment across the country with special election wins even in ruby red parts of Texas and believe they will capture the House, and possibly the Senate, in November. But Jeffries believes he cant afford to ignore the GOPs gerrymandering, when just three seats in North Carolina in 2024 were enough to cost Democrats the majority. After a huge win on redistricting in California, Jeffries is vowing to spend tens of millions of dollars to push through an April ballot initiative in Virginia to potentially give Democrats four more seats. And he is now turning his attention to Maryland, where Democrats big gerrymandering gamble is facing its most difficult test yet. Jeffries and other top Democrats are now intensifying pressure on a key party leader, the 42-year-old Baltimorean who runs the state Senate, who refuses to help draw his party another more favorable seat that would target the states lone GOP-held congressional district. Jeffries issued a stark warning to that Democrat, state Senate President Bill Ferguson suggesting the move could help Trumps GOP win the midterms. One man shouldnt stand in the way of the people of Maryland being able to decide, Should we go in this direction? Or should we not answer Donald Trumps continued efforts to rig the midterm election? Jeffries said. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, right, speaks during a press conference alongside Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, in Severna Park, Maryland, on January 20. - Stephanie Scarbrough/AP If Ferguson doesnt back down, Jeffries vowed to personally apply the pressure: At some point Im going to have a conversation with him if he continues to stand in the way of an up-or-down vote. CNN has reached out to Ferguson for comment. The prevailing sentiment in the Maryland Senate Democratic Caucus, however, is one of skepticism. They insist a new map at this point would only backfire on Democrats. Its not a question of one man, but a caucus that measures the risk calculation differently given recent past experience, a person close to the Maryland Senate Democratic Caucus told CNN. While the caucus agreed with Jeffries that fighting Trump should the top goal, this person added: Unfortunately, mid-cycle redistricting in Maryland would have the opposite impact and likely backfire in the state courts, giving Trump and the GOP even more seats in Congress. Top Democrats, including Jeffries, never expected a mid-decade redistricting push to be the centerpiece of their midterms strategy. Its expensive and legally fraught with plenty of political pitfalls. Already, Jeffries and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker struggled to find support for a mid-decade map redraw in blue Illinois. (With early voting already underway in Illinois, Jeffries allies insist the state could still be muscled to act, if necessary, such as if the Supreme Court strikes down part of the Voting Rights Act and creates what one Democratic operative called a worst-case-scenario for the party.) Democrats say they were dragged into the redistricting fight by Trump and the GOP, who kicked off the redistricting arms race last year in Texas. Now, as many Democrats see it, its the new future of House campaigning. Jeffries and his team are already looking ahead to states like Washington, Colorado and even Pennsylvania for the 2028 cycle, according to multiple people familiar with party strategy. In their minds, its not just the path to the House majority this year, its the way to hold onto it. (Trump) wanted to rig the midterm elections, and for whatever the reason, didnt think that Democrats were going to forcefully respond. He got that wrong, Jeffries said. Just months after the GOPs Texas effort, Democrats believe they are on track to gain as many as five seats in California, one in Utah and several in Virginia moves that could nearly neutralize the GOPs own gerrymandering push. Another seat could be coming in New York if a court challenge goes their way. Republicans, meanwhile, have enacted new congressional maps in four states, targeting nine House seats held by Democrats. (One seat in Missouri, though, is still tied up in courts.) A big push in Florida is still to come. Advertisement Jeffries, though, believes it could end up as a wash. The best-case scenario for Republicans at this point is status quo, which is very different than what they were claiming when they were beating on their chest last year, saying they were going to gerrymander our opportunities out of existence, Jeffries said. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries talks to reporters at the US Capitol on January 30. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Both parties are closely watching another big state fight: Virginia. Newly elected Gov. Abigail Spanberger and state Democrats are pursuing a strategy so aggressive that its surprised even some Democrats in Washington. They are looking to eliminate as many as four GOP seats, transforming their House delegation which has six Democrats and five Republicans into one with 10 Democrats and just one Republican. Thats all in a state where Kamala Harris won by about 6 points. Jeffries told CNN he is willing to devote tens of millions of dollars to make sure Democrats are successful on the ballot in April. (House Majority Forward, a group linked to Jeffries, committed $5 million last week, and it is expected to spend more before April, the group told CNN.) Democrats are much more anxious about neighboring Maryland, where Jeffries and others are ratcheting up pressure on the state Senate president to yield in time. It may not be enough. Ferguson and others in the caucus are insisting there is no path forward, both publicly and privately, according to interviews with a half-dozen people closely tracking the states push. At the end of the day, if he wont bring it to a vote, theres not much you can do about that, Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, told CNN. Ivey said he personally wouldnt have chosen this path if Trump hadnt forced Democrats hand, adding: Its an awful game. But Ivey, like many others, is deeply anxious about what could happen if blue-leaning Maryland ignores what GOP leaders in Texas, Florida, North Carolina and other states are doing. We better not lose the House by one seat, Ivey said. The Maryland flag is seen in Annapolis, Maryland, on April 7, 2025. - Jonathan Newton for The Washington Post/Getty Images Ferguson and other skeptics believe a new Democratic map in Maryland would not survive the courts and could ultimately backfire. Andy Harris, the GOP lawmaker who stands to lose the seat if Democrats redraw the maps, predicted that Republicans could actually gain a seat if Democrats moved forward with a court forcing them to redraw in favor of the GOP. Well get a second seat. Thats why the Senate president doesnt want to do it, Harris said in an interview with CNN. But Jeffries was blunt when asked about a new map backfiring on Democrats: Thats not going to happen. Top Democrats believe they can still win back the House even without that single additional seat in Maryland. But they dont want to take the gamble. Asked if Fergusons move could cost Democrats a possible majority, Jeffries said: Well, hed have to live with that. CNNs Veronica Stracqualursi, Jeffrey Ackermann and Jenna Monnin contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Members of Israel's Arab minority protest, calling on the Israeli government to tackle a wave of crime and killings from within Arab communities through effective law and order, in Sakhnin, northern Israel, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad REFILE - CORRECTING YEAR FROM "2025" TO "2026". - Ammar Awad/Reuters A mother shot dead outside a supermarket. A man killed after leaving a mosque. A doctor gunned down while treating patients. These shocking cases are no longer anomalies: they are the toll of a violent crime epidemic sweeping across Israel. The victims are all Palestinian citizens of Israel. Homicides in their community have risen so dramatically that one person has been killed every day on average this year. Palestinian citizens make up 20% of the countrys population, and many say the Israeli government has not only failed to curb the crime wave, but that its inaction has helped spur a cycle of violence largely perpetrated by Arab organized crime groups. The data bears out a stark inequality: Israel Police has solved just 15% of homicides in Israels Arab communities versus 65% among Jewish Israelis, according to data from Israels parliament, the Knesset, and Eilaf, the Center for Advancing Security in Arab Society. Palestinian citizens of Israel are descendants of those who were not expelled or forced to flee their homes when Israel was established in 1948. They were given citizenship but lived under military rule until 1966, and many say they continue to face discrimination in Israeli society. Last year was the deadliest on record for the community, with 252 killed the vast majority by gunfire according to a report published by Abraham Initiatives, a group that advances social inclusion and equal rights for Israels Palestinian citizens. And 2026 is already off to a bloody start, with 46 killed so far, according to the group. It is a deadly reality that has raised alarm bells, with tens of thousands of the countrys Palestinian citizens taking to the streets in recent weeks joined by some Jewish Israelis to demand government action. No to killing, no to death, we want to live in justice, demonstrators chanted in Arabic at a January protest in Sakhnin, a majority Palestinian city in northern Israel, which drew tens of thousands of people. Members of Israel's Arab minority protest, calling on the Israeli government to tackle a wave of crime and killings from within Arab communities through effective law and order, in Sakhnin, Israel, on January 22. - Ammar Awad/Reuters Attendees told CNN it was the largest demonstration the Arab community has seen in years, culminating a multi-day general strike from shop owners. What began there has since grown into a nationwide protest movement, with strikes and demonstrations taking place almost daily across Israel. Streets across the country were filled with a sea of black flags and water fountains were dyed red as citizens declared a national day of disruption. A week after the Sakhnin strike, Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a rare visit to the city, where he met with local Arab authorities and protest organizers. He said the fight against crime and violence in the Arab community must be at the very top of the national priorities and be addressed with the utmost determination calling it a moral obligation. And on Thursday, Israels Police Commissioner Daniel Levi declared crime in the Arab community a state of national emergency and an intolerable situation that must stop. He called on other government agencies to join the police in helping address the issue. Let them kill each other For many Palestinian citizens of Israel, those declarations ring hollow. Qasem Awad has waited for more than a year for his sons killer to be brought to justice. His son, Abdullah, a doctor from Mazraa in the western Galilee, was treating a mother and her two children at a clinic last February when a masked gunman walked in and fatally shot him at close range. He was 30 at the time. Abdullah had been filling in for another doctor that day. His father believes he was mistaken for someone else. If you look at the Palestinian Arab community in Israel, how many are being killed daily and for no reason? Awad said. These people have nothing to do with the world of crime. They are collateral damage, and my son is one of them. In the days following Abdullahs death, his parents say Israel Police visited and assured them they would investigate his death and identify the perpetrator. More than a year later, the pledge remains unfulfilled, and the family says it hasnt heard from law enforcement authorities. If his son had been Jewish, Awad believes the killer wouldve been arrested in an hour. Like many others in his community, Awad believes the Israeli government intentionally neglects crime perpetrated against Palestinian citizens. Members of the security forces stand guard as Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Sakhnin to protest on January 22. - Jalaa Marey/AFP/Getty Images It is part of a policy to divide and conquer. Let them kill each other while we sit back and relax, he said. Awad points to the speed with which Palestinian perpetrators are brought to justice in crimes against Israelis. Advertisement The technological tools and know-how are available for them to catch the killers. But when it is affecting the Arab demographic, they no longer have the tools or the know-how? he asked. According to the Eilaf report, Palestinian citizens of Israel face selective enforcement of the law. On the one hand, a tough approach towards political activity and freedom of expression, and on the other, a soft approach towards criminals and crime, the report said. In response to a query from CNN, the Israel Police said in a statement that a thorough and complex investigation was launched following the killing of Dr. Awad, where authorities have questioned dozens of involved parties, with the aim of locating the suspects and uncovering the truth. Homicides doubling under Ben Gvirs watch Palestinian citizens of Israel and Jewish Israelis stage a protest march against the government's indifference on the increase in crime rates in the Arab community at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, Israel. - Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Data compiled by Abraham Initiatives shows that homicide cases among Palestinian citizens of Israel more than doubled in 2023. That was far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvirs first full year overseeing the police. Ben Gvir, who was convicted for supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism, has rejected responsibility, instead blaming local Arab leaders for turning a blind eye to criminal activity. Last month, he said he had allocated enormous resources to the fight against crime and criminal organizations. Critics say his actions speak louder than his words. Within months of entering office, Ben Gvir cut off key funding for an anti-Arab crime initiative called Stop the Bleeding, launched by the previous government. The next year, he dismissed the police official in charge of fighting crime in Arab society and put a lower-ranking official in his place. On Sunday, Ben Gvir defended the job hes done, saying on Kan Reshet Bet radio that there have been great successes during his tenure. I dont work for the Arabs, not just for the Arabs, he said. I work for everyone. There is 20% less murder in the Jewish sector, lets put that on the table 60% fewer murders of Jewish women, and 20% fewer car thefts. Ben Gvir said crime in the Arab sector is a grave phenomenon and he intends to combat it. But he blamed the Attorney General, with whom he has had an ongoing feud, and 40 years of neglect from authorities for the surge, despite record killings during his tenure. The concern is not only the surge in killings, but the increasing brazenness with which they are carried out. According to Eilafs report, three out of four killings last year occurred in public spaces, indicating the dangerous normalization of open crime without any real fear of immediate intervention or effective deterrence. In light of weak governance, limited police presence, and declining trust in institutions, organized crime in Arab towns found a fertile ground for expansion, gradually building its economic and social influence by exploiting the vacuum left by the state, said Rawyah Handaqlu, the head of Eilaf. She says the violence reflects the exclusion and marginalization of Palestinian citizens of Israel, arguing that the state has frequently relegated crime and violence to simply being a product of Arab society, which holds society responsible for a reality imposed on it. A demonstrator holds a sign with an image of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the words "The Bedouins against the murder, You failed" as members of Israel's Arab minority protest outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on January 11. - Ammar Awad/Reuters Aida Touma-Suleiman, a Palestinian member of the Knesset who actively raises the crime issue in parliament, believes the first step to eradicate crime in the Arab community is to topple the right-wing government, which she describes as racist, fascist and criminal. When the government is not acting not holding the criminals responsible and not prosecuting them, its like sponsoring them, she told CNN at the Sakhnin protest. We want them to do the work they are supposed to do, and we want to give our young people the security to develop and to feel that they are living. In December, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office announced plans to redirect $70 million from a program designed to promote Arab economic development to the police to address severe nationalistic crime in the Arab community. The Mosawa Center, a group advocating equal rights for Palestinian citizens, called it a dangerous political step that would do nothing to combat crime. While the ministry fails to use the budgets already at its disposal, it is pushing to cut budgets allocated to other areas such as education and housing and transfer them to its own coffers, it said in a statement. This can only be interpreted as a deliberate policy of further impoverishing Arab society and plunging it deeper into crises, including the scourge of crime. Back at his home in Mazraa, Awads wait for justice continues. He finds comfort only in the photographs of his late son. Asked if he has any hope that there will be justice for his death, he sighs and points to the ceiling. Justice only exists up there, with God. Cyril Theophilos and Dana Karni contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Lili Reinhart brought effortless polish to a New York City fashion night as she attended a screening hosted by Miu Miu. The actor turned heads in a coordinated suede look comprising a micro miniskirt and jacket that instantly became one of the evenings standout style moments. The combo perfectly captured the playful yet refined mood of the event. Lili Reinhart attends Miu Miu event in micro miniskirt that is as short as her jacket Check out her look here: Lili Reinhart at the Miu Miu Womens Tales pic.twitter.com/cZ3tVzODBN JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) February 13, 2026 Lili Reinharts outfit featured a camel-toned micro miniskirt paired with a matching oversized suede jacket. A soft knit top peeked through from underneath, while leather pumps and a pastel green tote added contrast. The proportions, with the jacket hem nearly meeting the skirt, gave the look a modern, youthful edge while staying true to Miu Mius retro-inspired aesthetic. Advertisement The event celebrated the 31st installment of Miu Miu Womens Tales, the brands short film initiative spotlighting female filmmakers, with Norwegian director Mona Fastvold presenting her latest work. A star-studded crowd, including Amanda Seyfried and Nina Dobrev, also attended. But fans online quickly focused on Reinharts chic ensemble. Comments like Lili perfeita! and Liliiii princess praised the actors minimal yet striking styling. Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on theFashionSpot. The post Lili Reinhart Elevates Miu Miu Jacket With Micro Miniskirt of Same Length appeared first on Mandatory. The Texas State Capitol dome rises in Austin. Photo: Clark Van Der Beken / Unsplash (The Center Square) Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, where multiple alleged child sex crimes were committed, is now at the center of a state comptroller race in Texas. Former Republican state representative, business owner and gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines is running for comptroller to manage the states finances. The 8,000-acre property in Stanley, New Mexico, in southern Santa Fe County, was sold in 2023 to San Rafael Ranch, LLC, for an undisclosed amount, with the owners names kept confidential, KRQE News reported. It wasnt until a street name change and property taxes were contested that public records requests revealed the owner of San Rafael Ranch was Huffines. His wife, Mary Catherine, is listed as a trustee. His son, Colin Huffines, is listed as an LLC manager. A records request made public by the Santa Fe New Mexican, shows the estate was valued at $21.1 million in 2023 but after Huffines protests, the county tax assessor dropped the value to $13.4 million. Epstein was reported dead in August 2019 in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, one month after the first Trump administration charged him with sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls. Epsteins accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the sex trafficking scheme. Under the second Trump administration, more than three million files have been released related to Epstein allegations, with much of the documents redacted. Epsteins properties stretched from Paris to New Mexico, with combined real estate values totaling roughly $117 million, Forbes reported. From 2019 through 2025, Epsteins estate had distributed more than $160 million to survivors; in 2024, the estate received a $112 million IRS tax refund; last March, it still had $131 million in assets, Forbes reported. Advertisement More than 4,200 records have been released by the Department of Justice about the Zorro Ranch. One details a Native American woman who was interviewed by the FBI and claimed her mother trafficked her and other children to the ranch, where Epstein held them in property bedrooms and forced them to perform sexual acts to high-prominent clients. Multiple documents describe gruesome sexual abuse of children at the mansion the Huffines purchased, referred to by victims as the house on the hill. The property is also connected to a murder-for-hire scheme and other crimes committed by a Florida nonprofit leader sentenced to more than 34 years in prison. He was convicted of a $2.7 million check kiting and money laundering scheme, Paycheck Protection fraud and filing $300 million worth of fraudulent warranty deeds for properties nationwide, including Zorro Ranch. Prior to the Huffines purchase, New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard canceled state cattle grazing licenses with the Epstein property in 2019. She also called for a state investigation into state land being used for criminal acts, including the burying of abused deceased children. Neither the state land nor Zorro Ranch had been searched as part of a criminal investigation, she said. After the Epstein Files were released, shes again calling for state and federal investigations, wanting to use radar and cadaver dogs to search for remains, Scripps News reported. Gov. Greg Abbotts campaign political consultant Dave Carney criticized what he called the sleaze ball secret land deal, noting that New Mexico officials wanted to search for buried bodies What kind of person thinks that's a good and decent investment? He also asked, Who would give Jeffery Epstein's estate millions of dollars? No wonder it was done in secret! Huffines has characterized his comptroller campaign as bringing accountability to managing state resources and championing conservative, Christian values. When asked how purchasing property used by convicted sex traffickers reflected these values, his attorney, Allen Blakemore, said in a statement, 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. An attorney for Epstein's estate told KRQE News the proceeds of Zorro Ranch were used for estate administration, including payment of creditors. Alexei Navalny, a thorn in the side of the Kremlin and Russias most prominent political dissident, died in prison after being poisoned by the Kremlin, the UK and its European allies have said. Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, died while serving a 19-year jail term in a penal colony around 40 miles of the Arctic Circle in charges widely thought to be politically motivated. He died in February 2024 after going for a walk at the jail and losing consciousness. The political agitator has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Before his arrest, he campaigned against official corruption, organized major anti-Kremlin protests and ran for public office. Now, Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have said that he died after being poisoned with a lethal dart frog toxin - a development which has prompted his widow to call for Vladimir Putin to be held accountable. Here's a look at Navalnys life, political activism and the charges he has faced through the years: 1976 4 June 4 Navalny is born in a western part of the Moscow region. 1997 Graduates from Russias RUDN university, where he majored in law; earns a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. 2004 Forms a movement against rampant overdevelopment in Moscow, according to his campaign website. Police officers detain Alexeo Navalny, at Moscow's Pushkinskaya Square, on March 5, 2012 (AFP via Getty Images) 2008 Gains notoriety for alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. 2010 Founds RosPil, an anti-corruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyzes spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. 2011 December- Participates in mass protests sparked by reports of widespread rigging of Russias parliamentary election, and is arrested and jailed for 15 days for defying a government official. 2012 March - Following Mr Putins reelection and inauguration, mass protests break out in Moscow and elsewhere. Navalny accuses key figures, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, of corruption. July - Russias Investigative Committee charges Navalny with embezzlement involving Kirovles, a state-owned timber company in the Kirov region, while acting as an adviser to the local governor. Navalny rejects the allegations as politically motivated. December The Investigative Committee launches another probe into alleged embezzlement at a Navalny-linked Russian subsidiary of Yves Rocher, a French cosmetics company. Navalny again says the allegations are politically motivated. Navalny appears via a video link from the Arctic penal colony where he would later die (AP) 2013 Navalny runs for mayor in Moscow a move the authorities not only allow but encourage in an attempt to put a veneer of democracy on the race that is designed to boost the profile of the incumbent, Sergei Sobyanin. July - A court in Kirov convicts Navalny of embezzlement in the Kirovles case, sentencing him to five years in prison. The prosecution petitions to release Navalny from custody pending his appeal, and he resumes his campaign. September Official results show Navalny finishes second in the mayors race behind Sobyanin, with 27% of the vote, after a successful electoral and fundraising campaign collecting an unprecedented 97.3 million rubles ($2.9 million) from individual supporters. October A court hands Navalny a suspended sentence in the Kirovles case. February 2014 Navalny is placed under house arrest in connection with the Yves Rocher case and banned from using the internet. His blog continues to be updated regularly, presumably by his team, detailing alleged corruption by various Russian officials. December Navalny and his brother, Oleg, are found guilty of fraud in the Yves Rocher case. Navalny receives a 3 -year suspended sentence, while his brother is handed a prison term. Both appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. 2015 December Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption releases its first long-form video a YouTube documentary called Chaika, which means seagull in Russian but is also the last name of then-Prosecutor General Yury Chaika. The 44-minute video accuses him of corruption and alleged ties to a notorious criminal group and has piled up 26 million views on YouTube. Chaika and other Russian officials deny the accusations. 2016 February The European Court of Human Rights rules that Russia violated Navalnys right to a fair trial in the Kirovles case, ordering the government to pay his legal costs and damages. November Russias Supreme Court overturns Navalnys sentence and sends the case back to the original court in the city of Kirov for review. December Navalny announces he will run in Russias 2018 presidential election. Navalny and his wife Yulia attend a hearing at the Lublinsky district court in Moscow, Russia, April 23, 2015 (REUTERS) 2017 February The Kirov court retries Navalny and upholds his five-year suspended sentence from 2013. Advertisement March Navalny releases a YouTube documentary accusing then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, getting over 7 million views in its first week. A series of anti-graft protests across Russia draw tens of thousands and there are mass arrests. Navalny tours the country to open campaign offices, holds big rallies and is jailed repeatedly for unauthorized demonstrations. 27 April Unidentified assailants throw a green disinfectant in his face, damaging his right eye. He blames the attack on the Kremlin. October The European Court of Human Rights finds Navalnys fraud conviction in the Yves Rocher case to be arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. December Russias Central Electoral Commission bars him from running for president over his conviction in the Kirovles case, a move condemned by the EU as casting serious doubt on the election. 2019 July Members of Navalnys team, along with other opposition activists, are barred from running for Moscow city council, sparking protests that are violently dispersed, with thousands arrested. Navalnys team responds by promoting the Smart Voting strategy, encouraging the election of any candidate except those from the Kremlins United Russia party. The strategy works, with the party losing its majority. 2020 Navalny seeks to deploy the Smart Voting strategy during regional elections in September and tours Siberia as part of the effort. 20 August On a flight from the city of Tomsk, where he was working with local activists, Navalny falls ill and the plane makes an emergency landing in nearby Omsk. Hospitalized in a coma, Navalnys team suspects he was poisoned. 22 August A comatose Navalny is flown to a hospital in Berlin. 24 August German authorities confirm Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. After he recovers, he blames the Kremlin, an accusation denied by Russian officials. Navalny was a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin (AP) 2021 17 January After five months in Germany, Navalny is arrested upon his return to Russia, with authorities alleging his recuperation abroad violated the terms of his suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His arrest triggers some of the biggest protests in Russia in years. Thousands are arrested. 2 February A Moscow court orders Navalny to serve 2 years in prison for his parole violation. While in prison, Navalny stages a three-week hunger strike to protest a lack of medical treatment and sleep deprivation. June A Moscow court outlaws Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist, shutting down his political network. Close associates and team members face prosecution and leave Russia under pressure. Navalny maintains contact with his lawyers and team from prison, and they update his social media accounts. 2022 24 February Russia invades Ukraine. Navalny condemns the war in social media posts from prison and during his court appearances. 22 March Navalny is sentenced to an additional nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court in a case his supporters rejected as fabricated. He is transferred to a maximum-security prison in Russias western Vladimir region. July Navalnys team announces the relaunch of the Anti-Corruption Foundation as an international organization with an advisory board including Francis Fukuyama, Anne Applebaum, and the European Parliament member and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. Navalny continues to file lawsuits in prison and tries to form a labor union in the facility. In response, penitentiary officials start regularly placing him in solitary confinement over purported disciplinary violations such as failing to properly button his garment or to wash his face at a specified time. Navalny (second left) as he listens to his verdict over a series of extremism charges at the IK-6 penal colony (AFP via Getty Images) 2023 Over 400 Russian doctors sign an open letter to Mr Putin, urging an end to what it calls abuse of Navalny, following reports that he was denied basic medication after getting the flu. His team expresses concern about his health, saying in April he had acute stomach pain and suspected he was being slowly poisoned. 12 March Navalny, a film about the attempt on the opposition leaders life, wins the Oscar for best documentary feature. 26 April Appearing on a videolink from prison during a hearing, Navalny says he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. He adds sardonically that the charges imply that Im conducting terror attacks while sitting in prison. 19 June The trial begins in a make-shift courtroom in the Penal Colony No. 6 where Navalny is being held. Soon after it starts, the judge closes the trial for the public and the media despite Navalnys demand to keep it open. 20 July The prosecution in its closing arguments asks the court to sentence Navalny to 20 years in prison, the politician's team reports. Navalny says in a subsequent statement that he expects his sentence to be huge a Stalinist term, referring to the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. 4 August - Navalny is sentenced to 19 years in prison for extremism. He was accused by the Russian authorities of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and a number of other crimes. According to a message on Telegram, he said: I am serving a life sentence. Where life is measured by the duration of my life or the life of this regime. The number from verdict is not for me. It is for you. December - Navalny was transferred this month to a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. His lawyer said Russian authorities wanted to isolate Navalny ahead of Russias March presidential election. Navalny pictured in hospital in 2020 (Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP) 2024 9 January - Navalny sarcastically heaped praise on the polar conditions at the prison north of the Arctic Circle where he was moved to shortly before Christmas. In a post on the Telegram messaging app Navalny said he had been put in a punishment cell for his attitude as soon as he left quarantine at the so-called Polar Wolf prison colony. He said that walking for half an hour in those temperatures you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers. 11 January - Navalny appeared before a Supreme Court judge by video link on Thursday to argue for the right to longer meal breaks and access to more books in prison. Wearing a black prison uniform and standing behind bars in a small, bare room, Navalny, 47, appeared gaunt but spoke animatedly, at length and without notes. 17 January - From his penal camp Navalny, said that Putins state would one day crumble along with the post-Soviet elite which he cast as venal, power-hungry and duplicitous. Lies, lies and nothing but lies. It will collapse and crumble. Putins state is not viable. One day we will look at his place and he wont be there. 23 January - Navalny was placed in solitary confinement for 10 days for incorrectly introducing himself to a guard, his spokesperson said. 16 February - Russias prison agency has said that imprisoned opposition leader Navalny has died. He was 47. 2026 14 February - The UK and its allies have pinned the blame for Navalnys death on the Russian state following analysis of poison developed from a dart frog toxin found in his body. Additional reporting by agencies This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit www.spotlightdelaware.org. The rumors had swirled around the classroom for weeks. One of Louise Michaud Ngidos multilingual learner students would be self-deporting along with her family. Today is my last day, Michaud Ngido recalled the student telling her in mid-December before ultimately returning to Mexico. Michaud Ngido, a teacher at Mariner Middle School in Milton, part of the Cape Henlopen School District, had already lost one of her students to self-deportation over the summer. Now she had to bid farewell to another I was really sad, Michaud Ngido said. And her experience is not unique. Delaware teachers and administrators said they have seen a rise in the number of families choosing to self-deport this year choosing to leave the country together rather than face the possibility of being separated by federal agents as immigration enforcement ramps up across the country. Multilingual learners, or students who are developing proficiency in multiple languages, are oftentimes immigrants who are learning English for the first time. Their citizenship status varies widely. In some cases, the children are American citizens, having been born here, but whose parents may be undocumented. In other cases, both the parents and children may be undocumented and seeking asylum, or they may be resettled here through refugee or humanitarian programs, such as Temporary Protected Status. But the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies may have contributed to a significant decline in the number of multilingual learner (MLL) students in Delaware schools, experts say. The fear of federal agents separating their family has led many parents to keep their children home from school, with others deciding to leave the country altogether. Nearly 70% of traditional Delaware school districts 11 out of 16 saw a decline in the number of enrolled multilingual learner students in the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year, according to a Spotlight Delaware analysis. The enrollment drop in Delaware schools could be attributed to a confluence of factors, including self-deportations, alternatives to in-person learning and students cycling out of the MLL program with no new arrivals to backfill their spots as a result of the Trump administrations border policies, said Julie Sugarman, associate director for K-12 education research with the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan immigration think tank. While the MLL enrollment dropoff was felt across Delawares three counties, the First State is not alone in experiencing the decline. In the weeks after federal agents killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, classrooms emptied as even U.S. citizens elected to keep their children home from school. In California, a Stanford University study found a 22% jump in student absences in state school districts facing intensified immigration enforcement. Exploring Delawares MLL landscape At Cape Henlopen School District, LouAnn Hudson, the districts assistant superintendent, said she saw an increase in families self-deporting in December. Families and students would often notify school officials of their decision, and it was uncommon for families to leave without saying anything, Hudson said. Cape Henlopen saw a decrease of nearly 10% in MLL enrollment, with the number of students dropping from 670 in 2024 to 605 in 2025. The district has rolling enrollment throughout the school year, and there just were not as many new MLL students enrolling this year, according to Hudson. Our kids are struggling, she said. More than half the students who left the program moved to schools in different states, while others left to other Delaware school districts, Hudson added. In July 2024, Michaud Ngido filed a civil rights complaint against Cape Henlopen School District, alleging discrimination against multilingual learners and their families. Michaud Ngido alleged that Mariner Middle School failed to sufficiently staff and support the language assistance program for MLL students. The complaint, which was lodged with the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, has since stalled despite being filed nearly two years ago, Michaud Ngido said. In 2025, Indian River and Red Clay school districts recorded their lowest MLL enrollment numbers in four years. Christina, Colonial, Delmar, Woodbridge and Cape Henlopen school districts all experienced the lowest enrollment numbers since the 2022 school year. Spotlight Delaware conducted its data analysis after submitting a Freedom of Information Act request for MLL enrollment numbers from 2021 to 2025 with Delawares 19 school districts and two dual-language charter schools in December. Brandywine School District did not have 2025 data available. Two of Delawares dual-language immersion charter schools Las Americas ASPIRA Academy and Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School also saw decreased enrollment numbers. Antonia Alonso saw a decrease of more than 4% while ASPIRA experienced a nearly 3% drop in enrollment in 2025. Impacts on school funding? A student waits in the hallway before the processional as Howard High School of Technology graduates 175 students at their commencement exercises at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark on June 9, 2014 This MLL enrollment decline also could lead to funding consequences for schools and long-term learning loss for students whose education has been interrupted, experts say. Delawares public education funding formula is currently based on a unit count system, which distributes money to districts based on the number of students enrolled. The state also has an Opportunity Funding program, which provides weighted funding for low-income and MLL students. Advertisement Some school districts have aimed to use those opportunity funds to hire MLL teachers or instructional paraprofessionals to work with those learning English, according to program applications. Delawares unit count is a snapshot of student enrollment, which typically takes place within the last 10 days of September. Some school districts may already be seeing the effects of decreased student enrollment. Officials noted a lower unit count than originally expected during a December 2025 Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council meeting. Brian Maxwell, the director of the states Office of Management and Budget, said during the meeting that the count produced just 65 additional units for school districts. The state had projected an increase of 225. I believe some of it is attributed to multi-language learners, Maxwell said during the meeting. Obviously, there has been a number of students that may not be showing up to class just because of the enforcement of ICE, and so some of the families may be scared to actually send their kids to school. This school years unit count showed an increase in both home and private school enrollment, said Nicholas Konzelman, the director of policy and external affairs at the Office of Management and Budget. There was also a small decrease in MLL enrollment, Konzelman wrote in a statement to Spotlight Delaware. The decrease, along with increased enrollment in home and private schools, resulted in a lower overall enrollment in Delawares public schools, Konzelman said in his statement. Henry said when districts in Kent or Sussex County lose students who typically bring in additional dollars, it contributes to that downward spiral of effects on the schools that are serving more of [MLL and low-income] students and their families. Higher-wealth districts are able to generate more funding despite losing students, Henry said. Henry also noted there could be a lag in funding if students come back to their school district after the unit count, as they will not be added to the count. Theres not an opportunity to go back and say, OK, these kids have come into class, Henry said. So, youre stuck for a full school year without the resources from the opportunity funds for those students. Some teachers have already felt the impacts of a lack of funding for their existing MLL students. For years, Alena Warner-Chisolm, a teacher in the Red Clay Consolidated School District, has made sure all of her materials are available in both English and Spanish for her MLL students. She has even paid for tutoring sessions so she can hold conversations with parents in Spanish. Warner-Chisolm called it exhausting work, but said that for years her eighth-grade students have had the most growth out of all other eighth graders in their building. My kids, I gave them so much support that they were able to write five-paragraph, college-level essays, she said. Theyre able to literally do everything. Still, Warner-Chisolm noted that there needs to be more funding for MLL students. The states Public Education Funding Commission, which is in charge of recommending how future dollars should be distributed to Delaware schools, is moving forward with recommending a hybrid funding formula. If implemented, that formula would combine the states distribution of money on a per-student basis with one that allocates dollars based on student needs. This years drop in MLL students is one of the first repercussions that Delaware schools have felt as a result of increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. It remains unclear if Louise Michaud Ngido will see more students leave her Milton classroom, or how enrollment trends will change in the coming years. Despite not knowing how many students may leave before the end of the school year, teachers like Michaud Ngido and Warner-Chisolm are still committed to teaching their students. They know that without sufficient funding or dedicated teachers, their students will be left behind. I have countless examples of work where sometimes [MLL students] even outperformed the [non-MLL students], and that was because of their work ethic these kids worked, Warner-Chisolm said. Get stories like this delivered to your email inbox by signing up for the free newsletter at spotlightdelaware.org/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: DE schools report decline in multilingual students as families depart This hole in the wall was created by an enormous drill on 27 December 2025 It has been described as Germany's most "spectacular" bank heist in years. On a quiet weekend just after Christmas, a group of thieves broke into a High Street bank in the western town of Gelsenkirchen, by boring through a wall with an industrial drill. They looted more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes and made off with millions of euros. Over a month later, police have yet to make an arrest. For the bank's clients, some of whom say they have lost their life savings and precious family jewellery and valuables, this is a time of anger, confusion and shock. There is a strong sense that trust in institutions has been shaken. The case has thrown up all sorts of difficult questions, and some of them have been spelled out by Herbert Reul, the interior minister in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Why did no-one notice what was going on? Was it an insider job? Why did no-one hear the drill and how did the thieves know exactly where the vault was? Were the bank's security systems too weak? Police in Gelsenkirchen are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Police believe the thieves entered the building through a neighbouring car park Investigators believe the thieves probably broke into the Sparkasse savings bank in Nienhofstrasse through the next-door multi-storey car park in the town's Buer district. The thieves may have tampered with an escape door between the car park and the bank, they believe. Under normal circumstances the door could not be opened from the outside, but the gang managed to make sure it no longer closed properly, allowing them "unhindered access from the car park to the Sparkasse building". From there, police believe they overcame several security systems and made their way into an archive room next to the vault, in the bank's basement. They set up the drill and bored a hole 40cm (15.7in) wide in the wall leading to the strongroom, where the safe deposit boxes were kept. A view of the vault and the drilled hole as seen from the other side of the bank wall The heist must have taken place some time between Saturday 27 and Monday 29 December, according to officials, who think the burglars may almost have been caught shortly before reaching the vault. Just after 06:00 on 27 December, the fire brigade in Gelsenkirchen and a private security firm received a fire alarm warning from the bank, which may have been triggered by the thieves. Police and 20 firefighters arrived at the bank at 06:15, "but could not find anything that indicated damage", police said in a statement. Graphic showing timeline of heist The fire alarm had come from the vault, Herbert Reul revealed. But firefighters could not get in because it was locked with a roll shutter. Reul said they saw "no smoke, no smell of fire, or damage", so they "concluded it was a false alarm", which he said was not unusual. He told a state parliament committee the police did not have the right to search the bank at the time, as it was a matter for the fire brigade. They would have needed a warrant. Advertisement Once inside the vault, the thieves opened almost all the 3,250 safe deposit boxes, taking cash, gold and jewellery. Reul said that computer systems in the bank show that the first box was broken into at 10:45 on 27 December and the last at 14:44. It is not clear whether they managed to open most of the boxes in four hours or if the technology stopped recording data. Witnesses later told police they saw several men in the stairwell of the car park carrying big bags during the night into 28 December. Authorities say they do not know exactly how much was taken, but German media estimate the thieves must have got away with up to 100 million (87m). Police have released images of the mess left behind inside the vault on 29 December Police subsequently released photos and video footage from the car park's security cameras, which showed men with their faces covered, and two cars, a black Audi RS 6 and a white Mercedes Citan. Both had fake licence plates. The theft was not discovered until 29 December when another fire alarm went off at 03:58 on the Monday and firefighters returned to the bank to find a scene of chaos. CCTV pictures from 29 December show three masked men with two vehicles Herbert Reul said it looked like "a rubbish dump", with more than 500,000 items strewn across the floor - the contents of the safe deposit boxes that the thieves had left behind. Police said many items were damaged after the thieves threw water and chemicals on them. They have since been painstakingly sorting through the debris, searching for clues and trying to establish what belongs to whom. As details of the heist emerged, about 200 clients gathered outside the Sparkasse, demanding to be let in. Police arrived with several patrol cars and secured the entrance. Joachim Alfred Wagner, 63, said he had lost not only gold worth tens of thousands of euros, but also jewellery that belonged to his father and grandparents. He had rented the safe deposit box after several break-ins at his apartment, thinking that his valuables would be safe there. "I cried with rage," he said. Another of the thieves is pictured by CCTV in the car park The bank has said the contents of security boxes are generally insured for 10,300 each. Wagner is one of the first people to file a lawsuit against the bank, suing for damages for what his lawyer, Daniel Kuhlmann, has called lax security. Another had deposited 400,000 in cash from the sale of a flat which had been meant for their retirement. The bank has said it was itself a victim of the crime and that its premises were "secured in accordance with recognised state-of-the-art technology". While some clients had official receipts for the contents of their safe deposit boxes, others do not. "Even the Sparkasse doesn't know what is in [the boxes] because each person can put whatever they want into them," Herbert Reul said. He stressed that the psychological damage shouldn't be underestimated. "We need to help the victims," he said. "For many, this is more than just the loss of property, this can also impact their trust in their own sense of security and... their trust in our order," he said. Police Chief Tim Frommeyer said they were dealing with "one of the biggest criminal cases in the history of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia". "My department and all of its employees are aware of the magnitude of this case. The financial damage, uncertainty, and frustration run deep!" Shortly after the theft was discovered, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held a rally outside the bank, prompting some to accuse the party of trying to stir up trouble. German magazine Der Spiegel said the heist had become a political issue and a symbol of something greater than the crime itself: "The feeling that promises of security are hollow, that institutions are failing, that ultimately no-one is being held accountable." More weekend picks Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan appeared across the Sunday news show circuit and presented a view for the future of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis as the Trump administration says it is withdrawing hundreds of officers from the state and ending an enforcement surge following the deaths of two Americans. Homan recently took over as the top federal immigration enforcement authority on the ground in Minnesota following the removal of Gregory Bovino, ICEs acting commander, from the role this month. His appointment followed calls from both Democrats and Republicans in Washington for federal officials to shift their tactics and outrage over the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in confrontations with ICE and Border Patrol agents. Though he announced this past week that the surge in Minneapolis was ending, Homan said on Sunday that a force would remain in the city to conduct operations in the future. Homan said that the agents remaining behind would include a security force whose purpose would be to stop protesters and others from interfering with ICE and Border Patrol enforcement operations. "There will be a small force, a security force...that will respond when our agents are out and get surrounded by agitators, said Homan. They will remain for a short period of time to make sure the coordination, the agreements we have with local and state law enforcement stay in place." Homan also said that agents tasked with investigating a fraud scheme in the state will remain, as will a team investigating an incident where activists conducted a protest at a church and were arrested alongside journalist Don Lemon, who was documenting the protest. Tom Homan was on CBS's Face the Nation and declined to answer questions about criticism facing Kristi Noem (CBS - Face the Nation) As his role grows in prominence, Homan is also facing questions about tumult reported within the ranks of Donald Trumps DHS team, and in particular surrounding the ongoing work of Kristi Noem as DHS secretary. Noem is reportedly suspected by Trump and others to be in a relationship with Corey Lewandowski, her de facto chief of staff, which she denies but a factor that nonetheless adds a layer of frustration to a tenure as DHS secretary that has been loudly derided on the Hill, including by some Republicans. Noem, already facing calls for her firing in Washington, was the subject of a Wall Street Journal expose this week that detailed an agency in a constant state of chaos under her and Lewandowskis management. The piece cited many problems but also highlighted how the secretary apparently disliked Homan grabbing TV screens over her. 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 reported. 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. Advertisement On Sunday, Homan declined to answer questions about Noems tenure as DHS secretary, while not defending her record from calls for her resignation from Congress. Look; its one team, one fight. Im not playing into that media. They're trying to divide this administration, Homan claimed, before he admitted that he did not agree with Noem on her decision-making 100% of the time. The border czar claimed that any disagreements he had with Noem were worked out in internal discussions. He added that the record-low number of border crossings spoke for themselves. Protesters demonstrate against ICEs continued enforcement presence in Minneapolis, Minnesota (AFP/Getty) Some aspects of Homans different approach to running the show in Minneapolis were on display on Sunday, regardless. Asked by CBSs Face the Nation guest host Ed OKeefe, Homan took a clearly different strategy to the give-no-ground approach that Noem and others have taken in response to allegations of wrongdoing by individual ICE or Border Patrol agents as he was asked by OKeefe about agents placed on leave for giving misleading testimony. Instead of defending the agents, Homan insisted that those cases had been sent to internal affairs for review and added that he had brought on more internal affairs staff to investigate claims of wrongdoing. Well look, you know, my first press conference in Minnesota I said I was bringing more internal affairs officers in, just to ensure officers were doing the right thing, Homan said. As the ICE director said on Friday, people will be held accountable. Disciplinary action or prosecutions will occur if accounts of ICE or Border Patrol agents committing violations of the law are found to be credible, Homan said. Donald Trump himself has sought to balance his administration backing off Minneapolis in response to growing anger with a desire to deny any appearance of weakening or softening as it pertains to ICE and Border Patrols enforcement or operational standards. Were going to de-escalate a little bit, the president said in an interview in late January. In an interview with NBC Nightly News a few days later, he added: "I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The Rhode Island State Police have arrested two people, following separate wrong-way driving incidents on I-95 early Sunday morning. The first incident happened just before 1:30 a.m. when Hope Valley Barracks received 911 calls of a vehicle traveling north on I-95 South near Exit 21 in East Greenwich. A short time later, troopers from the Wickford Barracks stopped the vehicle on the highway just before the Route 4 split. The driver, identified as 21 year-old Katelynn Blood, of Coventry, was stopped and taken into custody and charged with DUI and Reckless Driving. Then, just before 5:00 a.m., Hope Valley Barracks received 911 calls reporting a vehicle traveling north on I-95 South in the area of Exit 4 in Hopkinton. Troopers then stopped the vehicle on the highway near Baker Pines Road in Richmond. The driver, identified as 35 year-old Shakimm Curry, of New London, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving and Weapons Other than Firearms Prohibited. Rhode Island State Police Troopers arrested six other subjects for Driving Under the Influence during the night. Advertisement 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: 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. Zara Tindall, 44, has spent her Valentine's weekend in Saudi Arabia, just days after Prince William completed his three-day tour of the country. The 44-year-old attended the Saudi Cup in Riyadh on Valentine's Day, where she serves as patron of Retraining of Racehorses. Princess Anne's daughter became its patron in 2023, with the British horseracing charity focused on supporting the welfare of ex-racehorses. The 44-year-old posed alongside the organisation's managing director, David Catlow. Zara Tindall | Source: X/DAVIDCATLOW Zara wore a floral mini dress, which she initially debuted in 2022, during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. It features intricate detailing on the skirt and a tie waist to create a stylish look. Completing the outfit, Zara wore a stunning pomegranate-hued hat and new Hector Lion's "Large Rose Quartz Earrings". Her visit comes after the Prince of Wales held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Prince William, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud | Source: PA William had been urged by various human rights organisations to bring up issues during the trip. Any issues that may be brought up by the Prince of Wales will be done so in "private", according to ITV. A source said about the Saudis: "They are delighted that he's here. Advertisement "The fact that he's a prince and the future king matters enormously. They want it to be a friendship that lasts." Prince William | Source: GETTY The Prince of Wales's final day saw him attend a wildlife conservation in the country's Medina region. William visited AIUIa, a 7,000-year-old archaeological site, which is being developed as a world-class heritage destination. The project has been led by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister for Culture and Governor for the Royal Commission for AIUIa. William's first stop on the tour was the Sharaan Nature Reserve, where he met with rangers and learnt about the work they do to protect and conserve wildlife. Prince William | Source: GETTY He was driven around the reserve by Bassim Al Balawi, the Lead Ranger, who was born in AIUa and made three stops on the journey to focus on wildlife conservation, land restoration, and ecology. The second stop saw the Prince of Wales hear about the land restoration programme from the RCU's Habitat and Restoration team. The prince also planted an acacia tree alongside Prince Badr. The final stop of the outing saw William visit the Dancing Rocks formation and learn about conservation initiatives to protect the critically endangered Arabian Leopard, as well as efforts to reintroduce native species to the wildlife. William returned to the UK on February 11, concluding his visit. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter Single Americans (44%) say their net worth affects their dating life, and dating costs $2,200 a year. Nearly half of single Americans believe their net worth affects their dating prospects, a perception that may quietly shape who they date, how often they go out and how much they spend trying to impress. According to a new BMO survey, 44% of single Americans say their net worth influences their ability to date. At the same time, dating itself has become expensive. The average American adult spends $2,279 a year on dates, while the all-in cost of a single outing, including grooming, transportation and activities, runs about $168 (1). Must Read That combination can be intimidating. When dating feels costly, and people assume they need a certain income or bank balance to be dateable, some pull back altogether. In fact, 44% of single Americans say theyve adjusted a date for financial reasons, and more than one in four have cancelled dates entirely due to money pressure. The same survey reveals something that challenges the net-worth anxiety many singles feel. Raw wealth isnt what most people find financially attractive in a partner. Instead, Americans overwhelmingly point to a different set of money behaviours, traits that dont require a high income or a six-figure savings account. Dating pressure meets budgeting decisions BMOs Real Financial Progress Index shows how money and romance are increasingly intertwined. Americans say it takes a median of 10 dates to commit to a relationship, meaning its a journey that can cost singles nearly $1,678 before things turn serious. That pressure is especially common among younger daters. Gen Z reports the highest spending per date, averaging $194 per night out, and nearly half say they feel pressure to plan expensive dates even though many are early in their careers. Millennials arent far behind, while Gen X and Baby Boomers spend less. The result is that many singles feel caught between wanting to show effort and needing to protect their financial stability. "It's clear that dating or being in a relationship today comes with pressure to spend, which can affect how well people can stay on track for their goals, said Paul Dilda, head of U.S. consumer strategy at BMO. Read More: 92% of surveyed retirees say higher costs are eating into their savings. What can you do? 4 ways to protect your money in 2026 Top 3 financial traits for singles The survey found that Americans are aligned on what makes someone financially attractive, and it has little to do with luxury or income level. Here are the three most attractive financial traits, according to people who are dating or seeking a relationship: 1. Financial responsibility (96%) Financial responsibility doesnt mean being debt-free or wealthy. It means paying bills on time, living within your means and avoiding constant financial chaos. For many daters, reliability matters more than abundance. Advertisement 2. Talking about money openly (94%) Nearly everyone says transparency is a green flag, yet fewer practice it consistently. Only 55% of couples say they share equal responsibility for financial planning, and one in four Americans admit they sometimes omit information that makes them look bad when talking about money. Honesty, the data suggests, builds trust far faster than flashy spending. 3. Having a financial plan (92%) A plan signals intention. Whether its saving slowly, paying down debt methodically or working toward long-term goals, having direction matters more than having a perfect balance sheet. Traits often assumed to be must-haves, such as owning a home or earning a high salary, have ranked significantly lower. Why this matters for singles The survey also shows that financial honesty correlates with better relationships. Only 29% of Americans who say theyre very honest about money fight about it frequently, compared with 54% of those who arent. Honest couples also report spending more quality time together. In other words, money transparency may do more for your love life than an expensive dinner ever could. You dont need a high net worth to be financially attractive. What matters most are behaviours: being responsible, communicating openly, and having a plan. In a dating landscape where costs are rising and pressure is real, those traits can help singles date with confidence instead of stress. And they dont just support healthier relationships, they support long-term financial stability, too. That may be the most attractive trait of all. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. BMO Survey (1). This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A commercial bakery turned into an amazing investment once the entrepreneur was prepared. The number-one reason entrepreneurs start their businesses is to be their own boss, says the latest small business survey from Guidant Financial (1). Of those surveyed, 28% of small business owners gave that answer, while a further 23% said they were dissatisfied with corporate America. Must Read Abi Caswell is one of those entrepreneurs who was determined to strike out on her own. She is the owner of Batter, a bakery with two locations in Louisiana. Starting in the fall 2021 on a small scale, her business has grown to a seven-figure powerhouse. Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to work for myself, she told CNBC. I wanted to be able to control my schedule, and I wanted to make my own money. The 30-year-old left her full-time role as an executive assistant in 2022 to focus on the business, but she notes it was no cakewalk. Here are some of her lessons from her entrepreneurship journey, plus practical tips on what you need to know if you want to turn a side hustle into a successful business. Turning a dream into a career Caswell didnt start out as a baker, but her story illustrates several key points about scaling a business effectively. First, she and her husband spent six months perfecting her bakerys signature cookie recipe, ensuring that their product was the best they could make. Second, she didnt leave her full-time role until the business had steady, predictable demand. I was going to work from 8 to 5:30, and then I was coming home and baking till like 1 a.m., she told CNBC. It was just too much. Third, Caswell didnt open a storefront until her demand was so high that her at-home operations werent sustainable anymore. Her booth at a local farmers market was regularly sold out of 500 cookies within 30 minutes. That was when I realized, weve got to get in a store, she said. Fourth, in spite of her success, many banks rejected her application for a loan, so she had to take a risk and put up her home as collateral for a $40,000 loan. This shows how important it is to ensure your business is generating good income before you plan to scale and incidentally, Caswell was able to pay off this loan in one year (2). Read More: 92% of surveyed retirees say higher costs are eating into their savings. What can you do? 4 ways to protect your money in 2026 How to prepare to launch a business Caswells slow and steady progress is a useful model for other budding entrepreneurs to follow. Preparing to launch a business is about more than writing a winning business plan its about having the practical tools and support in place, including financial resources. To launch a business successfully, you should consider: Advertisement Savings In addition to being able to help you secure a loan or avoid business loans altogether steadily saving a portion of your personal income as well as your side hustle income can help you launch your business successfully. Separate business and personal emergency funds Having a fund to cover your personal expenses is critical, especially in the early days of launching your venture, when business income might not be steady. In addition to six months of personal expenses, you should also save an emergency fund for your business. American Express recommends enough to cover 3-6 months of operating expenses or more, depending on industry volatility and your risk exposure (3). Startup costs Depending on the type of business youre launching, your startup costs can vary widely. Bankrate estimates that the average small business owner spends $40,000 in their first year of operations, though they note that a restaurant or other food services business averages $375,000 (4). Debt If you have personal debt, this can hamper your ability to get a business loan, and also put a major strain on your personal finances in your lean early years of business. Aim to pay down all personal debt before you leave a full-time role for your small business. Credit history The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that poor credit history is one of the main reasons why small businesses loan applications are denied (5). A low credit score can also impact your borrowing rate, your business insurance coverage rates and how likely vendors and suppliers are to work with you. Cash flow Like Caswell, a steady, predictable revenue stream is essential before you invest in a storefront, equipment, or other major expenses for your business. Sticking to your 9-to-5 job might not be exciting, but many entrepreneurs dont quit their day jobs until their side hustle income is larger than their salary. Business planning While 91% of shoppers prefer buying from small businesses when convenient, and 86% of small business owners say they can pivot quickly when things go wrong, the truth is that 50% of small businesses close within five years. This means that good planning, along with predictable revenue, is essential. Assemble a team of expert advisors, including tax professionals and mentor entrepreneurs you know, to help you understand the financial and personal implications of your early years as a startup. Your projected income Can you live on less than you make in your 9-to-5? Many entrepreneurs reinvest all early profits into their business, with 30% reporting that they dont take a salary at all, and 86% saying they pay themselves under $100,000 a year (6). If you think launching a business is a get-rich-quick scheme, the reality is much more sobering. Lessons for new entrepreneurs Caswell is now developing a wholesale mix for her bakerys signature chocolate chip cookie recipe, and hopes to get the product into grocery stores soon. But shes also working in her storefronts, and she steps in to cover shifts when one of her locations is understaffed. She advises that small business owners should be adaptable, open to change and able to wear many hats. When you own a business, There is no real downtime, Caswell said (2). Even when Im on vacation, if the stores are open, Im on the clock. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Guidant Financial (1); CNBC (2); American Express (3); Bankrate (4); U.S. Small Business Administration (5); Entrepreneurs HQ (6) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Mammograms dont command much attention until the yearly appointment rolls around. My wife faces the hassle of the exam alone, of course, but we worry together until the results come back. Like any other cancer testhello there, prostatethe technology leaves us feeling thankful but not exactly thrilled. Its just one of those preventive-care indignities of middle age that have become routine. So I was taken aback when a retired CIA officer I know recently told me a fascinating fact: Modern mammography was invented with help from American spies. Or, more precisely, by people who do the lab work for spies, technologists inside an intelligence agency so secret the U.S. government didnt even admit it existed until 1992. The surprising origin of computer-aided mammography is a particularly high-stakes example of how government tech spending has shaped private-sector businesses. In this case, it helped launch an $11-billion-a-year medical industry and changed the lives of millions of American familieswith most of them never knowing about the connection with Uncle Sam. Hunting for breakthroughs The story begins in 1994, when a public health doctor at the Department of Health and Human Services, Susan Blumenthal, went hunting for breast cancer breakthroughs in Washington, D.C. The search was personal for Blumenthal, whod lost her mother to breast cancer just before becoming a doctor. In my last year of medical school, it metastasized to her spine, Blumenthal told Fortune recently. This beautiful, brilliant woman could no longer walk. Metastasis was such a brutal way to die. And so I vowed then and there that no other woman should have to suffer the way she did. Susan Blumenthal (left) and Mary Elizabeth Tipper Gore, then the Second Lady, in 1993. As an assistant Surgeon General, Blumenthal knew the U.S. government had some of the worlds most advanced digital imaging technology. But at the time, mammography was a 40-year-old procedure that remained stubbornly analogwith doctors peering at sheets of X-ray film through jewelers loupes. It seemed far from the state-of-the-art, computerized stuff Blumenthal kept hearing about from other parts of the federal government. As she told me, We could see the surface of Mars, we can track missiles in outer space, why couldnt we find small tumors right here on Earth? So Blumenthal called up the then-director of the Central Intelligence Agency, James Woolsey, and asked for help taking on a problem that was killing some 45,000 Americans per year. (The fact that as a federal public-health officer she technically held a military rank likely weighed in favor of the CIA director taking the call). Woolsey recalled the conversation in an oral history of the Clinton presidency: Jim, this is a strange request, he recalled Blumenthal saying, but could the intelligence community be of any assistance in improving diagnosis of mammograms? It sounds kind of unlikely to me, Woolsey told her, but maybe not impossible. The sharpest eyes at the Pentagon Mammograms, in essence, were just pictures that sharp-eyed experts scrutinized for hidden trouble. So Woolsey called up Jeffrey Harris, head of an intelligence agency full of some of the sharpest-eyed experts at the Pentagon: the National Reconnaissance Office. The NRO builds Americas fleet of spy satellites and studies the pictures they take. The U.S. government had officially admitted the agencys existence only two years prior. Former CIA director James Woolsey, pictured at a Senate hearing in 2004. Harristhe first NRO director allowed to publicly admit he held the joboversaw teams that pioneered some of the earliest software and hardware for processing digital images, like the chunky, steampunk-ish IDEX workstation on display at the Smithsonian. The intelligence community over time spent probably a couple hundred million dollars in several generations inventing [the technology] and getting it fielded, Harris told Fortune. We were inventing the mathematics to manipulate digital imagery. After his own conversation with Blumenthal, Harris recalled, he decided, Lets just go do a little study on behalf of the women of America to see if the algorithms that were perfecting to find Soviet / Russian deployed missile fields work for mammograms. Harris had some guys in a lab who thought they could help. One of them was a physicist and image researcher named Sam Grantwho had some adjusting to do when handed an assignment he was actually supposed to talk about at home. You work with a group of people who work for an organization that doesnt exist, Grant told me, laughing, You get into that culture. Grants first job was to enlist his spouse to help him learn how the images got made. He was immediately taken aback to learn that the process required first squashing the breast flat. I went with my wife for a mammogram and saw how they collected the data and I thought, my goodness, he said. I mean they put her breast in a vice, essentially. Advertisement The NRO team also got help from researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, who shared some 200,000 mammogram images, many of which were known positives for cancer. The NRO researchers scanned and digitized these x-ray films, then ran them through an early version of artificial intelligencea neural network that had been trained to search for missile launchers in digitized satellite photos of forested regions in Russia. The algorithm gets trained by humans and says, Im seeing an interesting pattern in the middle of a primordial forestis this of interest? Harris said. One interesting pattern the algorithm had picked up on was that sharp-edged objects like missile launchers almost always could be found along roadways, which showed up as long, linear features in the satellite images. Sharp edges and roadways helped the system locate its quarry even when partially obscured by tree cover. That was something that the AI could latch onto, Harris said. From missiles to microcalcifications As it turned out, the method translated well to mammograms. In early stages, breast cancer can sometimes show up as microcalcifications, tiny deposits of calcium in breast tissue. Not all microcalcifications turn out to be cancerous, but cancer is much more strongly associated with deposits that cluster along a distinctly linear feature inside the breast: milk ducts. What excited the algorithm was, the duct work looked like dirt roads through a forest, Harris said. The NRO algorithm helped find calcium deposits that were much more likely to be cancerouswhich cut down on false positives that would require women to undergo needless biopsies or follow-up smashing in the mammogram machine. While this early version of AI had a different architecture than, say, the Chat GPT app on your phone, it shared some of the same mathematical DNA: neural nets trained to find patterns in high-dimensional data. And much like modern, computer-aided mammography, todays large language models got a boost from U.S. government funding, which helped keep the underlying technology going when commercial interest wavered. For example, consider the 2010 NSF grant that helped ImageNet spark the deep-learning boom, or the $25 million DARPA contract that same year, which buoyed Nvidia at a moment when non-gaming uses for GPUs looked like a non-starter. Far beyond basic research, Washington has long played fairy godmother to the commercial technologies we use every dayfrom the Small Business Administration-backed investment that helped launch Apple to the government spy tech that put GPS and Google Earth in your phone. These technologies grow out of what economist Mariana Mazzucato calls the entrepreneurial statethe often-forgotten government funding that drives innovation throughout the lifecycle of technology, far beyond basic research and development. What actually got us all the technology that makes the iPhone smart and not stupid was government finance. Mazzucato told Fortune. If you really think government should have just done basic R&D, throw out your iPhones! Taking mammograms from analog to digital Or, perhaps, throw out your digital mammogram. Digital mammography and computer-aided breast cancer diagnosis were in their infancy in the 1990s. The task force of cancer doctors and intelligence analysts that Blumenthal assembled helped to change that. When researchers at Mass General piloted a system employing a version of the NROs spy photo algorithm as a second reader alongside human doctors, Grant said, They saw 15% reduction in false positives. The takeaway was clear: The combination of digital imagery and a pattern-recognition algorithm could make mammograms more accurate. Blumenthal says this breakthrough and others helped pave the way for the huge, and life-saving, digital mammography and computer-aided diagnosis industry we know today. Now more than 34 million U.S. women get annual mammograms and theyor their insurance companiesspend more than $11 billion yearly for the privilege. Perhaps more importantly, since 1989, one study estimated that mammograms have saved as many as 600,000 lives. Thats likely high on the list of reasons why CIA Director Woolsey mentioned the programwhich became known as Missiles to Mammogramswhen tallying his achievements with presidential historians in 2010. And its the reason Sam Grant, who spent most of his career never breathing a word about his NRO work to anyone, decided to speak with Fortune. He said, Ive been proud of it ever since. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com George Kamel and Ken Coleman tell one Ann Arbor man that he let medical bill error 'fester.' Tim and his wife thought the toughest part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) was behind them. But two years after fertility treatment at an Ann Arbor, Michigan clinic, debt collectors are chasing them to pay thousands for services the couple claim they never received. Tim called into The Ramsey Show for advice on how to put the issue to rest, once and for all (1). Must Read He told co-hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman that he and his wife considered paying the erroneous charges to be done with it, but felt that would be wrong on principle. We dont feel like we should pay this certain amount of money thats left over, Tim said. So we kind of seem stuck. Kamel and Coleman agreed, but zeroed in on one key challenge. This is partially on you, Tim, cause youve been letting this just fester for years, Kamel said. He and Kamel gave Tim a blunt lesson in how quickly medical billing disputes can spiral and what to do about them. Why IVF bills are especially prone to errors IVF is pricey up to $30,000 per cycle (2). Insurance coverage is limited or nonexistent in many states, meaning patients pay large out-of-pocket sums under intense emotional and time pressure. Fertility clinics often rely on third-party labs, anesthesiology groups and outside billing vendors (3). A single treatment can generate multiple bills, bundled charges and overlapping procedure codes. Errors can slip through unnoticed or be paid to keep treatment moving. Tim and his wife paid for the treatments they received, but flagged the disputed charges with the clinic back in 2023 and withheld payment. The billing department said theyd look into it, but that was the end of the discussion. There was no documentation forcing the billing provider to correct the record. Then collection notices started coming. Kamel and Coleman said the couples mistake was letting the billing issue drag on unresolved. Paying part of a bill while hoping the rest gets fixed later often backfires. Once charges are sent to collections, your leverage drops dramatically. The hosts stressed that informal conversations arent enough. Phone calls dont protect patients unless theyre backed up in writing. Advertisement Worse still, Tim revealed that the physician who treated them at the clinic was a family friend who could have intervened on their behalf, and they never asked him to do so. Read More: 92% of surveyed retirees say higher costs are eating into their savings. What can you do? 4 ways to protect your money in 2026 Coleman and Kamel were flummoxed. Tim protested that the billing department wasnt the physicians area, but Coleman noted that a doctors written confirmation that specific procedures were never performed could have carried significant weight in challenging the charges. Youre in the right, Coleman told Tim. But you gave up too soon. What they can still do now even in collections This case isnt just about IVF. It applies to any high-cost medical bill where patients feel pressured to pay first and ask questions later. The hosts laid out a step-by-step path patients should follow to avoid billing errors: Demand an itemized bill from the provider and immediately flag errors. The bill should list: procedure codes service date(s) charge(s) for treatment(s). If the bill includes services that never happened, report it. If errors arent addressed promptly, be relentless and document everything. Emails, certified letters, and call logs matter. As one host put it, the goal is to become the squeaky wheel they want off their desk. Escalate to corporate billing if your concern isnt resolved. Tim noted the Ann Arbor fertility clinic he and his wife used shut down. But it is part of a corporate chain that continues to operate elsewhere. That means a corporate billing office exists and can correct records tied to a closed location. Request a debt validation letter. Under federal law, consumers have the right to demand proof that a debt is valid. Ask for a compliance audit. Medical billing departments take compliance issues seriously. A retroactive audit can force internal review especially if the clinic location has closed or changed ownership. The system may be complex but patients who document, escalate and refuse to accept vague answers still have a fighting chance. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. The Ramsey Show (1); Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (2); Reproductive Biology Associates (3) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. In an era where concert tickets often rival the cost of a mortgage payment, Kevin Lyman stands as a defiant anomaly. Thirty-one years after founding the Vans Warped Tour, the pop-punk patriarch is looking at the modern music industry with a mixture of confusion and frustration. And hes excited that his Warped Tour, on the comeback trail for a second straight year, is staying true to its values. Ticket prices have gotten so out of hand, Lyman told Fortune over a Zoom call, luxuriating in the California Sun over Zoom as New York shivered under a brutal winter. A lot has changed since he first sunset Warped Tour before bringing it back over the last two years, said Lyman, who has been teaching a music industry program at the University of Southern California for eight years. I dont think youll ever see a touring festival the size of Warped Tour [again], Lyman told Fortune about returning to the mallpunk heyday of the mid-90s, when a ticket only ran $18, as one Reddit poster related a year ago on the r/nostalgia thread. In 1997, the Warped Tour boasted a killer pop-punk lineup: Pennywise, The Descendents, Limp Bizkit, Social Distortion, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Blink-182 were all on the bill. The poster on Reddit said they were incredibly nostalgic for these prices. (The first-ever tour was no slouch, with Sublime and No Doubt, among others.) A nationwide touring festival just isnt feasible in the same way in the 2020s, given logistics and costs involved, Lyman said. Instead, the new iteration focuses on destination weekends and expanding into Mexico and Canada. I think its a statement that, Hey, were all human beings and we all can connect through things like music and culture. You know, its horrible living in Southern California right now, how people are being treated and, and, you know, its frustrating on a daily level to just see the inhumanity thats treat taking over. And, you know, Warped has always been a place for humanity. In 2026, Warped Tour will deliver five two-day U.S. festivals returning to Washington, D.C., Long Beach, and Orlando alongside the launch of new international editions in Montreal. and Mexico City. Warped Tour has been dropping names of acts one by one on its Instagram page, largely new brands plus older, nostalgic acts such as Phantom Planet and The Used. Its part of a wave of similar nostalgia tours for the 90s and early 2000s, as the When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas and tours celebrating the 20th anniversary of seminal emo albums by My Chemical Romance, for instance. Mark Cuban has invested in Burwoodland, which hosts emo night singalongs featuring DJs, surprise cameos and a heavy dose of cheap nostalgia. Lyman argued that $150 for a two-day festival, fees included, is more than fair in this day and age. Lyman said he priced the Warped comeback this way so fans could get their big dose of music over two days at the Warped Tour for the price of what half of another shows ticket could be, you know, for 150 bands. To Lymans point, this would put Warped Tour below even the low end of ticket prices for multiday festivals, which can go as high as $600, per SoFi estimates, although prices do increase closer to the day of the show. They are also doing as many free events as they can to offer fans a fun day out, holding one recently in Long Beach. Lyman said he was stunned by the turnout. We just said Warped Gathering and 1,500 people came, [we did] not even know what was going to happen. And we had some bands play. Advertisement It may be a radical proposition in the current live music economy, but for Lyman, it is a matter of sustainability over greed. Everyone has to work together. The bands have to understand that they cant take too big of a piece of the pie, the vendors, to be able to make this price work, Lyman explained. He said its hard work, but sustainable. Hes proud that a lot of people he still works with on festivals came up through the ranks, such as Maureen Valker-Barlow, who began her career working the catering side at Warped. An OG (re)takes the stage Lyman acknowledged that the days of industry excesses are over, or at least they should be. Not everyone is getting super-rich, maybe like they did in the 90s, the 80s, but you can make a good living doing this by hard, honest work, he said. (Lyman later clarified to Fortune this is a personal belief that he has, and its a bit speculative without hard data.) This grounding philosophy stems from Lymans unexpected path to music mogul status. He never intended to run a global festival brand; originally, he thought he would be running summer and youth camps my whole life. In a way, he still is. Observers often describe Warped Tour as a pop punk punk rock summer camp, a description that Lyman accepts. He said he views his role less as a promoter and more as a curator of a culture. The magic of Warped Tour wasnt just the bands on stageSublime, NoFX, Pennywisebut what happened between the stages. It was a place where kids could discover non-profits, skate ramps, and a sense of belonging. Warped Tour brought wallet chains worldwide, he notes proudly. That sense of community is the driving force behind Warped Tours return. After ending the cross-country run in 2019, Lyman said felt a void and a big influence came from his teaching career. I talked to my students, and I [felt] they were lacking community post-pandemic, and he felt it was the right time to return. Despite the changes, the vibe remains distinctly Warped. Lyman described the atmosphere of the festival simply as freedom, saying that he sees it as a crowd of thinkers who police themselves better than any security team could. Lyman recalled a massive weekend in Long Beach with 80,000 attendees that resulted in only one arresta drunk fan who took Ice-Ts lyrics too literally and started shouting at the police. Lyman said he asked the fan directly, please dont say it one more time, but he thinks it was relatively harmless, a night in the drunk tank. Warped has always been a place for humanity, Lyman observed, saying it has always been a self-regulating community, unlike most other festivals. Guided by the Japanese philosophy of Ikigaianother thing he teaches his students, about finding the intersection of what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid forLyman seems content. He said he isnt chasing the highest profit margin necessarily; hes chasing the perfect summer camp. And in a music industry that often feels broken, a fair ticket price might be the most punk rock statement of all. Being fiscally responsible is a key, he said, but its also crucial to remember that most of the work you do every day should be about supporting your community. Warped Tour means freedom, he added. You know, its like you go into the parking lots and everyone kind of feels freedom. We dont tell them what time the bands are playing. Theyre thinkers that go to Warped Tour. They know to bring their three cans of food to donate at the front gates for the food banks. (Over 25 non-profits are involve in Warpeds return, with Feed the Children helping distribute canned food to local food banks.) Lyman said fans stay involved year-round. Now were trying to do more and more during these weekends during the offseason to keep that community together. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A precisely dated Moroccan cave sequence places hominin jaws and teeth at 773,000 years old, near a key split in our lineage. (CREDIT: Kennis brothers / Natural History Museum) A set of ancient human fossils found on Moroccos Atlantic coast now sits on one of the tightest timelines in African prehistory. The remains come from Thomas Quarry I, and a new analysis pins them to about 773,000 years ago, give or take 4,000 years. That level of precision is rare for fossils this old, and it pulls you closer to a moment near the split that later led to modern humans, Neandertals, and Denisovans. The research is led by an international team including Jean-Jacques Hublin of College de France and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, David Lefevre of Universite de Montpellier Paul Valery, Giovanni Muttoni of Universita degli Studi di Milano, and Abderrahim Mohib of Moroccos Institut National des Sciences de lArcheologie et du Patrimoine, known as INSAP. The team describes new hominin fossils that show a mix of older and more modern features, and they place them in a geological record that is unusually clear. For anyone trying to picture the human family tree, the hardest part often is timing. Fossils can be stunning, but their age can be blurry. Here, the timeline is the headline. A high-resolution magnetic record captured a major flip in Earths magnetic field, and the fossils sit right in that transition. ThI-GH site. (CREDIT: Nature) A Long Dig That Finally Paid Off The discoveries build on more than three decades of fieldwork under the Moroccan-French program Prehistoire de Casablanca. You can feel the patience behind that kind of effort. The team did long excavations, careful layer-by-layer mapping, and large geological studies across the southwest part of the city. That slow work revealed an unusual cave sequence inside Thomas Quarry I, in an area known as the Grotte a Hominides. The setting matters because the fossils did not come from a loose or mixed layer. They came from sediments that stayed in order. Mohib framed the result as a product of collaboration, not luck. The success of this long-term research reflects a strong institutional collaboration involving the Ministere de la Jeunesse, de la Culture et de la Communication Departement de la Culture of the Kingdom of Morocco (through INSAP) and the Ministere de lEurope et des Affaires Etrangeres of France (through the French Archaeological Mission Casablanca). Support also came from institutions in Italy, Germany, and France, including the Universita degli Studi di Milano and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. That network helped turn a local cave deposit into a global point of reference. A Coastline Built to Preserve Deep Time Thomas Quarry I sits within raised coastal formations along the RabatCasablanca littoral. Over long periods, sea levels rose and fell, winds built dunes, and coastal sands hardened quickly. Those shifts created caves and preserved what later filled them. Hominin specimens from ThI-GH. (CREDIT: Nature) Jean-Paul Raynal, a co-director of the program during the excavation that uncovered the fossils, emphasized why the coast matters. He said the region is known for its exceptional succession of Plio-Pleistocene palaeoshorelines, coastal dunes and cave systems. He also noted that repeated sea-level swings and rapid cementation created ideal conditions for fossil and archaeological preservation. That bigger landscape holds an unusually deep record of life and toolmaking. The wider Casablanca region documents early Acheulean stone tools and later developments, along with animal fossils that reflect changing environments. Thomas Quarry I itself is known for very old Acheulean industries in northwest Africa, dated to about 1.3 million years ago. The site also sits near Sidi Abderrahmane, a classic reference point for Middle Pleistocene prehistory in the region. Within that broader context, Lefevre described the Grotte a Hominides as a cave system carved by a marine highstand and later filled with sediments that kept the fossils in a secure and undisturbed layer sequence. Dating Fossils By Earths Magnetic Flip The dating method behind this work is magnetostratigraphy, a tool that reads changes in Earths magnetic field recorded in sediments. Over geological time, the magnetic field flips. North becomes south, and the polarity reverses. Those flips leave a sharp signal in layers of rock and sediment, and that signal matches worldwide. The key marker here is the MatuyamaBrunhes transition, the last major geomagnetic polarity reversal. It occurred around 773,000 years ago. Because it is global and abrupt on geological timescales, it acts like a precise timestamp. Location of the Hominin Cave in the Thomas Quarry I site. (CREDIT: Nature) At the Grotte a Hominides, rapid sediment buildup allowed the team to capture the transition in fine detail. Serena Perini explained why that matters. Seeing the MatuyamaBrunhes transition recorded with such resolution in the ThI-GH deposits allows us to anchor the presence of these hominins within an exceptionally precise chronological framework for the African Pleistocene. The team collected 180 magnetostratigraphic samples, an unusually high number for a hominin site of this age. Those samples captured the end of the Matuyama Chron, the transition itself, and the start of the Brunhes Chron. The researchers even estimate the transitions short duration at 8,000 to 11,000 years. The hominin-bearing sediments formed during that window, which strengthens the age estimate. The team also notes that animal evidence supports the same time frame, but they treat the magnetic record as the key anchor. Advertisement Bones From a Carnivore Den The fossil assemblage appears to come from a carnivore den. The researchers point to a hominin femur that shows clear signs of gnawing and consumption. The collection includes a nearly complete adult mandible, a second adult half mandible, a child mandible, several vertebrae, and isolated teeth. When you picture these finds, it helps to hold two ideas at once. First, these were living beings in a risky landscape. Second, their bones now sit in a rare time-locked deposit. The anatomy adds another layer of tension. The jaws and teeth show a mosaic of traits, with features that look archaic and others that look more derived. Some traits recall hominins from Gran Dolina at Atapuerca, which are often grouped under the label Homo antecessor. The paper suggests that ancient population contacts between northwest Africa and southern Europe may have existed earlier. By the time of the MatuyamaBrunhes transition, the groups look clearly separated. Stratigraphical context of the Grotte a Hominides (ThI-GH). (CREDIT: Nature) Clue to Ancestry and Comparative Anatomy The team used micro-CT imaging, geometric shape analysis, and comparative anatomy. Matthew Skinner focused on a hidden feature inside teeth, the enamel-dentine junction, which can stay intact even when enamel is worn. Using microCT imaging we were able to study a hidden internal structure of the teeth, referred to as the enamel-dentine junction, which is known to be taxonomically informative and which is preserved in teeth where the enamel surface is worn away. Analysis of this structure consistently shows the Grotte a Hominides hominins to be distinct from both Homo erectus and Homo antecessor, identifying them as representative of populations that could be basal to Homo sapiens and archaic Eurasian lineages. Shara Bailey described how the teeth differ from later Neandertal patterns. In their shapes and non-metric traits, the teeth from Grotte a Hominides retain many primitive features and lack the traits that are characteristic of Neandertals. In this sense, they differ from Homo antecessor, which, in some features, are beginning to resemble Neandertals. The dental morphological analyses indicate that regional differences in human populations may have been already present by the end of the Early Pleistocene. The study also pushes back on the idea of the Sahara as a permanent wall. Denis Geraads said, The idea that the Sahara was a permanent biogeographic barrier does not hold for this period. The paleontological evidence shows repeated connections between Northwest Africa and the savannas of the East and South. A Candidate for the Shared Ancestor The fossils are almost the same age as the Gran Dolina hominins, and they are older than later Middle Pleistocene fossils tied to Neandertals and Denisovans. They are also far older than the earliest Homo sapiens remains at Jebel Irhoud, by roughly 500,000 years, according to the researchers. Genetic evidence places the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans between about 765,000 and 550,000 years ago. The Moroccan fossils align best with the older part of that range, based on their age and their blend of traits. Hublin summed up the stakes. The fossils from the Grotte a Hominides may be the best candidates we currently have for African populations lying near the root of this shared ancestry, thus reinforcing the view of a deep African origin for our species. Practical Implications of the Research This work gives researchers one of the most precisely dated African Pleistocene hominin assemblages, anchored to 773,000 years ago, plus or minus 4,000 years. The high-resolution magnetic record and 180 samples provide a model for dating other early sites, especially where fossil ages remain uncertain. The fossils offer new anatomical evidence for African populations near the split that later produced Homo sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans. The findings strengthen the role of northwest Africa in early Homo evolution and support the idea of repeated connections across regions that include the Sahara. The studys tooth imaging approach, including enamel-dentine junction analysis, can help identify populations even when tooth surfaces are worn. Research findings are available online in the journal Nature. The original story 773,000-year-old Moroccan cave fossils reveal human and neandertal evolutionary split is published in The Brighter Side of News. Related Stories Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. Rosie ODonnell secretly returned to the United States on a reconnaissance mission following President Donald Trumps threats to revoke her citizenship. I recently went home for two weeks and I did not really tell anyone. I just went to see my family, the comedian recently told Chris Cuomo during an appearance on SiriusXMs Cuomo Mornings. I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country, she added. I wanted to feel what it felt like. I wanted to hold my children again. And I hadnt been home in over a year. The former talk show host also shared that she had practical reasons for the trip. Rosie ODonnell revealed she returned to the US amid President Donald Trumps threat to revoke her citizenship. Dave Benett/Getty Images I just wanted to seem my family, she told Chris Cuomo. Getty Images 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, she further explained. ODonnell who left the states in January 2025 with her youngest child, Clay, 13, for a life in Ireland is also mom to adult kids Parker, 29, Blake, 25, Chelsea, 27, and Vivienne, 22. She said she experienced a very different country upon her return, admitting that for a year, I havent been watching the news. Ive been in a place where celebrity worship does not exist, she said, adding that life in Ireland gives her more balance. She also told Cuomo that she doesnt regret leaving at all. I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country, she added. AFP via Getty Images The comedian described the energy in the US as scary. Getty Images I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity, she explained. ODonnell, 63, described the energy she felt while visiting the US as scary. Theres a feeling that something is really wrong, and no one is doing anything about it, she said. Advertisement The View alum and Trump have been feuding for years but the rift, caused by opposing political views, came to a head when the president took to his Truth Social platform in July 2025 to threaten the actresss US citizenship with a strongly-worded screed. 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 at the time. Trump took to Truth Social in July with a threat to revoke ODonnells citizenship. MediaPunch / BACKGRID The president labeled her a Threat to Humanity. AP She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA. In an Instagram post, the comedian responded with strong words of her own. 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 captioned the upload in part. She added that she stands in direct opposition all [sic] he represents, and asked u gonna deport all who stand against ur eveil tendencies. Trump and ODonnell have been feuding for years over their opposing political views. 12.4.96 ODonnell vowed she would never renounce her US citizenship, despite her 2025 move to Ireland. Instagram/rosie Adding the hashtag #Nevertrump, she concluded the post by labeling the president a bad joke who cant form a coherent sentence. Also in July, ODonnell took to TikTok to declare she would never give up her citizenship. Im not that worried, she insisted in the fiery video rant. However, the Supreme Court has given him unbridled powers. She said she will always be an American, adding, I will never renounce my American citizenship. I am waiting happily for my Irish citizenship so that I can be a dual citizen, but I will never renounce my American citizenship. Ever. The National Weather Service has issued an urgent winter storm warning for 100+ mph wind gusts and up to 6 feet of snow. Forecasters are warning that whiteout conditions could make travel impossible through mid-week. 100+ MPH Wind Gusts and 6 Feet of Snow Expected Snow blows over a highway during blizzard conditions. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Reno, Nevada's National Weather Service office has issued a major winter storm warning for the Lake Tahoe area spanning California and Nevada. Communities including Glenbrook, Stateline, Markleeville, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Incline Village, and Tahoe City are facing extreme weather from February 15 through February 18, 2026. Wind gusts of over 100 mph will strike along the Sierra ridge throughout the multi-day storm. Additionally, the valleys could see 35 to 45 mph gusts. The NWS cautions that those conditions have the potential to down trees and power lines alike. The storm will also bring heavy snow, with the forecast predicting that between 24 and 60 inches (2 and 5 feet) will arrive in the Sierra. It also outlines that the Tahoe Basin, including the west shore and Alpine County, could see 18 to 30 inches. Advertisement The powerful winds and significant snowfall will combine to create whiteout conditions, according to the NWS. The warning describes travel as "very difficult to impossible" off and on throughout the storm. Though the Lake Tahoe area isn't heavily populated year-round, it does feature several cities that have tens of thousands of residents combined. It is also a major tourist attraction, as the website Visiting Lake Tahoe reports that it receives two million visitors annually. Key Tips to Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Winter Storms In a February 2026 interview with Men's Journal, Kidde Senior Manager of Communications and Fire Safety Educator Stephanie Berzinski discussed the dangers inside the home during the winter months. She provided essential tips for staying safe from fire and carbon monoxide hazards during extreme winter conditions. Berzinski explained that heating fires peak in winter, with 46% occurring from December to February, and over 200 people die annually from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To prevent tragedies, she stated that people should never use ovens or generators for heat. She warned to always monitor space heaters and make sure they have a 3-foot clearance from combustibles. She also discussed the importance of installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and outside bedrooms. Those are some examples of the life-saving advice she provided. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Across the country and abroad, thousands demonstrated on Saturday against the Iranian Islamic Republic government, which has killed thousands of protesters since January. Dozens of people in Boise joined in to show unity with the Iranian people. The demonstrations came in response to a recent call to action from the countrys exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to increase international pressure on the country. Iranian communities across the globe were called to gather in Toronto, Los Angeles and Munich, and all three cities saw thousands of people in attendance. Local Iranian community member Farnoush Davis told the Idaho Statesman that the Iranian community here wanted to show support from Boise. The crowd of about 40 people gathered at Grove Plaza, holding photos of people killed in protests in Iran. It is important wherever we are to show our support, show our unity, Davis told the Idaho Statesman prior to the demonstration. Demonstrators hold photos of people killed during protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the last few weeks, at a rally in Boise on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. | Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman Waving the green, white and red flag with lion and sun emblems on it, used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that resulted in the ousting of the Pahlavi dynasty, the group called for regime change, international support to dismantle the Islamic Republic government, expulsion of the governments diplomats and the release of political prisoners. Advertisement Speaking at the demonstration, Esmaeil Fallahi, a professor at the University of Idaho, said the world is witnessing the unity of Iranians against one of the longest brutalities. We are witnessing a brutality of a regime that came in the name of making Iran and Iranian people better, but instead they put us in war with all countries around the world, with religions around the world, and gave us a label of terrorism, Fallahi said. According to the Associated Press, this past month, Iran has seen the worst and deadliest crackdown on protesters since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Authorities have largely cut off the country from the internet, making it difficult to know the scope of the violence. According to the AP, some 7,005 people have been killed. Davis told the crowd during the demonstration that dissent is not just about basic human rights, But, she said, it is a call for an end to a government that has destabilized the region and harmed people around the world. Iranians, inside and outside the country, are more united than ever, Davis said. We stand under one national flag, we are calling one name, and we are demanding one thing, change. The Islamic Republic must go. The post Demonstrators in Boise, around world rally in support of Iranian people appeared first on East Idaho News. A woman in a market in Kenya holding a bouquet made out of blue coloured Kenyan shilling banknotes. Behind her is a stall selling teddy bears. For as long as many residents of Nairobi can remember, the Kenyan capital has been awash with red every 14 February. On Valentine's Day, people are dressed in red, the colour of love and romance, or are carrying red roses. Traders are quick to cash in, selling fresh blooms from local farms, as Kenya is one of the world's top producers of cut flowers. Recently though, instead of the soft red petals, some people have been opting for the brown, blue or purple of crisp banknotes, folded, rolled or fastened together into floral-like bouquets. The trend has spread to other African countries and has become so pervasive that it has drawn the concern of central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia. They have all issued public warnings against damaging or defacing banknotes when making these bouquets of cash. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) says that in many instances, banknotes are "glued, taped, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed". Damaged notes can then be rejected by automated teller machines (ATMs) and cashsorting equipment, meaning they have to be withdrawn from circulation, at a cost to the taxpayer. In its notice, the CBK said it was not opposed to the use of cash gifts - only to practices that damaged notes - an offence that could lead to creators of money bouquets being jailed for up to seven years. Cash bouquets have been popularised by celebrities and online influencers, who often share videos of themselves presenting such gifts. The celebrations are not limited to Valentine's Day - they extend to birthdays and other special occasions, meaning money bouquets are in demand throughout the year. "Love people the way they want to be loved"", Source: Angela Muthoni, Source description: Kenyan florist, Image: Angela Muthoni The bouquets come in various designs, with creators arranging the banknotes to suit the taste and budget of each customer. The wads of cash used in such bouquets vary widely - they can amount to as little as 1,000 shillings ($8; 6) or as much as a million shillings, says Angela Muthoni, a florist at the Gift and Flowers shop in central Nairobi. While many are created in floral designs, or a mix of flowers and money with elegant wrappings, they can also be part of cake designs or be given in gift boxes. Muthoni says money bouquets have become popular in the last two years. In the run-up to Valentine's Day, she has been receiving orders of between 15 and 20 bouquets every day, despite the CBK's warning. "Everyone loves money," she tells the BBC, adding that gifting people cash takes away the stress of choosing a present. Some Kenyans, however, argue that it just shows that people are becoming more materialistic, seeking to buy love with money, rather than romance. "It's some form of peer pressure," 24-year-old Haskell Austin tells the BBC. He prefers giving flowers, describing the idea of gifting money as "materialistic". But if cash must be given, he prefers a straightforward transfer instead of folding or decorating it into bouquets. This Ugandan bouquet would be OK as the banknotes have not been damaged A woman who identifies herself only as Lynn is disappointed by the timing of the CBK's caution against making cash bouquets, coming just ahead of Valentine's Day, as she was looking forward to receiving one. "People are still excited about the trend," she tells the BBC at Koinange Street, a popular spot for buying flowers in Nairobi. Advertisement "I would prefer cash," Nicole Rono tells the BBC. "Who doesn't love money? Flowers are OK, yes, but now with what the CBK has said, you can still give cash without damaging it," she says. For university student Benjamin Nambwaya, the fact that women are usually the recipients is based on social expectations. He tells the BBC that the culture of giving money bouquets is a "bad thing" and can end up "destroying relationships", especially when it creates an expectation even when one cannot afford to give money. He would prefer to give flowers. "I think flowers are cool, because this is a small celebration or something just to show how how much you really adore this person," he says. Economic expert Odhiambo Ramogi says it is all about "our capitalistic approach to life". "Capitalistic societies are driven by advertising, by marketing and special days like Valentine's are a very good opportunity." For Muthoni, the florist, it comes down to how someone wants to express their love. "Love people the way they want to be loved," she says, although she concedes that ultimately money is at the heart of it. "You can buy a lot of things with money. You might not know what someone likes, but money is the solution." Discussions about money bouquets have been widespread on social media since the CBK's warning, drawing both praise and derision. It has sparked some humour as well, such as memes of bouquets made from rolled chapati bread. Banknotes are folded or rolled to make the bouquets Speaking about the trend on TikTok, Kenyan Scott Ian Obaro said it may also have encouraged a culture of "showing off". Ramogi argues that the idea of giving flowers is largely a foreign concept in Africa, which he says helps explain why the culture of gifting money is more readily embraced. "The African hardly gave flowers," he says, adding that the practice is a Western tradition and that many Kenyans would prefer money "to take care of a need" rather than a flower given purely for sentimental reasons. "But now it's combined with the fact that we are more materialistic. The natural flower has been replaced with the currency flower," he says. The intervention by Kenya's regulator, along with those in other countries, may slow the culture of giving money bouquets. Muthoni fears the move could lead to a loss of income for people who have built livelihoods around the bouquets, though she believes there is room for innovation. She says she has designed bouquets with transparent pockets that can hold money without it getting damaged and is considering other ideas such as digital bouquets. Some have switched to using US dollars, which would not be affected by the warning from Kenya's central bank. So the money bouquet culture is unlikely to be nipped in the bud any time soon. You may also be interested in: A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa 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 U.S. policymakers use a secret weapon to uncover widespread threats to public health. This tool enabled them to discover that Americans had high blood lead levels from leaded gasoline. It warned them when Americans were showing the first signs of the obesity epidemic. It helped them learn about the millions with high blood pressure who never knew they had it. The vitamins in baby formula that help infants grow strong and the nutrients added to basic foods like cereal and bread exist because this tool revealed what Americans were missing. The tool, called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, is a quiet surveillance system that alerts the nation to dangers we may not have seen otherwise. Yet today NHANES itself is imperiled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has eliminated the entire team responsible for planning and coordinating the survey, threatening the most consequential health database in U.S. history. If NHANES collapses, we can no longer track the chemicals accumulating in childrens bodies, the vitamins and nutrients Americans are lacking, or the silent growth of chronic diseases like diabetes. We will lose the information that guides foodlabeling policy, environmental protections, and preventative medicine practices used in every doctors office. A country of 340 million people would, quite literally, no longer know the state of its own health. When the 43-day government shutdown hit in October, the CDC like other agencies had to rapidly assign employees to essential or nonessential categories. The small team that designs and coordinates NHANES was swept into the nonessential group and let go. After the shutdown, while most affected staff returned to their roles, the NHANES planners did not. Their positions simply vanished. Dismantling NHANES will hobble efforts to advance the goals of Make America Health Again, the administrations signature initiative emphasizing prevention. NHANES provides crucial information to meet those goals. Without it, policymakers will be forced to steer blind. We would not have recognized rising mercury levels in women of childbearing age information that has guided advice on safe seafood consumption for expectant parents. We would not have known that Americans carried measurable levels of pesticides, flame retardants and PFAS forever chemicals now under intense federal scrutiny. Advertisement Nor would we have detected the dramatic decline in childrens exposure to secondhand smoke, a major publichealth success story, until years later, long after the opportunity to understand what drove that progress. For more than six decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have supported NHANES because it gives policymakers the hard, apolitical facts needed to protect the nations health. At a time when few institutions command bipartisan trust, NHANES has endured precisely because it delivers objective, early warnings about what is happening in Americans bodies long before those problems appear in hospitals or headlines. Congress must now act to restore the NHANES team and safeguard the surveys future. When Health and Human Services sought to terminate thousands of mental health and substance abuse grants in mid-January, bipartisan pressure from congressional committees forced the department to reverse course within 24 hours. Lawmakers can take similarly constructive steps here, supporting the reinstatement of the NHANES planning team, signaling in appropriations the importance of maintaining full survey capacity, requesting a public plan to ensure uninterrupted data collection, and seeking to clarify how the dismantling unfolded. A united front by Congress can prevent the dismantling of NHANES, the countrys most indispensable healthmonitoring system. The story of NHANES is, at its core, a story about what Americans can achieve when we choose to understand ourselves. Every breakthrough it enabled began with the simple act of paying attention. Restoring NHANES is about preserving our ability to learn from one another and build a healthier future together. At a moment when so much in public life feels polarized, the path forward here is refreshingly clear: we can simply decide to keep looking out for one another. Sean Hennessy is senior fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he evaluates the real-world effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs. 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. House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, left, with Gov. Brad Little and Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian. On Friday, Monks proposed a statewide day of prayer and fasting. | Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman BOISE (Idaho Statesman) American politics have gotten ugly. Debates and disagreements have gotten personal. Angst over immigration, the economy and state budget cuts sow seeds of unrest in Idaho and throughout the land, according to a resolution proposed by House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian. And whats more, this winter, the state has gotten record-low amounts of snow. On Friday, Monks called on Idaho residents to help address these problems by joining in a day of prayer and fasting on Sunday, March 1. The Legislature humbly encourages the people of Idaho to unite in a spirit of profound humility and repentance, Monks proposal reads. Idahoans are exhorted to fast and pray unto Almighty God for abundant moisture to replenish our states vital water supplies, that our mountains may be crowned with snow and our rivers flow with life-giving waters. Previous Idaho governors and leaders in other states have made similar calls for prayer in past years, Monks told the Idaho Statesman. But his resolution which is not binding is fairly unusual in its call for fasting, which, more than prayer alone, tends to prompt self-reflection, said Monks, who belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Calls for prayer and fasting often invoke humility, repentance, unity and earnest supplication for divine intervention, his resolution reads. Advertisement Members of the House State Affairs Committee were enthusiastic about the proposal, which Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, R-Idaho Falls, called a wonderful idea. They voted unanimously to bypass a committee hearing and send the resolution to the full House for a vote. Monks told the Statesman he anticipated that all 70 representatives would wind up supporting the resolution. It must also pass the Senate. But Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise, was more circumspect about the idea of lawmakers calling on citizens to pray to help resolve the states water shortages. I love the tenor of this, she said in committee. Its also very important that we be proactive in our policymaking to ensure water supply and snowpack and other vital issues to this state. Monks acknowledged that prayer alone would not solve the states problems. Should we be doing other things too? Yes and yes and yes, he told the Statesman. But everyone, he said, should take the time to reflect on their own actions, asking themselves: Am I making things worse or better? The post Protests, violence, little snow: Idaho lawmakers call for prayer and fasting appeared first on East Idaho News. by Joseph Masilamany The version of Scripture in the Bidayuh language was officially launched in the Archdiocese of Kuching, Malaysian Borneo. This is an important tool for the elderly who lack literacy, but also for young people immersed in digital technology. For Archbishop Simon Poh, it will help to promote and preserve the language, and in so doing preserve the faith and the cultures. Kuching (AsiaNews) The Catholic Church in Sarawak has launched an audio version of the Bible in the Bidayuh-Biatah dialect, marking a significant milestone for the Bidayuh community and the wider Church in the state. The Faith Comes From Hearing Malaysian chapter introduced the Bidayuh-Biatah audio Bible a day after the launch of the Bidayuh-Serian audio version in Serian. The initiative follows the earlier release of the Bau Bidayuh audio and printed Bible in 2020. For Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, the development is more than a technical achievement. Speaking to AsiaNews, he described the audio bible as a pastoral and theological affirmation. The Word became flesh and lived among us, he said, citing John 1:14. The Word of God in the Bible needs to be in the heart language, the mother tongue, of the people so that we can encounter our God speaking to our heart and soul. He said the project reflects the Catholic Churchs longstanding pastoral approach of respecting and serving communities in their own languages and cultures. With the launching of the audio Bible in Bidayuh-Serian and now Bidayuh-Biatah, together with the Bau-Bidayuh audio and printed Bible in 2020, the Word of God has come to make a home in the Bidayuh communities today, he said. Language, literacy and access The Biatah dialect is one of several Bidayuh language variants spoken in Sarawak, particularly in areas around Kuching and Serian. Traditionally oral, it was later transcribed using the Roman alphabet by early Christian missionaries, who translated prayer books and Sunday readings for use in worship. Archbishop Poh noted that this liturgical use helped preserve the language for nearly a century. The Church has always been the custodian of the Bidayuh languages, he said. Prayer books and Sunday readings were translated into the Bidayuh languages and used Sunday after Sunday. In effect, the language has been written down and preserved. However, literacy remains uneven among older generations in rural areas. Marilyn Anak Madrod, a Biatah Christian, told AsiaNews that the audio Bible will be especially meaningful for elders like her 84-year-old mother. My mother is not literate, but she understands and speaks Bidayuh-Biatah fluently, she said. She will be very happy to listen to Gods Word in her own dialect. For people like her, this is not just convenient it is personal. She said hearing Scripture in Biatah allows elderly villagers to connect with the Gospel in a way that written text cannot. When you hear it in your own language, it touches the heart differently, she said. It feels like God is speaking directly to you. Her remarks highlight a practical reality in many indigenous communities: written translations alone do not guarantee access. In predominantly oral cultures, audio Scripture may be more accessible and more natural. Returning to an oral tradition Many indigenous communities in Borneo have historically transmitted knowledge, values and beliefs through storytelling rather than written texts. Archbishop Poh said the audio format reconnects Scripture to that oral heritage. The Gospel tells the story of Jesus, he said. Especially for the elderly in the villages, they will identify with storytelling, which is part of the oral tradition they grew up with. He added that even younger generations, often absorbed in digital media, may benefit from listening. For todays younger generation that is so influenced by media, listening to a captivating story helps them detach from digital gadgets and use their ears, minds and heart to connect to their God who speaks to their inner being in their own heart language, he said. Marilyn said the communal aspect is equally important. In the village, people still gather, she said. Families can sit together and listen. In the longhouse, it can be played for everyone. It brings people together. Audio Scripture initiatives have expanded globally in recent years, particularly in regions where literacy levels vary or where oral culture remains strong. In Sarawak, where longhouses remain central to community life, communal listening may deepen both faith and language use. Preserving faith and culture Sarawaks indigenous languages face increasing pressure from urban migration, national-language dominance, and the influence of global media. Younger generations often grow up speaking Bahasa Malaysia and English more fluently than their ancestral dialects. Archbishop Poh said the audio Bible will help preserve both faith and culture. The audio Bible will help to promote and preserve the language, and in so doing preserve the faith and the cultures, he said. Marilyn agreed, saying the project sends an important message to younger Bidayuh-Biatah Christians. When our language carries the Gospel, it shows that our culture has value, she said. It is not something backward. It is something worthy. The launch of the Biatah audio Bible represents more than translation. It signals an effort to ensure that indigenous Catholics and other Christians encounter Scripture in the language of daily life especially those who cannot read, but who can listen. For many elderly villagers, it may be the first time they hear extended passages of the Bible proclaimed entirely in the rhythm and vocabulary of their ancestral speech. In a region where language, land and faith remain deeply intertwined, that development carries significance beyond the launch ceremony. As Archbishop Poh suggested, the aim is not only understanding, but encounter a moment when a listener might recognise the voice of Scripture and say, in their own dialect, that God speaks their language. ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Garegin thus became the first the supreme head of the church prosecuted in Armenias post-Soviet history. Even Soviet authorities had never formally prosecuted an Armenian Catholicos. The accusations levelled against Garegin stem from his January 27 decision to defrock a bishop involved in Pashinians controversial campaign to oust the Catholicos. The bishop, Gevorg Saroyan, was dismissed in January as head of the churchs Masyatsotn Diocese encompassing parts of Armenias southern Ararat province. With Pashinians encouragement, Saroyan refused to obey the decision and went on to challenge it in court. In an unprecedented injunction, a district court ruled on January 16 that Saroyan must be reinstated pending its verdict on the lawsuit. Lawyers representing the church maintain that Armenian courts have no jurisdiction over internal church affairs. The Investigative Committee opened the criminal case following Saroyans defrocking recommended by the churchs Supreme Spiritual Council. It charged on January 31 six bishops sitting on the council with obstructing the execution of the judicial act. They were banned from leaving Armenia to attend a delayed emergency conference of bishops in the Austrian city of Sankt Polten scheduled for February 16-19. The law-enforcement agency brought the same accusation against Garegin, according to Ara Zohrabian, a lawyer representing the church. Zohrabian said it banned him from leaving the country before attempting to interrogate him. This is a direct interference in the internal affairs of the church, Zohrabian said, accusing the Armenian authorities of trying to scuttle the conference. The churchs Mother See in Echmiadzin echoed the accusation in a separate statement. It condemned the indictment as illegal and disrespectful to millions of believers and to the centuries-old church. It did not say whether the Sankt Polten meeting will be cancelled or held via video link. The conference was originally scheduled to take place in Echmiadzin from December 10-12. Garegin postponed it because of what the Mother See described as repressions against clergy. Critics say Pashinian wants to prevent the rescheduled meeting because it would almost certainly demonstrate that the Catholicos continues to enjoy the top clergys backing despite the Armenian premiers eight-month campaign to depose him. Pashinian indicated his intention to scuttle the conference on Friday when he reacted furiously to a joint statement by eight prominent members of the Armenian communities in the United States and Europe condemning his attacks on the church. They also stressed the significance of the planned ecclesiastical meeting in Austria. The whole thing is about taking the Catholicosate out of Armenia, and I will not allow that. If additional measures need to be taken for that, they will be taken, Pashinian told reporters. I want to warn some representatives of the Diaspora that their involvement in this plot is seriously undermining Armenias state security and the Republic of Armenia is not going to stand by and look on, he said. There were will be a very tough response. Pashinians critics portrayed the threats as further proof that he is violating an Armenian constitutional provision guaranteeing the churchs separation from the state and illegally directing the actions of law-enforcement authorities. Three other archbishops and one bishop of the Armenian Church were arrested on various charges last year amid Pashinians efforts to depose Garegin. They all reject the accusations as politically motivated. Two of them were moved to house arrest earlier this year. The Catholicos has refused to step down despite the crackdown that has also targeted some of his relatives. Pashinian began his campaign last May right after Garegin accused Azerbaijan of committing ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, destroying the regions Armenian churches and illegally occupying Armenian border areas during an international conference in Switzerland. The premiers detractors say he wants to please Azerbaijan or neutralize a key source of opposition to his unilateral concessions to Armenias arch-foe. Pashinian said until December that Garegin and other top clerics at odds with him must go because they had secret sex affairs in breach of their vows of celibacy. He has given different reasons for his campaign since then, accusing them of spying for a foreign country, presumably Russia. He has not offered any proof of the allegation publicly dismissed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on January 20. The premier appeared to have again changed the stated reason for his campaign in response to Thursdays statement by the eight prominent Diaspora Armenians based in the U.S. and Europe. The signatories of the statement included four wealthy businessmen and philanthropists. Another Diaspora benefactor, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetian, was arrested in June right after condemning Pashinians drive to oust Garegin and pledging to defend the church in our way. Following his arrest Karapetian set up an opposition group which is expected to be one of the main contenders in Armenias upcoming parliamentary elections. 15 February 2026 20:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Efforts to reopen the AlicanMargara border crossing between Turkiye and Armenia have accelerated, signaling a potentially significant shift in regional dynamics. According to reports by Turkish media, Igdr Governor Frat Tasolar has personally inspected the ongoing reconstruction and modernization works at the Alican checkpoint, with technical preparations expected to be completed in the near term. The momentum around the AlicanMargara crossing also coincides with the construction of the KarsIgdrAralkDilucu railway, a project designed to establish a direct land connection between Turkiye and Azerbaijan via Nakhchivan. Stretching 224 kilometres, the line is planned to carry 5.5 million passengers and 15 million tonnes of cargo annually, a capacity that would significantly strengthen regional transport and logistics networks and reinforce long-term connectivity across the South Caucasus. While no official opening date has been announced, Ankara has repeatedly stated that once technical work is finalized and political conditions align, the process is ready to move forward. But what would reopening this border really mean, for Turkiye-Armenia relations, for regional connectivity, and for the broader South Caucasus? To explore these questions in greater depth, AzerNEWS spoke with Dr Kerem Karabulut, an economic expert at Ataturk University, who offered a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of the evolving dynamics. Responding to a question on the potential impact of reopening the AlicanMargara border crossing on TurkiyeArmenia relations, Dr Karabulut began by situating the issue within its broader historical and political context: After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, despite Turkiyes goodwill efforts, Armenias aggressive policies against Azerbaijanincluding the occupation of Karabakh, the seizure of roughly twenty percent of Azerbaijani territories, and the Khojaly massacre in which six hundred thirteen women, children, and elderly civilians were killedled Turkiye to close its borders. He stresses that the closure was not only about solidarity with Azerbaijan: Armenia also raised territorial claims against Turkiye, made genocide allegations, and demanded compensation. Because of these factors, Turkiye did not develop relations with Armenia and closed its border crossings. Dr Karabulut also touched on Ankara's potion that has been clear for years, according to him: Turkiye consistently stated that borders could only be opened if Armenia withdrew from Karabakh and abandoned baseless propaganda against Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Before the Karabakh Victory, opening the border was not rationalit would have caused serious political and economic damage to Turkiye and harmed TurkiyeAzerbaijan relations. Besides, according to Karabulut, the post-Karabakh Victory environment fundamentally altered this calculation. He argues that the turning point was decisive: After the Karabakh Victory, the situation changed. Even if Armenia was not fully willing, Azerbaijanthrough the strength of its army and state strategyregained its territories. Turkiye strongly supported Azerbaijan throughout this process. This victory elevated one issue above all others: One of the most important outcomes of the Karabakh Victory was the Zangezur Corridor. In my view, it is among the most critical gains of that victory. Although Armenia formally accepted the corridor under Russian mediation: Subsequent developments unfortunately slowed the process. However, both Azerbaijan and Turkiye have repeatedly stated that they remain determined. This determination, he says, directly shaped current policies. However, the Zangezur Corridor is still central to the opening of the AlicanMargara crossing. The expert explains that infrastructure and diplomacy are now moving in parallel: Azerbaijan has already initiated work on the Zangezur Corridor. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan has also stated that he wants good relations with Turkiye and Azerbaijan and that Armenia no longer has claims over Karabakh. Turkiyes response followed swiftly: Within this framework, Turkiye began constructing the KarsIgdrNakhchivan railway. Construction is progressing rapidly. These developments made reopening border crossings logical: Under these conditions, opening Armenias border gatesboth Akyaka in Kars and the Alican crossing in Igdrhas become a rational option. Turkiye is pursuing this process in coordination with Azerbaijan. Still, Karabulut underlines a red line: If any political development emerges that harms Azerbaijan or Turkiye, Turkiye can reverse its stance immediately and keep the borders closed. Building on his earlier remarks, Dr Karabulut also highlighted the economic opportunities that could emerge from reopening the border, particularly in light of the new transport and connectivity projects currently underway. In his comment, the expert was realistic about market size, but optimistic about long-term effects: Armenia is not a large marketaround two and a half million people, with a territory smaller than Konya. On its own, it is not economically significant. Yet geography matters: Because Armenia borders both Turkiye and Azerbaijan, good relations would benefit Armenia most, but they would also add economic vitality to Turkiyes border regions. He adds a longer-term vision: If Armenia avoids repeating historical mistakes, this relationship could evolve into one between friendly states. That would accelerate regional peace, stability, and sustainability. Again, the corridor remains key: The opening of the Zangezur Corridor should be seen as the linchpin. Once it opens, Turkiye will act much faster and more decisively in opening border gates. Most likely, the borders will open immediately afterward. As the discussion turned to the Zangezur Corridor, attention shifted to the wider regional and geopolitical complexities, particularly the role of Iran in shaping this emerging framework of connectivity.Karabulut introduced a broader regional perspective: Another critical factor is Iran. Iran was initially slow and not fully constructive regarding Zangezur, which may have contributed to increased American involvement later. If Tehran adjusts its approach, new possibilities emerge: In the long term, regional railway networks could be developed. A comprehensive regional development corridor could be establishedsuch as TabrizErzurumTrabzon railways, or even extending lines from Tabriz eastward toward Pakistan. Such projects, he argued, would have global implications: This would create a regional development corridor of rail networks. Regional and global economies would benefit from the resulting stability and connectivity. In conclusion, the economic expert underscored Azerbaijans growing strategic significance amid rising global demand for security, highlighting what this evolving role means not only for the country itself but also for the broader balance of power among regional actors. This corridor would also guarantee the secure transportation of Azerbaijans oil and natural gas to Europe and beyond. Stability here is essential for Azerbaijans energy links with Europe. Even Russia, he noted, would not be excluded: Russia is a major regional power and would also benefit from political and economic developments in the region. He concluded with a clear takeaway: In short, this is not a zero-sum game. There would be many winners, not losers. 15 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Munich Security Conference (MSC) has long been a barometer of Western anxiety. This year, it felt closer to a post-mortem. And ever since the 2026 iteration of MSC, the stage itself is beginning to splinter further on the idea regarding the friction of a multipolar world. From the opening evening, the tone was unmistakable. What usually begins as a cautious exchange of warnings instead opened with a blunt diagnosis: the international system that once structured expectations, alliances, and restraint is no longer functioning as assumed. The remark landed not as provocation, but as recognition. In Munich, the audience did not argue with the premise; they absorbed it. We have indeed entered the gloomily described wrecking ball era of diplomacy, as it has been said. That reaction alone says much about the moment. For years, the conference has catalogued risks, Russian revisionism, American unpredictability, and Chinese economic leverage, but always within the implicit belief that the old framework, however strained, would somehow endure. This time, the language shifted. The issue was no longer erosion but absence. The skepticism made its strong comeback with the Gaza crisis, reached the climax when the order failed to come up with an idea of resolution for the Russian-Ukrainian war for several years, and when US forces captured Maduro, it might have fallen into pieces. The conference report mirrored this mood. Its central message was not simply that the system is under pressure, but that the pressure is coming from both outside and within. External challengers matter, but internal decay, loss of trust, hollowed institutions, and declining enforcement of rules have become just as decisive. Order, it suggested, is not being overthrown so much as quietly abandoned. That idea framed much of what followed. Europe, in particular, is grappling with the realization that its security assumptions were built on habits rather than guarantees. The notion that alliances automatically translate into protection is being inverted. Now the question is what Europe itself must contribute - politically, industrially, militarily, to keep those alliances credible at all. This recalibration was evident in the interventions from Berlin and Paris. Friedrich Merz spoke of the end of the unipolar moment and the return of power politics, stressing that even the strongest partners can no longer afford strategic solitude. Emmanuel Macron went further, arguing that European security can no longer be defined by watching the gestures of others. In both cases, the message was less about defiance than about maturity: dependence has become a liability. Behind the rhetoric lies a concrete debate about capability. Strategic autonomy is no longer an abstract slogan in Brussels; it is increasingly a budget line. Joint procurement, accelerated arms production, shared standards, and long-term commitments, especially in relation to Ukraine, are now framed as prerequisites rather than ambitions. Yet the obstacles are obvious. Diverging threat perceptions between Europes eastern and southern flanks, limited industrial capacity, and the absence of a shared command culture all threaten to keep strategy on paper. Ukraine sits at the center of this transformation. The war is no longer treated as an isolated crisis but as a formative test case for whatever security architecture emerges next. Volodymyr Zelenskyy used Munich to emphasize joint production and resilience, highlighting cooperation not as charity but as shared deterrence. The symbolism was deliberate: security, in the new era, is something that must be built together, or not at all. Hovering over all these discussions was Washingtons recalibrated tone. The message from the American side was measured but unmistakable: alliances endure through burden-sharing, not habit. For Europe, accustomed to treating American commitment as a constant, even a subtle shift carries strategic weight. The mere uncertainty over whether the umbrella will fully open is enough to induce panic in some capitals. It is here that the Munich debate intersects with a broader global conversation. The paralysis of multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations, was a recurring subtext. Their inability to prevent wars or enforce norms has reduced them to forums of rhetoric rather than instruments of order. This vacuum is being filled unevenly, through ad hoc coalitions, bilateral deals, and transactional politics. From outside the Western core, this diagnosis sounds familiar. Azerbaijans president, Ilham Aliyev, has repeatedly argued that states are being forced to rethink security and cooperation precisely because international institutions no longer function as intended. During his interview with Azerbaijani media, he said this: "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." Munich offered no blueprint for such a framework, yet. The old order still supplies the language of legitimacy, but no longer commands obedience. The new one remains unnamed, its contours visible only in fragments, energy security debates, supply-chain geopolitics, defence-industrial coordination, and technological rivalry. This ambiguity is both dangerous and fertile. Delay risks fragmentation, strategic drift, and repeated crises managed on the fly. But acceleration, through joint production, clearer commitments, and political coherence, could produce a more balanced transatlantic relationship rather than a broken one. In that sense, the 2026 Munich Security Conference may not be remembered as the "Last nail on the coffin", but as a rehearsal, awkward, unfinished, and unsettling, for what comes next. The danger is not that the so-called coffin has been sealed. It is that Europe, and perhaps the wider international community, still hesitates to decide what should replace it. ---- Photo by Middle East Monitor 15 February 2026 15:00 (UTC+04:00) by AzerNews Staff Serbia marks its Statehood Day today with the usual mix of ceremony and symbolism. Flags line Belgrades boulevards, speeches dwell on sovereignty and continuity, and history is pressed into service for the present. Yet this year, the celebrations carry an added diplomatic undertone: the visit of Ilham Aliyev, timed deliberately to Serbias national holiday, a gesture Belgrade reads as respect, and Baku as strategy. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia were formally established in the late 1990s, but it was only in the past decade that the relationship acquired real political weight. Since the signing of the declaration on friendship and strategic partnership in Baku in the early 2010s, the two countries have quietly constructed a dense web of ties: political, economic, energy-related and increasingly symbolic. That architecture has since been reinforced by joint action plans, a bilateral strategic partnership council, and a rhythm of regular high-level visits. Personal diplomacy has mattered. President Aliyev has visited Serbia several times, while Aleksandar Vucic has made multiple trips to Azerbaijan in return. The two leaders were most recently seen together on a Davos stage, discussing Eurasias economic identity, a phrase that neatly captures how both countries see themselves: neither core nor periphery, but connective tissue. That political alignment rests on a rare symmetry of positions. Serbia has consistently supported Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan, in turn, has refused to recognise Kosovo and has objected to its representation in international fora. In an international system where neutrality is often rhetorical, this has been a case of mutual clarity. The dividends are increasingly material. Trade flows between the two countries remain modest by global standards, but they are broad-based and politically supported. Azerbaijani exports to Serbia range from natural gas and refined fuels to agricultural products and industrial goods. Serbian exports back include pharmaceuticals, machinery, plastics and foodstuffs, the kind of trade basket that signals complementarity rather than dependency. Intergovernmental economic cooperation mechanisms, in place for more than a decade, have provided a bureaucratic spine to these exchanges. Energy has become the relationships strategic core. As Europe redraws its gas map, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a reliable supplier, and Serbia, heavily dependent on imported energy, has emerged as a key partner in south-east Europe. Gas deliveries via the BulgariaSerbia interconnector, operational since the mid-2020s, have turned political declarations into physical flows. Azerbaijans state energy company SOCAR has supplied Serbia not only with gas but also with refined fuels, while plans for a jointly built gas-fired power plant near Nis point to a longer-term energy compact. The relationship is no longer confined to hydrocarbons. Serbian construction companies have expressed interest in working in Azerbaijans recently liberated territories, while Serbian-invested firms are already operating in the Azerbaijani market. Tourism, too, has moved from memoranda to timetables: from May, Air Serbia is expected to launch direct flights between Belgrade and Baku, reducing both distance and abstraction. Soft power has followed. Cities such as Shusha and Novi Pazar have signed cooperation agreements spanning culture, urban planning and education. Azerbaijan has confirmed its participation in EXPO 2027, to be held in Belgrade, while Serbian military representatives have taken part in commemorations marking Azerbaijans wartime victory, a signal of trust in a sensitive domain. What distinguishes this partnership is not scale, but coherence. Both states occupy geopolitical fault lines. Both place a premium on sovereignty. Both seek partners who treat them as actors rather than arenas. In that sense, todays visit is less about ceremony than about calibration: aligning interests across energy security, connectivity and regional stability at a time when Europes old assumptions are fraying. Serbias national day celebrates statehood. Azerbaijans presence underlines something subtler, that in a fragmented Europe, influence increasingly belongs to those who show up, stay consistent and build partnerships that endure beyond headlines. 15 February 2026 11:27 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyevs visit to the Federal Republic of Germany (13-15.02.2026) pic.twitter.com/BcFAZO94lB "Official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the Federal Republic of Germany (13-15.02.2026)". Footage of President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Germany was posted on his social media accounts, 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! 15 February 2026 11:55 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, AzerNEWs reports. "Dear Mr. President, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people, along with my sincere best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Serbia. I am pleased with the current level of relations with Serbia, a friendly country and our reliable strategic partner. Today, our friendship and cooperation, built on the solid foundations of mutual support and trust, continue to develop comprehensively and are being enriched with new substance. Undoubtedly, regular high-level reciprocal visits and our active political dialogue create favorable conditions for the accelerated development of these ties and the further strengthening of our strategic partnership. I fondly recall our recent meeting in Davos. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, the traditional relations of friendship between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as our mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, will continue to expand in line with the interests of our peoples and that our strategic partnership will deepen even further. On this auspicious day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Serbia," the letter reads. 15 February 2026 15:30 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the Republic of Serbia on an official visit on February 15, AzerNEWS reports. A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic. 15 February 2026 19:47 (UTC+04:00) A high-level discussion on the future of global cooperation was held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference as part of MSC 2026, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, and strategic thinkers amid growing geopolitical fragmentation. The roundtable, titled Multilateralism in a Fractured Global Order, was organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and focused on how multilateral institutions can preserve their effectiveness and legitimacy at a time when global consensus is increasingly elusive. Particular attention was paid to possible reforms of the United Nations system as it marks eight decades of existence. According to AzerNEWS, the event gathered around 40 high-level participants from more than 15 countries, including senior UN officials, former heads of state and government, ministers, leaders of regional organizations, and prominent international experts. Among the speakers were Prince Turki Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of the King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies; former Serbian President Boris Tadic; former Senegalese President Macky Sall; EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais; and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The discussion also featured Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijans presidential representative on climate issues and President of COP29, as well as Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Sodiq Safoyev. During a dedicated lunch session, participants exchanged views on the evolving architecture of global governance. Contributions came from UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos, former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, and former UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak, alongside senior officials from Uzbekistan and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. The debate highlighted emerging cooperation formats in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the growing strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian connection, and the role of post-conflict normalization processes. Speakers emphasized that regional initiatives, rather than competing with global institutions, could complement and reinforce multilateral frameworks at a time when the international order is under strain. 15 February 2026 10:01 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using a poison developed from a dart frog toxin, the UK and European allies have said, AzerNEWS reports. Two years on from the death of Navalny at a Siberian penal colony, Britain and its allies have blamed the Kremlin following analysis of material samples found on his body. Speaking from the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said "only the Russian government had the means, motive and opportunity" to use the poison while Navalny was imprisoned in Russia. According to Tass news agency Moscow has dismissed the finding as "an information campaign", but Cooper said there is no explanation for the toxin, called epibatidine, being found. While Cooper announced the findings, a joint statement was issued by the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Cooper met with Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya at the conference this weekend. "Russia saw Navalny as a threat," Cooper said at the event. "By using this form of poison the Russian state demonstrated the despicable tools it has at its disposal and the overwhelming fear it has of political opposition," she added. In the statement the allies said: "Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death. "Epibatidine can be found naturally in dart frogs in the wild in South America. Dart frogs in captivity do not produce this toxin and it is not found naturally in Russia. "There is no innocent explanation for its presence in Navalny's body." The Foreign Office said the UK has informed the Organisation on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of Russia's alleged breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Praising Navalny's "huge courage", UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "his determination to expose the truth has left an enduring legacy". French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also said his country "pays tribute" to Navalny, who he suggested was "killed for his fight in favour of a free and democratic Russia". Navalny an anti-corruption campaigner and Russia's most vociferous opposition leader - died suddenly in jail on 16 February 2024 at the age of 47. In 2020 he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. He underwent treatment in Germany, and was arrested at the airport upon his return to Russia. 15 February 2026 12:53 (UTC+04:00) An Indian man pleaded guilty on Friday to U.S. criminal charges that he orchestrated a failed Indian government-backed plot to kill a Sikh activist in New York City, in connection with what U.S. and Canadian authorities have called a broader effort to target Indian dissidents, AzerNEWS reports via CBC. Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. prosecutors accused Gupta of plotting with an Indian government official to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and lawyer at Sikhs for Justice in New York, who has advocated for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. India's government has dissociated itself from any plot against Pannun, saying it was against government policy. The discovery of alleged assassination plots against Sikh activists in the U.S. and Canada has tested relations with India, which has also denied involvement in such plots. In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was gunned down in Surrey, B.C., a crime that then-prime minister Justin Trudeau would later allege involved the Indian government. Nijjar's killing was referred to in the Gupta case, with Nijjar identified as an associate of the victim in the planned killing in the U.S. that Gupta had been trying to arrange. Gupta to face sentencing in May Gupta entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. "I agreed with another person to have another individual to murder a person in United States" and paid someone in New York $15,000 to commit the crime, Gupta said, according to a transcript of his plea hearing. Gupta has been jailed in Brooklyn, N.Y., since his June 2024 extradition to the U.S. from the Czech Republic, where he had been arrested a year earlier. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, court records show. His lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to separate requests for comment. Prosecutors said an Indian government official, Vikash Yadav, recruited Gupta in May 2023 to orchestrate Pannun's assassination, with Gupta telling Yadav about his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking. According to court papers, Yadav arranged through dealings that Gupta brokered to pay $100,000 US to a purported hitman, who was actually an undercover officer for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to assassinate Pannun. Gupta and Yadav arranged to have $15,000 in cash delivered to the undercover officer as an advance payment for the murder, court papers show. Prosecutors said Yadav was employed by India's Cabinet Secretariat, which houses the country's foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing. He faces the same criminal charges as Gupta but is not in U.S. custody. It is unclear whether Yadav has hired a defence lawyer. "Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City," the U.S. Attorney for Manhattan, Jay Clayton, said in a statement. "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." 15 February 2026 13:20 (UTC+04:00) European Union High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas underlined on Sunday that there is an "urgent need to reclaim European agency," adding that strengthening its defense must be one of its main goals given the situation in Ukraine, AzerNEWS reports. She said that while Russia has been attempting to fracture alliances and poses a nuclear threat to the continent, it is "no superpower." "After more than a decade of conflict ... Russia has barely advanced beyond the 2014 lines. And the cost? 1.2 million casualties," Kallas commented at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). She went on to say that at present, Moscow is "broken," with its economy "in the shreds." "It is disconnected from the European energy markets and its own citizens are fleeing," Kallas remarked. She concluded by saying that the greatest threat for Europe right now is that Russia could "gain more at the negotiating table than at the battlefield." She stated at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Sunday that Europe decided to rearm as it "suspects Russia doesn't want peace." Talking about negotiations that could bring the war in Ukraine to an end, Kallas underscored that Moscow's "maximalist demands cannot be met with a minimalist response." She noted that if Ukraine must limit the size of its military, Russia should have to do that as well, further adding that the latter should also pay for the damages it caused to Ukraine. The EU diplomat said that no amnesty should be granted for war crimes. Kallas also mentioned that the EU should focus on enlargement in the south and the east of Europe, as that is "the antidote to Russian imperialism." Regarding Ukraine's accession to EU, she commented on that her "feeling" is that the member states are "not ready to give a concrete date" for Ukraine's accession to the bloc. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Kallas said that geopolitics are always at play when it comes to EU enlargement. Going back to Ukraine, she stressed that the bloc "needs to move fast." While the EU might not have a concrete date at the moment, "the priority and the urgent need to show that Ukraine is a part of Europe is there," Kallas concluded. 15 February 2026 13:44 (UTC+04:00) The US eased sanctions on Venezuelas energy sector on Friday, issuing two general licenses that allow global energy companies to operate oil and gas projects in the OPEC member and for other companies to negotiate contracts to bring in fresh investments. The move was the most significant relaxation of sanctions on Venezuela since US forces captured and removed President Nicolas Maduro last month, AzerNEWS reports via Washington Post. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license allowing Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell and Repsol to operate oil and gas operations in Venezuela. Those companies still have offices in the country and stakes in projects, and are among the main partners of state-run company PDVSA. The authorization for the oil majors operations requires payments for royalties and Venezuelan taxes to go through the US-controlled Foreign Government Deposit Fund. The other license allows companies around the world to enter contracts with PDVSA for new investments in Venezuelan oil and gas. The contracts are contingent on separate permits from OFAC. The authorization does not allow transactions with companies in Russia, Iran, or China or entities owned or controlled by joint ventures with people in those countries. The licenses invite American and other aligned companies to play a constructive role in supporting economic recovery and responsible investment, the US State Department said in a release. Additional authorizations may be issued as necessary, it said. A spokesperson for Chevron, the only US oil firm currently operating in Venezuela, said the company welcomed the new licenses. The new General Licenses, coupled with recent changes in Venezuelas Hydrocarbons Law, are important steps toward enabling the further development of Venezuelas resources for its people and for advancing regional energy security, the spokesperson said in a statement. Eni said it is assessing the opportunities in Venezuela that the authorization opens up. Oil law reform The US licenses follow a sweeping reform of Venezuelas main oil law approved last month, which grants autonomy for foreign oil and gas producers to operate, export and cash sale proceeds under existing joint ventures with PDVSA or through a new production-sharing contract model. The US has had sanctions on Venezuela since 2019 when President Donald Trump imposed them during his first administration. Trump is now seeking $100 billion in investments by energy companies in Venezuelas oil and gas sector. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Thursday, during his second day of a trip to Venezuela, that oil sales from the country since Maduros capture have hit $1 billion and would hit another $5 billion in months. Wright said the US will control the proceeds from the sales until Venezuela stands up a representative government. Since last month, the Treasury issued several other general licenses to facilitate oil exports, storage, imports and sales from Venezuela. It also authorized the provision of US goods, technology, software or services for the exploration, development or production of oil and gas in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government expropriated assets of Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips in 2007 under then-President Hugo Chavez. The Trump administration is trying to get those companies to invest in Venezuela as well. At a meeting at the White House with Trump last month, Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods said Venezuela was uninvestable at the moment. Wright said on Thursday that Exxon, which no longer has an office in Venezuela, is in talks with the government there and gathering data about the oil sector. Exxon did not immediately comment. 15 February 2026 14:09 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A large-scale demonstration was held in Munich on February 14, drawing around 250,000 Iranians, according to German police cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, AzerNEWS reports. The protest, one of the biggest Iranian opposition rallies in Europe in recent years, underscored growing anger within the Iranian diaspora over the situation in Iran. Protesters carrying Iranian flags were seen arriving continuously throughout the day, with subway stations around Munich filled with chants and slogans calling for change. The demonstration was reportedly called by Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans last shah, who was also said to be present at the rally. Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a protester named Athena, who traveled from Milan to attend the demonstration, said the ongoing violence in Iran was taking a heavy toll. Its very sad to say that they, we, are paying the price, that these young people are dying every day. Blood is being shed, its very sad, she said, adding that she has relatives and friends in Tehran and other Iranian cities. Similar demonstrations are expected to take place in Los Angeles and Toronto, reflecting the global dimension of the Iranian protest movement. The Munich rally came amid heightened international attention on Iran, as negotiations between Tehran and Washington are reportedly ongoing. US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for the protesters in Iran and has said he may intervene to protect them, although Washington has not endorsed Pahlavi or any other opposition leader living in exile. Pahlavi, speaking at a press conference on February 14, called on Trump to take concrete action in response to the unrest. A day earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Irans former crown prince, adding to the diplomatic attention surrounding the opposition figure. While the United States has voiced support for protesters inside Iran, it has so far stopped short of backing a specific political alternative, maintaining a cautious stance as talks with Tehran continue. 15 February 2026 14:35 (UTC+04:00) Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new cabinet of BNP chairman Tarique Rahman on February 17 at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza. As BNP secured the majority, India has signalled a "fresh start", AzerNEWS reports via "The Week". Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader to officially congratulate the BNP as they led the elections. Does this signal a significant diplomatic U-turn? Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in Delhi made it clear that India wants to take a different stance on various issues in its diplomatic relations with the new government in Bangladesh. Humayun Kabir, adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, also said that Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India. Tarique Rahman-led BNP won a two-thirds majority, claiming 212 seats in the Parliament. Back in 2001-2006, during the BNP-Jamaat tenure, New Delhi's relations with Rahman were cold and distant. Former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, pointed out that the previous Awami League administration, led by former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who is currently seeking asylum in India, was "very sensitive" about India establishing contact with the BNP. "Her sensitivity is a big reason why this contact did not work out that way," Chakravarty observed. Experts believe that the diplomatic deadlock was finally lifted with the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. In the current situation, with Awami League out of the equation, BNP has emerged as the 'obvious' choice for India to safeguard its security interests and economic stakes. Despite strained ties, India has been encouraged by Rahman's recent tone. While his "Bangladesh First" policy emphasises sovereignty, Rahman has conspicuously avoided the anti-India rhetoric that characterised his earlier career. This perceived gesture, reportedly, prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to congratulate the "future Prime Minister" almost immediately, expressing "warm wishes" and confidence in his leadership. Stability is also another major factor in this new diplomatic chapter. Following the 2024 collapse of the Hasina regime, a rise in communal violenceparticularly targeting the Hindu minorityleft thousands in a state of insecurity. New Delhi now views a stable and inclusive BNP administration under Rahman as the most viable option for restoring order. This shift is underscored by Prime Minister Modis call for a 'progressive and inclusive' Bangladesh, signalling that Indias primary interest has moved from historical political loyalties to the immediate protection of minority rights and regional security. 15 February 2026 16:16 (UTC+04:00) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the United Kingdom will deploy its aircraft carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North later this year, marking a show of force as security tensions escalate across Europe, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking on Saturday at the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany, Starmer said the mission would be led by HMS Prince of Wales and carried out alongside the U.S., Canada and other NATO allies. "I can announce today that the U.K. will deploy our carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North this year, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside the U.S., Canada and other NATO allies, in a powerful show of our commitment to Euro-atlantic security," Starmer told the high-profile forum aimed at strengthening European defense and diplomatic ties. The High North a term referring to the Arctic and surrounding regions has become increasingly strategic amid growing Russian military activity. The deployment is intended to bolster security against potential Russian threats, according to BBC News. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly reiterated interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns in the Arctic regarding Russia and China. Starmer warned that Moscows military buildup could intensify even if a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, arguing that Russian rearmament would "only accelerate." 15 February 2026 17:21 (UTC+04:00) The Syrian Arab Army has taken control of the al-Shaddadi military base in Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, following coordination with US officials, the Defense Ministrys media department announced, AzerNEWS reports. The handover was completed after formal arrangements were made with US authorities. This follows a similar development at the al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria. On February 12, the Defense Ministry announced that Syrian forces had assumed control of al-Tanf after coordinating with US officials, with army units securing the facility and its surrounding area. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the withdrawal of US troops from al-Tanf after nearly ten years of presence, while emphasising that US forces remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats and continue supporting partner-led efforts to prevent the groups resurgence. 15 February 2026 17:02 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Israeli government approved Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's proposal to restart registering "extensive" areas of the West Bank land as "Israeli territory" for the first time since 1967, it was shared in a statement on Sunday, AzerNEWS reports. According to the statement, the Israeli Justice Ministry's Authority for Registration and Settlement of Land Rights will be allowed to oversee settlements, receiving "a dedicated budget" for this. Israel's attitude toward the West Bank drew international criticism, with United States President Donald Trump himself previously saying that he opposes the annexation of the area. Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas called on the international community to give a "firm" response to Israel, as such actions represent "serious violations" of international law. Between 1917 and 1948, the land was under British mandate. Upon 'Israels' founding, unclaimed land became state property, while Jordan controlled Judea and Samaria and recorded some ownership rights. About one-third of land in the area was registered during these periods. Following 'Israels' capture of the territory in 1967, land registration was halted for nearly six decades. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Defense Minister 'Israeli' Katz will oversee the registration effort. Due to its legal complexity, the process will be slow and partial. The government aims to register 15% of Area C by 2030, initially focusing solely on areas without existing ownership claims. An administrative structure will be set up under the Land Registration and Settlement Authority, with regional offices managing local operations. A central goal is to halt parallel Palestinian Authority registration efforts in Area C, which officials say violate Oslo agreements. Government documents warn that the Palestinian process, though lacking legal recognition, is rapid and resource-intensive, risking future disputes and consolidating realities on the ground. 15 February 2026 18:50 (UTC+04:00) British and Canadian nationals will be able to travel to mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa from 17 February, AzerNEWS reports via BBC. China's foreign ministry said visa-free entry would be permitted for tourism, business or visits to family and friends, with the policy set to stay in effect initially until 31 December. It follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official visit to China last month, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed travel rules would be relaxed. Starmer said the agreement would make it easier for businesses to expand to China, though critics say Downing Street's push to reset relations with Beijing overlooks human rights and national security concerns. Announcing the policy's start date on Sunday, China's foreign ministry said the scheme would "further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries". The move brings rules for UK and Canada passport holders into line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. Hundreds of thousands of British people could potentially benefit from the change, with around 620,000 travelling to China in 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics. During his official visit to China in January, Starmer said British businesses had been "crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China". Xi and Starmer also agreed to deepen trade relations in services, healthcare, green technology and finance - though no sweeping trade free trade agreement was announced. The visit, which was the first by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018, was criticised by some opposition figures. Shortly before heading to China, Starmer's government approved plans for a major new Chinese embassy in central London, despite opponents claiming it could be used as a base for spying and pose security risks. 15 February 2026 20:11 (UTC+04:00) New sanctions against Moscow could follow from Britain and its allies blaming the Kremlin for poisoning Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has suggested, AzerNEWS reports via British outlet ITV. The UK and its allies on Saturday pinned the blame for Mr Navalnys death on the Russian state, adding he was likely poisoned using a dart frog toxin. The Foreign Office, and four of the UKs allies Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands made the announcement two years on from Mr Navalnys death in a Siberian penal colony. The Russian embassy in London has denied Moscow was involved in Mr Navalnys death and described the announcement as feeble-mindedness of Western fabulists. Speaking to the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, the Foreign Secretary hit back at the Russians, insisting the accusation was deeply serious. She added: The statement that we made yesterday shows that we have the evidence. Analysis of samples from Mr Navalnys body revealed the presence of a toxin called Epibatidine which is produced by wild dart frogs in South America. The UK and its allies said there was no innocent explanation for it being there, as it is not found in Russia, and is generally only produced by the frogs in the wild. The Foreign Secretary was also asked by the BBC what the consequences for Russia would be following the revelation. The five European nations who called out Russia for using the toxin have already reported the Kremlin to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons after accusing Moscow of breaching its conventions. Ms Cooper suggested further sanctions could follow, telling the BBC: We continue to look at co-ordinated action, including increasing sanctions on the Russian regime. As you know, we have been pursuing this as part of our response to the brutal invasion of Ukraine, where we are also coming up to the fourth anniversary of that invasion as well. We believe that it is the partnerships that we build abroad that make us stronger at home. It is by acting alongside our European allies, alongside allies across the world, that we do maintain that pressure on the Russian regime. She added: The other thing that I would say specifically about Alexei Navalny is one of the things he said was tell the truth, spread the truth, because that is the most dangerous weapon of all. That was his comment about the Russian regime. He is no longer able to do that, but that is why we are continuing to do that for him, and for his widow as well. Elsewhere, senior Conservative Dame Priti Patel warned of an axis of authoritarianism faced by the UK and other Western nations. The shadow foreign secretary spoke to Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips ahead of making a speech at the Munich Security Conference. She told the broadcaster: We face major challenges on the axis of authoritarianism that is Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. The USA remains a natural ally and a partner for European powers, Dame Priti added. A statement from the Russian embassy in London has denied all involvement in Mr Navalnys death. It said: There is no reason whatsoever to credit such findings by Western experts. As with the Skripal case, there are strident accusations, media hysteria, zero evidence, and a host of questions the accusers would rather ignore. So what was it in the end poison derived from the skin of a South American frog or Novichok? The statement added: We have become accustomed to the feeble-mindedness of Western fabulists. One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog. Yet what truly shocks is the method now favoured by Western politicians necro-propaganda. This is not a quest for justice but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of the Russian citizen, London and the European capitals cannot allow him to rest in peace a fact that speaks volumes about those who instigated this campaign. 15 February 2026 19:19 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ukraines former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko was detained Sunday while attempting to cross the countrys border, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said, AzerNEWS reports. Today, while crossing the state border, NABU detectives have detained the former Minister of Energy as part of the Midas case, the agency said in a statement, referring to a giant corruption scandal in the countrys energy sector that rocked Ukraine last year. NABU did not name Halushchenko in its statement, but he served as the countrys energy minister and resigned in November. Initial investigative proceedings are ongoing, carried out in accordance with the requirements of the law and court sanctions. Details to follow, the NABU added. According to Ukrainska Pravda, Halushchenko was pulled from a train after border authorities acted on requests from NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). Halushchenko was one of several ministers who resigned in 2025 as NABU unveiled a massive money-laundering scheme, which investigators say was orchestrated by Tymur Mindich, an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Authorities allege the plotters ran a $100-million kickback scheme at Energoatom, siphoning off funds and prompting public outrage amid widespread power outages caused by Russian attacks. Investigators said Halushchenko personally benefited from the scheme. 15 February 2026 21:21 (UTC+04:00) In his last annual assessment before elections, the Hungarian prime minister promised to take action against 'Brussels agents.' He praised his party's achievements and accused his political opponents of wanting to be the viceroy not only of Brussels but of multinational corporations, AzerNEWS reports. "The 21st century will be the century of humiliation for Europe," the Hungarian Prime Minister began his traditional annual assessment speech at Varkert Bazar, after his introduction. Orban said that, for the first time since the invention of the steam engine, Europe is not part of the world's transformation, but he believes Hungary has a chance to come out of it well. "They have done 'half a job' in ousting Brussels agents" Referring back to his speech last year in which he predicted that the Hungarian government, as an ally of Donald Trump, would be on the "main street of history" while their political opponents "wander down muddy side streets," Orban said all that had come true. He argued that the US president had carried out a revolution against the former liberal elites, and that Hungary had joined him and that this is why he had said a year earlier they would oust from Hungary those NGOs, opposition newspapers and judges who had been labelled "bugged" by Orban, and who had been classified as foreign agents by the government. "That was the plan, but I have to admit that we have only done half the job: the Brussels repressive machine is still at work in Hungary, and we will clean it up after the April elections. Disguised civil organisations, bought journalists, judges, politicians, algorithms, bureaucrats, rolling Euro-millions - that's what Brussels means here in Hungary today." He did not mention from his last year's speech that he promised an economic recovery and significant growth, the so-called "flight to recovery", which turned out to be 0.3% growth in 2025, or that after promising to ban 'Pride Day', hundreds of thousands of people turned up and celebrated in Budapest, despite the ban. However, Orban highlighted welfare measures introduced immediately before the 2026 elections and those promised for later. He said the source for these measures will be a system of special taxes on big business. Orban introduced the phrase 'Putining' "We must come to terms with the idea that those who love freedom should fear Brussels and not the East, and cast their anxious eyes on Brussels," the Hungarian prime minister underlined. "Putining is primitive and frivolous," Orban said, by which he portrays the Western practice of framing Russia and Putin as a threat. "Brussels is a tangible reality and a direct threat," he added. The Hungarian prime minister deduced this from a US report stating that the European Commission had put pressure on social media providers to "censor" content, including during European Parliament elections, in Romania and Moldova. Orban said that America's friendship should be appreciated because, in his view, the United States is currently exposing the European Commission's "censorship". The adversary has been bought not only by Brussels but also by global big business The prime minister said Hungarian domestic rivals are puppets, but not only in Brussels' hands. After the Tisza Party presented several of its leading experts who could play an important role in a possible Tisza government, Viktor Orban also referred to their former employers in his speech. "One of the main winners of the war is Shell", Orban referred to the former job of Istvan Kapitany, Tisza's candidate for economic leader. According to him, Shell made tens of billions of dollars from the war, and their aim is to cut Hungary off from Russian oil. In fact, a sanctions regime of this kind was introduced by Donald Trump's administration, and Hungary was given a one-year reprieve. Moreover, the two biggest winners in the Russia-Ukraine war are the Hungarian national oil company MOL, which has made significant profits from buying cheap Russian oil, as it is exempt from European and US sanctions for the time being. The Hungarian prime minister also mentioned ERSTE Bank, where another Tisza economist, Andras Karman, had worked. According to the prime minister, ERSTE wants to plant its agent in the Tisza government in order to get the special banking taxes out. Karman was state secretary in the second Orban government between 2010-14. Europe is going to engage in war, Orban claims "Europe has decided to go to war by 2030. This will be the last election before war," the Hungarian prime minister said. "Brussels has decided to defeat the Russians in Ukraine, and outside Hungary, war is being prepared everywhere in Europe." Orban also said that Europe is arming itself and sending instructions to the population on what to do in the event of war, while sending Ukraine a lot of money on credit. "Ukraine is just swallowing money," the Hungarian prime minister said. "No one can answer the question of how to defeat a nuclear power without using its nuclear weapons." Orban stressed that Hungary would not send money or weapons to Ukraine, and that Hungarian young people would not be taken to Ukraine, although NATO's charter does not require member states to use military force in the event of a conflict. 15 February 2026 22:48 (UTC+04:00) The United States Department of Defense announced in a statement on Sunday that overnight, it boarded Veronica III, a crude oil tanker, in the US Indo-Pacific Command, AzerNEWS reports. "The vessel tried to defy [US] President [Donald] Trump's quarantine hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this," the department said. The vessel tried to defy President Trumps quarantine hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down, the post continued. Video featured in the post also appeared to show U.S. forces on board the tanker. According to MarineTracker, a ship-tracking website, the Veronica III is a Panamanian crude oil tanker. The website also showed the ship in the middle of the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, at close to 8 a.m. EST Sunday. The Veronica III has previously been linked to Venezuela, according to The New York Times, which reported last month that it departed from the countrys main oil port. Last week, the U.S. military intercepted a different oil tanker it claimed had been operating despite Trumps quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Indian Ocean. The military had also chased after the ship from the Caribbean. The U.S. has also seized multiple oil tankers in the Caribbean in the last few months amid tensions in the region, with American forces also recently capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Trump pressuring Cuba to make a deal with the U.S. International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain, the DOD said in their Sunday post. Snow Levels Drop This Week Close to Washington / Oregon Valleys: Definitely Cascades, Coast Range Published 02/14/26 at 6:59 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Portland, Oregon) UPDATES: SEE LATEST: Ice and Snow Travel Alerts Throughout SW Washington, Oregon, Coast Range - Winter storm warnings some areas, winter advisories Coast Range / Washington, mostly high elevations Snow is in the forecast for the inland parts of Oregon and Washington, although it's generally sticking to higher elevations for the valleys and the eastern portions of both states, like Spokane, Baker City or Madras. The National Weather Service (NWS) said if any snow happens, it'll be above 1,000 feet starting Monday and perhaps into Friday. There is a slim chance there could be a dusting on the valley floor. A cooler air mass next week will bring a 20-40% chance for snow levels dropping below 1000 feet each night from Mon, Feb 16 to Fri, Feb 20, the NWS said. We could see a rain/snow mix down to the valley floor, but snow would likely melt upon impact. For Portland-Metro area and Willamette Valley (including towns of Eugene, Salem, McMinnville, Vancouver, Silverton): Light rain is likely early tonight before skies remain mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s. Sunday turns partly sunny and mild near 52, with another chance of light rain late Sunday night. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours A wetter stretch arrives Monday and continues through the week, bringing frequent rain and periodic rain-snow mixes as snow levels fluctuate between roughly 600 and 1,700 feet. Highs generally stay in the mid-40s to upper 40s, with lows in the low to mid-30s. Little to no snow accumulation is expected at lower elevations, though mixed precipitation remains possible most nights and mornings. In southern through northern Washington, it's a similar forecast but snow levels stay higher than the Portland-Metro area. Eastern Washington has much higher chances of snow mixes, but not much that's impactful. Oregon Coast Range - Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo Widespread showers will develop Monday morning and continue into Monday night, according to the NWS. Snow levels are expected to fall to roughly 1,000-2,000 feet across the Coast Range and the south Washington Cascade foothills. While forecasters say advisory-level snowfall is not favored, the NWS estimates a 20-40% chance of impactful accumulations in the Coast Range and Cascades through Monday night. Light snow above about 1,000 feet may persist into midweek, though overall precipitation totals are not expected to be especially high. Looking ahead to late week, NWS ensemble guidance shows a 20-30% probability of more than 12 inches of snow falling in 24 hours in the higher Cascades from Thursday into Friday. In the Coast Range - including passes on Highways 6 and 26 - there is a similar 20-30% chance of exceeding four inches during the same period. Southern and Central Oregon HIgher elevations in this area will see some traffic issues. "A long duration winter event will hit the region Sunday into next week," the NWS said. "Snow levels will change and vary through the event, although impacts appear to be moderate at this stage, especially over higher terrain." -- Bend Central Oregon Weather Oregon Coast No dustings are expected along the shoreline, but in the Coast Range passes are the real story. Oregon Coast Weather -- See Oregon Coast Highway 101 / Coast Range Traffic On the south coast, the most active and interesting weather comes early on. Rain will continue through Washingtons Birthday, with showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, according to the NWS. Highs will reach the mid-40s after early patchy fog. Showers and isolated thunderstorms persist Monday night before transitioning back to steady rain, with lows near freezing. On Tuesday, rain remains likely and may briefly mix with snow in the morning before turning to all rain, though no significant accumulation is expected and highs will again reach the mid-40s. Also see MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Where Primeval Forest Vibes Meet Oregon Coast Sands at Twin Tierra Del Mar Re... This pet friendly set of dreamy homes exemplifies the teensy burgh's best. Lodging reviews, hotels Central Oregon Coast's Summerlike Sept and Oct Getting Booked Up - Some Renta... Lincoln City's Keystone: brief rental openings in Sept, slightly more Oct. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Depoe Bay hotel reviews Bandon Hotels - South Oregon Coast Beachfront Bandon Hotels, Bandon Hotel News, hotel reviews, vacation rentals Astoria/Warrenton Hotels, N. Oregon Coast Astoria/Warrenton Hotels, Astoria hotel reviews, Warrenton vacation rentals More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted 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. This spring, the survey will be used to help direct efforts to put together an open space plan required by the state in order qualify for grants for open space acquisition and parks. A 30-year-old American man is paralysed from the neck down after experimenting with a new party drug: laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide. He is suffering from spinal cord damage, brought on by inhaling the colourless gas that comes in a small, silver canister. Despite weeks of rehabilitation, he will never walk again. In Ireland, doctors are warning that similar cases are happening here. Professor Seamus Looby, a neuroradiologist at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, told BreakingNews.ie about young people arriving at A&E, unable to feel their arms or their legs. 'Very distressing' "We noticed a spike in young patients presenting with abnormal symptoms in their arms and legs, and they were presenting with this terrible uncoordination where you can't tell where your limbs are, so you actually can't use the limbs properly. So it's really distressing," Looby said. Advertisement "They can't do things like they can't walk, they can't feed themselves. They can't do the most... basically everything we take for granted." Looby said that when neurologists see patients who can't feel their arms or their legs, the first thing they consider is the spinal cord. MRI scans show any damage to the back of the spinal cord - an area that is responsible for coordination and balance. "When we see a young patient presenting with those types of symptoms, with the history of nitrous oxide use, it's almost certain that's what's caused the problem. And the MRI scan shows it to us." "They're [often] in a wheelchair, can't use their limbs properly and it's very distressing for them. "So young patients presenting like that, something that we will ask them is, have you used nitrous oxide?" Cases spiking The number of people being admitted to hospitals is surging, Looby said. This year, there have already been four cases at Beaumont Hospital. Between 2020 and 2024, according to a study published by Looby and his team, there were 25 cases, with 14 extremely severe cases with damage to the spinal cord that showed up in the MRI. The youngest of these people was 16. But before the pandemic, there had been no such incidents. Looby said that they suspect that the pandemic has contributed to the increase in young people using the drug. "Our theory is that when Covid and the lockdowns and the pandemic came, traditional drugs were kind of harder to get, whereas nitrous oxide was easier to get. That's the reason for the resurgence," he said. Advertisement "Now we wonder, will it continue?" Other hospitals in Dublin are experiencing a similar issue. Tallaght University Hospital had 18 people arrive between October 2022 and July 2024 after using nitrous oxide, the youngest of whom was 16. And increasing numbers of young people are using the drug. Last year, nitrous oxide ranked third on reported substance use from teenagers referred to the HSE, according to a report. There isn't a medication to reverse the effects of it The effects of the drug are irreversible, Looby said. Of the patients he had seen in Beaumont, "nobody was fully back to normal". "A lot of them will get some of the function back with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. But there isn't a medication to reverse the effects of it. "There are cases recorded of patients not making any recovery. The one absolute thing that we've found was that nobody returned to 100 per cent normal." Looby said that the symptoms of what is called subacute combined degeneration (SACD) of the spinal cord often set in very quickly, often "within hours to days after the nitrous oxide use". The lack of improvement is what prompts most of them to seek medical attention, he said. Symptoms of SACD include numbness in the limbs and difficulty with balance and coordination. "We're now at a point in Ireland, and I would think probably most countries in the Western world, where the commonest cause now of this condition [SACD] is nitrous oxide abuse." Inhaling the gas can also cause a whole host of other damage to the body, including frozen or punctured lungs, and frostbite in the mouth and nose. Advertisement But what actually is it? Nitrous oxide, colloquially known as NOS or whippets, is a colourless, sweet-smelling gas that is used as an analgesic - a painkiller - in medicine and dentistry. It is also used for producing whipped cream in cooking. It is sold in silver canisters, which you may have seen littering the streets of cities in Ireland. Last year, the Journal Investigates found the more common small, eight-gram canisters, as well as large canisters containing over 600 grams of the gas for sale online. This is because the drug exists in a legal loophole. As there are legitimate medicinal and culinary uses for it, its sale is not illegal, and it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. While it is regulated under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 - which outlaws its supply if intended for consumption for its psychoactive or intoxicating effects - it is not a crime to possess it. Further, it is not required that someone be tested for the drug if they are pulled over for intoxicated driving, making it even harder to clamp down on. Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward, who put forward a bill to ban the substance, has expressed dismay at the decision of the Government to delay the bill by nine months. Addressing the Dail in late January, he said: "Nitrous oxide is an epidemic and will only get worse in the next nine months." He also mentioned a recent study by the adolescent addiction service in Cherry Orchard, which showed an increase of 175 per cent in the number of young people presenting to the HSE's addiction services looking for help with their nitrous oxide use. Advertisement "I have worked in addiction services. When you see an increase of 175 per cent in one year, you know there is a problem," he said. He also referred to how the EU is looking put in place a derogation to prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide to the public because of the damage it is doing to people's reproductive health. Protecting people Cllr Danny Byrne has tabled a motion at Dublin City Council to raise awareness about the issue. The motion calls on Dublin City Council to develop education campaigns for young people to work with the Garda to address illegal sales and supply. Byrne told BreakingNews.ie that there should be a licensing system to purchase the canisters, and people shouldn't be allowed to buy them "willy-nilly". "Unscrupulous vendors are supplying them. But they're dicing with young people's lives." Byrne said that the motion, which was discussed at a Dublin City Council meeting on Monday, is about "protecting people" rather than criminalising them. Ireland Gardai warn students over nitrous oxide balloons as freshers week begins Read more Looby said that tighter regulation and enforcement were important, but the black market is "where most of it is coming from now" and it "isn't going to go away". In 2023, gardai seized 2,000 large canisters of the gas in Dublin, together with a large quantity of cocaine. Speaking after the seizure, assistant commissioner Justin Kelly said: "It is of particular concern to us that the same organised crime groups that are involved in the importation and distribution of cocaine are also involved now in the distribution of nitrous oxide and the resulting harm to our communities. Looby said that his team had been invited to talk to social and youth workers, and that this route "needs to be pushed every bit as hard as the legislation". "The message we're trying to get out to people is don't use it. That's the key thing. There's no safe dose. Do not use it." A woman who died in a crash between a bus and a car near Belfast on Saturday has been named. Claudia Jaczyk, 23, from the Newtownabbey area, was driving the car, a black Citroen C1. The driver of the bus has serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The crash took place on the Ballyrobin Road, Templepatrick, at around 8am on Saturday. Diversions were put in place but they have since been lifted and the road has reopened. Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with the police investigation, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 341 of February 14. The Pima County Sheriffs Department is investigating a damaged utility box around the corner from Nancy Guthries home as the desperate search for Today cohost Savannah Guthries mother continues in its second month. Investigators believe it could be connected to a reported internet outage that occurred around the time she disappeared in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, which disrupted nearby home surveillance cameras. Savannah Guthrie reunited with her coworkers at the Today studio in New York City last Thursday. She thanked her colleagues for their support, shared hugs with her coanchors and expressed her interest in returning to the show when the time was right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think her coming here, just being able to be with us and for us to be able to hug her, I think its a step, Today host Sheinelle Jones told the audience. I dont know whats ahead of us, but all I know is it is a step. Though there have been no significant breakthroughs in the search for Nancy Guthrie in recent weeks, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told Today last Tuesday that he believes investigators are definitely closer to solving the case. Weve got a lot of intel, a lot of leads, but now its time to just go to work, he said. The family of Nancy Guthrie, 84, is offering $1 million for information leading to her recovery. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Pima County Sheriffs Department tip line at 520-351-4900 or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin a two-day trip on Sunday, to bolster ties with Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders, often at odds with other European Union countries, have warm ties with President Donald Trump. Rubio will use the trip to discuss energy cooperation and bilateral issues, including NATO commitments, the State Department said in an announcement last week. "These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us, and it's a good opportunity to go see them and two countries I've never been in," Rubio told reporters before departing for Europe on Thursday. Rubio, who in his dual role also serves as Trumps national security adviser, will meet in Bratislava on Sunday with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Trump in Florida last month. Advertisement The US diplomat's trip follows his participation in the Munich Security Conference over the last few days. On Monday, Rubio is expected to meet with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. "The President said he's very supportive of him, and so are we," Rubio said. "But obviously we were going to do that visit as a bilateral visit." Orban, one of Trump's closest allies in Europe, is considered by many on the American hard-right as a model for the US president's tough policies on immigration and support for families and Christian conservatism. Budapest has repeatedly hosted Conservative Political Action Conference events, which bring together conservative activists and leaders, with another due in March. Both Fico and Orban have clashed with EU institutions over probes into backsliding on democratic rules. They have also maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at times delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. Even as other European Union countries have secured alternative energy supplies after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, including by buying US natural gas, Slovakia and Hungary have also continued to buy Russian gas and oil, a practice the United States has criticised. Rubio said this would be discussed during his brief tour, but did not give any details. Fico, who has described the European Union as an institution that is in deep crisis, has showered Trump with praise saying he would bring peace back to Europe. Advertisement But Fico criticised the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. Hungary and Slovakia have also so far diverged from Trump on NATO spending. They have raised defence spending to NATO's minimum threshold of 2 per cent of GDP. Fico has, however, refused to raise expenditure above that level for now, even though Trump has repeatedly asked all NATO members to increase their military spending to 5 per cent. Hungary has also planned for 2 per cent defence spending in this year's budget. On nuclear cooperation, Slovakia signed an agreement with the United States last month, and Fico has said US-based Westinghouse was likely to build a new nuclear power plant. He also said after meeting the chief of France's nuclear engineering company Framatome during the week he would welcome more companies taking part in the project. Donald Trump has said members of his so-called Board of Peace have pledged 5 billion dollars (4.2 billion) towards rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza and will commit thousands of personnel to international stabilisation and police forces for the territory. The pledges will be formally announced when board members gather in Washington on Thursday for their first meeting, the US president said. The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman, he wrote in a social media post announcing the pledges. A war-ravaged street in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) He did not detail which member nations were making the pledges for reconstruction or would contribute personnel to the stabilisation force. Indonesias military said on Sunday that up to 8,000 of its troops are expected to be ready by the end of June for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission. It is the first firm commitment Mr Trump has received. Advertisement Rebuilding the Palestinian territory will be a daunting task. The United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union estimate that reconstruction will cost 70 billion dollars. The ceasefire deal calls for an armed international stabilisation force to keep security and ensure the disarming of the militant Hamas group, a key demand of Israel. Few countries have expressed interest in taking part in the proposed force. The US-brokered October 10 ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, Israeli forces have carried out repeated air strikes and frequently fire on Palestinians near military-held zones. It is not clear how many of the more than 20 members of the Board of Peace will attend the first meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held White House talks with Mr Trump last week, is not expected to be there. Benjamin Netanyahu with Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) The new board was first seen as a mechanism focused on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, but it has taken shape with his ambition for a broader mandate of resolving global crises and appears to be the latest US effort to sidestep the United Nations as Mr Trump aims to reset the post-Second World War international order. Many of Americas top allies in Europe and elsewhere have declined to join what they suspect may be an attempt to rival the UN Security Council. Mr Trump also confirmed that Thursdays meeting will take place at the US Institute of Peace, which the State Department announced in December it was renaming as the Donald J Trump US Institute of Peace. The building is the subject of litigation brought by former employees and executives of the non-profit think tank after the Republican administration seized the facility last year and fired almost all its staff. Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm Festivals Arundhati Roy pulls out of Berlin Film Festival over jury comments on political films Reuters February 15, 2026 11:59am 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 Indian novelist Arundhati Roy announced on Friday (Berlin time) she was pulling out of the Berlin Film Festival after the head of the festival jury said filmmakers should avoid overtly political films. Roy, winner of the Booker Prize in 1997 for her novel The God of Small Things, said in a statement she was shocked and disgusted by the comments from jury members including German director Wim Wenders. Writer and activist Arundhati Roy has pulled out of the Berlin Film Festival following remarks made by jury president Wim Wenders. TT News Agency via AFP Asked on Thursday (Berlin time) for his view on the German governments position on Gaza, Wenders, who directed films such as Paris, Texas and Perfect Days and is head of this years seven-member international jury, said: We have to stay out of politics because if we made movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics, but we are the counterweight to politics. We have to do the work of people and not the work of politicians, he said. Advertisement We are the counterweight to politics: Director Wim Wenders said filmmakers should stay out of politics. AP Polish film producer Ewa Puszczynska, another jury member, said it was not fair to ask the judges, as a body, about government positions on the Gaza war. Roy described the comments as unconscionable. To hear them say that art should not be political is jaw-dropping, she said in a statement published in the Indian journal The Wire. It is a way of shutting down a conversation about a crime against humanity even as it unfolds before us in real time when artists, writers and filmmakers should be doing everything in their power to stop it, she said. The festivals organisers responded to this in an emailed statement: The Berlinale respects this decision. We regret that we will not welcome her as her presence would have enriched the festival discourse. Advertisement Roy had been due to present In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, a 1989 film which she wrote, in the Berlinales Classics section. She said in her statement she would not be attending. Following Wenders comments, many actors, directors and producers were peppered with politically charged questions during the festivals various press events. In response, the festivals head Tricia Tuttle released a lengthy statement in which she said artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose. Related Article Analysis Literature How Adelaides writers week collapse is shaping Australias major literary festivals Artists should not be expected to comment on all broader debates about a festivals previous or current practices over which they have no control. Nor should they be expected to speak on every political issue raised to them unless they want to. Roys withdrawal from the festival is the latest mark of the bitter rifts across the world caused by the Gaza war. Considered more politically minded than its counterparts in Venice and Cannes, the festival has been repeatedly criticised by pro-Palestinian activists for not taking an overt stance on Gaza, in contrast to the war in Ukraine and the situation in Iran, where thousands of anti-government protesters have been reported killed by security forces. Advertisement Hamas carried out a cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a devastating Israeli campaign in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Hamas militants killed 1200 people and took 251 hostages in the October 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri have both been issued arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court on charges including crimes against humanity, which Israel denies. Reuters Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Film Festivals Advertisement Eating outJust open Cult classic Turkish sandwich stars at former Efendy chefs new takeaway spot While chef Somer Sivrioglu contemplates an Efendy reboot, hes opened Hamsi Street at the Sydney Fish Market. Its just one of the new spots in the city selling fish sandwiches. Scott Bolles February 16, 2026 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 spiritual home of balik ekmek is Istanbul, but the famed fish sandwich has snared a local address at the sparkling new Sydney Fish Market. On Wednesday, February 18, Turkish-Australian chef Somer Sivrioglu opens Hamsi Street, a standalone takeaway venue where balik ekmek is the star of the show. Sivrioglus earliest food memories include trips to Istanbuls docks for balik ekmek. He watched fishermen grill the catch of the day (mostly mackerel) before carefully tucking them between bread or in a roll. Sivrioglu will stay mostly true to the Istanbul original, although he has replaced raw onion with a lightly pickled version, and hell include rocket pesto as well as fresh rocket. They use whatever greens are in season in Turkey, he said. Chef Somer Sivrioglus new takeaway spot Hamsi Street opens next to Hamsi Taverna at Sydney Fish Market. Jason Loucas Hamsi Street, located next door to Sivrioglus recently opened Hamsi Taverna, will hard launch with mackerel as the centrepiece to the sandwich ($23) and longer-term plans to add a snapper version. What is it about this humble sandwich that remains so enduring, and has Turkish taxi drivers and politicians queueing side-by-side with tourists? Is it Turkeys version of the Bunnings onion-topped sausage in bread? Sivrioglu believes its that, and more. He points to its broader influence in haute cuisine, with Michelin-starred Mikla Restaurant, in Istanbul, producing a refined version with anchovy embedded in thinly sliced olive oil bread. Advertisement The newly opened Sydney Fish Market isnt the only early 2026 action in the seafood sandwich category. In the eastern suburbs, 10 William St in Paddington is serving a fried ling sandwich for Friday lunches. Hamsi Streets mackerel balik ekmek will cost $23. Jason Loucas Stalwart Bronte Road Bistro has also rebranded and relaunched in recent weeks as Bronte Road Fish. A fish burger is included on the new menu alongside a tuna smash burger and prawn katsu burger, available for both dine-in and takeaway. Chef-owner Matt Barnett says the move to more casual dishes reflects the change in peoples dining preferences. People have less time to dine. They want something quick, easy and delicious, made from good-quality ingredients, he said. For Sivrioglu, his previous ventures have used the sandwich as inspiration, reinterpreting it as a special with cured trevally, taramasalata and caviar. Now he wants to be truer to the original. Turkish-born Sivrioglu built a small empire of restaurants in Sydney, including Barangaroos Anason and the now-closed Efendy at Balmain, before he was plucked to present MasterChef Turkey. Sivrioglu also operates an Efendy restaurant in Istanbul, where he became entangled in a legal dispute shortly after the restaurants 2022 opening, when a retaining wall to the property collapsed, with one person killed and another injured. Despite not being the landlord and the wall not being attached to the restaurant, the chef was among those caught up in the case. Its been a long process, but were confident itll finally be resolved soon, he said. Advertisement Bronte Road Fishs menu will include a fish burger alongside a tuna smash burger and prawn katsu burger. Nikki To The chef is now focusing on his business interests in Sydney, which include a possible local reboot of Efendy. Still no site but [Im] looking, [Id] love to bring it back to the inner west, he said. At Hamsi Street, his likeness now adorns cans of beer. Its brewed by Yullis, they are friends of mine, he said. We wanted to make a Mediterranean-style lager that goes well with seafood. Theres a bit of rice in it. The Hamsi Street menu is tight, but does include an Antakya-style hummus with burnt sumac butter, whipped taramasalata with lemon oil and cured roe, as well as calamari with chilli pepper. Were also going to do slider-sized Taksim sloppy burgers, Sivrioglu said. Located at the Glebe end of the Fish Market, the bank of steps right outside Hamsi Street offer plenty of seating. While overfishing and environmental damage has led to less freshly caught fish straight from the Bosphorus, Sivrioglu has no such supply problems at Sydney Fish Market. Hes already tapped seafood wholesalers for a regular supply of mackerel, and hopes the success of balik ekmek doesnt drive the price of the affordable species up in the way food trends have in the past. When I was at Efendy [nearly] 20 years ago, beef cheeks were only $2 a kilo, he said. Advertisement E-bike rider fighting for life after police chase A man on an e-bike who hit a pole while being chased by police in Sydney is fighting for life with head injuries. Advertisement NationalGood Weekend Isolated in a new country with her dying husband, Lidia didnt want anyone to know The Polish-born professor, physicist and air-quality expert, 73, was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2021 by Time magazine. Benjamin Law February 16, 2026 4:00am 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 This story is part of the February 21 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to discuss the subjects were told to keep private by getting them to roll a die. The numbers they land on are the topics theyre given. This week, he talks to Polish-born professor, physicist and air-quality expert Lidia Morawska. The 73-year-old was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2021 by Time magazine. Professor Lidia Morawska: The biggest problem [in mandating good indoor air quality] is that there is not just one government body responsible for this. Alex Ellinghausen DEATH Two weeks before you left Poland for Canada in the 1980s, you received news that your husband, Jan, had cancer. He eventually went into remission but, later, as you were leaving Canada for Australia in the 1990s, the cancer returned and Jan passed away just over a year after arriving in Brisbane. Your children were 15 and 10. How did you navigate such a devastating loss? It definitely was very difficult. When we arrived in Brisbane [to take up a position at Queensland University of Technology], it was also a new country: new schools, new system, new position. But when you have a challenge, you deal with the challenge. How old was Jan when he died? He was 39. He would have been 40 in November, the month after he died. Advertisement So young. And how old were you? He was a month younger than me. Did anything help? All of our family was in Poland, so I was, in a way, completely alone. To be honest, I didnt want anyone to know. If people know that you have a very big personal problem, you are treated a bit differently. Did I want to be treated differently? I didnt. So it was only really in the last week, when it was very clear that it was the end and I couldnt come to work, that I talked to the people at QUT. It was a very welcoming group of colleagues, so I felt immediately like I was among friends. Youve achieved so much: winning the David Sinclair Award [for excellence in aerosol science]; being listed as one of the Most Influential People in the world by Time magazine; winning a Prime Ministers Prize for Science last year. Can you die happy? I dont know. I certainly dont have the feeling that I achieved everything that can be achieved in my area. Were still in a not much different situation now than we were at the beginning of the pandemic in relation to indoor air quality. So this is the purpose now: to influence change. SEX Many scientific disciplines have been, historically, male-dominated. What was it like for you, as a woman, rising through the ranks in physics? I must say that for quite some time maybe even until we were in Canada I never thought about any issues around being a woman. I think the reason for this was that both my parents were educated. My mum had a degree in chemistry; my father had a degree in electrical engineering. There was that feeling that I could achieve whatever I wanted. But, in Canada, a mother of one of my daughters friends asked me, Oh, how come you chose such a non-feminine topic? I remember so vividly thinking, What a silly question! Advertisement What were the big social differences you noticed between Poland, Canada and Australia when it came to sex, relationships and romance? I dont know whether these were topics of my conversations maybe because when I left Poland, I already had family. At the same time, Poland is a very Catholic country, which is, of course, different to Canada and Australia. But still, there was a very liberal approach. I didnt notice any major differences. What do you find interesting and sexy about science? How do we make STEM disciplines appealing to young people? Well, everyones different and certain people are better at certain things. For example, as much as I love music or I love art, I cannot play instruments. It was very clear, at a young age, that I can listen, but I cant make music. If we were all good at the same things, I guess the world would be very boring! But the other aspect is about making all these choices available to kids at a young age. And I had all those choices. Its not about making things sexy: its about making them available. POLITICS You want to mandate good indoor air quality in Australia. To do that, though, you need to work with policy-makers. How are you finding the task? The biggest problem is that there is not just one government body responsible for this. If we are talking about outdoor air, its very clear: theres one body in every state. But in relation to indoor air quality, there are residential buildings and public buildings. Mandating quality in residential buildings is pretty much impossible. And each type of public building belongs to a different government portfolio. So starting this conversation is very difficult. Whats been your experience of engaging with politicians? Its extremely frustrating. Its obvious that this is a very basic thing we need and it isnt being done. But its not simply the fault of politicians who dont listen: its a much more complex problem. If people dont realise there are problems with air quality or pollution, they dont put pressure on politicians to effect change. Advertisement Advertisement diceytopics@goodweekend.com.au Get the best of Good Weekend delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up for our newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWScience These alleged rapists were free for 25 years. Heres what caught them Angus Dalton Updated February 15, 2026 3:24pm ,first published February 14, 2026 4:00am 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 NationalNSWEducation Weve got an equity problem: HSC overhaul for thousands of students Christopher Harris February 15, 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 School principals are set to have authority to decide which provisions HSC students receive, such as rest breaks and small group supervision, following a sweeping review aimed at levelling the playing field between public and private school students. A growing number of students with disabilities ranging from ADHD to autism are sitting HSC exams each year, with one in six students applying for provisions ranging from snack breaks to using a computer. Sophie Geeves, 28, said she was often taken out of school to go to appointments. Audrey Richardson But the provision system has been plagued for years by a disparity between rich and poor schools. The independent review by Urbis noted that high costs of psychiatrists and other specialist appointments effectively priced some students out. The NSW Education Standards Authority, which runs the HSC, has agreed in-principle to implement eight of the reviews recommendations, with principals from this year able to approve the use of a fan, eye drops and wearing a hat in exams. Advertisement For other provisions, such as rest breaks for students with anxiety, the authority will explore which mechanism and guidelines should be put in place over the next two years after consultation with education leaders and principals. The expansion is not because were being soft, said NESA chief executive Paul Martin. Its because more kids need more support, and we have to respond to that, as anyone else in society does. NSW Education Standards Authority chief executive Paul Martin said they would speak to school leaders to ensure the new system was equitable. Edwina Pickles He said while principals would be given more power to decide, the consultation would work through a way of giving principals the power to grant extra time in a way which was consistent across the board. If rest breaks are given to some students in some schools but not given to other students in other schools and students have exactly the same presentation weve got an equity problem. Advertisement Evidence requirements will also be changed to reduce the burden on students, schools and the health sector. NESA will investigate removing the need to provide recent evidence of a disability for students who already receive NDIS funding. Sophie Geeves, who graduated from Pittwater High in 2015, found the process to prove she had cerebral palsy and was deserving of adjustments was unnecessarily arduous, prompting her to campaign for a better system with advocacy group CPActive. Its not as simple as writing a report and saying Ive got cerebral palsy and Ive got a hearing and listening impairment. It should be that simple, but unfortunately, it is not, she said. For her HSC, she obtained reports from rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, audiologists and surgeons. Advertisement Related Article Editorial Education HSC disability provisions scheme warrants review The Herald's View Editorial These reports went on for pages and pages about the impact of my disability, and really intricate details of my life and my diagnosis. I was often taken out of school to go to these appointments to prove ... the level of impact of my disability on my education. Year 11 Bishop Tyrrell student Lachlan Woodful, who has cerebral palsy, welcomed the change because it would save him hours of time in appointments with medical specialists. That will make the process a lot more streamlined and easier. It will save families having to spend thousands of dollars for a specialist to write a report, he said. Advertisement The biggest benefit for him under the changes is a move to allow more students with a physical disability to use a computer with more speech-to-text and text-to-speech technology. Related Article Media & marketing How to make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google He has used a scribe in school exams previously, which required the extra skill of being able to think and dictate in entire perfect sentences, as well as use upper and lower case and punctuation correctly. Im expecting to be able to use a computer with all my examinations, which is a huge relief for me, he said. His mother, Tina Woodful, said using a scribe made writing essays in the HSC so much more difficult than simply learning the content and answering a question. Advertisement He just has to put in so much more effort to get that information in his head down on paper than what his siblings had to do, she said. She said their family had been collaborating with his school and medical specialists for more than a decade and welcomed the move to give principals more power. As far as being really across instinctively what provisions would be appropriate for a child, I think that it makes a lot of sense for the school to have more input into that, she said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. CORRECTION An earlier version of this story incorrectly said principals would be able to approve extra exam time and the use of commuters. It has been corrected to say principals will be able to suggest extra breaks and small group supervision. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCity life Brisbane moviegoers get star-studded Valentines Day surprise Brittney Deguara February 15, 2026 9:00am 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 It was a Valentines Day to remember for moviegoers in Brisbane when their screening of Wuthering Heights turned into a star-studded event, with the stars of the show making an appearance. Queensland-born actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi surprised fans at cinemas in New Farm, Red Hill and Chermside on Saturday to wish them a happy Valentines Day and hand-deliver roses and sweets as a special treat. We were really just waiting until we could get home [to Queensland], Robbie told the room in New Farm. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi surprised moviegoers in Brisbane on Valentines Day by showing up to several screenings of Wuthering Heights in their home state. Warner Bros. Au Still recovering, one person wrote alongside a video of their visit to Palace Cinemas on James Street. Advertisement Olivia Vickery, who was at Event Cinemas 6.40pm V-Max session at Chermside with her two friends started tearing up when the stars walked in. I was like, surely this is not happening right now. Yes, the whole cinema was screaming! It was a great atmosphere, she told this masthead. Vickery suspected something special was happening when she spotted microphones at the front of the cinema, and admitted to hoping theyd show up. [It] was hard to watch the start of the movie I was still in shock from them being right in front of us ... I needed a 10-minute intermission to recover from seeing them before the movie started. Advertisement Footage also emerged of Elordis security getting in a scuffle with a paparazzo before heading into one of the screenings. Elordi, who is from Brisbane, and Robbie, who hails from the Gold Coast, have been on a whirlwind press tour for their latest film, directed by Emerald Fennell. Arriving in Sydney for the premiere on Thursday, Robbie, who also produced the film, addressed the controversy surrounding its adaptation of Emily Brontes book. I suppose you can assume thats going to happen, particularly when youre making a bold interpretation like [Fennells] version. Advertisement Theres going to be mixed opinions for sure, but we just weather the storm and wait for people to see the movie, and they can make up their minds for themselves, Robbie said. 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 NationalQueenslandQueensland Health Qld premier says ramping at five-year low. The oppositions not convinced Cloe Read February 15, 2026 1:27pm 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 Ambulance ramping has fallen to the lowest level in half a decade, the state government has claimed, but the opposition says Queenslanders are still struggling to even get a hospital appointment. Premier David Crisafulli on Sunday announced ramping reached a five-year low in the last quarter of 2025, at 37.3 per cent. Over the last decade, ambulance ramping has tripled in Queensland, Crisafulli said at QEII hospital on Brisbanes south side. Premier David Crisafulli says his governments changes are starting to bear fruit. Catherine Strohfeldt This [the latest figure] is the best result that has been recorded in half a decade, and it shows that the changes that have been made are starting to bear fruit, but weve got a long way to go. Advertisement The government claimed elective surgery waitlists remained stable at almost 62,000, which was down from 66,632 just after the election. But deputy Labor opposition leader Cameron Dick said 300,000 Queenslanders were still waiting to get an appointment at a public hospital. Cameron Dick says the government is trying to pull the wool over the publics eyes by boasting of reduced ramping while fewer Queenslanders can get a hospital appointment. Cameron Atfield He said that number was the equivalent to the population of Townsville and Cairns combined. He said the average monthly specialist waiting list was growing twice as fast under the LNP as it was in the last year of the Labor government. Advertisement The LNP want to give themselves a medal today about their performance when it comes to ramping in public hospitals, but this is the oldest trick in the book, Dick said. Related Article Queensland Health Ambulance ramping rates improve but remain well below Crisafullis election pledge If you cant get an appointment with a doctor, you never get your treatment journey started, and youll never need a hospital bed. Now that may open up more beds for patients coming into hospitals through emergency departments, but it leaves hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders languishing on the waitlist for the waitlist. Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the figures would move around, and that more work needed to be done, but the trend was in the right direction. Advertisement According to the Queensland Health data from December, patients waited 29 days for an initial specialist appointment. The data also shows that it took 14 minutes to be seen in an emergency department. There were more than 207,000 arrivals at emergency departments across the state. The number of arrivals by ambulance was 64,625. The expanded QEII hospital will have 112 new inpatient beds, upgraded surgical facilities, and a new car park. Courtney Kruk The figures come as the premier on Sunday marked a milestone for the QEII hospital expansion, with the top floor completed and the fitout expected to begin shortly. The expanded hospital will bring 112 new inpatient beds, upgraded surgical facilities, and a new car park. 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 NationalWAPolice New law to give police power to refuse hate protests Michael Philipps February 15, 2026 4:19pm 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 Cook Government will introduce new laws to Parliament this week that aim to give WA Police the power to refuse a permit to protest if it is considered likely to promote hate. According to the state government, the proposed bill aims to strike a balance between the right to protest while targeting behaviour including harassment, violence and intimidation. The Cook government will introduce the bill on Tuesday. Photo Ross Swanborough Reasons to refuse a protest permit can be based on factors such as religion, race, disability, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. The proposed bill extends WAs prohibition on nazi symbols to representations of all organisations outlawed under Commonwealth legislation and will also apply to juveniles who display the symbols. Advertisement Face coverings worn in public to intimidate or cause apprehension in others will also be banned, with exemptions for health, occupational safety, religious, cultural or artistic purposes. It will also become an offence to knowingly provide false or misleading information when applying for a protest permit. Police Minister Reece Whitby said Western Australia has long enjoyed a tradition of having peaceful protests. We havent seen the type of aggression, the extremes of confrontations that weve seen on the East Coast, here in Perth, he said. The WA Police work closely with the organisers of protests and assemblies to ensure that they are able to exercise their constitutional rights, in a safe and responsible manner. Advertisement These laws will only continue to foster mutually respectful relationships between organisers, the Police and the wider WA community. Related Article Exclusive Defamation Greens MP threatens legal action against WA newspaper over Herzog rally coverage WA Greens anti-racism spokesperson Sophie McNeill said her party held deep concerns about the proposal of the new bill. How will this be decided? Will protests against Israels genocide be banned? What about peaceful gatherings against visiting war criminals, like what took place last Monday night?, McNeill said. The government says this legislation is aimed at Nazis, but if it is written too broadly it could be applied against any group at the will of the police and have concerning impacts on the freedom of speech and assembly. Advertisement It is dangerous to rush through any sort of legislation that fundamentally impacts our basic democratic rights. The existing right to appeal permit rejections to the State Administrative Tribunal will remain as a safeguard to protect the right to demonstrate. Premier Roger Cook said the proposed bill aims to promote social cohesion in Western Australia. What has been targeted by these laws today is behaviour that crosses the line into violence, harassment or intimidation, he said. We will stand at nothing to make sure that Western Australia remains a safe and peaceful community where social cohesion is supported, not undermined by the activities of those who wish to spread hatred, violence or intimidation. The proposed Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill will be introduced at the first parliamentary sitting of the year on Tuesday. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Police Michael Philipps is a producer and reporter with WAtoday. Advertisement Investigation PoliticsNSWSuperannuation Karen thought she had $3 million in her super. She cant get hold of a cent Max Maddison February 16, 2026 4:00am 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 Dear Chris, still no funds in the bank. I now have significant debt on several credit cards and am running low on what is available to live on. Could someone please explain what is happening and when funds will be available? Karen Hedberg was getting desperate. Her email, sent last November, was one of many over several months seeking repayment of her $3 million in superannuation and answers from Christopher Edwards, her accountant. Most went unanswered. Karen Hedberg fears she will not see her $3 million in superannuation. Wolter Peeters After 50 years as a veterinarian, the 74-year-old believed she was retiring with a multimillion-dollar self-managed super fund. Over the second half of last year, Hedberg had trouble extracting her funds and clarity about her investments from Edwards, who is also a solicitor. Hedberg now believes she might need to sell her home to survive. She is not alone. Advertisement More than 20 clients and staff of Edwards spoke to this masthead as part of the investigation. All except Hedberg and one other did so on the proviso of anonymity. Some feared it could jeopardise their chances of recovering their funds. Others were yet to tell their families about the potential financial loss. Nearly all told similar stories. They claimed Edwards had talked them into rolling their superannuation into self-managed super funds (SMSFs), and/or loaning him considerable sums, which were invested into his developments. Christopher Edwards clients are demanding answers. Wolter Peeters Collectively, they allege Edwards owes them nearly $25 million. An employee, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential workplace matters, estimated the 65-year-old held at least $100 million across more than 100 clients. Advertisement More than a dozen clients have alleged he has engaged in impropriety and unethical conduct. Almost all have attempted to withdraw some or all of the funds they claim they are owed. Fourteen alleged those efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Related Article Media & marketing Make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google Clients have lodged complaints about Edwards with NSW Police, the corporate regulator, Tax Practitioners Board and Australian Taxation Office. Police did not confirm whether they were investigating. Last September, Edwards was banned by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) from providing financial advice without a licence. Edwards has told clients the ban does not affect his business. The regulator has an ongoing investigation into Edwards. Clients fear any intervention will come too late. Advertisement Approached outside his Richmond office this month, Edwards denied any wrongdoing. Asked why he hadnt repaid his clients, Edwards said the civil courts would determine whether I have contractual obligations or not. Asked whether he had done anything wrong, Edwards replied: Correct. I havent. The problems underscore the risks in the loosely regulated SMSF sector, which has grown to about $1 trillion today and represents nearly one-quarter of the superannuation system. Accountants have not been permitted to advise on SMSFs without a financial licence for a decade. The clients Advertisement The themes of each clients story were nearly identical. Many spoke of financial hardship and mental distress. Six said they had known Edwards for decades some while he was teaching in the late 1980s, others while he studied law at University of Technology Sydney. Many described the relationship as friendship; one described him as family. Hedberg says she was convinced to transfer her financial affairs to Edwards given he was a solicitor. She claims she has not been provided with any copies of contracts or agreements with the companies where her savings have been invested. Edwards promise of high returns enticed several clients: rates of up to 10 per cent paid quarterly was a common arrangement. A source said Edwards convinced him that the returns of his retail super fund were inferior. So he transferred nearly $1 million into one of Edwards companys bank accounts. Christopher Edwards pops out for his morning coffee. Wolter Peeters Advertisement Funds were invested in corporate entities primarily property developments across NSW and Queensland in which Edwards held a financial interest and served as director. Sources who have dealt with Edwards and his business partners for decades say the arrangements appeared to be beneficial to both him and his clients. Since 2023, clients allege interest payments have become increasingly delayed some have not been paid at all. Correspondence shows various explanations: medical episodes, frozen bank accounts and promises of something more concrete in coming weeks. A signed contract, provided to this masthead by one source, shows Edwards repeatedly missed quarterly payments, and failed to repay the principal within the 48-month term. Repayment was now more than a year overdue, according to the deed of agreement. At least 10 clients were chasing Edwards by the end of 2025 for missing quarterly payments. Advertisement Susan Templeman, MP for Macquarie whose federal electorate encompasses Richmond, said: Their distress is profound the stress, the hours of work involved in trying to sort their affairs, as well as the financial implications that they have described. Those anxieties were exacerbated when an email from Edwards office landed in their inboxes. Payments would be delayed because Edwards had been admitted to hospital just before Christmas for a routine floppy bladder operation, it was explained, asking them to allow 10 additional business days for the large settlement of funds. Another email arrived in mid-January: a promise that Edwards would soon provide a more concrete date as to when the cash would arrive. The banning of me as a financial planner is interesting because I am not one. Speaking candidly, I do not want to be one. Accountant Christopher Edwards On January 13, dozens of clients were told the delay was caused by an industry super fund freezing investor funds because of internal issues. Edwards email added that, more fundamentally, the ASIC investigation had resulted in his bank accounts being frozen. Advertisement This did lead to a run-on-the-banks situation where many people who had been contacted by ASIC or read the ASIC press release decided to withdraw capital or not proceed with their obligations to the company, he wrote. As a director, it is for this reason I had to freeze all capital withdrawals and also point out that there were contractual obligations to the company and these had to remain in place. The ban The news flash is misleading, Edwards emailed Hedberg in September. The banning of me as a financial planner is interesting because I am not one. Speaking candidly, I do not want to be one. Advertisement The correspondence arrived on September 19, two days after ASIC announced Edwards would be barred from providing financial advice until 2035. It was just one of many investigations ASIC was undertaking, Edwards emailed Hedberg, urging her not to lose sleep over this. Fundamentally and from your perspective, please be assured all is fine with your invested funds, he wrote. In a statement, ASIC alleged that Edwards provided financial advice with sufficient system, repetition and continuity over a four-year period, despite not holding a licence. The regulator held serious concerns about other aspects of his conduct, particularly, the significant conflict of interest between his personal interest in securing funding for his property development companies and his obligations as a lawyer and an accountant. ASIC found Mr Edwards conduct in approaching his accounting and legal clients and making recommendations that they invest in companies which he controls was particularly serious, ASIC wrote. Advertisement Despite saying the ban has no bearing on his business, Edwards has applied for a review of ASICs decision in the Administrative Review Tribunal. He told this masthead via email that responding to further questions would be inappropriate in light of those proceedings. The investments Three of Edwards investments are a long way from completion. For years, Edwards has been trying to convert a derelict, asbestos-ridden abattoir in Gunnedah, a small town west of Tamworth, into a solar energy farm. Several million dollars had been kicked into remediating the site, but Edwards has faced cashflow problems recently, an employee with insights into the project said. A Gunnedah Shire Council spokeswoman said there was no evidence of physical commencement of two development applications for proposed solar projects on the site. Work had commenced on a third subdivision. Advertisement Through two of his companies Great Northern Morayfield and Great Northern Developments Edwards has two property developments planned in Queensland. Edwards plans to build 39 homes in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, shows no movement. The projects town planner requested City of Moreton Bay council provide a two-year extension last April, saying the developer had engaged a new builder while the plans and proposal requires further investigations before they can move forward. The sites in Gunnedah. There are development applications for a solar project here, but no sign of any works. SMH A development in a suburb of Bundaberg a 47-home community proposed by Great Northern Development remained covered by grass. Great Northern Development has run into trouble in the past. In figures provided to a receiver appointed in 2019, Edwards estimated the companys assets were valued at $36.6 million against total liabilities of $34.4 million a net position of $1.15 million. Advertisement The receiver did not respond to requests for comment. Those figures were similar to financial statements Edwards provided a decade earlier during litigation ASIC brought against Great Northern Development. The staff ASIC has subpoenaed staff and clients as part of the latest investigation into Edwards. After efforts to talk Edwards into returning their funds, clients have engaged lawyers. Two civil matters are listed in the NSW Supreme Court for the end of February. Advertisement To avoid winding up Great Northern Development during the ASIC case in 2010, Justice Richard White gave the company an undertaking to appoint a trustee to act as a safe harbour for clients funds. ASIC brokered a deal with La Trobe Financial. The asset manager took out formal mortgages over Edwards companys development sites, meaning the land could be seized and investors paid back if the investment failed. Last month, La Trobe issued Great Northern Development with default notices, requiring the company to make payment on debts by late February. If Edwards doesnt comply, La Trobe can use its powers as a secured creditor to appoint a receiver, sell off assets and wind up the Edwards company. A spokesman for La Trobe declined to comment. This masthead has uncovered allegations that Edwards has breached signed contracts, and lodged tax returns falsely declaring third-party audits of the SMSF accounts had not been qualified. The daughter of one elderly client claimed Edwards staff member walked her mother to the local Commonwealth Bank branch to withdraw hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in his company. It was the last she saw of the money. Advertisement The ATO and ASIC. Why cant they talk to each other? Thats the billion-dollar question. Rakesh Sahgal Its atrocious. Hes preying on vulnerable people, she alleged, claiming Edwards was now failing to return calls or emails. Two staff members claimed Edwards employees took clients to withdraw funds they believe ultimately went to his investments. Rakesh Sahgal, one of the tax agents engaged by Edwards to audit his clients SMSF accounts, said he began refusing work from him after he issued a number of qualified reports because he could not independently corroborate the value of Edwards investments. Sahgal said he reported Edwards to the Australian Taxation Office so many times. Advertisement The ATO and ASIC. Why cant they talk to each other? Thats the billion-dollar question, he said. A spokesperson for the ATO said: The ATO is unable to comment due to our obligations under taxpayer confidentiality laws. The ATO works alongside ASIC to regulate all self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and, where permitted under the confidentiality laws, will share information and other intelligence with ASIC that enables us to meet our joint objectives. A spokesman for the regulator said: ASICs investigation into Mr Edwards remains ongoing. We cannot comment any further on an ongoing investigation. 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 PoliticsVictoriaBuilding Bad Allan releases CFMEU letter as opposition says its royal commission would include government culpability Kieran Rooney February 15, 2026 2:50pm 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 referral letter sent from Premier Jacinta Allan to the states corruption watchdog has been released publicly for the first time, as the government seeks to cast claims of a $15 billion corruption blowout on the Big Build as an attack on workers. At the same time, the opposition released the terms of reference for a royal commission it plans to call into misconduct within the CFMEU, which includes delving into the flow of taxpayer funds to organised criminals and the governments culpability. A new construction sector watchdog, Construction Enforcement Victoria, would also be set up under Liberal leader Jess Wilsons plan. Premier Jacinta Allan says she has referred all allegations of misconduct that came her way to the relevant authorities. Elke Meitzel A report last week into the CFMEU, by integrity expert Geoffrey Watson, SC, alleged serious criminal behaviour, including drug distribution and sexual exploitation, on the states Big Build program, while a redacted section criticised the government and authorities for failing to address the problem. Allan responded to the report and these criticisms by repeatedly stating that she has referred all allegations of misconduct that came her way to relevant authorities. Advertisement She also has said she only became aware the behaviour was systemic following this mastheads Building Bad investigation in July 2024, when she referred matters to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. The government provided a letter to the media on Sunday after requests for it to be released amid criticisms that the government failed to act on graft on taxpayer-funded projects. I am concerned to ensure that any allegations of serious corruption that are within the remit of IBAC, are identified, investigated and appropriate action taken by IBAC, says the letter dated July 14, 2024 a day after the Building Bad media investigation was published. Given these serious allegations relate to major projects commissioned by the Victorian government, I request that IBAC use its investigatory powers to assess, investigate and take action where there is any serious corrupt conduct within IBACs jurisdiction. Advertisement Allan said in the letter the allegations included that a CFMEU health and safety official was using a car assigned for their job for bikie gang activities and that a person used a car from a state government project to drive to Footscray Hospital while bleeding from a gunshot wound. Other allegations she outlined were that bikie gang members and associates were employed in union delegate roles and influencing the operations of contractors on major projects, and that CFMEU officials were advising companies to hire bikie-controlled subcontractors or retain standover men. Finally, the premier raised the allegation that the CFMEU was using its influence to ensure work was awarded to companies that had enterprise or labour-hire agreements backed by the union. Accordingly, I am referring these matters to IBAC for investigation, the letter says. IBAC does not comment on investigations under way and told a parliamentary inquiry last year that under its rules it could not confirm whether a probe was under way as a result of this letter. Advertisement Allans government has been under increasing pressure to tackle ongoing issues within the CFMEU, particularly from the opposition, which has promised to crack down on the militant union and curb its influence. On Sunday, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson unveiled her terms of reference for a royal commission into CFMEU misconduct that a Coalition government would hold if elected. These include an investigation into the nature, extent, and impact of misconduct involving the CFMEU on Victorian Government projects, particularly the quantum of the cost to taxpayers. Other terms include the flow of funds from these projects, particularly towards organised crime, and investigating connections between CFMEU misconduct and departmental management practices. Advertisement We are announcing a royal commission to get to the bottom of this $15 billion dirty deal activity thats been occurring on Victorian government work sites, Wilson said. And we have a commitment to Victorian taxpayers: to every criminal out there that has made money off Victorian taxpayers, to every bikie thats made money off Victorian taxpayers, to any associated organisation that has made money off Victorian taxpayers, we are going to get you. Terms of reference for planned Coalition royal commission into CFMEU misconduct Investigating the true extent of the cost to Victorian taxpayers of misconduct on Victorian major projects. The flow of taxpayer funds to organised criminals, outlaw motorcycle gangs and political parties, arising from CFMEU misconduct on Victorian government projects. Examining the Victorian Labor governments culpability, including what Premier Jacinta Allan and Labor ministers knew and when. Recommending measures to prevent similar misconduct occurring in the future, including by reviewing the effectiveness of current legislation and regulatory frameworks. Wilson decried how long it had taken the Allan government to properly respond to the allegations aired by this masthead 20 months ago. After days of deflection and denial by Premier Allan, Victorians still dont have the straight answers they deserve, Wilson said. Advertisement Only a royal commission will get to the bottom of this shameful saga, identify how much taxpayer money has been rorted and ensure corruption on this scale is never allowed to occur again. IBAC chief Victoria Elliott has already asked Allan for powers to follow taxpayer dollars to subcontractors not directly employed by the government, an area where much of the alleged misbehaviour has taken place. Since 2022, IBAC has also asked the government to lower the threshold needed to launch investigations. CFMEU administrator Mark Irving (right) and corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson. Last week, Watson provided a rough estimate that the cost of corruption on Big Build worksites had added $15 billion to the total cost of the states infrastructure program, a figure Fair Work Commission chief Murray Furlong said was in line with what he had been told by government officials. Advertisement Editor's pick Exclusive Building Bad The 1000 ways the CFMEU has provoked outrage on nations building sites CFMEU administrator Mark Irving excluded this claim from the final version of Watsons report, arguing it was untested, but released the redacted comments to a Queensland inquiry following questions from this masthead about their removal. Allan has dismissed the figure as unsubstantiated, a sentiment echoed by a government spokesperson on Sunday. These claims dont stack up. Thats why the independent administrator dismissed them, the spokesperson said. Heres what this is really about: in Victoria, we pay workers properly and some people dont like that. Advertisement Tens of thousands of workers doing dangerous, highly skilled jobs received a pay rise through lawful enterprise agreements negotiated by their union. Were cracking down on dodgy labour hire businesses that underpay or exploit workers, and bosses who expose their workforce to serious injury or worse. 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 Reviews & adviceSavvy traveller Everything you need to know about Chinese New Year around the world Brian Johnston February 16, 2026 4:00am 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 Chinese New Year, often called Lunar New Year in South-East Asia, isnt a single evening but a festival, known as the Spring Festival, that runs for 15 days and is celebrated by 2 billion people. It falls anywhere between January 21 and February 20, and the Spring Festival concludes with the appearance of the full moon, marked by the Lantern Festival, which is on March 3 this year. The Year of the Horse flies on in. Illustration: Greg Straight The Year of the Horse arrives this year, with a pop of firecrackers, on Tuesday. The first week of Spring Festival is a public holiday in mainland China, with everyone on the move. Crowds are immense and hotel and restaurant prices soar. If you want to plunge in, book hotels and domestic flights long in advance, and avoid train travel. Advertisement On New Years Eve, tune into CMG New Years Gala, the worlds most-watched television show. All Chinese cities have festival markets and fireworks. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. A lion dance in Beijing to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Getty Images Elsewhere, public holidays last only two or three days. Youd be best experiencing Spring Festival in Singapore, Taiwan or Hong Kong, where traditional and religious observances are more prominent. Be aware that shops are jammed in the lead-up to New Years Eve and closed for a couple of days thereafter. Many small family businesses and restaurants also close down, but tourist facilities continue as normal. If you want to experience Spring Festival without citywide crowds and disruptions, Melbourne and Sydney have major celebrations, as do Chicago, London, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Vancouver and Yokohama. Advertisement Spring Festival has its origins in religious ceremonies aimed at good harvests, the banishment of evil spirits and ancestor worship. Each day is set aside for certain activities, such as visiting parents, honouring ancestors or giving temple offerings. Buddhist and Daoist temples are very lively and visitors are always welcome. Related Article Savvy traveller Is China still cheap to visit? Yes, if you dont make these mistakes Spring Festival is focused on family events, the most important of which is a banquet on New Years Eve. That perhaps makes it difficult to join in, but you could enjoy your own restaurant banquet if you book well in advance. Traditional New Years dishes to order include fish, dumplings and sticky rice cake, plus abalone, oysters and noodles, the latter representing longevity. Avoid tofu, since white is associated with mourning. If youre invited to a celebration, appropriate gifts are tangerines (a symbol of friendship), red dates (prosperity) and lychees (harmony). Flowers such as plum blossoms and water lilies are associated with Spring Festival. Little pots of bamboo or miniature kumquat trees are other traditional presents. Advertisement Red represents good luck and happiness. Doors are hung with strips of red paper with prayers or poems and the Chinese characters for spring and luck. If youre visiting a family, handing children a little money in a red envelope is a nice gesture. You can buy the envelopes at most Asian grocery stores. Beyond family get-togethers, there will be plenty to enjoy, such as parades, food markets, dragon-boat racing, beauty pageants, dancing lions and dragons, and special events in theme parks. The noisy fireworks, firecrackers, drums and cymbals scare away ghosts and evil spirits. I live in Bali. When I come home every six months or so, I inevitably take the overnight red-eye flight that departs Denpasar at 11.05pm and lands in Melbourne Airport five to six hours later at 6.40am. This flight is a killer. Its not long enough for a decent sleep, its not short enough to stay awake. I usually arrive feeling jet-lagged and too pooped for whatever activity is planned that day. I dont know why I take it. Pre-book a window seat so you can lean against the wall to sleep. iStock Actually, I do know why I take it. Im a sucker for the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Once on the points bandwagon, the drip feed of benefits makes it difficult to get off. Take a recent example: Qantas gave me 40 status points for my loyalty, then promised me double points if I booked another flight. I dutifully did, and the cycle continues. My booking habits on this route have become so routine that I confess to rarely looking at other airline options. It surprised me recently when my partner booked Jetstars 2.55pm flight from Denpasar, landing in Melbourne about 11.30pm. I marvelled at what he had already worked out that the flight arrival time would allow him a decent nights sleep in a bed. He might even watch a movie or two. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion The country where Australians are most likely to fall victim to thieves Michael Gebicki The Tripologist February 16, 2026 4:00am February 16, 2026 4:00am 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 Key points Thailand is country where Australians are most likely to seek consular help Italy tops the list for lost passports, but its not the most dangerous country Global crises saw Australias consular crisis cases jump to 17,095 in 202425 Whats the country where youre most likely to part company with your passport? Italy. Pickpockets can be found everywhere, and its not just Australians who are targeted, but Italy is numero uno for Aussies losing their passport. The reasons are glaringly obvious. Millions of tourists in crowded places equals opportunity for pickpockets, but the key is distraction, and Italy has much to distract you. While youre admiring Berninis Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, or ambling through St Marks Square in Venice, a thief might be set to pounce. Piazza Navona, Rome. Italy is where Australians are most likely to experience theft and lose their passport. iStock A crowded train or bus is a happy hunting ground for thieves and here too, Italy has plenty of packed trains and buses. The action is swift and theres often a well-oiled machine at work. The goods are quickly passed from one team member to another. Even if you identify the culprit, they probably wont have the goods on them. Italian vigilantes have taken to calling out pickpockets when they catch them in the act, following them around and even spraying dye on their backs. Its one of the facts that emerges from the latest Consular State of Play, published annually by Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). In DFATs own words, the Consular State of Play is a snapshot of the consular assistance and crisis support DFAT provides to Australians overseas. Central to that, the document charts the reasons Australian travellers have called for consular assistance, a consular case. It might be an accident that requires hospitalisation, theft or falling foul of the law and ending up in prison. Advertisement Consular case statistics are a rough measure of the risk when you visit a particular country, not only to your passport but also to your freedom and wellbeing. If personal security is a high priority when you travel overseas, the Consular State of Play might help narrow down your choices, or at least tell you what kind of threat you could face. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. While it might be perilous for passports, Italy is far from the number one country where Australians are likely to call for consular assistance. That title goes to Thailand, which recorded 1017 consular cases in 2024-25, more than four times the figure for Italy. Thailand is the country where Australians are most likely to suffer illness and hospitalisation, to request welfare assistance and to face immigration detention. Its also the country where theyre most likely to go missing, a Whereabouts Enquiry in DFAT parlance. Thailand is the country where more Australians die than any other foreign country. iStock Thailand was also the second-highest country for arrests of Australians (behind China) and the second-highest for Australian assault victims (behind Indonesia). Thailand is also the most likely place to die. A total of 346 Australians died in Thailand in 2024-25. Thats one out of every six of the Australians who died overseas that year. According to the State of Play document, many of those deaths involve older Australians who had moved to Thailand to retire or for late-in-life marriage. Thailand is even more risky than those figures suggest. The country ranked sixth on the popularity list for Australian travellers in 2025, with 641,000 visitors recorded that year. Indonesia, which welcomed over a million more Australian visitors than Thailand in 2025, recorded just 685 consular cases against Thailands 1017 cases. Compared with Japan, one of the safest countries for visitors, Australians are about five times more likely to register a consular case when they visit Thailand. Advertisement Crisis cases Related Article Travel tips Romance scams, deadly wildlife: Foreign countries warnings for Australia Another function of DFAT is to assist Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members caught up in wars, civil unrest or natural disasters. In 202324, DFATs crisis response teams assisted 47 individuals in Ukraine, 1581 in Lebanon, 204 in Sudan and 3643 in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The total number receiving crisis response assistance that year was 6160. In 2024-25 that number skyrocketed to 17,095. Some of that increase was due to the Vanuatu earthquake of December 2024, others to Israels attack on Iran, but the bulk of crisis cases resulted from the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict during that period. Despite the increase in crisis cases, that number pales compared to the number of crisis cases during COVID. In 2019-20, that figure was 41,108 which included 36,600 crisis assisted returns, with similar numbers the following year. Advertisement Visits to the Smart Traveller website Fewer travellers are visiting the Smart Traveller website. In 2024-25 there were 9.93 million visitors to the website, about 600,000 fewer than the previous year. However, the number of subscribers to Smart Travellers email updates in 2024-25 was up, 63,000 more than in the previous year. The countries of concern to travellers have also changed. In 2023-24, the top five destinations that travellers consulted on the Smart Traveller website were Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Egypt. In 2024-25, there were more visits to Smart Travellers US travel advisory pages than any other country apart from Indonesia. This coincides with the advent of the second Trump administration, and suggests Australian travellers might be wary of visiting the USA when that country is conducting more invasive scrutiny of incoming visitors, which includes investigating the social media posts of some travellers. The issue of travel insurance caught the attention of DFATs fact finders, who revealed that one in seven Australians were not covered by travel insurance on their most recent overseas trip. According to the State of Play document, 31 per cent thought their destination was safe, 27 per cent didnt think it was value for money and 20 per cent were on a short trip. While DFAT highlighted the hazards of travelling without adequate insurance cover, that is unlikely to sway anyone who thinks travel insurance is too expensive or unnecessary since trouble wont come their way. A good friend suffered life-changing injuries from a scooter accident in Bali. He was covered by travel insurance, but never assume youre bulletproof. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Tripologist Travel tips For subscribers Opinion Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebicki Connect via email After two years of disruption in patients coming from the neighbouring country, the hospital chains international patient revenue rose 28 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) during the third quarter of FY26. Share of patients from other regions, including Africa, West Asia, and South East Asia, increased during the period while Bangladesh dipped.According to company data, this diversification led to patient inflows from the country dipping to 7-8 per cent during Q3FY26, from 30 per cent in early 2024. "I don't see any incremental or negative impact of Bangladesh from here on There has been a clear focus in international patients beyond Bangladesh, and that has come from various markets," said Krishnan Akhileswaran, group chief financial officer (CFO) at Apollo Hospitals. International patients constituted around 6 per cent or 190 crore of the total revenue of 3,183 crore in Q3FY26. "We are diversifying away from Bangladesh as the single biggest contributor so that a drop in patients from that country will affect our overall IPS model," said Madhu Sasidhar, president and chief executive officer of AHEL. Inflow of Bangladesh patients started declining after political tensions in the country escalated in 2024, leading to diplomatic differences between Dhaka and New Delhi. As part of its diversification strategy, Apollo Hospitals has already entered into a 10-year agreement with Iraq's Ministry of Interior to manage and operate the Internal Security Force Hospital in Baghdad. Under this agreement, Apollo will run the 1,026-bed hospital. Nearly 20,000 Iraqi patients visit Hyderabad annually for treatment. Last year, the company had entered into a partnership with Indonesias Mayapada Healthcare group to enhance healthcare services in the region. Sasidhar added that Iraq, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and South East Asian countries from Brunei to Indonesia are gaining importance in its portfolio. Apollo 24/7 to break even in Q1FY27 The company said that Apollo 24/7 is on track to break even by the first quarter of FY27. AHEL has already planned a restructuring process to unlock the value of its omni-channel pharmacy and digital businesses, and to enhance shareholder returns. In June 2025, the Chennai-based hospital chain had announced plans to spin off its digital health and pharmacy distribution businesses into a separate entity, drawing up plans to list the new entity within 18 to 21 months. As part of the restructuring, the companys omni-channel pharma and digital health business, Apollo HealthCo, will first be demerged from AHEL into a new entity, following which, its pharma distribution arm, Keimed, will be merged into the new company. On a consolidated basis, Apollo HealthCo is expected to be around 20,000 crore this year. Next year, by Q4 we should be at a run rate of 25,000 crore with a 7 per cent Ebitda margin. By the end of this year, we should be demerging that and listing it also," Akhileswaran said. The CCI (Competition Commission of India) has already given its clearance in September. The company said it is also expecting a no-objection certificate from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). "The process is already on, we have already got the stock exchange approval. Other clearances will take another six to eight months, and once that is out, we should be able to get shareholder approval. By Q3 of FY27, we should be able to list it, or even before it," he said. Expanding horizon The entire process of restructuring is expected to be over by the listing of the new company. The new entity will include the digital health platform Apollo 24/7, the offline pharmacy business of Apollo HealthCo, Keimed, and the telehealth services business. French cosmetics major L'Oreal is "not satisfied" with its performance in the Indian market, where it has not gained any market share in 2025 despite recording high single-digit growth, said its global CEO Nicolas Hieronimus. India, which currently contributes roughly one per cent of L'Oreal's turnover, is very small and needs a lot of effort, both financial and human, to change gears in India, Hieronimus said while responding to a query on the fourth-quarter earnings call last week. "India, though, is not meeting expectations, and we have a new setup there starting this year," said Hieronimus in his opening remarks. Hieronimus said he is "optimistic, ambitious" that the company will start doing better in 2026. L'Oreal, which last year appointed a new team, with Jacques Lebel as its India country manager, expects a growth revival in India, where beauty products are witnessing faster growth, riding on tailwinds as a growing economy, rising disposable income, and an expanding number of millennials. When asked how L'Oreal is changing India going forward, he said the company has revised its strategy and is looking for major growth opportunities. The company expects to do better in the Indian market in 2026, he said. "As far as India is concerned, when I say that, I am not satisfied. We had high single-digit growth, but we did not gain a lot of market share, if any. And in the end, I think it's just because we are setting up a new team, a new organisation," Hieronimus said. Hieronimus, who took the board of directors to India at the end of October, has revised the strategic plan for the country. "We have revised the strategic plan. We see where we have major growth opportunities. LDB ( L'Oreal Dermatological Beauty), for example, is fantastic. We just launched CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. It's starting very well, but it's still very small," he said. However, he also mentioned that L'Oreal had great positions in some categories like hair care, where its brand Garnier is number one, or hair colour, where it has "great products". "But overall, we have to be more ambitious. We have a new CEO for L'Oreal India who was previously in charge of CPD Mexico, and he delivered a very strong performance there. We have new capacities. We have invested in our factories," he said. The French company has announced the opening of its first dedicated Beauty Tech centre at Hyderabad in India, which will support the development and deployment of digital platforms and AI-led solutions across its international businesses. "Let's say that today, India is roughly one per cent of our turnover, which is very small. So, you know, it can only go up, and we have really put a lot of effort, both financially and humanly, in terms of talents, to change gears in India," he said. Omar Hajeri, president of the Professional Products Division, said emerging markets in the segment remain the strongest engine. It had double-digit growth, notably in Gulf countries, India, Brazil, and Mexico. L'Oreal India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L'Oreal SA, has been operating since 1994. It operates here with 26 brands, such as L'Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, and NYX Professional Makeup, which are mass market products. In the hair and beauty salon channel, it has - L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, Kerastase, Redken and in selective distribution - Kiehl's, Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent. It sells fragrances via L'Oreal International Distribution, with brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani, Prada, Valentino, Diesel, Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Mugler, Azzaro, and Guy Laroche. Besides, it has two manufacturing facilities in Chakan (Maharashtra) and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), and Research and Innovation facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru. What is BPCLs crude sourcing strategy amid the current turbulent geopolitical environment? We constantly explore new geographies for crude sourcing. We consider only two aspects techno-commercial viability and availability of crude at a given time. Last year, we imported crude from Argentina for the first time. This year, we have again signed a one-year contract with Brazil, and if it creates value, we will continue purchases. If a particular crude makes business sense for us, we equip our units to process that crude. Would BPCLs margins be impacted by a lower intake of Russian oil? Our margins are not dependent on any specific type of crude. We continuously focus on operational excellence and energy reduction, which have a far greater impact than relying on a particular crude grade. The discounts we receive today may not be available tomorrow. Is BPCL equipped to process Venezuelan oil, and what discounts are you seeking? Our refineries are not equipped to process neat Venezuelan crude. However, we can take up to 15 per cent Venezuelan crude blended with lighter crude oil. This can be processed at our Kochi and Bina refineries, but not at the Mumbai refinery. Discounts are an important part of crude procurement, but we also consider other parameters. In some cases, even lower discounts can make commercial sense. If we source heavy crude from Venezuela and blend it with very light crude, the overall value proposition may improve. Have you approached US authorities for the purchase of Venezuelan crude? It is an ongoing process, and our international trade team is working on it. It is not limited to US authorities; we can also source Venezuelan crude through traders who deal in it. What is the status of Saudi Arabias investment in BPCLs upcoming greenfield refinery in Andhra Pradesh? Would BPCLs exports increase after commissioning the Andhra Pradesh refinery? Discussions with Saudi Arabia are ongoing. Our current refining capacity is 40 million tonnes (mt), while our marketing volume stands at 52 mt. The Andhra Pradesh refinery is expected to add only 3 mt of incremental capacity, mainly petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel. This additional volume can be easily absorbed by the domestic market. With BPCLs entry into shipbuilding, how do you see this evolving? Chennai-based deep-tech startup Atsuya Technologies has been named among the top 20 solutions in the AI for All: Global Impact Challenge for its operational AI platform, AOneTM. The recognition was announced at the India Impact Summit 2026, where the company demonstrated how artificial intelligence can independently manage routine enterprise operations. Founded in 2017, Atsuya Technologies works across sectors including manufacturing, retail, quick commerce, and oil and gas. The company said its technology has progressed from an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system to agent-driven AI models that can learn from operational environments and take corrective action across workflows without constant human intervention. The AOne platform combines real-time asset data with domain-trained AI agents. These agents are designed to handle tasks such as optimising energy use, tracking equipment health, and ensuring compliance. Industry observers say such systems could help companies improve efficiency while also supporting decarbonisation efforts by reducing resource consumption. As businesses increasingly look to scale their operations with intelligence, it is important that innovation is deployed not just rapidly, but responsibly, said Rahul Ganapathy, chief executive officer of Atsuya Technologies. Our focus has always been on building technology that enables enterprises to grow sustainably, balancing operational performance with environmental accountability. According to the company, clients using its AI-led operational systems have reported measurable gains in energy efficiency, asset performance, and overall resource utilisation. As businesses place greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making to meet operational and sustainability targets, platforms such as AOne aim to integrate intelligent automation into everyday operations. Chinese officials say the yoke-style steering wheel raises major safety concerns. The yoke-style steering wheel was the hot new thing just a few years ago. Tesla pioneered the idea, with its dramatic chopped tiller debuting in the refreshed Model S and Model X in 2021. Since then, weve seen automakers like Lexus follow suit in the US. In China, a handful of automakers also followed in Teslas footsteps, introducing their own yoke steering wheels throughout the region. Now, though, the Chinese government is reportedly cracking down on what it deems an unsafe feature. Lexus RZ Yoke Steering Wheel As first reported by China's Autohome, the Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) plans to ban the yoke steering wheel beginning on January 1, 2027. It recently published an approval of a draft of the mandatory national standard GB 11557-202X, which outlines "The stipulation protecting drivers from being injured by motor vehicle steering mechanism. Advertisement Advertisement The new safety regulations would replace Chinas current safety standard (GB 11557-2011), which hasnt changed in over a decade. This also coincides wth Chinas recent banning of hidden electric door handles following multiple incidents (another technology largely popularized by Tesla). Under these new guidelines, Chinese safety officials would require impact testing at ten specific points on the steering wheel rim. That includes multiple pointssuch as the "midpoint of the weakest area" and the "midpoint of the shortest unsupported area"that simply dont exist on a yoke-style steering wheel. mercedes benz yoke steering wheel with steer by wire system 1 According to data released by Chinese officials, 46 percent of driver injuries originate from the steering mechanism itself. The yoke-style wheel provides less of a buffer zone than a traditional wheel, increasing the risk of serious injury during a crash. For now, theres no indication from US officials that yoke steering wheelsor even electric pop-up door handleswill be banned from roads. Currently, Tesla still offers a yoke steering wheel in the soon-to-be-discontinued Model S and Model X, while the electric Lexus RZ also offers a yoke steering wheel with a new drive-by-wire system. Advertisement Advertisement Motor1's Take: Sure, yoke-style steering wheels look cool, but functionality and safety concerns probably wont keep them on the market for long (at least, outside of the US). China will be the first to ban these types of wheels, but we wouldnt be shocked to see other regions do the same. Source: Autohome via Carscoops The India-US interim trade deal gives a good opportunity to explore exporting of tractors to America, according to a senior official of farm and construction equipment firm Escorts Kubota. The company's Japanese parent Kubota Corporation has stated that it plans to turn India into its growth engine under its mid-term business plan for 2030, identifying business and projects from the country as one of the key aspects of the strategy. "We are not exporting to the US right now. We think with this tariff thing coming in now, probably this will give us a good opportunity to look at opening up that market again," Escorts Kubota Ltd whole-time director and CFO Bharat Madan told PTI. He was responding to a query on the impact of the India-US interim trade deal. "Right now, our parent company (Kubota) is exporting from Japan, and (US tariff on) Japan is about 15 per cent. So, there is not really a significant gap there (with that of India at 18 per cent," he noted. "That gives us a good opportunity if we can make tractors in India and look at exports as an option.. It will be a very good scenario for the parent company to consider." Under its 2030 mid-term business plan, Kubota Corporation stated that while aiming to capture high-growth markets, it will leverage India as a global hub for R&D, procurement and production, and improve the cost competitiveness of the entire group and strengthen its supply chain. On the impact of the India-EU FTA, Madan said the tariff on tractors is zero already, and the company does not expect any major impact on the tractor business side. "We are already exporting to the EU...Already, exports to Europe from India are very high today," he noted. When asked about the outlook for the domestic market, the tractor industry is expected to ride on the growth momentum after the GST rate reduction, which propelled it to a record level in the third quarter, growing at 23 per cent. In the March quarter, the industry is expected to grow by around 30-35 per cent, and the momentum is likely to carry through July-August, after which the high base effect will kick in, Madan noted. In the quarter ended December 2025, Escorts Kubota had clocked tractor volumes of 36,955 units, up 13.5 per cent from 32,556 units in the corresponding quarter of the last fiscal. On 12 September 1943, German paratroopers and Waffen-SS commandos raided the Hotel Campo Imperatore on the remote plateau of Gran Sasso dItalia in northern Italy, and rescued Benito Mussolini. The former dictator had been removed from his position as the countrys prime minister on 25 July 1943, after the Allies invaded Italy in World War II. The Nazis set up the rescued Duce as the puppet head of a mini-state in German-occupied northern Italy, with its administrative offices in the small town of Salo, which would give its name to the short-lived Republic of Salo The republic lasted for a year and a half, till the spring of 1945, when the Germans in Italy surrendered to the Allies; Mussolini was captured and executed on 28 April 1945. Thirty years after the fall of Salo, Italys most provocative film director, Pier Paolo Pasolini, set his last film, Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom, in the last days of the doomed fascist republic. An adaptation of the French classic, 120 Days of Sodom (1785), written by the notorious Marquis de Sade, who gives his name to sadism, the film was released on 23 November 1975 20 days after Pasolinis assassination. It tells the story of four fascist men of power the Duke, the Bishop, the Magistrate and the President who retreat to an isolated estate, with 18 kidnapped teenagers, whom them subject to brutal torture, sexual perversion and murder. It is often considered to be a precursor to body horror films of David Cronenberg or John Carpenter, the Hostel series (2005 to 2011), or popular snuff videos. Yet, as British novelist Olivia Liang, writes in a piece for The Guardian: No horror film in all the intervening years has come close to Salo (1975), no hacked up torture porn approaches its icy formal perfection or anguished moral intent. Liangs second novel, The Silver Book (2025), fictionalises the making of Salo and Pasolinis assassination. (I)t is a terrifying masque about fascism and compliance, an accounting of both sides of the totalitarian coin, Liang writes. Pasolini knew a thing or two about totalitarianism he was born in 1922, the same year that Mussolini seized power, and he grew up in the years leading to World War II. As an adult, he often found himself in trouble with the law because of his homosexuality. Liang writes Pasolini knew fascism was not over [he] saw that capitalism would corrode into fascism, or that fascism would infiltrate and take over capitalism. The current democratic backsliding in the world confirms the bleak dystopia of Salo. In recent weeks, as the horrors perpetrated on helpless child victims by the coterie of elites around former American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have come to light , Salo has re-entered the public discourse. Several online cinephile communities have pointed out the similarities between the revelations of Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice on 30 January, and some of the episodes in the film. Rob Salkowitz, a senior contributor to the Forbes magazine, writes: In Salo, the child sex slaves are deprived of all agency, mirroring reports we have heard from Epstein survivors. Salkowitz also writes that fascism uses propaganda of national aggrandisement, purification and efficiency but Pasolini shows that its real roots are in the more primal drive to transcend all moral boundaries, dominate and degrade for its own sake. This echoes the opinions of American critic Susan Sontag on fascist art, in her essay Fascinating Fascism, which is an extended review of a book of photographs by German actress and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, at times referred to as Adolf Hitlers favourite film director. Fascist aesthetics flow from (and justify) a preoccupation with situations of control, submissive behaviour, extravagant effort and the endurance of pain; they endorse two seemingly opposite states, egomania and servitude. By the end of the film, as the victims are tortured and murdered on the grounds of the estate, the libertine antagonists witness the spectacle through binoculars. By collapsing the distance between the PoV of the audience and the libertines, Pasolini implicates the audience in the act. The audience members cannot claim to have no responsibility for the horrors they have witnessed on the screen, like the horrors they witness in their contemporary society. Their incapability to protest against either makes them culpable to charges of collaboration. On the night before his murder, he had given an interview, reports Liang, in which he had said: I go down into hell, and I discover things that dont disturb the peace of others. But be careful. Hell is rising towards the rest of you. There has hardly been a more prescient warning for our times. Uttaran Das Gupta is an independent writer and journalist Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power, Humayun Kabir, adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, has said, asserting that the two nations should work together for "mutual benefit". Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections held on Thursday. In an interview to PTI Videos on Saturday, Kabir stressed that the onus lies on India to recognise the changed political reality in Bangladesh after the BNP's resounding electoral mandate. "The change has to come from the mindset in India. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don't exist in today's Bangladesh anymore. The people have given a clear verdict in favour of BNP," Kabir said. Kabir described Hasina, who fled to India after 2024's August uprising, as a "terrorist" responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people. Kabir urged the Indian government to ensure that its territory is not used by Hasina or other Awami League figures in ways that could affect stability in Bangladesh. "India must not be seen as complicit in any activities that undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty. Once that is addressed, normal diplomatic cooperation can resume. We are neighbours and should work together for mutual benefit," he added. India on November 26, 2025, said it is examining a request by Bangladesh's interim government to extradite Hasina and asserted that it is committed to ensure the best interests of the people of that country. "We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Kabir highlighted the recent cordial phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahman, where Modi extended an invitation for Rahman to visit India at a convenient time. On the timing of such a visit, Kabir said domestic priorities come first. "Tarique Rahman will focus on settling the country on a path of prosperity and economic security. Once things stabilise here, he will take up international engagements, including the visit to India." On Bangladesh's approach to the growing competition among India, China and the US in South Asia, Kabir said the new government will pursue balanced relations. "We will negotiate from a position of strength with a strong mandate from the people. National interest and the well-being of our territory will remain at the centre of our foreign policy," he said. "What we want is balanced relations. We're not going to have relations with one country specific, and we're not going to have any disclosures on any agreements," he added. On minority safety, particularly Hindus, Kabir dismissed concerns of communal violence in Bangladesh. "Even during the five days without a government after the August uprising, an unprecedented situation, no one attacked minorities. That shows communal harmony here. The problem doesn't exist in the way it's sometimes projected." India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. The community has faced a series of attacks, some fatal, after the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. Kabir also called for stronger regional cooperation on counter-terrorism, including in intelligence sharing. "Isolation hinders progress. Elected governments must exchange information and work together to track extremists, terrorists and build confidence." Kabir reiterated that a BNP-led government would prioritise peace, prosperity and integrated economic and security cooperation in the region and beyond, positioning Bangladesh as a strategic conduit for broader ties. Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, according to a BNP statement on Saturday. Germany is facing a severe shortage of medical nurses, and Indian professionals are emerging as one of the most sought-after groups to fill the gap. With the countrys ageing population straining healthcare services, recruiters are increasingly turning to India as a key source of trained and English-speaking nurses. Germany's healthcare crisis Germany is short of 30,000 to 40,000 nurses, a situation that is worsening as its population ages. Employment growth in the healthcare sector has almost exclusively been driven by foreign arrivals in recent years, according to a Nikkei Asia report. Traditionally, many nurses migrated from Eastern European countries such as Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkiye and Romania. However, recruitment patterns are shifting. Countries such as India and Indonesia are increasingly becoming key source markets for nurses and health care professionals as immigration flows from Poland and Southeast Europe are declining due to rising living standards and narrowing wage differentials in those countries, Thomas Awiszus, Managing Director of Hanseatic Connect, told Nikkei Asia. German nurses earn about 4,000 euros per month before tax and social insurance contributions, significantly higher than salaries in several Asian countries. Recruiters say the employer pays principle ensures that healthcare providers bear the cost of international hiring, which can range between 8,000 euros and 18,000 euros per nurse. Why are Indian nurses in high demand in Germany? India has climbed to fifth place among foreign nursing staff in Germany, with around 16,600 Indian nurses working in care facilities as of June 2025, according to the Nikkei Asia report. Recruitment agencies highlight Indias large pool of English-speaking, degree-holding nurses as a major advantage. Tern, a recruitment firm cited by Nikkei Asia, said its typical applicant from India is aged between 24 and 27 and in the early years of employment. A nurse from Kerala who has been working in a German hospital since 2022 said the transition required language training and adaptation. My responsibilities here include patient care, medication management and documentation, with the impression [I had] of my workplace being positive from the start, as colleagues are supportive, work processes are clear, and punctuality and quality are valued, Geethu told Nikkei Asia. Recruiters also point to structured integration support, language courses up to B2 proficiency, and cultural orientation programmes as key to ensuring retention. How many Indians live in Germany? The rise in Indian nurses is part of a broader increase in Indian migration to Germany. According to data from Germanys Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the number of Indian nationals living in Germany stood at 277,455 as of December 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs estimates that over 260,864 Indians live in Germany (including Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin), making it one of the largest Indian communities in continental Europe. The growing movement of Indian nurses aligns with broader bilateral efforts to facilitate the legal mobility of skilled manpower. During last months bilateral talks in Gandhinagar between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, migration and education featured prominently on the agenda. Referring to a new Global Skills Partnership, PM Modi said, We have placed special emphasis on increasing migration, mobility, and skills. Indias talented youth are making a significant contribution to Germanys economy." Even as Metro networks expand rapidly across nearly 20 cities, large-scale systems have proved difficult to sustain as commercially viable private assets. Governments continue to lean on private capital to bridge funding gaps, but experts suggest the model needs recalibration amid recent exits of private players. Hyderabad Metro Phase-I, one of the worlds largest PPP metro projects, is set to be taken over by the Telangana government, which will refinance debt and acquire L&Ts entire equity stake. The government will provide around 2,000 crore in cash to L&T as a one-time settlement, while it assumes around 13,000 crore of SPV-level debt. L&Ts investments in the project hovered around 7,000 crore at the end of the second quarter of FY26. The exit is financially pragmatic for L&T, as the project posted over 626 crore in losses in FY25 and the firms departure is expected to improve the companys return on equity by 60-70 basis points, according to equity research firm JM Financial. This comes amid only partial materialisation of the announced 3,000 crore in phased state support, with only 900 crore provided as of Q2 FY26, alongside a fall in rides after the government announced concessions for women in state buses. Ridership averaged 414,000 passengers daily in Q3 FY26 versus 445,000 a year earlier, and despite a fare hike in May 2025, the project continued to post losses, reporting a net loss of 185 crore in Q3 FY26 vs a net loss of 203 crore in Q3 FY25. Debt burden The revenue gap is simply too large to bridge through fares, said Vijay Agrawal, managing director and sector lead infrastructure at Equirus Capital. Hyderabad Metro was generating roughly 600 crore in revenue against a debt of nearly 13,000 crore. That flexibility to keep infusing funds exists for governments, not private developers. Reliance Infras debt-ridden Mumbai Metro Line 1s cost had escalated from an initial estimated cost of 2,356 crore to the final cost of 4,321 crore. Operated by Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), in which R-Infra holds 74 per cent, the project has seen lenders attempting to sell 1,226 crore loans, with National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd placing an anchor bid. State Bank of India (SBI) and IDBI Bank had initiated insolvency proceedings against MMOPL amid non-payment of loans of 416.08 crore and 133 crore, respectively, in 2023. However, in April 2024, the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) dismissed the banks petitions as the parties concerned agreed to a one-time debt settlement. The Maharashtra government approved a 4,000 crore buyout of R-Infras stake, but the plan was stalled due to funding constraints. MMOPLs total standalone debt stood at 4,459 crore at the end of FY24, up from 3,851 crore at the start of the year. Revenue rose 22.5 per cent year-on-year to 375 crore, but losses widened to 461 crore in FY24 from 345 crore in FY23, company documents accessed via Tofler show. The challenges are not isolated. Gurgaons Rapid Metro the first fully privately developed Metro by IL&FS-led consortia struggled with weak ridership and financial stress, and was taken over by Haryana authorities in 2019. The Delhi Airport Express Line, developed by Reliance Infrastructure and DMRC, also faced traffic shortfalls and disputes, leading to R-Infras exit in 2013. R-Infra also terminated its Mumbai Metro Line-2 contract in 2014, citing project delays. Currently, a Tata-Siemens joint venture is developing the Pune Metro corridor under the PPP route for 8,313 crore, in line with the New Metro Rail Policy 2017, which made the PPP component mandatory for availing of central assistance for new Metro projects. Metro projects are among the most capital-intensive urban assets. Construction costs average around 250 crore per kilometre and take five years or more. Revenue stabilisation often takes another decade. Expecting private capital to sustain such long gestation periods is unrealistic, Agrawal said. In contrast, road PPPs typically see faster traffic stabilisation and quicker capital recovery. Last-mile links, feeder buses and multimodal integration are typically handled by municipal bodies. Fare hikes are politically sensitive and often delayed. Subsidised bus services directly compete with Metro systems. Industry participants caution that recent exits should not be read as a rejection of private participation altogether. Globally, metros are predominantly government-funded, with private players participating selectively in construction, rolling stock supply, operations and maintenance. In India, experts see greater potential in unbundled models, rolling stock leasing, equipment supply, station redevelopment and annuity-style operations contracts with predictable cash flows. One viable model is leasing rolling stock with guaranteed availability and long-term annuity returns, Bhavik Damodar, partner at Deloitte India, said. Governments could also consider funding construction upfront and monetising mature assets after ridership stabilises, or offering minimum revenue guarantees during initial years to reduce downside risk. As Metro networks expand across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, behavioural shifts towards public transport are visible. Private capital is unlikely to disappear, but it will be more selective, favouring airport links, high-density corridors and station-centric developments over city-wide concessions. There is no perfect path forward, said an industry expert who didnt wish to be named. Initial attempts may fail, but as data improves and risk-sharing frameworks mature, private participation will increase, just not in the form originally imagined. Theres interest among global operators and large infrastructure funds in parts of the value chain, subject to financial viability. An industry source stated that the Adani group is also exploring ways to work on operating and maintaining metro projects based on the PPP model in India. Queries sent to the Adani Group remained unanswered. Industry experts say such volatility is inherent to the 2W export business, shaped by shifting political, economic, and competitive dynamics. What stands out, however, is the steady strengthening of Brand India in global markets. Beyond exports, Indian players have invested in overseas plants, final assembly operations, and global partnerships, reinforcing their long-term commitment and credibility. Despite short-term fluctuations, Indias 2W industry is steadily evolving from a low-cost exporter into a trusted mobility partner for emerging markets, said Anurag Singh, managing director (MD), Primus Partners. At Bajaj Auto, exports emerged as a clear bright spot. Exports have come back strongly and crossed 200,000 units per month in Q3, which we are seeing for the first time in almost three years, said Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto. He added that the recovery was broad-based across Latin America (LatAm), with Colombia and Brazil doing particularly well, even as Africa remained mixed. Bajaj said exports now contribute around 40 per cent of total volumes and that the company is on track to deliver the highest-ever export revenue in dollar terms this year, with the nine-month performance showing sustained momentum. Bajajs exports rose 15.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 1.42 million units in the first nine months of 2025-26 (FY26), compared with 1.23 million units in the same period last year, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) data. In contrast, Hero MotoCorp struck a more cautious note despite reporting growth. Our global business volumes grew 41 per cent Y-o-Y in the quarter, but exports are still a relatively smaller part of our overall business, said Niranjan Gupta, chief financial officer, Hero MotoCorp. Gupta said the improvement was driven largely by product mix, adding that premium motorcycles now account for close to 40 per cent of our export volumes. Management observed that over the nine months to December, exports improved sequentially, but the recovery remained mixed-led rather than mass-market driven. Hero reported a 48.2 per cent Y-o-Y jump in exports to 278,180 units during AprilDecember FY26, up from 187,686 units a year earlier, according to Siam data. At TVS Motor Company, management continued to flag caution on overseas markets. Africa continues to be volatile, and demand visibility in several export markets remains limited, said Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motor Company. Venu added that the company is being very selective in export markets and is prioritising margins and cash flows over volume growth. TVS said parts of LatAm and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have shown early signs of stabilisation, but the nine-month trend points to a gradual and uneven recovery. According to Siam data, TVS saw exports grow 34.7 per cent Y-o-Y to 1.05 million units in AprilDecember FY26, compared with 777,622 units a year earlier. Meanwhile, Eicher Motors reiterated that exports are not a near-term growth lever. International volumes were lower Y-o-Y, even though we are seeing better retail traction in markets like Brazil and Argentina, said B Govindarajan, MD, Eicher Motors, and chief executive officer, Royal Enfield. He added that exports are a long-term brand-building play for us, not a volume-led strategy, with investments focused on launches and exclusive stores. Over the nine months to December, the company continued to expand its global footprint while maintaining that overseas markets remain strategic rather than earnings-driven. The cost may go up for those that are outsourcing recovery activities to a third party. Every outsourcing agent must be trained and certified, and adhere to the governance standards of the bank or NBFC. This increases the cost for the lender. If an NBFC does not have its own in-house team, the compliance burden will be higher. However, from a customers perspective, these guidelines are welcome, said a senior executive at one of the largest NBFCs in the country. Large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), including Shriram Finance and Sundaram Finance, undertake their recovery operations in-house rather than outsourcing them to third-party agencies. In its draft circular, RBI proposed barring lenders and their recovery agents from adopting harsh or coercive practices to ensure fair treatment of borrowers. The draft norms prohibit the use of abusive or threatening language, excessive or anonymous calls, inappropriate messages, harassment of borrowers or their associates, public humiliation, threats of violence, and misleading representations about debt obligations or consequences of non-repayment. The central bank has mandated that recovery agents undergo training and obtain certification from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) under its debt recovery agents programme. NBFCs are required to put in place a comprehensive Code of Conduct for recovery agents and employees, who are engaged in loan recovery, and secure undertakings from them to abide by these standards before assignment. Under the draft norms, RBI has asked NBFCs to document the time and number of calls made by employees or recovery agents to borrowers or guarantors, and ensure that all such calls are recorded. Recovery agents may interact only with the borrower or guarantor and must refrain from contacting relatives or other associates. Executives noted that recovery agents compensation is often linked to success rates, which in some cases has led to aggressive practices. However, they added that industry practices have evolved over the past two to three years, with the RBI already nudging lenders to strengthen oversight and training of agents. Another NBFC official said the draft largely formalises existing expectations. The RBI has given formal colour to earlier guidelines and placed greater onus on lenders to train and monitor collection agents. Most companies have already started complying, so the impact on cost structures may not be significant. However, documentation and accountability requirements could raise compliance costs, particularly for firms relying heavily on outsourced agents, the official said. Recovery-related calls and visits would be permitted only between 8 am and 7 pm. Lenders must also honour a borrowers request to avoid contact at specific times under normal circumstances. Agents have been directed to avoid recovery attempts during inappropriate occasions such as bereavement, family emergencies, marriages, or festivals. India is set to host the AI Impact Summit, a high-profile gathering of global leaders and industry heavyweights in Artificial Intelligence - a technology widely seen as one of the biggest disruptors since the advent of electricity. The summit, at the grand 'Bharat Mandapam' from February 16-20, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators at a time when nations are racing to define their AI agenda. For India, the event is as much about signalling capability as it is about intent - showcasing its deep talent pool, expanding digital public infrastructure and growing startup ecosystem, while positioning itself as a key architect of responsible, scalable and inclusive AI solutions for the world. Artificial intelligence or AI has moved well beyond research labs and boardroom buzzwords -- it is reshaping healthcare delivery, transforming agriculture, recalibrating financial markets, redefining education systems and rewriting corporate strategy, even as it alters the very nature of work and, increasingly, everyday life. For India, the global summit underlines the nation's intent to not merely be a participant, but a key architect in shaping the rules, standards and opportunities of the AI age. At its core lies the ambition to secure a seat at the global high table of technology leadership and help shape the next phase of Artificial Intelligence development. "The key message we want to send is that whatever happens with AI needs to be human-centric and inclusive. There needs to be democratic access to AI resources, and it needs to be done in a way where people are at the centre of this process," IT Secretary S Krishnan told PTI. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many global leaders are scheduled to attend the AI Impact Summit, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva - the presence of these heads of state underscores the high-level international engagement and interest around the AI agenda. 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. Prime Minister Modi will address the Summit, visit the Expo, and engage closely with the CEOs. The event will be closely watched globally as it unfolds, given that some of the biggest names shaping the tech narrative are slated to be part of it. Why this summit matters: While earlier global gatherings - including the UK's AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park (2023), the Seoul Summit (2024), and the Paris meet (2025) - placed significant emphasis on frontier risks, safety guardrails and voluntary commitments, India is widening the lens to foreground AI's developmental impact and real-world applications that can drive economic growth, social inclusion and sustainability. In essence, People, Planet and Progress. India is the architect of one of the world's largest digital public infrastructures, which has drawn global recognition, and is home to a fast-growing startup ecosystem. Backed by the IndiaAI Mission's push for compute capacity, datasets and skilling, the summit will signal New Delhi's strategy for harnessing Artificial Intelligence while balancing rapid innovation with appropriate safeguards. Governments, captains of the global tech industry, researchers, startups, students and citizens from across the world will tune in to high-voltage deliberations for a peek into the future and what it would look like in the AI era. The big themes to watch: 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. Power-packed sessions, over 700 planned over five days, 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. The summit will have deep dives into how AI is impacting professions and industries, the new skill requirements for the evolving job market, and the role of AI in supporting farmers, small businesses and individuals. AI and the future of work: As automation reshapes industries, workforce readiness will come under the spotlight. India has one of the youngest workforces in the world, with over 65 per cent of the population under 35, giving the nation a substantial edge in the new era. Given the favourable demographic profile, the tech-savvy talent base can be trained and adapted for AI-driven industries, creating a foundation for innovation, digital services, and future-ready jobs. Technology stocks have, in recent months, turned volatile, even nervous, amid concerns that advances in Artificial Intelligence tools could disrupt traditional outsourcing and software services models. Reskilling initiatives, AI-focused training programmes and the broader implications for India's vast IT services sector are likely to feature prominently in the discussions in the coming days. India's AI rulebook - balancing innovation and regulation: Recent amendment to IT rules and FAQs around AI-generated content and labelling is the huge talking point in the industry at the moment, as is increased accountability of social media platforms and AI tool providers. The summit will offer insights into India's approach to tackling deepfakes and AI misinformation. Unlike the EU's regulation-heavy AI Act or the US' market-driven approach, India has opted, and indeed advocated, for an innovation-first approach. A development-first model focused on scaling benefits across emerging economies. "Concerns of each society and each country are different in where the negative impact could lie, and so we need to understand that our approach to regulate AI will depend on the objective situations we find ourselves in. "If we need to legislate and regulate, we can do it quickly and do it in a way that does not impact innovation. Which is why we say innovation-first is the approach, we stand ready to regulate when the need arises, and to the extent possible, we will use existing legislation and regulations," Krishnan said. Bringing the Global South to the AI high table: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 will be the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. India has consistently championed the voice of developing economies in digital policy forums. The summit will push for equitable access to AI resources and fair rule-making. Having cemented its reputation with digital public infrastructure like UPI and Aadhaar, the attention now shifts to the summit to see how the country can extend that storied legacy to the realm of Artificial Intelligence and set the global benchmarks for responsible AI at scale. Host India expects that the event will build consensus on key issues around Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly spotlighting the inclusion agenda and democratisation of AI resources. A joint declaration, a framework for responsible AI deployment in developing economies, or a roadmap for shared research and compute infrastructure would be keenly watched. The 'Power List' of tech CEO: The summit has a blockbuster lineup of CEOs headlined by Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google), Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Demis Hassabis (CEO of DeepMind Technologies), Dario Amodei (Anthropic CEO), Brad Smith (Microsoft president) and many others. The collective presence of these influential tech voices under one roof elevates the summit proceedings to a centre of gravity for global tech deliberations. Audiences will keep a close eye on frontier AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic) and leading players (Microsoft, Google) for cues and company-related updates and announcements. Indian startup founders building indigenous models will share the summit stage, highlighting the country's growing role in the AI stack. Spotlight on Sovereign AI: In preparation for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, 12 Indian AI start-ups selected under the Foundation Model Pillar recently engaged in a roundtable chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and presented their ideas and work. These startups are working in a diverse set of areas, including Indian language foundation models, multilingual LLMs, speech-to-text, text-to-audio and text-to-video; 3D content using generative AI for e-commerce, marketing, and personalised content creation; engineering simulations, material research and advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making across industries; healthcare diagnostics and medical research, among others. As the world navigates twin realities of AI's transformative promise and fears around disruptive potential, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 arrives as more than a global-scale event. The deliberations from Bharat Mandapam will influence how AI is built, governed and deployed across the world in the years ahead. Ahead of the AI Impact Summit, IT Secretary S Krishnan has said the key message India wants to send to the world is that artificial intelligence must remain human-centric and inclusive, with democratic access to AI resources. In an interview with PTI, Krishnan said AI should be a positive force for the global economy, with the potential to drive growth across all parts of the world, including India and the Global South. "The key message that we want to send is that whatever happens with AI needs to be human-centric and inclusive. There needs to be a democratic access to AI resources, and it needs to be done in a way that people and humans are at the centre of this process," Krishnan said. As countries prepare for deeper AI-adoption across sectors, India is positioning itself as a voice for equitable growth in the emerging technology landscape. According to Krishnan, the broader goals are to ensure that AI becomes a truly inclusive technology, with the benefits of prosperity reaching all. India is all set to host the India AI Impact Summit 2026, positioning the country at the centre for critical global conversations on AI governance, safety and economic growth. The summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators at a time when nations are racing to define the AI agenda. Krishnan underlined that AI must be leveraged as a "positive impetus" for the global economy, capable of putting the world on a higher growth trajectory. The summit, he said, is aimed at fostering a meeting of minds among nations on how to approach a technology likely to shape global progress over the coming years. "We need to look at it as a huge positive impetus to the overall economy, and the possibility of using AI, of leveraging this technology, to see growth across the world, including India, including the rest of the Global South, so that it becomes truly an inclusive technology, which puts the world on a higher growth trajectory, with benefits of prosperity reaching everybody," Krishnan said. He noted that while investment announcements and partnerships could emerge from the mega gathering, the summit is a platform to deepen global understanding of AI, assess its impact on humanity, and deliberate on the steps needed to maximise its positive and beneficial effects for all. "It is a summit to expand our understanding of AI. It's a summit to expand how we believe AI will impact humankind, and what is it that we need to do to make sure that the beneficial and positive impact of AI is expanded to the extent possible," Krishnan said. He noted that the India AI mission supports indigenous foundational models. "...foundational models include some large language models, some small language models, multimodal models, Vision models, quantitative models, and a range of models. And as you're aware, the Prime Minister interacted with 12 startups and research institutions which were working on their models...in the coming week, we should see unveiling of some of the models, some of the work that has been done under the India mission," the IT Ministry's top bureaucrat said. Krishnan noted that India has adopted an "innovation-first" approach in AI, while remaining prepared to regulate swiftly, if needed. Wherever possible, existing laws and regulatory frameworks would be leveraged, an approach also recommended by the Principal Scientific Adviser-led AI governance group. "Each society, each country, does it in a way that suits its objective situation. And I think India's approach is what is best suited for our own needs," Krishnan said, adding that "we will legislate when the need arises, and we stand ready to put together a law, if need be, at short notice". The summit presents a strong opportunity to highlight the work being undertaken by Indian companies and startups, as well as the depth of research and policy thinking that has emerged in the AI space in recent years, he pointed out. "It's a wonderful occasion for people to converge on one platform and one forum to talk about issues which concern them...that should result in valuable outcomes," he said. Realty firm Anvitha Group is rapidly advancing towards a major global expansion by launching a 17-acre residential community in Dallas, US, and setting up its international corporate office there, company sources said on Sunday. The city-based group, which currently has projects spanning 10 million square feet under construction, said additionally, a large-scale project comprising 1,700 villas over 500 acres is in the pipeline in the US and announced plans to launch a new real estate project in Dubai later this year. Anvita currently serves 1,800 customers and has participated in several major projects in Dubai. The company employs 300 professionals directly and provides indirect employment to approximately 6,000 individuals, a press release from the company said. Over the next three years, the workforce is expected to grow to 1,000 employees, with indirect employment rising to 15,000. Company Director Vijay Raju expressed confidence that Anvita will soon establish itself as one of India's leading real estate companies. Cine actor and Padma Bhushan awardee Nandamuri Balakrishna has been roped in as the Brand Ambassador, said Anvita Group Chairman Boppana Achyuta Rao. Screen grab: AEW Dynamite AEW has recently broken into mainstream conversation in an unexpected way. The pro wrestling promotion made headlines in recent weeks as Brody King, a popular heel character within the AEW universe, spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the aftermath of two killings by federal agents in Minnesota. Kings comments spurred the crowd at an AEW event in Las Vegas earlier this month to begin chants of F*ck ICE, which were clearly heard on the TBS broadcast of the event. Wow! What sounded like the entire AEW Dynamite audience in Las Vegas tonight chanted Fuck ICE! Fuck ICE! in unison before the main event pic.twitter.com/KBrEag34Ax Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 5, 2026 Following the Las Vegas incident, King was conspicuously absent from AEWs next event, despite the fact that hed be prominently featured in one of the promotions biggest cards of the year, AEW Grand Slam: Australia, just days later. Such an absence rarely happens in pro wrestling, which led longtime pro wrestling insider Dave Meltzer to report that Kings absence was spearheaded by Warner Bros. Discovery, the company that owns broadcast rights for AEW in the United States. WBD is, of course, in the midst of selling itself to Netflix, a deal that will need approval from the Trump administration. Meltzer suggested the company pulled King from the card to avoid controversy with the administration. 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, Metlzer reported. WBD later refuted that report in a statement to Awful Announcing. Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody Kings upcoming AEW schedule. 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, a company spokesperson said. King did, in fact, appear on Saturdays event. And even though AEW traveled all the way to Brisbane, Australia, for AEW Grand Slam: Australia, it seems the F*ck ICE chants followed King down under. The Aussie crowd can clearly be heard saying the chant on AEWs broadcast, undercutting the suggestion that WBD feared Kings inclusion in the previous card would jeopardize any potential deal needing Trump administration approval. Even if WBD was at one point worried about the chants impacting approval of its sale to Netflix, that no longer appears to be the case. Government officials said the AI Impact Summit will put forth Indias perspective, alongside that of several other developing nations, on democratising AI resources for social and economic growth, with an emphasis on making the technology more human-centric. Officials noted that this approach marks a shift from earlier AI summits, which largely reflected priorities of developed economies, particularly their focus on safety. The first of those meetings, the Bletchley Park summit in the United Kingdom in November 2023, was explicitly framed as the AI Safety Summit. Deliberations there focused on risks posed by frontier AI models and on regulatory frameworks governments might adopt to ensure the technology delivered societal benefits while mitigating harm. The second Safety Summit followed in South Korea in May 2024. It was succeeded by the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, where sustainability emerged as the central theme. The theme for the summit that India is hosting has transitioned from safety to action to impact, an official noted. Over the past three years, the ambit of the impact of AI has expanded from worrying about just safety and action taken to issues such as innovation, future of work, development, democratising AI, social good and the Global South. A senior Ministry of External Affairs official said Indias priorities diverge from those of Europe. Our perspective, unlike that of Europe, which is focused on security and safety, is how to use technology as a tool to empower our people -- to increase inclusivity and deliver more efficient governance, especially to the remotest parts of the country. For the summit, discussions are expected to centre on equitable access to AI for developing economies, another official said. Participating nations and companies are also likely to examine how users can be better factored into AI deployment strategies. The agenda may include AI startup models and policy playbooks that could benefit Global South economies but have yet to scale, alongside debates on skilling and reskilling initiatives aimed at cushioning potential job displacement while positioning AI as an economic opportunity. Achieving those goals, however, presents structural challenges. The United States remains home to many of the companies leading the production, manufacturing, dissemination and consumption of graphics processing units (GPUs), the high-performance chips essential for training advanced AI models. China, meanwhile, has pursued workarounds to technology and GPU sanctions while embracing a more open approach to AI models. Its most advanced system, DeepSeek R1, is claimed to have been developed at a fraction of the cost of rivals such as ChatGPT and has been open-sourced for broader experimentation and scrutiny. No significant gaps have yet been publicly confirmed. For India, which has consistently advocated on behalf of countries with limited AI infrastructure, a key test will be crafting a declaration that calls for more equitable distribution of high-cost assets such as GPUs, while balancing commercial realities, including the interests of US technology companies. The summit, to be held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, will convene policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators. The key message we want to send is that whatever happens with AI needs to be human-centric and inclusive, IT Secretary S Krishnan said. There needs to be democratic access to AI resources, and it needs to be done in a way where people are at the centre of this process. As many as 20 heads of state and government are expected to attend, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, along with ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries. The summits theme is People, Planet and Progress. Since September, seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, have been developing proposed outcomes, including frameworks for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure, and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will travel to India for the summit, has warned against AI becoming the preserve of a handful of advanced economies. It would be totally unacceptable that AI would be just a privilege of the most developed countries or a division only between two superpowers, Guterres told PTI. It is absolutely essential that AI becomes a universal instrument for the benefit of humankind. He added that India, as a rapidly rising economy with expanding global influence, is well positioned to host such discussions. India is the right place to have this summit and to make sure that AI (is) being discussed in depth, in all its enormous potential and also in all its risks, but that AI belongs to the whole world and not only to a few. Russian President Vladimir Putins senior aide Maxim Oreshkin will lead a large delegation to the AI Impact Summit. The next AI Summit is scheduled to be held in Switzerland. Going forward, the ruling is also expected to alter credit assessment frameworks, with lenders likely to reassess the nature of security available while extending loans to telecom companies, they said. With this ruling, recovery from the two corporate insolvency cases Aircel and RCom will suffer, said one banker on the condition of anonymity. Whatever the prospect of recovering something was there, that is gone now, he said, adding that banks will now not be able to recover much. Aircel had bank dues worth over 13,500 crore, while Reliance Communications had over 50,000 crore. The person also said, for future funding towards telecom companies, this aspect (spectrum cannot be considered as a corporate asset) will be a key consideration, as the most valuable security (spectrum) will no longer be available. Lenders will have to assess what alternative security can be considered for the loan; otherwise, it will become an unsecured exposure, the banker said. This is likely going to weigh on the fundraise of Vodafone Idea also, which is looking to raise around 35,000 crore in debt funding from banks and other sources. Banks are evaluating the companys proposal and no final decision has been reached as far as fresh lending to the company is concerned. The Supreme Court ruling will have some bearing on the companys fundraise because security is an important part to some extent, said a senior banker, adding that nothing has been decided yet, as the numbers are getting crystallised. The teams are talking to each other. So, we will let that happen, and then talk to all the banks, he said. On Friday, a bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar ruled that spectrum allocated to telecom firms and shown as an asset in their books cannot be subjected to proceedings under IBC. We could demystify the legal challenge by first understanding spectrum as a material resource, precisely as what our Constitution refers to as the material resource of the community, the ruling stated. Auto-component stocks were laggards last year but have been outperforming the Nifty auto index since the start of the year. In fact, over the past month the top three gainers in the Nifty Auto index were auto-component majors. Leading the auto pack was Bharat Forge with gains of 19.1 per cent, followed by Sona BLW Precision (15.6 per cent) and Samvardhana Motherson (14.3 per cent). The main drivers for the top listed players are strong October-December (Q3) results, trade deals with the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and United States (US), and diversification beyond the core auto business. This has helped them derisk cyclical demand and technology trends. Axis Securities says that the free-trade agreements with UK and the EU are supportive for exporters of auto ancillaries. Engineering-intensive components such as forgings, castings, wheels, axles and electronics, according to Sanchit Karekar, are likely to see improved access to European markets, supported by Indias cost advantages and increasing sourcing diversification by European original equipment manufacturers under the China+1 strategy. The clear beneficiaries are export-oriented majors in auto parts, says the brokerage. It has a hold rating on Endurance Technologies with a target of 2,830 per share and a buy rating on CIE Automotive and Sansera Engineering with a target of 500 per share and 1,950 per share, respectively. The US-India trade deal is another positive. The decline in reciprocal tariffs from 50 per cent to 18 per cent is more positive for the ancillary space than it is for auto makers, points out ICICI Securities. Within the auto-component space, the key gainer would be medium and heavy commercial vehicles. The brokerage says that key beneficiaries of this include Bharat Forge, Balkrishna Industries, Steel Strips Wheels, and Sensera Engineering in its coverage universe. Third-quarter results have added to positive sentiment and the investor tilt towards the companies in auto parts. Given the Q3 revenue outperformance and fair valuations, Nomura Research has a buy rating on Bharat Forge. Kapil Singh and Siddhartha Bera of the brokerage expect the firm to witness strong growth, driven by a robust rampup in defence and aerospace, and improved demand for commercial vehicles. The India-US trade deal removes the tariff overhang and new order wins should continue. The restructuring of the EU steel business and potentially shifting part of it to India could be a catalyst, says the brokerage. The countrys largest auto-component maker, Samvardhana Motherson, also delivered a strong Q3 performance, which led to upgrades on the target price. Motilal Oswal Research raised its earnings estimates for FY26 by 6 per cent, given the better than expected performance in Q3 despite adverse global conditions. Analysts led by Aniket Mhatre of the brokerage expect the firm to continue to outperform global automobile sales, fuelled by rising premiumisation and the transition to electric vehicles, a robust order backlog in autos and non-autos, and a successful integration of recent acquisitions. While Endurance Technologies had a steady quarter, brokerages are cautious, especially on the European business. While the domestic auto segment has kicked off well after the cuts in rates of good and services tax, the European business is currently operating in a challenging environment. HDFC Securities says the company is set to continue to benefit from increasing premiumisation in the domestic two-wheeler industry, auguring well for its portfolio of inverted front forks, slip/assist clutches, and hydraulic brake systems. The Indian data centre industry has had a surge in investments recently. Indian and international conglomerates plan to invest an estimated $50 billion in the next five to seven years, as the countrys data centre capacity expands from around 1 gigawatt to 9 GW. Space is the new frontier for data centres. Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space technology startup, is partnering with NeevCloud, a sovereign AI Cloud infrastructure company, to create Indias first AI-driven orbital data centre in low Earth orbit. The project marks a major technological progress by moving AI-compute infrastructure from Earth to space. The objective is to bypass terrestrial limitations like power, cooling requirements, and network latency. A proof of concept mission is planned before the end of this year, with commercial operations targeted for 2027. The two companies aim to have a constellation of more than 600 orbital edge data centres over three years. The partnership will strengthen Indias domestic sovereign data centre capabilities. There is no single official government dataset that classifies Indian data centre capacity by domestic versus foreign control. However, industry capacity disclosures and ownership structures allow for a reasonable, defensible assessment, says Arun Malhotra, chief executive officer of Parity Infotech Solutions. Parity is an India-focused digital infrastructure and systems integration company specialising in data centre architecture, Cloud platforms and secure-compute environments. Based on operator market share and ownership, Paritys assessment suggests that domestic-controlled data centre capacity is around 40-45 per cent; foreign-controlled at 35-40 per cent; and joint ventures/ mixed at 15-20 per cent. On paper, this appears broadly balanced. However, ownership alone is a weak proxy for control, Malhotra says. The picture changes materially when hyperscaler cloud regions massive, geographically defined clusters of data centres are included. Hyperscaler Cloud infrastructure in India is entirely foreign-controlled, even when it is physically hosted in the country. While disclosures about their capacity are limited, hyperscaler infrastructure is growing faster than domestic colocation. Effective control over compute, AI platforms, orchestration, and lifecycle management remains external. Malhotra says when hyperscalers and platform control are factored in, foreign influence over effective compute capability in India is likely the majority, even if physical infrastructure is domestic. Reducing dependence on foreign technology vendors does not mean eliminating them but mitigating single-point reliance and lock-in. Progress can be tracked through six annual metrics: Vendor concentration, platform exit readiness, indigenous value contribution, lifecycle and licensing control, supply-chain and geopolitical exposure, and sovereign capability adoption rate. These indicators reveal whether India is building resilience and optionality into its digital infrastructure. Measurement matters because without it sovereignty remains rhetorical, procurement reinforces lock-in, and risks surface only during crises. With measurement, governments can set targets, boards can price technology risk, investors can back sovereign capability, and procurement can reward resilience. This is not a defensive strategy but a growth opportunity. Strengthening domestic hardware ecosystems and positioning India as a digital partner for emerging economies can transform technology sovereignty into a competitive advantage. When I heard of the trade deal that would end the punitive tariff of 25 per cent for buying Russian oil and reduce the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, I appreciated the government for its restraint and perseverance. No words or actions came from the government against the patently unfair imposition of high tariffs on Indian goods by the US in August. The government quietly fast-tracked the trade agreement with the European Union and the trade negotiations with the US while signaling closer ties with Russia and China. Silently, India conveyed its resilience and options. However, when the government put out the joint statement by the US and India and a fact sheet about the trade deal, some questions arose. Whether India has agreed to end purchase of Russian oil and if so, by when? Will monitoring of Indias imports of Russian oil lead to re-imposition of punitive tariffs? How can India increase its imports from the US in five years to $500 billion from about $45 billion now? How will the elimination of industrial tariffs on all imports from the US affect the Indian producers? Can our farmers cope with substantial reduction of tariffs on agricultural goods? What is meant by both sides agreeing to strengthen economic security alignment to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address non-market policies of third parties as well as cooperation on inbound and outbound investment reviews and export controls? The replies so far have not fully addressed these questions. Last Monday, the government issued a press note claiming that India has achieved a landmark trade victory and unlocked $the US 30 trillion American market for exports across key sectors. That was a giveaway. Excessive triumphalism often reflects discomfort with underlying reality. My sympathies were with the government. It is not easy to negotiate with anyone from a weaker position. Our merchandise exports to the US account for about 20 per cent of our exports, whereas for the US, our imports represent only 2.5 per cent of its total imports. Almost 60 per cent of our services exports go to the US. Our gross domestic product (GDP) at slightly more than $4 trillion is about 3 per cent of global GDP, whereas the GDP of the US at about $30 trillion is about 25 per cent of the global GDP. The share of our merchandise exports has remained stagnant at about 1.8 per cent of global trade for the last 11 years. Our services exports are growing but at 4.3 per cent of the global trade in services, they are not too significant. The US can hurt or help us, but we cannot do so to the US. Such asymmetry of negotiating positions is bound to lead to asymmetry of outcomes. However, the government is not making this point. It is busy hailing the trade deal as a victory. Undoubtedly, the market access for both sides improves with reduction of import duties. However, a lot depends on what concessions the US gives to our competitors, as its deal with Bangladesh shows. The government risks losing the battle of perceptions, unless it is candid about its constraints and commitments. Yet, the head of the branch was close to bagging a foreign trip, arranged by the banks insurance channel partner. After all, it had done substantial business in garnering life insurance policies. When the banker discovered that the branch was short of just Rs 10 lakh to hit the premium target, he and an insurance agent who presented himself as a staff of the bank persuaded Uma Devi (name changed), 71, to redeem her fixed deposits and invest in what they described as a noble product that would deliver better returns. For years, the senior citizen had been coming to the branch to withdraw cash and renew the fixed deposits her late husband had opened. Now, two of these fixed deposits were redeemed, and the proceeds were invested in a life insurance policy, requiring a yearly premium of Rs 10 lakh. No one assessed her ability to meet this commitment over the next five years. The branch manager won a seven-day foreign tour, for training in the United States. Besides sightseeing, it included dining at Michelin star restaurants, with a few training sessions thrown in. This year, when the insurance company asked for the second annual premium, a shocked Uma Devi rushed to the branch. By then, the manager had been promoted and transferred to another state. The insurance agent, who had posed as a bank staff, had joined a different insurer. It took several visits before the branch showed her the proposal form signed by her. She realised what had happened and pleaded for reversal since her daughters marriage was due the next month. The branch refused. The insurance company, too, refused to own responsibility, arguing that she had signed all the documents and the formalities had been duly completed. Ultimately, her daughter took the grievance to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the finance ministry. The case was shortlisted for a personal hearing by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju at his monthly review of customer complaints against banks and insurers. A day ahead of the scheduled meeting, the full amount was credited back to Uma Devis account, without any deduction. Such cases are being reported from various bank branches across India. Going by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Annual Report 202425, complaints categorised under Unfair Business Practices which primarily relate to mis-selling in the life insurance sector rose by roughly 14.3 per cent to 26,667 in FY25, up from 23,335 in FY24. As a percentage of total grievances against life insurers, complaints regarding unfair business practices increased to 22.14 per cent in FY25, up from 19.33 per cent in FY24. IRDAIs Bima Bharosa portal received 2,57,790 grievances in FY25, registering close to a 20 per cent rise over the year before. About 120,000 of them related to life insurance and 137,000 to general and health insurance. This portal is a gateway to register complaints with insurance companies and track their status. In FY23, mis-selling complaints accounted for roughly one in five grievances against life insurers disproportionately high from private-sector companies. The Council for Insurance Ombudsmen received 52,575 complaints in FY24. Set up under the Insurance Ombudsman Rules, 2017, this is an alternative platform to policyholders resolve grievances against insurance companies and their intermediaries, or insurance brokers. Private grievance platforms show similar trends. One major independent platform reported a 45 per cent jump in insurance complaints between the last quarter of FY25 and the first quarter of FY26, with mis-selling emerging as a key trigger, especially in endowment and bundled policies. The statistics do not fully capture the pain and anxiety of those who discover that their life savings have been locked into products they dont need and/or understand. Many of these victims are widows or senior citizens placing post-retirement funds money saved over decades by spouses who trusted the bank more than they trusted any individual agent in these products. Almost all home loan borrowers are forced to buy bundled insurance products from the channel partner. Similarly, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) borrowers are compelled to invest in products offered by the lenders insurance partners. Often, the banks senior management encourages mis-selling for deeper penetration and achieving the mission of Insurance for All by 2047. The latest Economic Survey notes that assets under management (AUM) in the insurance sector touched about Rs 74.4 trillion in FY25, with premiums rising from Rs 8.3 trillion in FY21 to Rs 11.9 trillion in FY25. Life insurance continues to hold the dominant share, accounting for 91 per cent of total AUM and nearly 75 per cent of premium income. Life insurance commissions were to the tune of around Rs 60,800 crore in FY25, growing 18 per cent year-on-year, outpacing the 6.73 per cent growth in total premiums. But the balance sheet growth masks the real challenges. Overall, insurance penetration remained stagnant at 3.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in FY25, roughly half the global average, and the life insurance segment recorded a marginal decline, falling to 2.7 per cent in FY25 from 2.8 per cent a year earlier. Meanwhile, insurance density premium per capita rose marginally from $95 to $97. Its a low-penetration, high-cost equilibrium. Indeed, revenue from existing customers is deepening, but the system is failing to widen coverage to new households and small businesses. One of the main reasons is the persistently high distribution and acquisition cost. The Survey warns that high distribution costs erode value for policyholders and keep premiums unaffordable for large sections of the population. Private life insurers are seeing margins squeezed; net profits stagnate despite strong topline growth because acquisition expenses are rising sharply. Without rationalising these costs, the sector cannot realise the Insurance for All dream by 2047. In simple words, premiums remain high not only because of risk pricing, but also because too much of the first-year premium is still absorbed by commissions, incentives, and expensive multi-layered distribution chains. Effective April 1, 2023, the IRDAI (Payment of Commission) Regulations, 2023 and Expenses of Management (EoM) Regulations, 2023, liberalised the commission framework shifting from rigid product-wise commission caps to a company-level cap on overall expenses of management. In the new regime, the insurers can design their own commission structures, provided total commissions and other expenses remain within prescribed EoM limits. IRDAI went a step further and consolidated these rules into the IRDAI (Expenses of Management, including Commission of Insurers) Regulations, 2024, simplifying compliance but retaining the core principle that boards have discretion on commission design within an overall EoM ceiling (30 per cent for general insurance and 35 per cent for health insurance). While the intent is to give insurers flexibility and encourage innovation, the rising complaints suggest that distribution costs and mis-selling have not diminished. In fact, liberalised commissions, combined with intense sales targets, can make bancassurance an even more aggressive channel if the boards of regulated entities do not exercise restraint and bank managements continue to link staff rewards and incentives to third-party income. IRDAI is expected to introduce new commission regulation by September 2026, aiming to balance affordability, cost discipline and industry sustainability. Bancassurance is a relationship between a bank and an insurance company for selling insurance products to a banks customers. In this partnership, bank staff and tellers become the point of sale and point of contact for the customer. The customers who visit the branches for basic banking services, particularly rural and semi-urban branches, are systematically nudged or pushed into buying complex financial products they neither need nor understand. The Congress on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview with PTI was "no interview" and claimed that it was a "carefully scripted" as well as "desperate PR exercise". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh further alleged that, being "under siege and attack because of his surrender to the US on the trade deal", the prime minister is now resorting to his "favourite tactic" of headline management. "The PM knows that this year's Budget has been a damp squib and shows every sign of intellectual exhaustion. Markets have reacted negatively and investors have been unimpressed. Hence, he feels the need to give an interview a fortnight after the Budget was presented and a few days after it was taken apart by the Opposition in Parliament," Ramesh said. "As usual, there are Modi-style one-liners that mean little in reality," the Congress leader said. Ramesh claimed that Modi is trying to divert attention away from his "betrayal" of lakhs of farmers and other "capitulations". "His so-called interview is no interview, but a carefully scripted and desperate PR exercise," Ramesh said. "Pradhan Mantri jhuke bhi hain, aur thake bhi hain," he added. His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi, in an interview with PTI, said this year's Budget was not a 'now or never moment' born out of compulsion but a 'we are ready' moment born out of preparation and inspiration. Modi asserted that the Budget reflects India's "yearning" to become a developed nation. Modi said none of his government's budgets has been made with an attitude of creating a run-of-the-mill 'bahi khata' documents as "that is not our approach". Recalling that a few years ago, he had declared from the ramparts of the Red Fort that 'Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai', Modi said a "now is the time" sense of purpose has always been there within his government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladeshs newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman (pictured) in Dhaka on Tuesday. Dhaka has invited leaders of 13 countries, including India, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan, according to Prothom Alo, a leading Bangladesh newspaper. Sources in New Delhi said India is hopeful of improved ties under Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, and the two countries would work to overcome strains in relations since August 2024. Sources said New Delhi is keen to reset ties with Dhaka but will proceed cautiously, given the BNPs domestic political compulsions and the stronger presence of Jamaat-e-Islami in the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Dhaka as French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on Monday evening. On Friday, Modi was the first world leader to call Rahman to congratulate him on the BNPs electoral victory and reiterated Indias commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of both countries. The MEA on Sunday said Birlas participation at the oath taking ceremony underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations. As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people, the MEA said. Humayun Kabir, advisor to Rahman, said that India and Bangladesh should work for mutual benefit and added that onus lies on India to recognise the changed political reality in Dhaka. Barring Pakistan and Bangladesh since August 2024, Indias relations with neighbours have improved in recent months under its Neighbourhood First policy and the principle of non-reciprocity for smaller partners. AI in India will drive productivity, quality, and role redesign in the near term rather than mass unemployment, but the country must pursue a "sovereign by design" approach, maintaining control over its data and capabilities while staying globally integrated to ensure AI benefits everyone, according to BCGX. India's talent base is a real advantage, with 13 per cent of the global AI talent pool as new centres of influence emerge beyond AI superpowers US and China, top officials of BCGX, the AI, digital and innovation division of global consulting firm BCG, told PTI in an emailed interview. "The Asia-Pacific region is often described as being ahead of the curve in AI adoption, for example, a recent BCG report found that 92 per cent of employees in India use AI at least several times a week," Sylvain Duranto, Global Leader BCGX, said, referring to how AI has gained traction in India. On India's AI talent pool, Duranto said, "Beyond the AI superpowers of the US and China, new centres of influence are emerging. With a population of 1.4 billion, and (India has) 13 per cent of the global AI talent pool". Elaborating, BCGX India Leader Nipun Kalra said, "BCG-sized estimates put India's AI talent pool at 6,00,000 today, projected to exceed 1.25 million by 2027, with an AI skill penetration factor of 3.09 (highest among G20/OECD)". However, he said, "With over 2,000 AI startups, India is only second to the US, but lags in AI patents with less than 1 per cent patents from India". India needs to solve for AI adoption formally by the workforce with scaled pilots that are enforced organisationally to drive success, Kalra added. When asked about the impact of jobs in India, he said, "The near-term story in India is productivity and quality uplift-paired with role redesign more than mass displacement". Citing BCG's executive survey, he said 64 per cent expect 'AI and humans working side by side', and fewer than 10 per cent expect a net headcount decrease due to AI automation. Yet, Kalra said, toil tasks -- repetitive, rule-based activities will increasingly be automated, while 'reasoning tasks' such as analysis, synthesis, decision support will be augmented through AI copilots. On the other hand, expertise-driven roles such as healthcare, advisory, engineering, and financial services will see the strongest augmentation, where AI enhances judgment rather than replaces it, Kalra noted. When asked what policy safeguards are needed so that AI remains a boon, not a bane, he said, "India's approach should be AI for all, sovereign by design". "Sovereign AI is not about isolation. It is about ensuring that India controls its data, context, and critical AI capabilities, while remaining globally connected." Kalra stressed the need to "scale skilling and transition pathways" so that "AI adoption creates productivity, not displacement, especially across MSMEs and Tier-2/3 cities". Noting that sovereign AI infrastructure is critical, he said it will play a key role in reducing dependence on external platforms while ensuring affordability. "Governance must move beyond compliance to proactive enablement," he said, adding that already the IndiaAI Safe & Trusted AI Mission and the DPDP Act provide guardrails for privacy, accountability, and responsible deployment at scale. Commenting on sectors which will see economy-wide AI impact in the next two to three years, Kalra said, "Over the next few years, AI impact in India will be significant in IT services, financial institutions, agriculture, and healthcare". Citing a report by BCGX and FICCI, he also said AI adoption in Indian MSMEs can generate over USD 500 billion in economic value. Individuals and companies from over 30 countries will participate at the five-day India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026 beginning Monday. Of the 32,600 AI companies globally, India accounts for 5.7 per cent. Between 2016 and 2025, nearly 60-70 per cent of Indian AI firms have remained dependent on seed-stage funding, indicating the sector is still largely at an early stage of growth. The official spokesperson of the German Federal Foreign Office for the Middle East and North Africa, Annika Claen Idris, has come under scrutiny after committing what observers described as an embarrassing diplomatic error in a post on the social media platform X, in which she inaccurately referred to the position of Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemens Presidential Leadership Council. In her post, the German spokesperson stated that Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held talks with his Yemeni counterpart, Rashad Al-Alimi. The description was widely seen as a notable protocol misstep, given that Al-Alimi heads Yemens highest political authority the Presidential Leadership Council and does not serve as foreign minister. The error prompted questions regarding the accuracy and attentiveness of the German Foreign Offices diplomatic communication on the Yemeni file. The meeting reportedly focused on avenues for sustaining German support for Yemen amid current challenges. However, the incorrect reference to official titles overshadowed the political substance of the visit, particularly as international diplomatic norms require meticulous precision when addressing heads of state and sovereign councils. Observers and those closely following Yemeni affairs expressed surprise at what appeared to be an unintended oversight by the German Foreign Office, noting that such a lapse suggests insufficient familiarity with Yemens current leadership structure by a senior official tasked with direct engagement on the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin's senior aide Maxim Oreshkin will lead a large delegation for the AI Impact Summit being held in New Delhi from Monday. India is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026, a high-profile gathering of global leaders and industry heavyweights in Artificial Intelligence from February 16-20 at New Delhi's 'Bharat Mandapam,' bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators. Oreshkin, who is deputy chief of the Kremlin staff and economic aide to President Putin, is set to lead the Russian delegation to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. This (choice of sending Oreshkin) highlights a strategic push for AI collaboration between the two nations, a Kremlin source told PTI, adding, the delegation will focus on secure, trusted, and sovereign AI, with active engagement in discussions on AI governance, technology, and partnerships within BRICS and other platforms. In an interview to BRICS TV Network on February 9, Russian Foreign Minister Segei Lavrov noted: "India also emphasises ICT security, which we actively support, contributing to the agenda. This is significant, as norms regulating AI use between states, and AI applications by individual states, are only now being established." Lavrov said these norms will regulate behaviours that affect security. "Some countries are actively introducing AI into military applications. While each state has the right to determine its own approach, certain countries are already attempting to centralise control, subordinating what states can and may do with AI in the military sphere," he said. BRICS members will not accept infringements on their sovereignty, yet transparency remains crucial, the minister added. In an article published by state-run news agency TASS on Friday, India's Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar outlined the promising prospects for IndiaRussia cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the growing strategic and technological partnership between the two nations. The synergy between Moscow and New Delhi in AI would act as a catalyst for shared growth and technological advancement of the two strategic partners, Ambassador Kumar said. More than 6,000 people were killed in over three days when a Sudanese paramilitary group unleashed "a wave of intense violence shocking in its scale and brutality" in Sudan's Darfur region in late October, according to the United Nations. The Rapid Support Forces' offensive to capture the city of el-Fasher included widespread atrocities that amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, the UN Human Rights Office said in a report released on Friday. "The wanton violations that were perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militia in the final offensive on el-Fasher underscore that persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran el-Fasher, the Sudanese army's only remaining stronghold in Darfur, on Oct. 26 and rampaged through the city and its surroundings after more than 18 months of siege. The 29-page UN report detailed a set of atrocities that ranged from mass killings and summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment to detention and disappearances. In many cases, the attacks were ethnicity-motivated, it said. The RSF did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment. The paramilitaries' Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has previously acknowledged abuses by his fighters, but disputed the scale of atrocities. 'Like a scene out of a horror movie' The alleged atrocities in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, mirror a pattern of RSF conduct in its war against the Sudanese miliary. The war began in April 2023 when a power struggle between the two sides exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum and elsewhere across the country. The conflict created the world's largest humanitarian crisis with parts of the country pushed into famine. It has also been marked by heinous atrocities which the International Criminal Court said it was investigating as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The RSF was also accused by the Biden administration of carrying out genocide in the ongoing war. The UN Human Rights Office said it documented the killing of at least 4,400 people inside el-Fasher between Oct. 25 and Oct. 27, while more than 1,600 others were killed as they were trying to flee the RSF rampage. The report said it drew its toll from interviews with 140 victims and witnesses which were "are consistent with independent analysis of contemporaneous satellite imagery and video footage." In one case, RSF fighters opened fire from heavy weapons on a crowd of 1,000 people sheltering in the Rashid dormitory in el-Fasher university on Oct. 26, killing around 500 people, the report said. One witness was quoted as saying that he saw bodies thrown into the air, "like a scene out of a horror movie," according to the report. In another case, around 600 people, including 50 children, were executed on Oct. 26 while taking shelter in the university facilities, the report said. The report, however, warned that the actual scale of the death toll of the week-long offensive in el-Fasher was "undoubtedly significantly higher." The toll does not include at least 460 people who were killed by the RSF on Oct. 28 when they stormed the Saudi Maternity hospital, according to the World Health Organization. Around 300 people were also killed in RSF shelling and drone attacks between Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people, 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) northwest of el-Fasher, the U.N. Human Rights Office' report said. Woman and girls sexually assaulted Sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was apparently widespread during el-Fasher offensive, with RSF fighters and their allied militias targeting women and girls from the African Zaghawa non-Arab tribes over allegations of having links or supporting the miliary, the report said. Turk, who visited Sudan last month, said survivors of sexual violence recounted testimonies that showed how the practice "was systematically used as a weapon of war." The paramilitaries also abducted many people while attempting to flee the city, before releasing them after paying ramson. Thousands have been held in at least 10 detention centers - including the city's Children Hospital which was turned into a detention facility - run by the RSF in el-Fasher, the report said. The UN Human Rights Office also said it documented 10 detention facilities used by the paramilitaries in el-Fasher, including the Children's Hospital which was turned into a detention center. Several thousands of people remain missing and unaccounted for, the report said. The pattern of the RSF offensive on el-Fasher was a mirror of other attacks by the paramilitaries and their allies on the Zamzam camp for displaced people, 15 kilometres south of the city, and on West Darfur's city of Geneina and the nearby town of Ardamata in 2023, the UN Human Rights Office said. Turk said there were "reasonable grounds" that RSF and their allied Arab militias committed war crimes, and that their acts also amount to crimes against humanity. He called for holding those responsible - including commanders - accountable, warning that "persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which swept to power with a two-thirds majority in the recent general elections, received nearly 50 per cent of the votes while its once ally the Jamaat-e-Islami secured 31.76 per cent, according to the Election Commission on Sunday. An EC spokesman said independent candidates collectively won 5.79 per cent of the votes while "other political parties lagged far behind". According to the EC, the BNP led by former prime minister Khaldea Zia's son Tarique Rahman secured 49.97 per cent of the votes as it bagged 209 out of 297 seats. The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the country's 1971 independence from Pakistan, emerged as the main opposition party, registering its best ever performance as it won 68 seats. The BNP alliance won 212 seats compared to 77 for the Jamaat alliance. The National Citizen Party, formed by the Students Against Discrimination, which led the mass protests against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, received 3.05 per cent votes as it won just six seats. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus last year disbanded Hasina's Awami League, disqualifying it from the election race, thus changing the country's traditional election landscape. The NCP was followed by Islami Andolan Bangladesh getting 2.70 per cent and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis receiving 2.09 per cent votes. The EC earlier said 59.44 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the election. The newly-elected Members of Parliament of Bangladesh are scheduled to take oath on Tuesday morning, followed by the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet in the evening, local media reported. By Victoria Kim A retired math teacher descended into an underground parking lot in search of her dealer, cash in hand. Headlights flashed from the far end of the garage in a beachside, middle-class neighborhood in suburban Melbourne, Australia. She walked up to an unmarked van and soon was back above ground with the illicit goods. A carton of cigarettes. Australia has the most expensive cigarettes in the world, a pack of midmarket cigarettes costing on average about 55 Australian dollars, or almost $40, nearly double what it will set you back in New York City. A series of steep tax hikes eight in 10 years were put in place to reduce the rate of smoking, which has steadily declined. But the high prices have also given rise to a thriving black market now estimated to be a multibillion-dollar industry that accounts for as much as half of all tobacco sales in the country. Its the injustice of the situation, said the retired teacher, Pat Felvus, 75, who recounted in an interview her early experiences of buying illegal cigarettes, which cost as little as 10 Australian dollars a pack. Why would you pay four times the amount? Bootleg cigarettes are readily available on every main street in Australia at convenience stores, candy shops and tobacconists. Competition has driven the price of under-the-counter smokes lower and lower, at a time that the cost for staples is rising. Violence has erupted between organized crime groups jostling for a slice of the lucrative market, with a spate of firebombings, extortion, shootings and homicides. The scale of the black market and the criminality has raised questions about how far governments can raise so-called sin taxes to curb undesirable behaviors. Australia is now facing the quandary: Are the high cigarette prices doing more harm than good? The government has said that Australia faces an illegal tobacco crisis. But it has refused to back down from the tax hikes or acknowledge the role they may have had in fanning the illicit trade, even as it loses billions in tax revenue. The World Health Organization advises that taxation is the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use. Australian officials have instead been pouring resources into toughening laws and enforcement efforts which critics say is a Whac-a-Mole approach that will not address the underlying profit motive driving the problem. What weve done is caused a pseudo-Prohibition, said Rohan Pike, a former federal police detective who led a tobacco task force for the Australian Border Force. It has spawned an organized crime marketplace. Until a few years ago, Ms. Felvus was paying full price, about 50 local dollars a pack. She has smoked light cigarettes since she was 19, except when she was pregnant with her daughter. (She lit up in her hospital bed after giving birth, this being 1978.) Youre mad buying them in the traditional shops, a smoker friend told her, she recalled. She walked into a shop in her neighborhood with signs on the window for tobacco and asked for cheap cigarettes. It felt a bit like somebody was going to tap me on the shoulder or something, she recalled. I did feel a little naughty. But the man behind the counter showed her a selection of bootleg smokes, and she got her cigarettes for about $14 a pack. A few months later, the stores windows were smashed in. She met the shopkeeper at a parking lot to get her smokes, twice, while he was getting set up at another storefront down the street, she said. Most illegal cigarettes in Australia are smuggled in from parts of the world with far lower prices, like the Middle East or China. Manchester cigarettes, reportedly manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, and Double Happiness, a Chinese brand, have become the go-tos for many people. The smashed window at Ms. Felvuss local shop may have been part of the violence that has been called the tobacco wars between criminal gangs vying for market share. The police have said there have been at least 100 cases of firebombings related to the turf war among organized groups, concentrated in Melbourne, Australias second largest city. One group has tallied more than 250 attacks. In January 2025, a 27-year-old woman was killed after an arson attack on a house that the police said had resulted from attackers linked to the tobacco feud targeting the wrong address. It used to just be a health problem, and its now its a crime problem, said James Martin, a criminologist and professor at Deakin University. Were opening up this massive new front in the war on drugs. Shopkeepers have been forced into selling bootleg cigarettes or surrendering their stores to be run by the criminal gangs, according to the authorities and news reports. In one video released by the police, a man can be heard threatening a cashier to hand over the keys. In 24 hours, Ill be back and if this shop is still open, Im going to come down and burn this whole place, the man says in the recording. Jacqui McQueen, 44, a domestic violence support worker who lives in Geelong, a working-class city west of Melbourne, said she could think of 20 shops in her immediate area where she could pick up illicit cigarettes. People dont bat an eye anymore, she said. The government were expecting people to quit and it didnt work that way. Ms. McQueen said she started smoking at 17 but quit a few years later, after she became pregnant with twins and was raising young children. She took up smoking again to deal with stress when one of the twins was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, which eventually killed him at 11. She was paying about 15 Australian dollars for a pack of 30 when she resumed smoking around 2010, Ms. McQueen recalled. The prices just seemed to skyrocket from there. The last time she bought a legal pack, it cost around 62 Australian dollars for 25 cigarettes, she said. Ms. McQueen said she had been loyal to her Winfield Optimum Crush Blues until a worker at a regular shop offered up the cheaper kind. With her youngest son still living with her and grandchildren she often cooks for, the cost savings made a substantial difference on her finances, she said. In September, Australia once again raised its taxes on cigarettes, bringing the excise levied on each individual cigarette to about 1.50 Australian dollars, triple the level a decade ago. Jake Goodrem, 34, a plumber, said he largely gave up smoking and now sporadically vapes, not because of the rising cost, but because of health concerns. He still buys the occasional pack for his partner the black-market ones, he said. He said he could not imagine going back to paying full price for the legal kind. Even if I was a millionaire I still wouldnt, he said. Youd have to be stupid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin a two-day trip on Sunday, to bolster ties with Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders, often at odds with other European Union countries, have warm ties with President Donald Trump. Rubio will use the trip to discuss energy cooperation and bilateral issues, including Nato commitments, the State Department said in an announcement last week. "These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us, and it's a good opportunity to go see them and two countries I've never been in," Rubio told reporters before departing for Europe on Thursday. Rubio, who in his dual role also serves as Trump's national security adviser, will meet in Bratislava on Sunday with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Trump in Florida last month. The US diplomat's trip follows his participation in the Munich Security Conference over the last few days. WILL MEET VIKTOR ORBAN ON MONDAY On Monday, Rubio is expected to meet with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. "The President said he's very supportive of him, and so are we," Rubio said. "But obviously we were going to do that visit as a bilateral visit." Orban, one of Trump's closest allies in Europe, is considered by many on the American hard-right as a model for the US president's tough policies on immigration and support for families and Christian conservatism. Budapest has repeatedly hosted Conservative Political Action Conference events, which bring together conservative activists and leaders, with another due in March. TIES WITH MOSCOW AND CLASHES WITH THE EU Both Fico and Orban have clashed with EU institutions over probes into backsliding on democratic rules. They have also maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at times delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. Even as other European Union countries have secured alternative energy supplies after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, including by buying US natural gas, Slovakia and Hungary have also continued to buy Russian gas and oil, a practice the United States has criticised. Rubio said this would be discussed during his brief tour, but did not give any details. Fico, who has described the European Union as an institution that is in deep crisis , has showered Trump with praise saying he would bring peace back to Europe. But Fico criticised the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. Hungary and Slovakia have also so far diverged from Trump on Nato spending. They have raised defence spending to Nato's minimum threshold of 2 per cent of GDP. Fico has, however, refused to raise expenditure above that level for now, even though Trump has repeatedly asked all Nato members to increase their military spending to 5 per cent. Hungary has also planned for 2 per cent defence spending in this year's budget. On nuclear cooperation, Slovakia signed an agreement with the United States last month and Fico has said US-based Westinghouse was likely to build a new nuclear power plant. He also said after meeting the chief of France's nuclear engineering company Framatome during the week he would welcome more companies taking part in the project. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Morocco is expecting up to 80,000 visitors from India this year, in line with the growth momentum of the previous year, with a focus on group tours, MICE, FIT and older age groups of over 50 years. "We received an overall 20 million international visitors in 2025, of which there were 54,000 Indian travellers. It was over a 31 per cent increase from India from 2024, when we had a footfall of 41,000 visitors from India. In 2024, we hosted 17.4 million international tourists," Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) Country General Manager, India, Jamal Younes Kilito told PTI. The main reason for this growth in footfalls from India can be attributed to our promotions, which began two years back in 2023, and the e-visa facility, he noted. "We set up a tourism office in India in 2023 and began our promotions, and signed many partnerships with Indian tour operators. It resulted in 123 per cent growth in visitor arrivals from India in 2024, as compared with the previous year. It was also aided by convenient e-visa facilities, which take from a few hours to up to four working days," Kilito said. This year, MNTO is primarily targeting segments such as group tours, as one in five Indian visitors opts for a group package, he added. "Besides group tours, we are also looking at tapping into MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), destination weddings, young couples, Free Independent Traveller (FIT) segments. We are also looking at promoting Morocco for the well-travelled older travellers, who are over 50 years of age," said Kilito. In 2026, MNTO hopes the current pace of growth will continue or even improve and looks forward to welcoming 75,000-80,000 Indians to visit Morocco. "The objective is to reach 1,00,000 visitor arrivals from India as soon as possible," he added. There are no direct flights from Morocco to India; however, there are numerous connecting flights between the countries from the Middle East nations. "India and Morocco are also connected by numerous flights from a few European cities," he said. Currently, India is among the top 20 source markets and number two among the Asian countries. "India is among the top 20 source markets, with France being at the top, followed by Spain, the UK, Germany and the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). In Asia, India is the second source market for Morocco after China. Looking at the current growth momentum, we expect India to reach the top 10 rankings in a few years," he stated. Cuba has warned international airlines that refuelling may no longer be possible at its airports as the islands fuel shortage deepens, adding a fresh shock to tourism and daily life in a country already facing acute economic stress, CNBC reported. Air Canada has suspended flights to Cuba, citing an ongoing shortage of aviation fuel, and said it would operate empty flights to bring home roughly 3,000 customers already on the island. The fuel squeeze has intensified after US President Donald Trump ratcheted up pressure on Havana in the wake of a January 3 military operation in Venezuela targeting President Nicolas Maduro, a long-time ally of Cubas government. Trump has since described Cubas government as an unusual and extraordinary threat and pledged tariffs on any country supplying it with oil, a warning that has chilled potential shipments and tightened the squeeze on a system reliant on imported fuel. Why Trump is tightening screws on Cuba US pressure is aimed at raising the cost of sustaining Havanas energy lifeline, particularly flows linked to Venezuela, while also discouraging third countries from stepping in. Analysts tracking the latest measures say the tariff threat is designed to deter would-be suppliers and compound the impact of existing restrictions. The spillover is already visible. Reports of cancelled flights and disruptions to major events suggest how fuel scarcity can quickly hit tourism receipts and access to hard currency, both critical for maintaining basic services. With Venezuelan supplies curtailed and alternative sources wary of US retaliation, Cubas government has moved to conserve fuel through rationing and emergency steps affecting transport, public services and parts of the state economy. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the US move and said: Surrender is not an option. He has also said the government is prepared to hold talks with Washington, albeit without pressure or preconditions". Pressure on Brics The confrontation carries domestic and strategic value for Trump: it reinforces a hardline posture on Cuba and Venezuela while testing whether international partners will defy US tariff threats to keep Cuba supplied. It is also emerging as a credibility test for Brics, after Cuba became a partner country of the bloc from January 1, 2025, deepening ties with countries such as China and Russia. Both China and Russia have rallied behind Cuba amid the deepening crisis. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry said that Beijing stands firmly against the inhumane actions that deprive the Cuban people of their right to subsistence and development". Russia has called Havanas fuel situation truly critical and said US attempts to pressure the country were causing "numerous problems", CNBC reported. Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks over Tehran's nuclear programme next week, the Swiss Foreign Ministry has said. Oman, which welcomed the first round of indirect talks on February 6, will host the talks in Geneva, the Swiss ministry said on Saturday, without specifying which days. After the first discussions, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be "very traumatic". Similar talks last year broke down in June as Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran that included the US bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear programme. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump also has threatened Iran over its deadly crackdown on recent nationwide protests there. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict. Trump said Friday the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, was being sent from the Caribbean to the Mideast to join other military assets the US has built up in the region. He also said a change in power in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen". The indirect talks on February 6 were between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. The top military commander in the Middle East was also present for the first time. The Trump administration has maintained that Iran can have no uranium enrichment under any deal. Tehran says it won't agree to that. Iran has insisted its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. However, its officials increasingly threaten to pursue a nuclear weapon. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his nation is "ready for any kind of verification". However, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has been unable for months to inspect and verify Iran's nuclear stockpile. Trump has suggested in recent weeks that his top priority is for Iran to scale back its nuclear programme. Iran has said it wants talks to focus solely on the nuclear programme. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump in Washington this week, has pressed for any deal to include steps to neutralise Iran's ballistic missile programme and end its funding for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. By Kanoko Matsuyama US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties in a meeting Saturday, as the Asian nation faces escalating tensions with China. The two officials agreed on the need to modernize economic security relations and discussed Beijings latest trade and export measures against Japan, according a State Department readout released after their talks in Munich. China has stepped up diplomatic and economic pressure on Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo might come to the aid of Taiwan the self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its own in the event of a conflict with China. Beijing last month imposed some controls on exports to Japan. All dual-use items are banned from being shipped to Japan for military use or for any other end-user purposes that could enhance Japans military capabilities, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said, without elaborating. Tokyo has criticised the restrictions as unacceptable, further straining an already tense relationship between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi invoked Japans World War II history of aggression in comments at the Munich Security Conference and warned Takaichi against a return to militarism. He said her support for Taiwan was a very dangerous development for Asia. Wang met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. The remarks by Chinas top diplomat are a rebuke to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who used his appearance at the conference on Friday to downplay tensions with Beijing. Even though we have differences, we have disagreements, Japans stance is very clear we are always open to dialogue, Koizumi said. We are not going to shut down any channels, regardless of our differences. He said Takaichis overwhelming election victory this month, in which she won a rare supermajority, gave me the courage to push our security policy. Read more: Takaichi Triumphs With Japans Biggest Post-War Election Victory Japan will still need to be careful explaining to the public why Tokyo needs to strengthen its security policy, by explaining what we are seeing around us, said Koizumi. Takaichi is due to visit Washington in March to meet with President Donald Trump, ahead of US leaders planned trip to China the following month. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his international allies for their support but suggested there was still questions remaining over the future security guarantees for his country. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday, Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked American and European allies for helping Ukraine by providing air defence systems that protect infrastructure like power plants and "save lives". Previous US-led efforts to find consensus on ending the war, most recently two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, have failed to resolve difficult issues, such as the future of Ukraine's Donbas industrial heartland that is largely occupied by Russian forces. Later with reporters, Zelenskyy questioned how the concept of a free trade zone - proposed by the US - would work in the Donbas region which Russia insists Kyiv must give up in order to get peace. He also said the Americans want peace as quickly as possible and that US team wants to sign all the agreements on Ukraine at the same time whereas Ukraine wants guarantees over the country's future security signed first. European nations, including the UK and France, have already said they will commit troops to Ukraine to guarantee its future security. The US is also expected to be involved and discussions are currently ongoing about the nature of America's support. Russian officials are opposed to any foreign troop presence in Ukraine, Zelenskyy suggested, because Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to have the opportunity to attack Ukraine again. Zelenskyy also said he was surprised that Moscow had replaced the head of its negotiating team before another round of US-brokered talks and suggested the move was deliberately aimed at delaying negotiations. The talks take place against a backdrop of continued fighting along the roughly 1,250-kilometre (750-mile) front line, relentless Russian bombardment of civilian areas of Ukraine and the country's power grid, and Kyiv's almost daily long-range drone attacks on war-related assets on Russian soil. During negotiations, Russian officials have insisted Ukraine give up more territory in the east of the country to end the war. But Zelenskyy told The Associated Press that it was "a little bit crazy" to suggest Ukraine withdraw from its own territory or exchange it. Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending the country's Donbas region, he said, pointing out that 200,000 people also live there and it would not be acceptable to effectively hand them over to Russia. Zelenskyy also questioned how the concept of a free economic zone would work. "Imagine," he said, if foreign soldiers patrolled the zone and Putin provoked them and they left. In that case, he said, there could be a "big occupation" of Ukraine and a lot of losses. If Putin is given any opportunity for victory "we don't know what he will do next", Zelenskyy said. Such a model, Zelenskyy told the AP, would have "big risks" for Ukraine and for any country which committed to guaranteeing Ukraine's security. But he said he was ready to discuss it as it could be important as a compromise in exchange for securing support to reconstruct Ukraine. During negotiations, Moscow has to accept monitoring of a ceasefire and return some 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war in exchange for more than 4,000 Russian prisoners held by Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. Earlier on Saturday, drone strikes killed one person in Ukraine and another in Russia, Ukrainian officials said, ahead of fresh talks next week in Geneva aimed at ending the war. An elderly woman died when a Russian drone hit a residential building in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. In Russia, a civilian was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on a car in the border region of Bryansk, regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said. Russia-installed authorities said a Ukrainian airstrike on a village Saturday wounded 15 people in Ukraine's partially occupied Luhansk region. The attacks came a day after a Ukrainian missile strike on the Russian border city of Belgorod killed two people and wounded five, according to regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. MARCO RUBIO: Thank you We gather here today as members of a historic alliance, an alliance that saved and changed the world. You know, when this conference began in 1963, it was in a nation, actually it was on a continent, it was divided against itself. The line between communism and freedom ran through the heart of Germany. The first barbed fences of the Berlin Wall had gone up just two years prior. And just months before that first conference, before our predecessors first met here, here in Munich, the Cuban Missile Crisis had brought the world to the brink of nuclear destruction. Even as World War II still burned fresh in the memory of Americans and Europeans alike, we found ourselves staring down the barrel of a new global catastrophe, one with the potential for a new kind of destruction, more apocalyptic and final than anything before in the history of mankind. The time of that first gathering, Soviet communism was on the march. Thousands of years of Western civilization hung in the balance. At that time, victory was far from certain. But we were driven by a common purpose. We were unified, not just by what we were fighting against. We were unified by what we were fighting for. And together, Europe and America prevailed. And a continent was rebuilt. Our people prospered. In time, the East and West blocs were reunited. A civilization was once again made whole. That infamous wall that had cleaved this nation into two came down, and with it an evil empire. And the East and West became one again. But the euphoria of this triumph led us to a dangerous delusion. That we had entered, quote, the end of history. That every nation would now be a liberal democracy. That the ties formed by trade and by commerce alone would now replace nationhood. That the rules-based global order, an overused term, would now replace the national interest. And that we would now live in a world without borders where everyone became a citizen of the world. This was a foolish idea that ignored both human nature and it ignored the lessons of over 5,000 years of recorded human history. And it has cost us dearly. In this delusion, we embraced a dogmatic vision of free and unfettered trade, even as some nations protected their economies and subsidized their companies, to systematically undercut ours, shuttering our plants, resulting in large parts of our societies being de-industrialized, shipping millions of working and middle-class jobs overseas, and handing control of our critical supply chains to both adversaries and rivals. We increasingly outsourced our sovereignty to international institutions while many nations invested in massive welfare states at the cost of maintaining the ability to defend themselves. This, even as other countries have invested in the most rapid military build-up in all of human history and have not hesitated to use hard power to pursue their own interests. To appease a climate cult, we have imposed energy policies on ourselves that are impoverishing our people, even as our competitors exploit oil and coal and natural gas and anything else not just to power their economies, but to use as leverage against our own. And in a pursuit of a world without borders, we opened our doors to an unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies, the continuity of our culture, and the future of our people. We made these mistakes together, and now together we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward to rebuild. Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration, driven by a vision of a future as proud, as sovereign, and as vital as our civilizations past. And while we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe. For the United States and Europe, we belong together. America was founded 250 years ago, but the roots began here on this continent long before. The men who settled and built the nation of my birth arrived on our shores carrying the memories and the traditions and the Christian faith of their ancestors as a sacred inheritance, an unbreakable link between the old world and the new. We are part of one civilization, Western civilization. We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir. And so this is why we Americans may sometimes come off as a little direct and urgent in our counsel. This is why President Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe. The reason why, my friends, is because we care deeply. We care deeply about your future and ours. And if at times we disagree, our disagreements come from our profound sense of concern about a Europe with which we are connected, not just economically, not just militarily. We are connected spiritually and we are connected culturally. We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive. Because the two great wars of the last century serve for us as historys constant reminder that ultimately our destiny is, and will always be, intertwined with yours. Because we know that the fate of Europe will never be irrelevant to our own. National security, which this conference is largely about, is not merely a series of technical questions. How much we spend on defense or where, how we deploy it, these are important questions. They are. But they are not the fundamental one. The fundamental question we must answer at the outset is what exactly are we defending? Because armies do not fight for abstractions. Armies fight for a people. Armies fight for a nation. Armies fight for a way of life. And that is what we are defending. A great civilization that has every reason to be proud of its history, confident of its future, and aims to always be the master of its own economic and political destiny. It was here, in Europe, where the ideas that planted the seeds of liberty that changed the world were born. It was here, in Europe, where the world, which gave the world the rule of law, the universities, and the scientific revolution. It was this continent that produced the genius of Mozart and Beethoven, of Dante and Shakespeare, of Michelangelo and da Vinci, of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. And this is the place where the vaulted ceilings of the Sistine Chapel and the towering spires of the great cathedral in Cologne, they testify not just to the greatness of our past or to a faith in God that inspired these marvels. They foreshadow the wonders that await us in our future. But only if we are unapologetic in our heritage and proud of this common inheritance can we together begin the work of envisioning and shaping our economic and our political future. Deindustrialization was not inevitable. It was a conscious policy choice, a decades-long economic undertaking that stripped our nations of their wealth, of their productive capacity, and of their independence. And the loss of our supply chain sovereignty was not a function of a prosperous and healthy system of global trade. It was foolish. It was a foolish but voluntary transformation of our economy that left us dependent on others for our needs and dangerously vulnerable to crisis. Mass migration is not, was not, is some fringe concern of little consequence. It was and continues to be a crisis which is transforming and destabilizing societies all across the West. Together we can re-industrialize our economies and rebuild our capacity to defend our people. But the work of this new alliance should not be focused just on military cooperation and reclaiming the industries of the past. It should also be focused on together advancing our mutual interests and new frontiers, unshackling our ingenuity, our creativity, and the dynamic spirit to build a new Western century. Commercial space travel and cutting-edge artificial intelligence, industrial automation and flex manufacturing, creating a Western supply chain for critical minerals not vulnerable to extortion from other powers, and a unified effort to compete for market share in the economies of the global South. Together we can not only take back control of our own industries and supply chains, we can prosper in the areas that will define the 21st century. But we must also gain control of our national borders. Controlling who and how many people enter our countries, this is not an expression of xenophobia, it is not hate, it is a fundamental act of national sovereignty. And the failure to do so is not just an abdication of one of our most basic duties owed to our people. It is an urgent threat to the fabric of our societies and the survival of our civilization itself. And finally, we can no longer place the so-called global order above the vital interests of our people and our nations. We do not need to abandon the system of international cooperation we authored, and we dont need to dismantle the global institutions of the old order that together we built. But these must be reformed. These must be rebuilt. For example, the United Nations still has tremendous potential to be a tool for good in the world, but we cannot ignore that today on the most pressing matters before us, it has no answers and has played virtually no role. It could not solve the war in Gaza, instead it was American leadership that freed captives from barbarians and brought about a fragile truce. It has not solved the war in Ukraine. It took American leadership in partnership with many of the countries here today just to bring the two sides to the table in search of a still elusive peace. It was powerless to constrain the nuclear program of radical Shia clerics in Tehran. That required 14 bombs dropped with precision from American B-2 bombers. And it was unable to address the threat to our security from a narco-terrorist dictator in Venezuela. Instead, it took American special forces to bring this fugitive to justice. In a perfect world, all of these problems and more would be solved by diplomats and strongly worded resolutions, but we do not live in a perfect world, and we cannot continue to allow those who blatantly and openly threaten our citizens and endanger our global stability to shield themselves behind abstractions of international law which they themselves routinely violate. This is the path that President Trump and the United States has embarked upon. It is the path we ask you here in Europe to join us on. It is a path we have walked together before and hope to walk together again. For five centuries before the end of the Second World War, the West had been expanding. Its missionaries, its pilgrims, its soldiers, its explorers, pouring out from its shores to cross oceans, settle new continents, build vast empires extending out across the globe. But in 1945, for the first time since the age of Columbus, it was contracting. Europe was in ruins. Half of it lived behind an iron curtain and the rest looked like it would soon follow. The great Western empires had entered into terminal decline, accelerated by godless communist revolutions and by anti-colonial uprisings that would transform the world and drape the red hammer and sickle across vast swaths of the map in the years to come. Against that backdrop, then as now, many came to believe that the Wests age of dominance had come to an end and that our future was destined to be a faint and feeble echo of our past. But together, our predecessors recognized that decline was a choice and it was a choice they refused to make. This is what we did together once before and this is what President Trump and the United States want to do again now, together with you. And this is why we do not want our allies to be weak. Because that makes us weaker. We want allies who can defend themselves so that no adversary will ever be tempted to test our collective strength. This is why we do not want our allies to be shackled by guilt and shame. We want allies who are proud of their culture and of their heritage, who understand that we are heirs to the same great and noble civilization, and who, together with us, are willing and able to defend it. And this is why we do not want allies to rationalize the broken status quo, rather than reckon with what is necessary to fix it. For we in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the Wests managed decline. We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history. What we want is a reinvigorated alliance that recognizes that what has ailed our societies is not just a set of bad policies, but a malaise of hopelessness and complacency. An alliance that we want is one that is not paralyzed into inaction by fear. Fear of climate change, fear of war, fear of technology. Instead, we want an alliance that boldly races into the future. And the only fear we have is the fear of the shame of not leaving our nations prouder, stronger, and wealthier for our children. An alliance ready to defend our people, to safeguard our interests, and to preserve the freedom of action that allows us to shape our own destiny, not one that exists to operate a global welfare state and atone for the purported sins of past generations. An alliance that does not allow its power to be outsourced, constrained, or subordinated to systems beyond its control. One that does not depend on others for the critical necessities of its national life. And one that does not maintain the polite pretense that our way of life is just one among many, and that asks for permission before it acts. And above all, an alliance based on the recognition that we, the West, have inherited together, what we have inherited together is something that is unique, and distinctive, and irreplaceable. Because this, after all, is the very foundation of the transatlantic bond. Acting together in this way, we will not just help recover a sane foreign policy. It will restore to us a clear sense of ourselves. It will restore a place in the world. And in so doing, it will rebuke and deter the forces of civilizational erasure that today menace both America and Europe alike. So in a time of headlines, heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish. Because for us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe. Our story began with an Italian explorer whose adventure into the great unknown to discover a new world brought Christianity to the Americas and became the legend that defined the imagination of our pioneer nation. Our first colonies were built by English settlers, to whom we owe not just the language we speak, but the whole of our political and legal system. Our frontiers were shaped by Scots-Irish, that proud, hardy clan from the hills of Ulster that gave us Davy Crockett, and Mark Twain, and Teddy Roosevelt, and Neil Armstrong. Our great Midwestern heartland was built by German farmers and craftsmen who transformed empty plains into a global agricultural powerhouse. And by the way, dramatically upgraded the quality of American beer. Our expansion into the interior followed the footsteps of French fur traders and explorers whose names, by the way, still adorn the street signs and town names all across the Mississippi Valley. Our horses, our ranches, our rodeos, the entire romance of the cowboy archetype that became synonymous with the American West. These were born in Spain, and our largest and most iconic city was named New Amsterdam before it was named New York. And you know that in the year that my country was founded, Lorenzo and Catalina Giroldi lived in Casal Monferrato in the kingdom of Piedmont, Sardinia, and Jose and Manuela Reyna lived in Sevilla, Spain. I dont know what, if anything, they knew about the 13 colonies which had gained their independence from the British Empire, but heres what Im certain of. They could have never imagined that 250 years later, one of their direct descendants would be back here today on this continent as the chief diplomat of that infant nation. And yet here I am, reminded by my own story that both our histories and our fates will always be linked. Together we rebuilt a shattered continent in the wake of two devastating world wars. When we found ourselves divided once again by the Iron Curtain, the Free West linked arms with the courageous dissidents struggling against tyranny in the East to defeat Soviet Communism. We have fought against each other, then reconciled, then fought, then reconciled again. And we have bled and died side by side on battlefields from Qheppyong to Kandahar. And Im here today to leave it clear that America is charting the path for a new century of prosperity and that once again we want to do it together with you, our cherished allies, and our oldest friends. We want to do it together with you, with a Europe that is proud of its heritage and of its history, with a Europe that has the spirit of creation and liberty that sent ships out into uncharted seas and birthed our civilization, with a Europe that has the means to defend itself and the will to survive. We should be proud of what we achieved together in the last century, but now we must confront and embrace the opportunities of a new one. Because yesterday is over, the future is inevitable, and our destiny together awaits. Thank you. TRANSITION year students from across Carlow embraced their inner Hollywood at the Rubbish Film Festival awards at Visual last week. The film festival centres around celebrating the environmental awareness and creativity of TY students from across the county. The Best Film Award went to St Mary's Knockbeg College for their film 'Whispers of the Forest'. Also shown are environmental awareness officer Dee Sewell and teacher Rachel Hott (right) In total, nine Carlow schools participated in the festival, where groups of 12 TY students from each of the schools produced a short film and a poster exploring the issues of waste and sustainability, while linking the United Nations sustainable development goals to the relevant themes in their films. The Best Poster Award went to St Leo's College, whose TY students are pictured with Dee Sewell and teacher Sean O'Flaherty Knockbeg College scooped the festivals main award for best film, with Presentation de la Salle College in Bagenalstown named as best runners-up. Transition year students from Borris College, whose film 'Sinners' was an entrant in the Rubbish Film Festival St Marys CBS won the award for the most impactful film, while St Leos College came away with the award for best poster. Knockbeg and St Leos will go on to represent Carlow at a national awards ceremony in April. The Rubbish Film Festival is powered by Create Schools, an organisation that focuses on developing communication and media production skills in students through different workshops and initiatives. Dave Sheehan from Create Schools, who worked directly with the students, said they showed remarkable creativity and ownership in telling powerful environmental stories. The Impact Award went to St Mary's CBS for their film 'You Are What You Eat'. Also pictured are teachers Tara Fitzharris and Patrick Brennan Each of the award winners received Rubbish Film Festival t-shirts, sponsored by JD Sports, and also a mystery clothing gift pack from Change Clothes that were provided by Carlow Co Council. The quality of work was exceptional and showed how effectively young people can link local action with global sustainability goals, said Carlow Co Council environmental awareness officer Dee Sewell. The event was funded by the county council and the national anti-litter and dumping grant. DURING the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, my family were told to vacate our house within 28 days. We had nowhere to go. After all, the whole country was in lockdown, and the housing market was barren. A letter through our post box was all it took to turn our lives upside down. Faith Kennedy Delaney Five years later, we are still living out of boxes and have moved four times. Although I have returned to university, I still think about the 18-year-old girl who put aside her academic aspirations because she knew the financial burden it would place on her family. According to Focus Ireland, there are 16,614 homeless adults and children; however, these figures dont include the hidden homeless population of Ireland. These are people who are staying with family, friends, on sofas or in their cars. Our neighbours, colleagues, classmates and families could be suffering, and we would never notice which is why I am writing about the harrowing effects the housing crisis has on all of us. I understood that asking people to be interviewed for an article about homelessness would be a difficult task; however, my first interviewee was more than happy for her experiences to be made public. Often couch-surfing or depending on relatives is the only way to survive Couch surfing and relatives I met Erica in a coffee shop close to her workplace. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to interview Erica because she commutes over two hours a day to work. Unfortunately for Erica and her family, her landlord sold the apartment they had been renting for three years, and they had nowhere to stay. Between couch-surfing and depending on relatives to let them stay in spare bedrooms, they felt like a burden to those around them. There are currently over 16,500 homeless adults and children, according to Focus Ireland Eventually, the family were put on the waiting list for a new council housing development in early 2024. This development was due to be completed and occupied by summer 2024, yet the family are still waiting to move in. We had our child placed in a local national school, but with no home we were desperately texting around everybody we knew the week before school started in September, looking for somewhere to stay, said Ericas partner. During their battle with Fingal County Council, they found that the local TDs were hesitant to speak with them. Severe lack of communication From personal experience, my family also found it difficult to get a meeting with any local councillor or TD. Emails, calls and letters were blatantly ignored by the people we voted for in elections. In addition to this, there is a severe lack of communication between government departments and local councils. When I interviewed my mother about her attempts to reach out for help, she told me: You cant get a hold of anyone. A lot of the people who work for the housing association or council act like theyre giving you a house out of their own pockets. They make you feel like youre sub-human, looking down on us because we have nowhere to live. As Erica tells me more about her experience with her new house, it seems to me that the government is cutting corners to develop these new housing estates as quickly as possible, but at a huge cost. Erica spoke of the residents who moved into the first phase of the development, who found issues throughout their newly-built houses. Recently, there has been a degree of criticism about the governments new housing plan. RTE had been interviewing people around Carlow to get their take on the situation here. In one interview, a local mother mentioned how she is still living in her childhood bedroom, but now shes sleeping beside her own child. This is the harsh reality of the housing crisis grown families still living at home with grandparents. Yet my daily commute to university includes hundreds of students passing handfuls of derelict sites. What hope do we have? More angry than upset As Erica and I left our meeting feeling slightly more angry than we were upset, I began to reminisce on my personal experiences of the housing crisis. My belongings stay hidden away in boxes beneath my bed; our belongings are kept in a storage unit. They stay packed away in case we have to move again. Due to my family renting our current home from a housing association, the property is in dire condition. Most properties acquired by either the council or a housing agency have been left vacant or are not maintained for extended periods of time. This negligence leads to unsuitable housing: insufficient plumbing, dampness and mould, and sometimes no insulation in the house. A previous property we lived in was found to be not fit for human habitation and was condemned by Kildare County Council. The landlord refused to fix the property and sold it to a developer instead. The average rent in Carlow for a two-bedroom apartment stands at 1,411 We were back at square one. A family without a place to call home, and none of the local TDs wanted to help us find a replacement house. The average rent in Carlow for a two-bedroom apartment stands at 1,411, according to Daft.ie. And the Irish Times says that Ireland is the ninth most expensive city in Europe. The consistent rent increases and the living wage in Ireland dont align with each other. This is why a majority of young people (Millennials and Gen Z) are choosing to emigrate abroad. Waiting lists for council houses are clearly too long, and a living wage doesnt equate to affording a house here. A constant fear looms over every young person in Ireland: even if we get our degrees and our jobs, will it be worth it in the end? Will we continue queuing up to view houses, only for the property to be sold to a vulture fund from halfway across the world? Growing sense of distrust As a young person living in Ireland, I truly believe the chances of owning a house are slim to none, with a growing distrust in my local and national government. I have been forced to go from house to house, hoping we will be able to stay in each one longer than the last. As silly as it sounds, I dont and have not felt at home for a very long time. Living out of boxes and a storage locker has been normal for the past four years. It doesnt feel normal, and it never will feel normal. The issues faced by families across the country are continually ignored, not just by the government, but by their relatives, friends and co-workers. To me, it feels like those of us in need are being treated as burdens on the system the same system that is completely damaged and, in turn, is a burden on us. When conversations regarding the housing crisis arise in Ireland, many are quick to point the finger at innocent refugees who are fleeing war-torn countries. In reality, we should be blaming our own government for its shortcomings. Nothing has changed Over 100 years of Irish independence, and nothing has changed. With every housing target missed by our government, the number of homeless families increases. Although its not my place to challenge anyones beliefs, it seems clear to me that the government isnt doing enough for either the Irish-born citizens of this country or the innocent immigrants who are receiving the brunt of the blame for the housing crisis. As we come to the end of this article, not only do I hope it gives you, as readers, an insight into the housing crisis through the eyes of a university student, but I also hope that the conversation surrounding these ongoing issues should be spoken about more openly. Irish people love to say everything is grand, when in reality all is not grand at all. Finally, Id like to give huge thanks to everyone who allowed me to use their stories for this article, and to everyone I interviewed and met, with whom I share a difficult but inspiring experience as a result of our mistreatments. Without these shared stories, we would all feel lonelier and more heartbroken about our shared circumstances. photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer photo by James Boofer Previous Next The University of Tennessee men's basketball team withstood a valiant comeback effort from visiting LSU for a 73-63 victory Saturday night at a sold-out Food City Center. Freshman forward Nate Ament led the way with a game-high 22 points for Tennessee (18-7, 8-4 SEC) in a decision that made head coach Rick Barnes the ninth person ever to win 250 games at two Division I schools. Early in the first half, the Volunteers held LSU (14-11, 2-10 SEC) without a field goal for 6:10, forcing nine consecutive misses and not allowing a point for 3:26. During that span, they went on an 8-0 run in just 1:57 to take a 10-point edge, 17-7, with 11:22 on the timer.Tennessee extended the margin to a game-best dozen, 31-19, with 4:44 left before the break on a 3-pointer by sophomore guard, who already had eight points on 3-of-3 shooting at that time after not scoring since Dec. 30. However, LSU bounced back from a 4-of-20 start from the floor to make five field goals in a row and get its deficit down to 35-29, just 39 ticks before the break.The score held steady the rest of the session and the Volunteers took that six-point lead into the locker room, aided by a 13-of-26 (50.0 percent) clip from the field.LSU opened the second half with back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the score, en route to pushing its hot-shooting stretch to 9-of-10. That helped the Tigers take their first lead of the night, 42-41, with 15:35 remaining. They twice extended their margin to three, as the field-goal stretch reached 11-of-14.Tennessee, though, countered with a 15-4 surgeit ended with eight points in a rowover 3:51 to go in front by eight, 58-50, with 9:28 to go. The advantage reached nine multiple times, but LSU again chipped away, this time trimming it to four, 64-60, with 4:48 left.The Volunteers responded by scoring nine of the final 12 points, the last five of which came on free throws by Ament in the closing 87 seconds, to earn the double-digit victory. Tennessee forced the Tigers into misses on each of their last seven attempts from the floor, as they did not make a shot in the last 4:48.Along with his ninth 20-point showing of the year, Ament pulled down a co-game-high nine rebounds, tied for his second-most as a collegian. He went 10-of-11 at the free-throw line, marking his second time with double-figure makes.Redshirt sophomore forwardnotched 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting, plus matched Ament with nine boards. Senior guardadded 12 points and a game-best six assists, while Burg finished with eight points to tie his second-highest total as a collegian.Freshman guard Jalen Reece co-led LSU with a career-high 15 points, finishing 3-of-5 from 3-point range and hitting all four of his free throws. He also paced the Tigers with four assists.Fifth-year Marquel Sutton matched him with 15 points and tied for the game lead with nine rebounds. Graduate forward Pablo Tamba had 13 points, while junior forward Michael Nwoko added 10.Tennessee, which led for 34:22 and trailed for only 3:26, ended the night with a commanding 45-24 edge on the glass, including a 16-8 tally on the offensive end. That helped lead to a 22-4 margin in second-chance points and a 34-18 tally in paint points.The victors held LSU to a 21-of-55 (38.2 percent) clip from the field, while shooting 25-of-54 (46.3 percent) at the other end.Tennessee plays a second consecutive home game Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Oklahoma, live on ESPN2 from Food City Center. The third-ranked Lady Vols picked up a pair of wins on Friday at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.In Game 1, Tennessee (7-0) knocked off No. 11 Nebraska 4-1 before out-pacing James Madison in Game 2, 11-0 in the nightcap.At the plate,went 3-for-6 on the day with four runs and two doubles.also had a solid day, going 4-for-9 with a run, two doubles and three RBIs.In the circle,picked up two wins, finished with nine strikeouts and two walks. Nuwer allowed just one hit in five innings of work.tossed three innings on Friday, with four strikeouts, three walks and earned a save against Nebraska.started against James Madison. She tossed three frames and recorded two strikeouts.started versus Nebraska and went three innings. She struck out four and walked two.GAME 1: #3 Tennessee 4, #11 Nebraska 1Tennessee used a three-run fifth inning and strong relief pitching to defeat Nebraska 4-1 on Friday.The Huskers struck first in the third. After a leadoff walk and a single put two runners aboard, Farrell lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Coor and give Nebraska a 1-0 lead.The Lady Vols answered in the fourth.doubled to left-center and came around to score whensingled to shortstop, tying the game at 1-1.Tennessee took control in the fifth.led off with a single and moved into scoring position beforedelivered a two-run double to left-center, scoringand. Moments later, Leach crossed the plate on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 4-1.In the circle, Tennessee relied on a trio of pitchers. Starterallowed one run in three innings before giving way toand then. The bullpen combined to hold Nebraska without a hit over the final four innings.Nuwer earned the win, while Pickens picked up the save.Leach paced the offense with a two-run double, while Dodge added a double and scored a run. Tennessee finished with four runs on seven hits and played error-free defense, limiting Nebraska to one run on one hit despite issuing several walks.GAME 2: #3 Tennessee 11, James Madison 0Tennessee broke open a scoreless game with a three-run fourth inning and rolled to an 11-0 shutout of James Madison on Friday.After being held in check through the first three innings, the Lady Vols struck in the fourth.singled and stole second before Clarke ripped an RBI double down the left-field line to plate the game's first run. Moments later, Clarke stole home during a double steal, and Butt added an RBI single to push the lead to 3-0.Tennessee added three more runs in the fifth. Following a pair of walks and a wild pitch that brought home, Rutan delivered a two-run single up the middle to extend the advantage to 6-0.The Lady Vols continued to apply pressure in the sixth when Knight walked, advanced on a passed ball and scored on Dodge's double down the right-field line.Tennessee put the game out of reach in the seventh with four runs on five hits.drove in two with a single to center,followed with an RBI double, andcapped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.In the circle, Peyton Hardenburg made her first career start and collegiate debut. She tossed three innings before giving way to Nuwer. They combined for a four-hit shutout. Nuwer got the win, her second of the night.DUE UPTennessee is back in action Saturday with two games against No. 23 Florida Atlantic at noon ET, followed by a Women's College World Series rematch against No. 6 UCLA at 4 p.m. State of Tennessee officials, State Senator Bo Watson, and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp on Sunday announced plans to create a signature state park at McDonald Farm. Governor Bill Lees proposed state budget includes $45.3 million to help transform more than 1,300 acres of the historic property into Tennessees next great state park, officials said. Hamilton County has a unique opportunity to both preserve the iconic landscape of McDonald Farm and create an economic engine that will connect the Cumberland Trail to Sale Creek, said County Mayor Wamp. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lee and TDEC for proposing funding that would represent the largest parks investment in Hamilton County history and the largest single capital investment ever made in North Hamilton County. Under the proposed terms and with approval by the County Commission, approximately 800 acres in Hamilton County and 500 acres in Rhea County would be conveyed to the State, while Hamilton County would retain roughly 800 acres. Of the acreage retained by Hamilton County, more than 250 acres will remain a county park, including preservation of the storied homestead, which annually hosts the Hamilton County Fair. This is a major win for Hamilton County, said Senator Watson. Governor Lees $45.3 million investment protects this beautiful property, strengthens outdoor recreation, and delivers a strong return for taxpayers. Im proud to support a project that preserves McDonald Farm and enhances quality of life in our community. According to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), state parks of similar scope generate $11 million in annual economic output and support an average of 77 jobs. The State has also committed $1 million annually for park operations and plans for camping and recreational amenities, including construction of a visitor center. As part of Governor Lees commitment to expand Tennessees state park system to 70 parks, McDonald Farm is positioned to become the states 70th park. Tennessee State Parks is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing our natural resources with Tennesseans and visitors alike, said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brian Clifford. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with local leaders toward the goal of conserving a significant portion of McDonald Farm and adding it to Tennessees enduring legacy of conservation. District 1 Hamilton County Commissioner Gene-O Shipley, who represents Soddy-Daisy and Sale Creek, has been a leading advocate for protecting McDonald Farm and ensuring its future use as a recreational asset for the community. For years, the people in my district and Hamilton County have asked us to preserve McDonald Farm, and today, were doing just that, said Commissioner Shipley. This decision protects our quality of life and ensures this land remains intact for future generations. A resolution will be brought before the Hamilton County Commission in the coming weeks to signal its intent to transfer the land to the State of Tennessee. Johnny Eagle (Harold Loyd) was born on Dec. 7, 1938. At his birth little did he know the date would become Pearl Harbor Day, a day of infamy. Mr. Eagle said he didnt remember a lot about the date but his parents reminded him every birthday about its importance in history. Mr. Eagle passed away Feb. 7, 2026 but left a trail of unforgettable broadcast memories. Eagle served in the United States Air Force as a communications specialist. He related some fond memories of being stationed in Hawaii where he opened his first microphone. In 1959, Johnny Eagle got a job at WFPA in Fort Payne, Al. and in 1961 he moved to WFLI in Chattanooga as afternoon DJ; later sales manager and general manager of the station. Mr. Eagle was the architect of a top forty radio format that took WFLI to one of the top rated stations in Chattanooga for over a decade. Eagle served as managing partner of WJTT in the 1980s and in the 1990s, opened the Eagle Barter Exchange. He later joined with his friends Marshall Bandy and Ben Cagle, founding the Top 40 music channel on the internet. For the last 20 years, Johnny Eagle and his family have owned and operated Paragon Printing. Johnny said the business was based on faith, work and purpose. This writer never worked for Johnny Eagle although he tried to hire me several times as his news director. In 2023, I sat beside Johnny Eagle at his induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame at Columbia, Tn. When his name was called he whispered, Earl, this one of the happiest moments of my life. This writer was honored to spend the afternoon with Johnny Eagle before his Hall of Fame induction. We ate lunch, enjoyed ice cream (one of Johnnys favorite desserts) and then we walked around the historic city with Judge Russell Bean, Ben Cagle and his very special friend Mary Jane Zeihm. Johnny enjoyed history and he got to see the home of the 11th United States President James K. Polk. Although Johnny Eagle excelled in broadcasting, his life wasnt about himself. Shortly after the un-expected passing of my granddaughter, I visited Johnny Eagle at Memorial North Park Hospital. When I walked in the door the first thing he said was, Earl, Im so sorry, tell me about your granddaughter. I kept the answer short realizing he was very weak. We had a short prayer. I told him I loved him and wanted him out of the hospital very soon so we could go to breakfast again. Johnny was part of a group of broadcasters who have eggs and coffee at Wallys and Wimpees Restaurants. Johnny Eagle was a volunteer. Nothing happened on Fridays until after he completed his Meals on Wheels Rounds, something he started with his late wife, Jackie. Johnny Eagle loved to work with veterans, volunteering to assist with several programs sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203. Johnny Eagle was active at the First Baptist Church in downtown Chattanooga and loved his Sunday school teacher Billy Hewitt. He was very close to one of the churches pastors, Dr. Gary Carver. Mr. Eagle said Dr. Carver came to him wanting to start some type of radio ministry. Mr. Eagle said he told his pastor, Why not something a little different, short stories with a positive message, something like, 'Gotta a Minute.' The broadcaster helped his pastor develop the idea which ran on many radio stations as a 60 second announcement, Gotta a Minute. Mr. Eagle later assisted Dr. Carver in compiling those short stories into book form. Mr. Eagle said his favorite was, Procrastinators Club; you can put off making up your mind, but cannot put off making up your life. Longtime morning radio announcer Luther Masingill said, Gotta a Minute, was the most positive messages hed ever aired on his program. A service of celebration for Johnny Eagle was held last Friday at Chattanoogas First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry (his current pastor) and broadcasters David Carroll and Ben Cagle providing comments and short stories. Mr. Carroll read Psalm 23, one of Johnny Eagles favorite scripture passages. After full military honors, Johnny Eagle was laid to rest at the VA Chattanooga National Cemetery. Working across the river at a another radio station, I remember hearing Johnny Eagle say at an Associated Press Broadcasters meeting, something like, Ladies and Gentlemen as radio announcers we have to know what we say on the air is very important, it has an impact on thousands of lives. Be prepared, know your message and ask yourself the question before you open the mic, Who Cares. Johnny Eagle leaves us big footprints to follow and we in the communications industry can all learn a little more by his example. Well done, Johnny Eagle, my fellow Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee. One of Johnny Eagle's last Facebook posts sums up this 87 year old broadcasters life: If I die tomorrow, Ill be with the Lord, if I live tomorrow, Lord will be with me. Either way. I belong to the Lord, Im thankful for that, AMEN. Home News Travel: Discovering Gothic splendor, saints and relics in Sens Quick Summary AI Summary Sens, France, offers Gothic splendor and historical significance beyond Paris. Sens Cathedral, dating to the early 12th century, exemplifies early Gothic architecture. The city features relics associated with Thomas Becket and a recently reopened museum. 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 Most visitors to France never look beyond Paris. That is a mistake. Sens, a city of about 27,000 souls located some 80 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, was once a major center of power and religious authority. That past is evident in its cathedral, one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. Sens Cathedral, formally known as St. Stephens Cathedral, dates to the early 12th century, when builders were beginning to move beyond the heavy mass and limited light of Romanesque architecture. The then-new Gothic pointed arch was not merely decorative; it was an engineering solution that transformed how large churches and cathedrals could be built. What makes the cathedral especially compelling is not only its architectural importance but also its survival. The French Revolution proved catastrophic for many churches, whose interiors were stripped or repurposed. Sens escaped the worst of this destruction. Among the survivals are four 12th-century stained-glass windows, an 18th-century choir screen, and the imposing marble mausoleum of Louis, the dauphin of France. Louis was the son of King Louis XV and the father of three future kings: Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. The dauphin died before he could ascend the throne. The importance of Sens Cathedral extends beyond architecture and royal history. It occupies a notable place in Christian history through its association with Thomas Becket, the martyred archbishop of Canterbury, whose conflict with King Henry II ended in his murder in 1170 and his canonization soon after. During his exile from England, Becket found refuge in Sens. Relics associated with Becket can be seen at the recently reopened Sens Museum, housed in the former archbishops palace. Among the objects on display is a nearly complete set of liturgical vestments connected to him. The museum also preserves other relics that attest to the citys former prominence in medieval religious life, including fragments traditionally identified as belonging to the true cross and the crown of thorns. In the medieval era, such objects were not curiosities but focal points of devotion that drew pilgrims from afar. Beyond the cathedral, Sens reveals a different but equally instructive history. The historic city center, once enclosed by walls, retains a significant number of half-timbered houses. Their exposed beams and irregular facades speak to centuries of incremental change rather than wholesale reconstruction. The buildings remain in everyday use, giving the center a distinct lived-in character rather than the feel of an area frequented only by tourists. Sens also benefits from geography. For those interested in all things wine, it's an excellent home base for exploring three of Frances top wine appellations. Chablis lies less than an hour away. To the west is Sancerre. Even the Champagne region can be reached comfortably within a days drive. While wine production has existed around Sens since antiquity, it was wiped out in the late 19th century by the phylloxera parasite, which devastated vineyards. That history is now being revisited at Domaine des Senons. The family-owned winery has singlehandedly revived local viticulture here on the edge of Burgundy. What Sens lacks in size, it makes up for in what it offers visitors. Those who make the effort to come here are rewarded with a pleasant surprise. If you go Getting here requires a car. I flew into Charles de Gaulle and picked up my rental from Enterprise, one of several agencies at the airport. The process was straightforward and no different from any airport car rental experience back home. Be sure to reserve a car with built-in GPS or bring a smartphone with a working mapping application. A short drive from Sens is Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. The town retains two monumental medieval gates that are still used by modern traffic entering and leaving the center. The parish church, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, has a striking Renaissance facade. Inside is a sculptural depiction of the entombment of Christ attributed, Im told, to sculptor Jean Goujon. Farther afield, about 70 miles away, is the small village of Vezelay. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, is one of Frances great Romanesque churches and has served for centuries as a major pilgrimage site and a starting point for the Way of St. James. It was also the setting for major historical events: the preaching of the Second Crusade in 1146 by Abbot (and later St.) Bernard of Clairvaux; a sermon by Becket in 1166; and the departure of King Richard the Lionheart and King Philip II of France for the Third Crusade in 1190. Relics associated with Mary Magdalene are preserved in the ancient crypt. Sens Cathedral, Our Lady of the Assumption in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne and the basilica in Vezelay are open daily with no admission charge. While access might be limited by religious services, getting inside generally isnt an issue. Admission to the Sens Museum is also free. I stayed at the Epona Hotel, a relatively new four-star property in the center of Sens. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed. The hotel offers convenient on-site parking a valuable amenity in historic city centers. The Sens Tourist Office has extensive English-language planning resources available on its website. You can also book a guided tour through the office. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post Home Opinion Miraculous Bible delivery in a communist country: How God used a police captain Some years ago, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a Christian boarded a crowded bus. He carried a forbidden package: Bibles God called him to deliver into Vietnams remote interior, spiritual food for fellow believers who had little to no access to Scripture. He knew the risk if his secret was discovered. The box of Bibles could cost him his freedom. He could be tortured. But he also knew the unstoppable power of Gods Word to change lives. He knew he must answer Gods call. Before the bus departed, he prayed quietly, asking for protection and strength to do what God had called him to. God answered his prayer in an unexpected way. Moments before departure, a police captain boarded the bus, his crisp uniform exuding authority. The captain walked down the century aisle, then chose the seat right next to the Bible smuggler. The officer settled into the seat and quickly fell into a deep sleep. But before drifting off, he took off his police captains hat and sat it squarely on top of the box of Bibles. Over the next 12 hours, the bus passed through multiple police checkpoints. Officers boarded at every one, demanding passengers ID and inspecting their luggage and belongings. At every checkpoint, police saw the captain sleeping soundly and decided not to risk his wrath by waking him. They noticed his hat on the box of Bibles, and assumed that box didnt need to be searched. With his slumbering police escort, the bold Christian and his box of Bibles arrived safely to their destination. Merv Knight, cofounder of The Voice of the Martyrs Australia, met this bold Vietnamese Christian and shared his story. Stories of bold believers and Gods protection over deliveries of His Word are not uncommon in VOMs work serving persecuted Christians. In my years at VOM Ive heard stories of an unaccompanied donkey delivering Bibles across the Syrian border, Iranian police who thumbed through Bibles but somehow only saw blank pages, and airport security officers miraculously distracted from their X-ray screens as suitcases of Bibles inched along the conveyor belt. For millions of Christians worldwide, access to the Bible is restricted or dangerous. Bold Christian believers often risk everything to share the truth of Gods Word with brothers and sisters who still dont have access to the Bible. There are many barriers to Bible access. In some countries, strict laws make it illegal or nearly impossible to print, import, distribute or even own a Bible. In other places, Gods Word has not yet been translated into the local language, or Christians are too poor to purchase their own Bible. Vietnam is just one example of these challenges. With nearly 10 million Christians (almost 10% of the countrys population), only a minority have their own copy of Gods Word. Bible access in Vietnam is shaped by a tightly controlled religious environment under the rule of the Communist Party, reports the Bible Access List. On paper, Christians may own Bibles. However, the perception of open availability is misleading. In reality, printing Bibles in many languages is not permitted, while others are subject to strict government quotas. In Vietnam, an official, expensive and extremely difficult to obtain permit is required to print or distribute any Bible in any language or format, the Bible Access List explains. But for persecuted Christians, the Bible is not a luxury; it is the lifeline of faith. In Matthew 4, Jesus said, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Through VOMs contacts with networks of frontline workers, more than 850,000 Christians in hostile areas and restricted nations, people known by name, are waiting for a Bible right now. Think about that a Bible for every believer. In Vietnam alone, the need could be as high as 1,000,000 Bibles. Placing a Bible into the hands of every Christian in hostile areas and restricted nations is a goal that the global Body of Christ can achieve in this generation. Right now, courageous men and women are risking arrest, beatings and even death to bring others Gods Word. Maybe on a bus. Maybe strapped to their backs. Maybe prayerfully approaching a checkpoint, knowing whats in the trunk of their car could get them killed. The incredible faith of these brothers and sisters challenges us Christians in free nations with unlimited access to Gods Word to act. The question is not whether the need exists. The question is how we will respond. News / Africa by Staff reporter Amidst the renewed tensions between them, President Ian Khama and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe may find themselves sitting side-by-side at Bot50 celebrations on Friday.Mugabe is among the many leaders Khama has invited to come and celebrate Botswana's 50th independence celebration with.The Zimbabwean government spokesperson, George Charamba however, could not confirm nor deny the invitation. "We do not talk about or discuss the movements of the Head of State. Ask your government," he said in a brief interview with Mmegi.The Embassy of Zimbabwe was not of any help either as they referred this publication to Foreign Affairs "as they are the ones handling the issues".The Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gaeimelwe Goitsemang could only say the invite has been extended to every leader in the region, Mugabe included.Sources in the ministry however, have confirmed that Mugabe will be coming to Botswana.Khama recently attacked Mugabe in an interview with Britain's Reuters news agency in which he called on the aged leader to step down to create room for people who can rescue the politically and economically crippled country. Khama's comments earned him the wrath of the Zimbabwean government, castigating Botswana president for his remarks. "The government of Zimbabwe is shocked by this uncharacteristic behaviour on the part of President Khama. It is taboo in African etiquette and diplomacy," Zimbabwe's Information Minister, Chris Mushohwe said in a statement last Friday."We sincerely hope that this will be the last time Botswana's leader opens his mouth to bad-mouth President Mugabe and fellow African leaders. Why should President Mugabe be removed from office unconstitutionally as President Khama's sentiments seem to suggest?"In the Reuters interview, Khama reportedly said Mugabe should have left the presidency years ago. "They have got plenty of people there who have got good leadership qualities who could take over," Khama said.Khama said it is obvious that at his age and the state Zimbabwe is in, Mugabe is not really able to provide the leadership that could get it out of its predicament and that the 92-year-old leader looked "tired" at the recent SADC Heads of State Summit in Swaziland.Khama said the instability in Zimbabwe was damaging Botswana's efforts to wean itself off mining by promoting itself as a regional logistics and services hub.Last Friday, the Zimbabwean government through a government-controlled daily newspaper called on Botswana government to clarify their position, also confirming that Mugabe has been invited to Botswana's golden jubilee."We thus call on our brothers and sisters in Gaborone to set the record straight," the newspaper put out the challenge.The Botswana government, spokesperson, Jeff Ramsay confirmed the interview details as correctly captured. He however said he would not be willing to engage the Zimbabwean media on the issue. As investors have rotated out of tech names to start 2026, consumer staples have been a primary beneficiary. Consumer staples is the third-best sector in the S & P 500 year to date, behind materials and energy . The sector is up more than 15.5% in 2026, while the broad market index is little changed in the period. Wolfe Research wrote in a Tuesday note that market-weighted valuations for consumer staples have surged to their highest levels since the 1990s. Bank of America found earlier this month that net inflows into the sector as a percentage of market cap were at an all-time high. The rally has been so rapid that the sector now has a relative strength index reading of 80, indicating it may be in overbought territory. "Most of what we've seen year-to-date has less to do with staples itself, and more to do with the broader market," Deutsche Bank analyst Steve Powers said in an interview with CNBC. "As there has been a rethink of market positioning, most specifically toward the tech sector it has opened up rotation into more overlooked, arguably less popular, and defensive sectors." Walmart's enormous footprint Amid the rally, staples' largest company Walmart joined the exclusive $1 trillion market cap club, which is largely made up of tech giants. The company has benefited from being viewed as a retailer prepared to adjust for the artificial intelligence economy, Citi analyst Paul Lejuez said in an interview. "It's the combination now of both their historical, brick-and-mortar econ business, but also what they're doing in the world of tech," he said. "A lot of what they're building will only, I think, increase the distance between them and the competition." Walmart's sector peers' shares have lagged behind until the recent rally. In 2025, Walmart gained more than 23%, while consumer staples overall were essentially flat. Walmart's 20% jump in 2026 is much closer to the sector's advance. WMT 1Y mountain WMT 1-year chart. Sector drivers in 2026 So why are other names in the sector now getting attention? Bank of America analyst Peter Galbo wrote in a recent note that dollar weakness could be aiding shares of companies with multinational presences, like Coca-Cola , Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris . Galbo added those with easier comparison periods for earnings like Constellation Brands and Conagra Brands are seeing some of the better performances, too. There are also signs that fundamentals for these stocks may start improving. Some analysts have named companies within the sector as likely to benefit the most from larger tax refunds tied to President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill." "If you go back to 2025, a big part of the headwinds to demand was tied to the lower- and lower-middle-income household income cohorts," Deutsche Bank's Powers said. "To the extent that they bring some relief that would be a help to a lot of sectors, but it could help consumer products' demands as we go into the year." Powers added that investors are hopeful that consumption and demand will rise as 2026 goes on, boosting these stocks. That's something some companies are already projecting, with Procter & Gamble CFO Andre Schulten in the company's recent earnings call telling investors to "expect stronger results in the second half" of its 2026 fiscal year. For staples' outperformance to continue, there will need to be more signs of improving fundamentals and continuing investor interest in rotating out of momentum stocks, Powers said. He added that the rest of the earnings season will be critical to discovering more on the fundamentals angle. As for the rotational play, Interactive Brokers chief strategist Steve Sosnick forecasted that investors' behavior to start 2026 won't change throughout the year. "We're going to see the trend of value stocks becoming more popular continuing," he told CNBC, particularly amid tech's relative underperformance even before 2026 started. "So it's sort of like, 'Let me return to the knitting here. Maybe boring is good in this environment.'" Lechatnoir | E+ | Getty Images Employers don't appear eager to mix their 401(k) plans with emergency savings options for workers, new research suggests. Although companies have been permitted since 2024 to allow $1,000 emergency withdrawals from retirement savings and to offer 401(k)-linked emergency savings accounts, there's been little adoption, according to a Vanguard report released this week. Just 4% allow the $1,000 emergency 401(k) withdrawals, according to Vanguard's analysis of 1,300 plans. And the 401(k)-linked emergency savings accounts "have generated minimal to no interest" from employers, the report notes. Those two in-plan options were authorized under the 2022 retirement legislation known as Secure Act 2.0, amid growing concern about Americans' lack of emergency savings. Although the vast majority of employers are not providing the 401(k)-linked accounts technically called pension-linked emergency savings accounts some companies are offering external emergency savings accounts, said Craig Copeland, director of wealth benefits research for the Employee Benefit Research Institute. These external accounts are generally held at FDIC-insured banks and after-tax contributions are made through payroll deductions. Covering a $1k emergency is a challenge for many Building and maintaining emergency savings can be tricky for many households, especially those that are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living. Although inflation has eased to a yearly rate of 2.4% since peaking at 9.1% in June 2022, prices overall have climbed more than 25% since 2020, based on the consumer price index. Financial advisors generally recommend having three to six months' worth of living expenses set aside as emergency savings. Yet just 47% of respondents in a December survey said they have the funds to cover a $1,000 emergency expense, according to Bankrate's yearly Emergency Savings Report, released last week. Additionally, 29% said they have more credit card debt than they do in emergency savings. Last year, employer worries about their workers' financial well-being reached a new high: 48% rated their concern at 9 or 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, up from 43% in 2024 and 39% in 2023, according to December research from EBRI. As recently as 2019, the year before the pandemic hit, that share stood at 22%. Contributions count toward 401(k) limit Secure 2.0 created the pension-linked emergency savings accounts as a "sidecar" to a 401(k). That is, they are established and maintained within the 401(k) plan itself. Among other particulars, contributions are after-tax treated as Roth contributions and count toward the 401(k) contribution limit. For 2026, that amount is $24,500, with investors age 50 and older allowed an additional $8,000. The legislation set the maximum annual contribution for the emergency account at $2,500 with inflation adjustments in the future, and this year it was increased to $2,600. As for the $1,000 emergency 401(k) withdrawal: Most employers 94% as of 2024, according to Vanguard already allow their workers to access their retirement savings if they are facing financial hardship. "In many cases, it would add something that's already being provided," Copeland said. While employers have largely eschewed the Secure 2.0 emergency savings provisions, that could change over time. "If a plan sponsor wants to move forward with an emergency savings program at their company, they're going to analyze the options available, and part of that [analysis] will be what's easiest to implement," said Will Hansen, executive director of the Plan Sponsor Council of America. "A $1,000 withdrawal is easier than a [401(k)-linked account] and an account not affiliated with the plan could be an easier feature as well," Hansen said. Among other administrative complexities, one of the sticking points with 401(k)-linked accounts is that highly compensated employees under one IRS test, those earning $160,000 or more are not permitted to participate. That's an administrative challenge because workers' incomes can fluctuate, which makes it tricky for a 401(k) plan's recordkeeper to monitor, said Brandie Barrows, a partner with Hall Benefits Law in San Francisco. A bipartisan bill introduced in December in both the House and Senate would expand eligibility to use the accounts. Called the Emergency Savings Enhancement Act, the measure would eliminate the exclusion for highly compensated employees and would increase the annual contribution limit to $5,000. "It wouldn't hurt to take that exclusion off and increase the amount that people can save," Barrows said. External accounts are 'less complicated' AI disruption jitters have ripped through global stock markets over the last couple of weeks, with sectors across the spectrum ending up in the crosshairs of investors looking to bet on which industry could be upended by the inevitable wave of agentic AI. There will almost certainly be more of these moments this week, as some of the biggest names in AI take to the stage at an event in India. Andriy Onufriyenko | Moment | Getty Images Looking back at last week's volatility could gives some clues for the trading week ahead, as the impact of a series of announcements from US-based AI giants played out from sector to sector, but also across the Atlantic. In Europe, software companies suffered, including Dassault Systemes which saw its share post the biggest ever one-day drop, and RELX , a British analytics group which recorded its worst session decline since 1988. Wealth managers also came under pressure, with names like St James's Place , Aberdeen Group and Quilter all nursing deep losses. In a recent note, UBS analysts said they believe that the AI-driven sell off reflects a "growing disruption is accelerating well beyond software," warning that markets have only partially priced in the credit implications. The Swiss bank expects this risk to increase throughout 2026 and into 2027 in the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Europe. On the other side of the debate, Dan Ives of Wedbush told Squawk Box Europe that the "software Armageddon is overblown," saying that stalwarts like Salesforce and ServiceNow will be core participants of the AI revolution, rather than cannibalized by it. watch now Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images At some point in the 1980s and 90s, the free hot breakfast became a staple of the hospitality industry. At many a Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn, the lobby at 8 a.m. is a pinwheel of pajama-clad kids, frazzled parents, and solo business travelers jockeying for position in front of the waffle maker. Meanwhile, self-serve cereal bars dispense Froot Loops and Lucky Charms, and hot platters of endless eggs and turkey sausage steam under heat lamps. For many, this breakfast spread is part of the appeal of travel. It endures to this day, but it is facing new economic threats and evolving hotel business models. At hotels, which have been ditching items like free soaps and even bathroom doors to economize, the free breakfast is a sacred cow that some worry will not survive, increasingly seen by hotel operators as an money pit eating into the thin margins of the business. Last year, Hyatt Hotels ' Hyatt Place brand removed free breakfast from 40 of its properties. Holiday Inn, owned by IHG , has adopted a breakfast buffet model across the majority of its U.S. operations with a la carte items still available at select locations a cost-cutting measure that preserves the breakfast offering while reducing labor and food waste. Gary Leff, who runs the travel blog View from the Wing and first reported on Holiday Inn's breakfast changes, said that the threat to the free breakfast should be viewed within the broader trend in the lodging industry to look for ways to cut costs for owners. "That goes far beyond breakfasts, to things like housekeeping less often during a stay, less extensive when it's done during a stay to bulk toiletries rather than individual mini-bottles to eliminating products like alarm clocks in rooms," Leff said. Despite the free breakfast's staying power, the math never added up for the business, according to Curtis Crimmins, the CEO and founder of boutique hotel concept Roomza. "It was a loyalty play a loss leader meant to drive signups, repeat bookings, and extended brand loyalty. I would argue that once free breakfast makes the shift from being a 'surprise and delight' endearing moment to an expectation, then its days are numbered," Crimmins said. "Looking for proof of this slow demise in your average Holiday Inn Express breakfast area? Look no further than the recent explosion of 'Grab and Go' options. That's not a coincidence," he said. Leff says that catering to a more affluent customer, as in the case of Hyatt Hotels, may offer operators more latitude to eliminate breakfast. A Hyatt spokesperson said while the company has "tested breakfast options at select Hyatt Place hotels that offer guests the ability to book rates that do not include breakfast ... Most Hyatt Place hotels in the U.S. continue to offer complimentary breakfast to all guests." Evaluations are ongoing. "As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our guests, including World of Hyatt members, we are continually evaluating breakfast options that best serve our guests and our hotels," the Hyatt spokesperson said. Leff says Hyatt has not released data on the trial, and many guests probably just assume breakfast will be free when they book at this point. "Unclear yet whether Hyatt can get away with not doing limited-service breakfast," he said. In the current economy with higher-income consumers leading the spend, luxury has been a bright spot within travel. Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano describes the hotel business right now as being emblematic of the K-shaped economy receiving so much attention. "There are economic headwinds and some uncertainty but we continue to see the consumer prioritizing travel and experiences," Capuano told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" last week after its most recent earnings. "Luxury was a real highlight for us," Capuano said, adding that 10 percent of Marriott's portfolio is in the luxury tier. watch now Marriott has made breakfast changes in some overseas luxury locations. For instance, the Regis Macao eliminated free breakfast for Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador loyalty members as of March 2025 and replaced it with bonus points or discounted breakfast instead. Some Reddit users have posted this month about free omelettes disappearing from Marriott breakfast bars and now being part of the paid full breakfast buffet, but a Marriott spokesman said that is not a company-wide policy and, if true, would be individual hotel operators making that decision. The majority of travelers expect free breakfast The consumer split is leading to a bifurcation of breakfast models, with higher-end customers going towards paid eggs benedict and homemade croissants while middle- and lower-income consumers crowd the free buffet. To be sure, Americans like their hotel breakfast. Among guests who partake of hotel food and beverage during their stay, the vast majority (78%) eat breakfast in the hotel, according to the 2025 JD Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. Of that 78 percent, only 8 percent is paid, primarily at upper tier hotels where the trend is taking root. Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at JD Power, said that data suggests guests continue to rate breakfast as an important part of their hotel stay. "This proportion is even higher at limited-service upper midscale and midscale hotel brands where complimentary breakfast is typically part of the hotel brand's standard offering," Stokes said. When JD Power asks upper midscale and midscale hotel guests to rate the importance of hotel features or amenities, about half (47%) rate complimentary breakfast as "need-to-have" (versus only nice-to-have). Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images People take part in a rally in support of Iranian protesters during a global day of action in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 14, 2026. Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that delivers economic benefits for both sides, an Iranian diplomat was reported as saying on Sunday, days before a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington. Iran and the U.S. renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme and avert a new military confrontation. The U.S. has dispatched a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, U.S. officials have told Reuters. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a news conference in Bratislava, said President Donald Trump had made it clear that he would prefer diplomacy and a negotiated settlement, while making clear that may not happen. "No one's ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran but we're going to try," Rubio said. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the Middle East if it is attacked by U.S. forces but on Sunday took a conciliatory line. "For the sake of an agreement's durability, it is essential that the U.S. also benefits in areas with high and quick economic returns," foreign ministry deputy director for economic diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari said, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. "Common interests in the oil and gas fields, joint fields, mining investments, and even aircraft purchases are included in the negotiations," Ghanbari said, arguing that the 2015 nuclear pact with world powers had not secured U.S. economic interests. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the pact that had eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, and re-applied tough economic sanctions on Tehran. On Friday, a source told Reuters that a U.S. delegation including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would meet Iranian officials in Geneva on Tuesday, a meeting later confirmed to Reuters by a senior Iranian official on Sunday. "Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be traveling, I think they are traveling right now, to have important meetings and we'll see how that turns out," Rubio said, without providing further details. While talks leading to the 2015 nuclear pact were multilateral, the current negotiations are confined to Iran and the United States, with Oman acting as mediator. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi left Tehran for Geneva to take part in the indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. and meet the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and others, his ministry said. A newspaper featuring the headline story on indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Muscat, Oman, is displayed at a newsstand in Tehran, Iran, on April 12, 2025. Iran is ready to consider compromises to reach a nuclear deal with the United States if Washington is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC in an interview published on Sunday. Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions, but has repeatedly ruled out linking the issue to other questions including missiles. Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that a second round of nuclear talks would take place on Tuesday in Geneva, after Tehran and Washington resumed discussions in Oman earlier this month. "(Initial talks went) more or less in a positive direction, but it is too early to judge," Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC. A U.S. delegation, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet with the Iranians on Tuesday morning, a source had told Reuters on Friday, with Omani representatives mediating the U.S.-Iran contacts. Iran's atomic chief said on Monday the country could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium in exchange for all financial sanctions being lifted. Takht-Ravanchi used this example in the BBC interview to highlight Iran's flexibility. The senior diplomat reiterated Tehran's stance that it would not accept zero uranium enrichment, which had been a key impediment to reaching a deal last year, with the U.S. viewing enrichment inside Iran as a pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking such nuclear weapons. During his first term in office, Trump pulled the U.S. out of a 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the signature foreign policy achievement of former Democratic President Barack Obama. The deal eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program to prevent it from being able to make an atomic bomb. 15 February 2026, Bavaria, Munich: The logo of the Munich Security Conference can be seen on the chairs in the main hall. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Many European policymakers appear to still be smarting from U.S. Vice President JD Vance's tough words about the region at last year's Munich Security Conference. So, it's perhaps not too surprising that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments on Saturday at this year's event underscoring the U.S. and Europe's common heritage, goals and challenges have come as something of a relief in European capitals. "[Rubio] delivered a speech which still assured us that we stand together in this partnership between Europe and the United States," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told CNBC in an interview on the sidelines of the conference. "Of course, there are some questions which we will have to discuss, but in the end of the day, his message was clear that we were so successful in the past, and we should do the job once again with new threats, with new tests in the 21st century." On Saturday, Rubio said the U.S. has no intention of abandoning its deep alliance with Europe and wants the region to succeed. "We want Europe to be strong," he told the gathering of defense and security officials in the German city. "We believe that Europe must survive, because the two great wars of the last century serve, for us, as history's great reminder, that ultimately, our destiny is, and will always be, intertwined with yours." watch now Contrast that to Vance's message to the same crowd last year, when he spoke of the "retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America." He lambasted his audience about the health of their democracies, their migration policies and freedom of speech. While Rubio's tone might have been more conciliatory than Vance's, the underlying issues remained the same, as some conference attendees acknowledged. "Of course, there were some issues he raised. We would answer differently when it comes to the migration problem, when it comes, of course, to question how we organize our legal framework here in Europe with regard to the digital services. And of course, also with the question of freedom of speech and so," Wadephul said. U.S. President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Europe for its open migration policies, for being too reliant on the U.S. for its security and has pushed NATO allies to boost defense spending. His pursuit of ownership of Greenland, a Danish territory, has also rattled European leaders in recent months. "The message we heard (from Rubio) is that America and Europe are intertwined, they have been in the past and will be in the future," the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said at a panel discussion on Sunday. "I think this is important. It is also clear that we don't see eye-to-eye in all the issues and that this will remain the case. But I think we can work from there." A recurring theme at this year's event has been an earnest investigation into how Europe can stand on its own two feet, militarily and economically, in the face of challenges from Russia and China while the U.S. seeks to rework the global post-war order it created. While European leaders acknowledge they must become less dependent on the U.S.'s security umbrella and markets, some bristle at the Trump administration's more confrontational approach compared to its predecessors. "I think there were messages for us, and there were messages for the public in America, especially their constituents," Kallas said. "For me, every time I hear this European bashing, it's very in fashion right now, I'm thinking of what is the alternative?" Kaja Kallas, vice president of the European Commission, at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Nuclear deterrence is set to be a hot topic at the conference. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Others were even more critical of Rubio's comments. "To be frank, I think the fact that we have, for Europeans, [been] asked to comment on the speech by the Americans, is already part of the problem," Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for Europe, said at the same panel. "We should not either be relieved or shocked by this or that speech. And I think the worst lesson we could draw from this weekend is to say 'I can cling to some love words I heard in part of his speech and push the snooze button.'" News / Health by Staff reporter Highrisk groups to receive priority Zimbabwe chosen for global early access A region still under pressure Zimbabwe is preparing to make one of its boldest publichealth moves in decades - rolling out a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that could dramatically shift the countrys fight against the epidemic.Beginning next Wednesday, more than 46 000 people at high risk of infection will start receiving Lenacapavir, a breakthrough longacting injection that health experts say could transform the country's battle against new infections.The Ministry of Health and Child Care will officially launch the programme on 18 February in Epworth, one of the country's hardesthit communities.Permanent Secretary Aspect Maunganidze confirmed the development, describing it as a "major milestone" in Zimbabwe's HIV response.Unlike daily oral PrEP - which many struggle to take consistently - Lenacapavir is injected only twice a year, blocking a key HIV protein and offering longlasting protection.The first phase will target communities most vulnerable to HIV, including:- adolescent girls and young women- sex workers- men who have sex with men- pregnant and breastfeeding women- people facing social and economic vulnerabilityRollout begins in major cities - Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare and Chitungwiza - before expanding to districts such as Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva and Gwanda.Twentyfour sites have been selected nationwide.Zimbabwe was selected in 2025 as one of only 10 countries to introduce the drug under a global earlyaccess programme - a sign of international confidence in the country's HIV prevention systems.The first shipment has already been cleared by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, and nearly 400 health workers have undergone specialised training to support the rollout.Southern Africa remains the global epicentre of HIV, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected. Experts say longacting injectables could finally overcome the biggest barrier in HIV prevention - daily adherence.Officials believe integrating Lenacapavir into existing programmes could sharply reduce new infections and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic.Zimbabwe now stands on the brink of a new chapter in HIV prevention - one that could redefine the country's future if the rollout succeeds. Granada is part of California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program, which allows residents to open a micro-restaurant from their home. It's a sunny, 70-degree February afternoon in Los Angeles, and crowds have been pouring into Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters' home nonstop. A stereo system filters music into their kitchen, dining area and through the open doors to their backyard, where dozens of people sip coffees, chat in groups or type away on their laptops. The couple isn't just entertaining friends and family. Wayser, 39, and Watters, 42, are the creators behind LA's hottest new coffee shop, Granada, which the married couple runs out of their own home in Echo Park's Angelino Heights. Just over a month into their venture, they say they're having their busiest day yet. Like usual, they opened their doors at 9 a.m. Within hours they sold out of their pastry selection, had to DoorDash additional milk and called on a neighbor to go for an ice run. It's 2:30 p.m. by the time I arrive, 30 minutes to close, and there's still a line to order. The fact that the home-based cafe has been such a hit in a town with "so many phenomenal coffee shops" is still a shock to Wayser, who says they "didn't expect this at all." "I think that people really want community," she says. "My guess is the part that feels so special is just the private intimacy of being in a house." Granada is one of the latest small businesses to open through California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, or MEHKO, program, which allows residents to make and sell food from their home. Given the cafe's instant success, more Angelenos could be opening their own micro-restaurants soon, meaning the new hottest place to hang out could literally be in your own backyard. A home-based coffee shop takes shape Wayser and Watters first heard about the MEHKO program last summer thanks to reporting from KCRW and The New York Times. The program was introduced in California in 2019 and authorized in LA County in 2024. Wayser says she didn't think much of it at first. Then, she became fixated. The couple had regularly attended a neighbor's family-style dinner hosted from their garage during the pandemic, which Wayser says felt like a home-based pop-up restaurant. They'd also specifically designed their own home, which they bought in 2019, for entertaining. Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters opened Granada, a coffee shop they run from their home, in January. Talitha Bullock As a new mom, Wayser says she was figuring out how to spend her days with her 3-year-old daughter heading to preschool. As a musician, artist and designer, she was eager to find a new way to put her skills to use, especially with her work in film and TV up in the air as the industry struggles. Wayser says she's spent her career producing shows, planning events, managing business finances and running an LLC for her creative work. When she thinks about it, "I have been an entrepreneur my whole life," she says. "I just didn't really put it together, because it's always been my art." She and her husband, a fellow musician and visual artist, have collaborated on design projects throughout their relationship, including their home. Running a coffee shop together sounded like a fun new experiment. The couple spent months going through the process of getting a MEHKO permit, which includes food safety certification, business licensing and inspection from LA County's Department of Public Health. They say the $597 application review fee was waived because they were among the first 1,000 businesses in the program. The annual health permit for MEHKO businesses, which covers annual inspections and enforcement, costs $347. The MEHKO program sets a cap on gross annual sales of $100,000; businesses are limited to 30 meals per day or 90 per week. MEHKO operators can also be approved to serve as a commissary for up to two food carts, which would expand the amount of meals they can serve per week and also bump their gross annual sales max to $150,000 per year. I can imagine there are a lot of really qualified people that feel unqualified, and it's cool that this lets you just try something [and] see how it works. Sydney Wayser co-founder of Granada Throughout the fall, Wayser and Watters got to work outfitting their home kitchen with espresso machines, additional dining and seating areas, custom ceramics from local artist Amy Louise Johnson and new artwork fit for a modern cafe. They asked a friend to refer them to a "coffee wizard" and teamed up Chad Aaron to create their coffee menu; they also tapped local baker Sasha Piligian for their pastry selection. Granada officially opened its doors in January 2026. An emerging neighborhood hot spot Because of the limitations around MEHKO, skyrocketing sales isn't the goal for Granada. Wayser says they'll consider shortening their hours or limiting days of service in order to stay in operation for a longer stretch throughout the year. Other than potentially launching a coffee cart or two to raise their MEHKO sales cap, Wayser says they don't expect to open a commercial coffee shop. "As soon as you're in a commercial space and your rent is so high, it's not about community anymore," she says. "The reason this works is that you can buy something or not. You can hang out in the yard as long as you want. We will be paying our mortgage no matter what." Granada offers a menu of classic espresso drinks, teas, and pastries sourced from local baker Sasha Piligian. Oscar Mendoza, Talitha Bullock, Amber Canterbury In this article 2330-TW INTC MSFT AMZN MU AAPL INFY-IN SOXX GOOGL NVDA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a meeting with senior officials and CEOs of American and Indian companies, in the East Room the White House in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2023. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images Big technology executives descend on India this week for an AI summit in New Delhi as the world's largest companies aim to expand their presence in what is seen as a critical growth market. India this week will host the AI Impact Summit, the latest in a series of government-hosted events focused on artificial intelligence that have taken place in the U.K., South Korea and France. Among the key attendees are OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Anthropic boss Dario Amodei and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis are also slated to be there. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who was earlier expected to attend, reportedly withdrew on Saturday due to "unforeseen circumstances." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will roll out of the red carpet which tech CEOs will happily walk down as the country presents a lucrative market of young, tech-forward consumers and a huge pool of talent which could be key to continued development of AI. "The summit ... is a huge validation of the potential of the market. Everyone's coming in because they realize that this is the place to be in and India just cannot be ignored," Lalit Ahuja, CEO of ANSR, a company that helps businesses run offshore teams in India. The AI Impact Summit also comes amid a reset in relations between India and the U.S. as the two nations push toward a trade deal. India strives to be a major tech hub Modi's government has made its intentions clear in the last few years it wants India to be one of the world's tech superpowers. India has approved $18 billion worth of semiconductor projects as it looks to build a domestic supply chain. The government has pushed major companies, including Apple, to manufacture more of its goods in India. Venture capital investors are betting on India's startups while the country's stock exchanges are seeing a surge in initial public offerings. Neil Shah, partner at Counterpoint Research said government support for tech "is a red carpet for multinational companies to set up, expand and diversify their global operations." And with the door open, major firms are likely to announce big investments this week in India, while New Delhi will talk up the opportunities in the country. AI focus AI, unsurprisingly, is going to be a big focus from three angles: infrastructure, users and talent. There is likely to be big infrastructure investment deals announced around AI data centers as demand continues to rise and tech companies thirst for more computing power. In December, Amazon, Microsoft and Intel made commitments to building AI infrastructure and chips in India. India is one of OpenAI's top markets for ChatGPT and alongside rivals like Perplexity are offering their products for free in a race to gain users and potentially lucrative data for further training. There is no major domestic rival to these U.S. chatbots, providing a good opportunity to gain users with a tech-savvy user base. And access to talent is also attractive. India is an "AI talent factory," Sham Arora, chief technology officer at Tech Mahindra, told CNBC's "Inside India" last week. watch now Curiosity has hit the shores like a rocket after a large piece of rocket waste/debris, bearing the logo and identification markers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), washed up on Maldivian shores.According to a report from India Today, images posted by the Kunahandhoo Council, the Maldives' local elected government body for L. Kunahandhoo island, and articles in the local press show the Indian national insignia and the Isro name in blue, with text stating that the rocket was built in 2025.It is a curving white panel that has been identified as a payload fairing, which is the protective portion of a rocket's tip that protects satellites during launch and then separates.This demonstrates the ability of hardware from Indian space missions to float over great oceanic distances.A few days before February 13, 2026, the things were found, and the night before the report, they were transported to the boatyard.By February 13, police had already conducted an inspection, Shakeeb informed Mihaaru, a prominent Maldivian daily.This comes after a similar fragment was discovered on the coast of Sri Lanka in late December 2025, indicating that the two may have shared origins from launch activity in late 2025.To minimise dangers on land, Isro regularly launches using vehicles such as the LVM3 and PSLV, abandoning fairings over the ocean.Durable bits can drift long, sometimes reaching beaches, and raise concerns about marine consequences or navigation in fishing zones, although the majority of fragments sink or break up.An initial inspection was carried out by the police. Isro has probably been notified through channels, although the agency has not yet released a statement to the public. News / Local by Staff reporter Convener of the Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) and former Finance minister Tendai Biti says he is ready to work with his former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in resisting what he describes as the mutilation of Zimbabwe's Constitution amid renewed efforts to amend the supreme law.Biti and Chamisa parted ways in 2024 after Chamisa left the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), alleging that the party had been hijacked by Sengezo Tshabangu, whom he described as a Trojan horse for Zanu PF. Tshabangu went on to recall several Members of Parliament and councillors without Chamisa's endorsement.Chamisa has since vowed to stop attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure to 2030. While stressing the importance of forgiveness, Chamisa has ruled out working with MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora.Under the current constitutional framework, Mnangagwa is expected to retire in 2028 at the end of his second and final term. For him to remain in office beyond that date, the Constitution would need to be amended through two separate Bills and endorsed by national referendums.Biti's appeal follows Cabinet's approval this week of the principles of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, a proposed law that seeks to introduce sweeping changes to the 2013 Constitution.Among the key proposals is the extension of the terms of both the President and Parliament from 2028 to 2030 a move critics argue effectively sidesteps existing term limits without subjecting the matter to a referendum.The Bill also proposes transferring the voter registration function from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) back to the Registrar General's Office. It further seeks to alter the judicial appointment process by allowing the President to appoint judges without public interviews, departing from current transparency provisions.Addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, Biti said the proposals amount to a constitutional assault requiring a united national response."We are going to work with Nelson Chamisa. Up until he left politics, he was my president. So, we are going to work with everyone in the fight to protect this constitution," he said."We would like to see women on the forefront, we would like to see young people on the forefront, we would like to see millions of Zimbabweans in the diaspora working with us."Biti said defending the Constitution transcends party lines and should include progressive elements within Zanu PF itself."All hands must be on deck. The constitution and the struggle for its protection cannot be monopolised by an individual or an organisation. We will therefore work with everyone in Zimbabwe. We are going to work with progressive elements in Zanu PF whom we know are opposed to these constitutional shenanigans."They are there. We are going to work with them. We are going to work with persons in the broad democratic movement whether it's MDC, whether it's CCC if it still exists, we are going to work with everyone," he said.Biti also revealed that he had engaged constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku, whom he said was equally prepared to join efforts aimed at resisting the proposed amendments."I spent about an hour last night speaking to Professor Lovemore Madhuku. We are going to work together to stop this coup on our constitution."Biti's CDF shares similar objectives with the Defending the Constitution Platform convened by Senator Jameson Timba, as civic and political actors begin mobilising for what could become one of the most consequential constitutional battles since the adoption of the 2013 charter. The first stage of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has gone on long enough. No doubt there is more to come from the great swamp of revelations about this squalid, corrupt individual and his connections to high places across the world. And it is infuriating that so much is still redacted or otherwise kept from us. But here in Britain, we now have a clear, concentrated problem. Two very different individuals from separate parts of the high establishment are now surrounded by clouds of doubt and allegations. Both Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have been humbled and stripped of their reputations thanks to their undeniable close connections to Epstein, though it should be stressed that both deny wrongdoing. Mandelson has been sacked as British Ambassador to Washington and has quit the House of Lords forever. The former Prince Andrew has been icily semi-detached from the Royal Family itself, losing every title once bestowed on him by virtue of his Royal birth. He has been expelled from his home of many years. But is this enough? The truth is, we are not yet sure whether it is enough, or whether it is far too little. For we still do not really know the full story, and both these men, having consorted with the repellent Epstein long after they knew of his wickedness, have a plain duty to help us know all that they know about this man even if such revelations hurt them too. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (pictured) was stripped of his titles after revelations about his relationship with Epstein Peter Mandelson (pictured) was sacked from his role of ambassador to the United States over links to American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Epstein's victims still suffer. Candour from Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor may yet help them to recover or at least get just restitution. We also need to know if these two men gained personally by abusing their privileged positions. The Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mail have been reporting in depth about this unstoppable scandal. It is clear that we must now discover a great deal more about Mountbatten-Windsor's use of confidential material he was able to see while acting as a Trade Envoy. This newspaper reveals today that he secretly allowed Epstein to organise meetings to boost the paedophile's business interests in China in 2010, two years after he first went to prison. He also shared sensitive information with Epstein about the taxpayer-owned bank Royal Bank of Scotland in the aftermath of its 45 billion taxpayer-funded bailout. And one of his most senior aides leaked a diplomatic telegram to a close friend and business associate. Andrew has no grounds on which to refuse to talk about this. As for Mandelson, his use of a Russian oligarch's private jet while EU Trade Commissioner, reported by the Daily Mail, opens him up to Brussels scrutiny as well as British investigation. This is surely a chance for the EU to prove it is not an opaque and sleazy private club for its elite. The crucial thing is to begin orderly, thorough and potent investigations as soon as possible. That will mean serious official inquiries with genuine powers to demand evidence and call witnesses into Andrew's time as Trade Envoy and Mandelson's time as EU Commissioner. Many think of a tremor as the quintessential warning sign of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurological condition that affects more than 166,000 people in the UK. But experts say other, more subtle symptoms may begin years before patients develop any changes in their movement. In fact, a resting tremor - a rhythmic shaking of a body part when it's at rest - isn't actually needed to diagnose the condition. And a surprising one in five Parkinson's patients won't develop one at all. Instead, experts say new research into the condition - which is on the rise in the UK - has revealed it can have surprising warning signs that appear far earlier that previously thought. One of the most common neurological disorders in the world, Parkinson's is caused by a loss of nerve cells in an area of the brain responsible for producing dopamine, which helps coordinate body movement. This lack of dopamine can lead to issues like tremors, falls and mobility issues and worsens over time as more cells die, with sufferers eventually left struggling to complete day-to-day tasks. The condition has no cure, but symptoms can be treated with a combination of medication and physical therapy. Experts say new research into Parkinson's has revealed it can have surprising warning signs that appear far earlier that previously thought The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better access to treatments that significantly improve a sufferer's quality of life, say experts. But whilst neurologists often look for characteristic movement symptoms - like slowness, stiffness and resting tremor - when making a Parkinson's diagnosis, other non-motor symptoms can often precede them by more than a decade. These signs - which can include vision changes and constipation - begin during the early, or prodromal, phase of the disease, and mark the beginning of its slow onset. By the time more recognisable motor symptoms begin, say doctors, up to 70 per cent of nerve cells in the part of the brain stem responsible for voluntary movement have already died. Whilst not everyone who has these early symptoms will go on to develop Parkinson's, doctors were keen to stress. But research demonstrates that in some people, they can be the earliest signs of the devastating disease. So, what should we be looking out for? Join the debate Have YOU ever experienced persistent constipation without explanation? Loss of sense of smell Up to 95 per cent of Parkinson's sufferers will experience a loss or reduction in their sense of smellknown as anosmiabefore they are diagnosed with the condition, say experts Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 per cent of the nerve cells have been lost Up to 95 per cent of Parkinson's sufferers will experience a loss or reduction in their sense of smellknown as anosmiabefore they are diagnosed with the condition, say experts. Research shows the symptom can show up around 20 years before the disease is diagnosed. And people who lose their sense of smell have a fivefold increased risk of developing Parkinson's in the future. Some may not be aware that they are losing their smell as it can happen gradually, says Dr Ronald Postuma, professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University in Canada. And loss of smell can affect people in different ways - with some losing or gaining weight as they can no longer smell food, while others may find their mood impacted. For some, it can be subtle and only dampen their smell, while others may struggle to smell at all. It can also lead to safety concerns, with sufferers struggling to smell burning, for example. Research suggests that the symptoms is caused by part of the brain responsible for processing smellsknown as the olfactory bulb being smaller in some people who have the disease. Studies have also found that in Parkinson's patients, there is a build-up of alpha-synuclein a protein found in dopamine-producing cellsin this part of the brain. In Parkinson's patients, the proteins become tangled and form clumps, which experts believe may spread the disease throughout the brain. Acting out dreams Talking, thrashing or sitting up in your sleep could also be an early sign of Parkinson's, say experts Talking, thrashing or sitting up in your sleep could also be an early sign of Parkinson's, say experts. Normally during sleep, the body enters a state of near-total paralysis, known as rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep. This is the sleep stage with the most vivid dreams. But in those with REM sleep behaviour disorder, this paralysis is lost - leading people to physically act out their dreams. This could be sitting straight up in bed, having one-sided conversations or even kicking or punching their partner. And it won't just leave you (and your partner) badly rested. Studies show that between 50 and 70 per cent of people with REM sleep behaviour disorder will go on to develop Parkinson's Disease or a related condition, like Lewys body dementia, within five to 10 years on average. Those aged 50 and over with REM sleep behaviour have a shocking 130 times greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's as those without the sleep condition. Your browser does not support iframes. Constipation Most people will experience constipation at some point in their life - and usually, it's not anything serious. But constipation that persists for multiple weeks or more affects two-thirds of people with Parkinson's. Experts believe this is likely due to the fact that Parkinson's can affect the nerves lining the digestive tract. Studies have also found clumps of abnormal protein in the nerve cells lining the intestines of Parkinson's patients. And slowness of movement and rigidity tell-tale signs of the conditioncan affect the muscles in the bowel wall, meaning that waste products are not moved along in the bowel. A large analysis of nine different studies found that people with constipation were twice as likely to develop Parkinson's than those without constipation. Another study, which followed 6,790 men aged 51 to 75 over a 24-year period, found that those who had a bowel movement less often than once a day had a greater risk of Parkinson's. 'Even people who are constipated in their 20s or 30s seem to have an increased chance of getting Parkinson's 30, 40 years later,' Professor Postuma told the Washington Post. 'So, now we're starting to wonder: Is the disease affecting the nerves that control the gut, or is being constipated a risk factor for Parkinson's, as well? Dizziness when standing up Dizzy spells could be an early sign of dementia or Parkinson's, researchers have warned. Although some medicines or dehydration can cause light headedness, a recurrent problem may be an indicator of an illness called orthostatic hypotension. 'When it's neurological in origin in other words, not dehydration, medication or a heart problem about half of these patients develop Parkinson's or a related condition,' Professor Postuma told the Post. 'So it's a very high risk factor. Most people, though, don't have a neurologic cause.' Orthostatic hypotension is not as well evidenced as other early markers of Parkinson's disease. But studies have found that otherwise unexplained orthostatic hypotension was associated with an eventual diagnosis of Parkinson's or a related condition in as many as 23 per cent of patients after a 10-year follow-up. There is a crisis brewing in our schools and its not the one you might think. Yes, buildings are crumbling, music and art teachers are being axed, PE budgets slashed and class sizes are ballooning. But behind all of this lies a deeply uncomfortable truth that few people want to talk about: a significant chunk of the money that should be spent on educating all children is being hoovered up by the special educational needs system, and it is increasingly being gamed by sharp-elbowed middle-class parents. A report published last week by the think-tank Policy Exchange lays bare what many working in childrens services have suspected for some time. SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) spending has risen in real terms by 58.5 per cent in the last six years, with a greater rise 65 per cent in wealthier local authorities compared to poorer areas, where it increased by 51 per cent. Seven of the ten councils that saw the biggest rises were in the most affluent areas, such as Hampshire, Kent and Surrey. Since 2015, half of all new school funding has been spent on SEND. Let that sink in. Half. Nearly one in five children in England are now classed as having a SEND need, and the number of EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) has more than doubled since 2015. An EHCP is specialised for each childs needs but can include extra support such as one-to-one teaching assistants, special learning materials and speech and language therapy. Councils are spending more than 2.6billion a year on private school places for SEND children alone, a figure that has risen by 106 per cent since 2018. Nearly 1 in 5 children in England are now classed as having a SEND need Now, I want to be very clear. There are children with profound and serious special educational needs who desperately need support. Children with severe autism, significant learning disabilities, complex physical needs. These children and their families deserve every penny of funding and then some. The system exists for them but it is failing them. And that is the problem. The fact is, SEND professionals are being overwhelmed by a surge of referrals driven by articulate, well-resourced parents who know how to work the system. I have seen this pattern play out repeatedly in my own field of mental health. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are chronically overstretched, yet colleagues tell me they are inundated, not with the most acutely unwell children, but with those whose parents are most persistent in demanding they are seen. The children from chaotic homes, deprived backgrounds, families where no one knows how to navigate the system? They fall through the cracks. Part of the problem is that some middle-class parents simply cannot accept that their child might not be that bright, or that sociable, or that talented. When two successful, high achieving parents produce a distinctly average child, the idea that their charge is just, well, ordinary is intolerable. There must be something wrong. There must be a reason he or she is not top of the class. And so begins the frantic quest for a diagnosis, a label, something that explains why their offspring isnt the genius they expected. It couldnt possibly just be that not every child is exceptional. Far easier to get an ADHD diagnosis than to accept that your child finds maths hard because maths is hard. What makes this worse is a growing trend of parents bypassing the usual assessment routes altogether by going private. NHS waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments can stretch to years. A BBC Panorama investigation in 2023 exposed how some private clinics were diagnosing ADHD after rushed online consultations. One senior NHS psychiatrist told the programme that almost everyone who paid for a private assessment was being diagnosed. There is, of course, a clear financial incentive for private clinics to do this: parents are paying customers, and a diagnosis is what they are paying for. No diagnosis, no repeat business. Once armed with a private diagnosis, parents can then use it to support an application for an EHCP. Local authorities are legally obliged to consider privately obtained reports, and many parents know this. So they hire SEND consultants and commission independent educational psychologist reports at over a 1,000 a time, and if the council says no, they appeal to the SEND Tribunal. It requires money, confidence and time the kind of resources that affluent, entitled families have and that families in deprived communities do not. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that the SEND system is financially unsustainable. Cumulative council deficits could exceed 8billion by 2027. This is money that is not being spent on fixing leaking roofs, hiring teaching assistants, funding school counsellors, or keeping music departments alive. Something has to change. The Governments independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism services, launched in December, is a start. But unless we are honest about who is really driving demand, and why, nothing will improve. James's wisdom on grief The death of James Van Der Beek last week, aged just 48, was heartbreaking. The Dawsons Creek star and father of six had battled colon cancer for two years before passing away in a hospice. James Van Der Beek with his wife Kimberley in 2019 Van Der Beek leaves behind his wife and their six children But what has struck me most is how, in the wake of his death, a video he filmed in 2023 has gone viral. In it, he talks movingly about grief, marking the third anniversary of his mother Melindas death. His advice is simple, wise and, I think, clinically spot on. Be prepared for this process to make zero sense, he said. One of the biggest mistakes people make with grief is expecting it to follow a neat trajectory, getting a little better each day. But grief does not work like that. You can be fine for weeks and then a song, a smell, the way someone laughs, floors you completely. The single most important thing you can do is exactly what Van Der Beek suggested: allow it. Motor Neurone Disease is one of the cruellest diseases, progressively destroying the nerve cells that control movement and leading to paralysis. There is no cure. But two game-changing discoveries announced last week by UK based biotech company Vesalic may offer genuine hope. The first is a blood test that can detect MND with high levels of accuracy, and the second relates to the specific way in which toxins damage motor neurons in the brain. Scientists are now developing antibodies to combat it. Neil Shea was once told there was no such place as the Arctic. This is a vast area, with dozens of languages, dozens of tribes and nations and homelands, all of them scattered across eight modern states. There is not one Arctic but many and this remarkable book recounts Sheas journeys through them. A writer for the National Geo-graphic, he first visited the region 20 years ago. He recalls with wonder his experiences in Canadas Admiralty Inlet, watching narwhals in the behaviour known as tusking. The whales thrust their heads above water and bring their long tusks together. Several would gently collide, tusks held aloft in a kind of slippery Musketeer salute. As Shea informs us, narwhal tusks were mistaken for the horns of unicorns when seen in the courts of medieval Europe. On guard: Shea with an arctic wolf His recent travels begin on Ellesmere Island in the high Arctic and involve encounters with a very different animal. Ellesmere is slightly smaller than Great Britain. Its human population is about 200. This leaves plenty of room for the wolves that Shea comes to see. The pack he meets prove unusually tolerant of a human presence. At one point, he is so close to them that he can hear their stomachs rumbling. In another extraordinary moment, the adult wolves go hunting, leaving Shea, like some strange babysitter, watching over their pups. The pups look at one another, then at me, several rounds of nervous glances. Then they begin to howl like the lost children they are and continue to do so until their parents return. From Ellesmere, Shea journeys to King William, another Canadian island, famed for its connection with the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who stayed for winters here in 1903 and 1904. He was searching for the Northwest Passage, the ice-free route across the top of the world of which Europeans had been dreaming for centuries. The Inuit he met called him Amusi with the big nose, intrigued by this facial characteristic. Amusi learned much from the Inuit about survival in extreme conditions, knowledge that served him well in his later, triumphant journey to the South Pole. Gjoa Haven, the tiny settlement in which Shea stays during his visit, is named after Amundsens ship. Young Master: An Inuit boy with huskies in Canada Relic: Shea with the skull and antlers of a reindeer The Inuit peoples in the Arctic now hunt on snowmobiles and possess mobile phones but their lives are still intertwined with the natural world. Shea witnesses the continuing importance to the inhabitants of the caribou, left (called reindeer in Europe). The Tlicho, a people whose home is in Canadas Northwest Territories, live at the edge of the greatest wildlife mystery in North America. All across the top of the continent, caribou numbers are declining and nobody knows why. Climate change doesnt fully explain it. To the Tlicho, the dwindling herds are a matter of great concern. Caribou and people, they always like to see each other, an elder named Joe tells Shea. Shea is present when a group of Tlicho, after a long search, come across a small herd. I had never seen the Tlicho happier, he remarks. Joe raises his arms wide over, fingers splayed, playfully mimicking antlers. They are near enough that they can hear the caribous hooves clicking on the ground, a sound like castanets. In Alaska, he spends time with another people to whom the caribou is central. The small township in which he stays is home to the Nunamiut, Arctic nomads until as recently as 1950. The settlements name, Anaktuvuk, translates as place of many caribou droppings. When Shea visits a chapel in the town, he sees a religious mural unlike any other an image of Jesus riding through an Arctic landscape on the back of a caribou. Christ is wearing caribou-skin pants and parka and holding a qilaun, a traditional drum. Greenland has been much in the news recently, thanks to Donald Trumps stated intention of making it American. Shea, on his visit, is intrigued by the long history of the Norse on the worlds largest island. They arrived in the late tenth century, under the leadership of the Viking Erik the Red. How did they survive? And what happened to them? The Norse settlements lasted until the 15th century, when they disappeared. Welcome sight: Shea is present when a group of Tlicho, after a long search, come across a small herd. I had never seen the Tlicho happier. After they were gone, the land was left to the Inuit for centuries before the Danish turned up in the 1720s. Shea reports on the latest theory about the Norse collapse. Surprisingly, it involves walruses and elephants. Historians speculate that trade in walrus tusks with Europe was essential to their economy. In the late Middle Ages, elephant ivory from Africa became more available and slowly the number of ships sailing from Europe to Greenland to trade in walrus tusks declined. More and more isolated, the Norse settlements literally died out. Shea describes an eerie visit to a ruined cathedral in a place called Hvalsey. Camping amidst its fallen walls, he hears what sounds like a scream. Is someone else or something present? Come morning, he realises that what he heard was a whale in the fjord below the church. Hvalsey, in old Norse, means Whale Island. Shea ends his Arctic journeys in Norway, homeland of those historic settlers in Greenland. The town of Kirkenes is only six miles from Russia. Frostlines is available now from the Mail Bookshop Here, he learns of the rising tension as he joins forces with a Russian journalist, exiled in the town, to tour the border. They encounter teenage soldiers stationed at Norwegian checkpoints and learn why even reindeer are unable to cross freely from one country to the other. Early in his book, Shea quotes the words of the Inuit activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Sheila Watt-Cloutier. What is happening today in the Arctic, she writes, is the future of the rest of the world. This thought accompanies him throughout his travels. There can be few better or more enjoyable ways of learning about the many Arctics their history, peoples, wildlife and possible futures than reading Frostlines. News / Local by Staff reporter An extradition bid is under way in South Africa to send brothers Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu back to Zimbabwe to face charges linked to the US$4 million (about R75 million) Ecobank robbery in Bulawayo.State-owned The Herald reported that the two suspects remain in custody in South Africa following their arrest in July 2025, with legal proceedings unfolding to secure their return to Zimbabwe.The Vumbunu brothers are wanted in connection with the October 2024 robbery at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo, where approximately US$4 million was stolen in what was described as one of the country's largest cash heists in recent years.At the time of the robbery, IOL reported that Zimbabwean authorities had enlisted the assistance of Interpol amid suspicions that some of the suspects had fled across the border into South Africa. The cross-border investigation later led to the arrest of the brothers.According to The Herald, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is working closely with South African authorities to ensure the extradition process complies with the legal requirements of both countries before the suspects can be formally handed over.The development follows the earlier extradition of another suspect in the same case from Botswana to Zimbabwe to face related charges, signalling intensified regional cooperation in tracking down those allegedly involved in the high-profile robbery.Further court proceedings in South Africa are expected as the extradition application progresses.In 2024, police in Zimbabwe confirmed that investigations were underway following the robbery, which occurred at a financial institution at the corner of 9th Avenue and Fife Street in Bulawayo.In a statement at the time, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident."The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are in full swing in connection with an alleged armed robbery case which occurred late this afternoon on (Thursday) October 3, 2024 at a financial institution at corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street in Bulawayo when a cash-in-transit security team was approached by six suspects," said Nyathi.He added that the circumstances surrounding the robbery were suspicious, with investigations continuing to establish the full details of the daring heist. If you had gone for a stroll in London in the early 1700s it would have been hard not to stare. Everywhere you looked men and women, young and old, rich and poor, limped and lurched with strange lop-sided gaits. Some had oozing sores, while others, even creepier, appeared to have a hole where their nose used to be. These unfortunate souls were all suffering from the pox, also known as venereal disease. In this gruesome but endlessly fascinating book, American professor Olivia Weisser explains just how common the pox was 300 years ago. Following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 there had been a collapse of the old Puritan prohibitions. Sex was now for sale everywhere you looked. Death Sentence: The pox depicted in Hogarths A Harlots Progress, 1732 While today we divide venereal infections into gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia, in Georgian England all were the secret disease. There was, however, nothing secret about it, since symptoms were embarrassingly easy to spot: open sores, lameness, loose teeth and oozing discharge. To make it worse, there was absolutely no cure. Of course, that didnt stop people trying. Venereal disease was a quacks paradise and the list of patent medicines grew longer by the day. One remedy involved plantain juice, rose water and the milk of a woman who had recently given birth to a baby girl. Other attempted cures were more hardcore. Pocky persons were most often given mercury, a poison that caused them to sweat and dribble, in the hope that the infection would somehow work its way out. The fact that the process was so unpleasant was the point: mercury wasnt intended only as a cure but as a painful punishment. Punishment was essential because the pox was indelibly associated with unauthorised sex. Showing up at the doctors with open sores or terrible pains in your limbs was tantamount to admitting that you had been consorting with someone you really shouldnt. Cruellest of all cases was when a husband had picked up the disease from a street-walker and so passed on a painful death sentence to his unsuspecting wife. The Dreaded Pox is available now Lady Frances Hanbury Williams was one unfortunate victim of just such a pocky husband. After months of languishing with running sores and swellings, Lady Frances finally realised the cause of her ill-health and promptly sued for divorce on the ground of her husbands infamous Crime. This was unheard-of in the 1740s. Most women, with far less money and social status, simply had to put up with wretched health and a husband who continued to play dumb about what he had been doing. In these miserable circumstances the only thing you could do, really, was buy fashionable facial patches to cover the tell-tale sores and attempt to style it out. By the time death came, as it surely and painfully would, you were honestly past caring. Icon: Merle Oberon as Sand in A Song To Remember, 1945 There were any number of ways for women to scandalise society in 1830s France. Flashing your ankle on the street was probably as shocking as taking your breasts out in the House of Lords today. At the time, prudishness was almost a religion, and its only thanks to certain iconoclastic bohemians that women can now don such daring apparel as trousers or shorter skirts. One such rebel was Aurore Dupin (known by her pen name George Sand), who flung caution to the wind with the force of a champion shot-putter. Sands sentimental and romantic novels were devoured by the people of France like Brie-smothered frog-legs. Confession, Ive never read any of her novels but that doesnt stop one enjoying this biography of her extraordinary life. When she was born, in 1804, the blood had barely dried on the guillotine that had killed a king and queen. The old world order had been flipped on its head and no one really knew what was up or down any more. Sands very birth was a stark indicator of this brave new world. Her father was the great-grandson of the King of Poland and her mother previously worked as a prostitute. By the time she was four her beloved father was dead and her mother, unable to cope, sold her young daughter to Sands paternal grandmother, an aristocratic woman living in a manor house in the countryside. George Sand as she was in real life, and drawn in men's clothes Before shed reached her fifth birthday she had no doubt collected enough material for a great novel, but as the years went by she would stuff her life with enough passions and adventures to fill whole shelves of books. In spite of the changes wrought by the French Revolution, women were still expected to have only domestic ambitions. To be a writer, Sand needed to break into a mans world and what better way to do so than becoming one. Or at least, in appearance. Soon she would be going around Paris in trousers and a top hat, smoking endless cigars and scandalising French society everywhere she went. Countless times she was told to make babies, not books. Charles Baudelaire was flummoxed and enraged that men were able to fall in love with this latrine. And fall in love they did, not just with her books, but the writer herself. Over and over again. When women were condemned as promiscuous in the 19th century, they rarely deserved their reputations. In Sands case its fair to say that she did and then some. Becoming George is available now from the Mail Bookshop She just loved love, and had an insatiable appetite for it, particularly for younger men (and at least one woman). There was one occasion when Sand and her lover Alfred Musset were in Venice when he became seriously ill with typhoid. Fretting and worrying for his life, she called a doctor, Pietro Pagello, to care for him, only to soon become the doctors lover. As Fiona Sampson puts it, George could be her own worst advertisement. However, breaking taboos and unshackling herself from 19th century expectations was the only way to live a life as far-reaching as hers. No doubt her novels widely read in Britain, where she was better known than Victor Hugo or Honore Balzac would not exist were it not for her hoovering up the wealth of experiences love and life have to offer. A transition from bustling Los Angeles to a quiet town in Sicily may seem like an unusual choice for a career-driven 28-year-old. But for Kiki Leigh, it's been the best decision she's ever made. After 15 years in LA, Leigh was ready for a change. But she didn't know it would lead to a complete overhaul of her life, settling down in a town of only 10,000 people who don't speak English. Leigh began exploring the idea in 2024, feeling restless in her routine and life in LA. 'I was living "a successful life,"' she told the Daily Mail. 'But I wasn't really feeling fulfilled, and I was honestly burnt out and drained.' Leigh, who works in public relations in the fashion industry, admitted that while she felt like she was doing 'everything right' on paper, there was still something missing. She knew she needed to make a change, but it wasn't until she was scrolling on TikTok one day that she stumbled across a potential way forward. 'I saw this woman saying she [bought] this dilapidated house in Italy for 60,000 euros - it was a humongous house, beautiful, and it's historic,' she said. Leigh began researching the idea and discovered the one euro house scheme - an Italian initiative designed to combat rural depopulation by selling abandoned, dilapidated houses. In early 2024, Kiki Leigh (pictured), 28, realized she felt as though something was missing, and began fantasizing about making a big change in her life The program was launched in 2017 to help boost local economies and attract new residents to towns and villages with a declining population. Buyers were required to renovate the properties within a specified timeframe. Within two weeks of seeing the clip, Leigh booked a trip to Sicily - she had been there once before and loved it. 'I love Italy as a whole, and I thought, "Maybe this is what I'm looking for,"' she told the Daily Mail. While Leigh admitted that jumping from her chaotic LA life to renovating a house in a country where she's not a native speaker is still stressful, she is comforted by knowing that, at the end, she will have something to show for it. Once she landed in Sicily, Leigh was drawn to Mussomeli, one of the small towns, and toured between 30 and 40 houses, which cemented her decision to buy one. 'I was like, "Yeah, I definitely want to do this,"' she recalled. 'And so I ended up finding one house that I put an offer on. It was rejected.' But, just 15 minutes later, the real estate agent called her back with good news - she had found her dream house for 27,000 euros ($32,000). While it wasn't part of the one-euro house program, she couldn't resist the home. Leigh (pictured) began researching the idea, discovering the one-euro house scheme - an Italian initiative designed to combat rural depopulation by selling abandoned, dilapidated houses The home took seven months to close, with Leigh (pictured) returning late January 2025 and beginning construction in February, budgeting between 100,000 and 150,000 euros ($118,000 to $178,000) Leigh booked a trip to Sicily within two weeks of seeing a TikTok of a woman who bought a house in Italy Leigh (pictured in front of her home) said she has 'completely fallen in love with the town and the people, which I never expected in the beginning' 'Mussomeli is one of the towns that offers one-euro homes,' Leigh said. 'The initiative has been very successful locally, and there are now very few of those properties remaining.' Leigh said the 4,300 square foot home with a whopping 17-rooms looks like it is 'from the medieval ages' - and with an age of around 600 years, she's not wrong. 'It was like a really beautiful house,' she said. 'Kind of like a dream come true.' The home, which Leigh bought in full, took seven months to close. 'Once my offer was accepted, I placed a ten percent deposit, with the remaining balance paid at closing approximately six months later,' she explained. 'Typically, closings here take three to six months.' 'Some homes are heavily deteriorated and have been uninhabited for decades, while others are fully renovated,' Leigh added. 'As a result, prices can range from approximately 5,000 to over 150,000 euros ($6,000 to $178,000). 'That said, the most commonly bought and sold properties typically fall anywhere within the 5,000- to 30,000-euro range ($6,000 to $35,500).' Leigh returned in late January 2025 to begin construction in February, budgeting between 100,000 and 150,000 euros ($118,000 to $178,000). While Leigh admitted that jumping from her chaotic life in LA to renovating a house in a country where she's not a native speaker is still stressful, she is comforted by knowing that she will have something to show for it at the end Leigh didn't need to open a local Italian bank account, as all payments were made through the international money transfer service Wise. Leigh has since learned Italian and plans to live full-time in her renovated house. The LA local previously lived in a mix of rented apartments and townhouses in West Hollywood and Koreatown, where she paid between $2,750 to $3,000 per month in rent. As someone who loves hosting, Leigh can't wait to be able to properly entertain guests in her new house. 'I've always loved hosting and organizing dinner parties, but renting in Los Angeles rarely comfortably allowed for that,' she explained. 'I'll finally have the room to create environments I've always dreamed about, including a spa and a bar within the house, features that simply aren't possible in most rental properties.' She's also looking forward to showing off her new village. 'I've just completely fallen in love with the town and the people, which I never expected in the beginning,' she gushed to the Daily Mail. 'I definitely thought that this was going to just be something that I was investing in and a fun project and somewhere that I would come just to chill out. 'But to be honest, my social life there is more full than it ever was in LA. It's like, the community there is so welcoming. And I'm just so grateful that I was able to find a place like this.' Leigh, who has Irish citizenship, is currently in the process of getting her citizenship to the EU. At the moment, she visits Italy on a tourist visa, where she stays for one to three months at a time. 'Although, I wish I could stay longer,' she added. 'I've gone back and forth several times in the last year to manage the renovation.' She hopes to set up a business in Mussomeli, either focusing on olive oil or a store that can help serve the local community. She hopes to move to Sicily permanently, with construction on her 17-room abode slated to be finished by June. 'My plan is to use the home as a private residence and be there pretty much full time,' she said, adding that she wants to 'be able to host my family and friends and get to show them this place that I love so much.' If youve been to the Cotswolds recently, you probably found yourself wondering how the women get that Gloucestershire glow. You know the one - that not-too-overdone, glossy look you suspect probably costs thousands of pounds to maintain. Well, I can tell you their secrets. Ive lived in the Cotswolds for 13 years and am the founder of the Lucie app, the go-to resource for finding and booking the best beauty and health experts for these women. We cover the Cotswolds and London as well as Ibiza and Paris and have built up a great roster of high-profile clients who are either full-time residents in the area or have a countryside residence in the Golden Triangle, including pop star Natalie Imbruglia, entrepreneur and partner of Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, and Portia de Rossi, actress and wife of US star Ellen DeGeneres. I know exactly what the glossy Gloucestershire set are having done - and whos doing it. People dont realise that looking good in the Cotswolds is very different to looking good elsewhere. Women get dressed up here far more than anyone in London does, for example. Where my girlfriends in the capital will go out for dinner in jeans and a nice top, in the country its more often a cocktail dress, even though most big events typically happen in peoples houses. This level of glamour and entertaining dictates their beauty routines, too and means theyre doing more of everything. Blow-dries two to three times a week; back-to-back nail appointments; lymphatic drainage massages, and so on. All in the name of looking as good as they possibly can. A lot of socialising also happens around exercise at venues like Soho Farmhouse (sohohouse.com), the Bamford Club (bamfordclub.com), or the recently-opened Chloes Pilates near Chipping Norton which everyone is obsessed with (chloespilates.com). A lot of effort goes into selecting the matching gym wear (Varley, Alo, LuluLemon) alongside the Chanel bag and the Marfa Stance coat but beauty-wise its just hair typically scraped back in a high ponytail with a Silke London hair tie (35 for 6, silkelondon.com) and Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Insurance SPF50 tinted cream for the no makeup glow (74, sarahchapman.com). Id say 99 per cent of the high net worth individuals in the Cotswolds are getting their treatments done at home. Yes, younger clientele might turn it into a social meet up and have a pedicure together at Farmhouse, for instance, but thats more of a luxury treatment compared to the client who regards these appointments as a necessity. Lucy Russell is the founder of the Lucie app, the go-to resource for finding and booking the best beauty and health experts At Lucie we know all the best local practitioners and we try everyone out before recommending them. We also bring down dedicated specialists from London for our clients. Overall our women always want a natural look above all. But what, and who, is most in demand right now? Ditch the brunette and go blonde There are acres more blondes in the Cotswolds than brunettes - if youre telling a story and refer to a skinny blonde woman in a Range Rover, you could be talking about practically anyone and theyre certainly not embracing the grey. There was a time when everyone was getting colour done locally, and it was all a very similar hue of brassy blonde, but now colourists like Raphael Cheesman are coming down from London (300 for a half head of highlights), theres much more variety of blonde and a lot more caramel tones. Raphael used to work at Daniel Galvin Junior and Nicky Clarke, but now comes to clients homes - though he only specialises in colour so dont expect a blow-dry afterwards; youll have to schedule that elsewhere. Most women here have regular blow dries costing about 80 (which, yes, could easily add up to more than 200 a week). People love Morgan and Charlotte on the app. Big bouncy 80s hair and rollers and are a definite no-no its about the beach wave, straight hair, or the slicked back ponytail. Nailing a Cotswolds manicure Id say clients tend to get gels rather than polish (from 60 for mani and 65 for pedi). A tiny few will ask for extensions and occasionally, when Wilderness festival is on, we might we get some nail art requests. You might think that gels are also good for practicality - you dont want to risk ruining your mani if you slip in the mud in your Le Chameau wellies - but Im not sure that is something anyone worries about here. Its more about looking understated yet polished. As for colours, all our manicurists have to carry Essies Sugar Daddy (a very pale creamy pink) or something similar. And if a clients going for more impact, its a deep red such as the Gel Bottles Couture. Theyll have the same colours on fingers and toes. You wont see an unpedicured toe in any of your yoga classes in the Cotswolds. They also love a hand cream, and the favourite right now is 79 Luxe, the British independent luxury brand founded by Karen Cummings-Palmer (33, 79luxe.com). For a more locally-based brand people love Bertioli by Thyme Water Meadow Hand and Body Lotion (55; bertioli.co.uk). Were also seeing more men coming in for nail care these days. Our top nail techs Sabina and Alicia are based locally, but we also work with London-based Imarni (@imarninails) and bring her to the Cotswolds to see our clients (POA). She has done the nails of practically every celebrity on the planet including Lily Collins, Lily Allen, Emma Stone, Charlize Theron, Zoe Kravitz, and Olivia Dean. If youve been to the Cotswolds recently, you probably found yourself wondering how the women get that Gloucestershire glow The eye trick that means no mascara needed The glossy Gloucestershire women might spend 200 on a home make-up session, which is significantly less than our London clients, who spend around 600. The art of it lies in nailing the spontaneous, low effort look: they absolutely do not want to look as though theyve just had their makeup done, in other words. They tend to get lash extensions but very natural-looking ones for a minimal look theyll get a half set rather than a full set which means they dont wear mascara. Theyre also more about tinted moisturisers than heavy foundations and all want the Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops (104, victoriabeckhambeauty.com). Charlotte Tilbury is also in everyones makeup bag, especially her highlighter Beauty Light Wand (30, charlottetilbury.com). Brows are simply threaded. I think makeup always gives away who is a local and who is a hotel guest at Soho Farmhouse or Estelle Manor the Cotswolds is low-key chic, whereas lots of the tourists and hotel guests are more full glam, heels, and as much volume in the hair as possible. Most of the lips in the Cotswolds are nude (though you might see the odd red lip at a big event) and nothing beats a subtle shade of Rhode Peptide Lip Tint (20; rhodeskin.com) or Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss lip gloss (37; chanel.com). The facial with a months-long waiting list People either want real medical facials that focus on deep tissue cellular treatment or things like acne, pigmentation or skin texture - or they go for a really sculpting facial using lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and refresh the skin. They will leave with armfuls of skincare products from heavyweight brands like ESK (eskcare.com) and Obagi (obagi.com) Our top guy is Lee Harrison (250 per facial), a leading A-list medical facialist who works with brands including Obagi, Dr Levy, Priori, Skin Better Science, ZO, and IS Clinical. Lee covers the Cotswolds and London and his facial includes extractions, EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation), dermaplaning, an enzymatic peel, high frequency and dermal LED Light Therapy. Many of our clients have their facial schedule planned out months in advance as theyre not going to risk not getting their appointment. For special occasions the Red Carpet Facial also known as the Cinderella facial is popular. Its results-orientated and non-invasive for an immediate boost to skin leaving it brighter, firmer, hydrated and giving a natural glow that lasts for up to 48 hours. Charlotte Tilbury is in everyones makeup bag, especially her highlighter Beauty Light Wand The subtle rise of tweakments These are everywhere - and always low key. Everyone starts with Botox and people will have minimal filler - if they have any in their lips, its very subtle because no-one wants it to look obvious. We either send clients to Dr Vicky Dondos and Sadaf Jaffari in London or for our VIPs, they come to them. The look they all want is a very natural one - fresh faced with a glow. People are also having Profhilo (injections of hyaluronic acid at 800 per treatment course) and mesotherapy treatments using micro-injections of vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants (270 upwards) for their face. We are seeing more inquiries about blepharoplasty (eye lifts) and also for facelifts. These days most of our clients will avoid sun on their face at all costs and wear SPF 50 all year round. Brands they love include Sisley Sunleya Anti-Ageing Sun Care SPF50+ (223; Sisley-paris.com), Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF50 (125; drsturm.com) or MZ Skin Expert UV Protector SPF50 (110; mzskin.com). lucieapp.co.uk She never expected her son Felix to be diagnosed with an ultra rare disease When mum Ivana was pregnant, doctors warned her of a potential heart defect When Ivana Goluza Riddell gave birth to her second son, her heart swelled with joy. Baby Felix was small - just 2.3 kilos and born a little early - but otherwise, he looked happy and healthy. 'He came into the world, and he looked perfect,' Ivana told the Daily Mail. The Wollongong mum never expected her son to soon be diagnosed with a congenital heart disease and Myhre syndrome - an ultra-rare condition with only 200-300 cases diagnosed globally, and affecting only 12 families in Australia. There had been a few moments of uncertainty during pregnancy. Early scans suggested a possible heart defect, only for doctors to later say it was likely a mistake. 'It was a bit of an up and down during pregnancy,' she said. 'But by the time he was born, we thought everything was okay.' Then, during a routine baby check, a doctor heard something they couldn't ignore. When Ivana Goluza Riddell gave birth to her second son, her heart swelled with joy 'Nobody was panicking,' Ivana said, 'they just heard a little heart murmur.' But further checks led to an urgent transfer to the Royal Women's Hospital in Randwick. There, doctors performed an echocardiogram. 'As soon as we got there, they did an echo and said Felix had quite a complex Tetralogy of Fallot,' she said. 'And it all just struck us from there.' Tetralogy of Fallot is a serious congenital heart condition made up of pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an atrial septal defect. The heart problems affect the structure of the heart, and cause altered blood flow through to the rest of the body. While it can often be surgically managed, Felix's case wasn't straightforward. As testing continued, doctors discovered his pulmonary arteries were severely underdeveloped. 'The lungs are like a tree of vessels, and all of his vessels are very, very small,' Ivana explained. Further checks led to an urgent transfer to the Royal Women's Hospital in Randwick Suddenly, hospital life became normal. Felix spent long stretches between Randwick and Westmead, as specialists tried to understand the full picture. A phone call no parent is prepared for At two months old, Felix seemed to be coping. The family was focused entirely on his heart. Then the geneticist called. 'We were at home when he rang,' Ivana said. 'He said they found something during the exome sequencing called Myhre syndrome.' The diagnosis landed like a second - and heavier - blow. 'Every diagnosis was devastating,' she said. 'With the heart condition on its own, you can reframe your expectations. It can be well managed. But then you keep adding more things.' Myhre syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the SMAD4 gene. It affects multiple systems in the body and is progressive, meaning symptoms often worsen over time. 'The worst part is that it keeps making things worse. There's progressive scarring and stiffening - stiff rib cages, stiff muscles and joints, stiff heart, and the gut as well.' As testing continued, doctors discovered Felix's pulmonary arteries were severely underdeveloped For some children, the condition is life-limiting. 'We've had kids and young adults in our community pass away,' she said. 'When you see 18-month-olds dying from complications, it's devastating.' There is no cure. Treatment is reactive - responding to symptoms as they appear. Learning to fight a disease doctors rarely see Because Myhre syndrome is so rare, many clinicians have never encountered it. 'That's been one of the hardest parts. Symptoms can present differently, and sometimes clinicians haven't seen this before.' The family quickly learned that survival depended on collaboration - between doctors, parents and the global Myhre community. 'There are things that don't behave the way they're supposed to,' she said. One example was Felix's feeding tube. While most children tolerate gastrostomy tubes well, Felix was in pain. 'Clinicians were saying it shouldn't hurt - but the community told us otherwise.' Through shared experience, the family learned how to reduce Felix's discomfort - taping the tube to prevent rotation, increasing its size, changing the type of tube, switching to blended real-food feeds, and using bolus feeding instead of constant feeds. 'All these little one-percent made a huge difference,' she said. The family quickly learned that survival depended on collaboration - between doctors, parents and the global Myhre community Felix's challenges sit alongside ordinary baby struggles - teething, irritability, sleepless nights - creating a confusing mix of normalcy and fear Even Felix's heart surgery required special planning. 'His cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon carefully designed ways to minimise trauma,' Ivana said, 'because trauma can accelerate scarring in Myhre.' 'You can't protect them from everything' Emotionally, Ivana says the diagnosis has been relentless. 'Your expectations and reality are very different. We grapple with it every day.' The hardest part is pain - knowing Felix hurts, and sometimes there is nothing more they can do. 'You want to protect your children from everything. And when you can't, it just eats away at you.' Felix's challenges sit alongside ordinary baby struggles - teething, irritability, sleepless nights - creating a confusing mix of normalcy and fear. 'He's got G-tube site pain, lower oxygen at times. But he's also just teething, and that's awful for any child.' At 18 months, Felix is much smaller than other children his age Felix's big brother Oscar - who is five and a half - is learning resilience far beyond his years Despite everything, Felix has moments of joy. 'He's a really sweet little boy. He loves a laugh,' she said. A family balancing hospital life and childhood Felix's days are unpredictable. 'Some days are full of therapies or trips to Sydney for check-ups. Other days, we get to go to the park.' At 18 months, Felix is much smaller than other children his age. 'Everyone thinks he's a little baby,' she said. At home, his big brother Oscar - who is five and a half - is learning resilience far beyond his years. 'He's spent time sitting in hospital instead of going to the beach. But he's been so patient and understanding.' The boys share a close bond. 'They cuddle every morning,' she said. 'Felix knocks over Oscar's Pokemon collection and chews on it, which frustrates him - but that's just siblings.' The weight of Myhre syndrome has pushed Ivana and her family into advocacy Ivana believes the four-year age gap helped. 'Oscar had a lot of one-on-one time before Felix came along. And that's helped him cope with how much time Felix needs now.' Turning grief into action The weight of Myhre syndrome has pushed Ivana and her family into advocacy. 'We felt compelled to do something more. This disease needs awareness,' she said. She believes rare diseases like Myhre could benefit from breakthroughs already happening elsewhere - from repurposed medications to gene-editing technologies. 'There are drugs sitting on shelves that might be candidates. We just haven't looked at them for Myhre.' For now, the family lives in two timeframes: today, and the future. 'We're trying to help Felix now - giving him our presence, creating family memories. But we're also thinking about Felix in 10 years' time.' The family has started the Myhre Syndrome Foundation to spread awareness about Myhre and also the 300million people living with rare diseases globally. 'This is our warning' Ivana knows most parents never expect a diagnosis like this. 'We thought our baby was perfect,' she said. 'And then everything changed.' Her message to others is simple but urgent: listen, question, and advocate. 'Rare diseases are devastating - and most of them have no treatments.' Still, she finds strength in community - and in Felix himself. 'We're just so grateful he's with us,' she said. 'And we'll keep fighting - for him, and for every family like ours.' As holiday plans start to take shape, those living with a medical condition may find the biggest hurdle isnt securing flights or hotels but getting insured. Even when cover is offered, it can come with eye-watering premiums, meaning a one-week trip can cost thousands. But there are tricks you can use to increase your chances of buying cover at a reasonable price. Here, insurance experts and readers who have experienced difficulties explain the words to avoid when applying and the steps to take to get the right cover for you. Robert Minton-Taylor, 77, from North Yorkshire, discovered how quickly a serious diagnosis can turn travel insurance into a minefield, even though he is fit to travel. He had a stroke in 2019 and was diagnosed with stage-four prostate cancer in May 2024. However, he has medical reassurance that he is able to travel and has had supportive input from his NHS oncologist. But when Robert tried to get travel insurance for a week-long city break to Malaga last August a holiday he sorely needed he was repeatedly declined by companies, including specialist cancer insurers. Professor Adrian Crellin is an oncologist from Leeds who has prostate cancer The rejections often came after long, intrusive phone calls and filling in the same information repeatedly on forms online, only to be finally told they wouldnt cover his trip to Spain. Robert says the main stumbling block wasnt the terminal cancer, as hed been given six years to live and insurers typically set a cut-off of at least six months prognosis. The problem was a grey area in his records from eight months before he applied for insurance swelling in his legs and ankles, noted as probably related to steroids used alongside chemotherapy. Robert says: In insurance terms, probably translated to an undiagnosed condition. And combined with a previous stroke, it effectively made me uninsurable. Travel insurers, I found, want black-and-white answers and not any medical uncertainty. What finally helped Robert find cover was an intervention from his oncologist, who offered to change the word probably to most likely (without claiming absolute certainty). Robert says this wording tweak was enough to remove the undiagnosed red flag that was causing insurers to rule him out for cover. Even then, the insurer would cover him while excluding claims specifically connected to leg swelling. After weeks of dead ends, and quotes as extreme as 2,000 and 3,500 for a week in Europe, he succeeded with InsureandGo, which charged him 973 for a fully comprehensive silver policy. Hes since arranged another trip seven nights in Malta in April again using InsureandGo, for 1,088. Robert says: The travel insurance system is exhausting and opaque if you have a serious medical condition lots of algorithms, little perceived transparency and a process that can punish honest disclosure and medical nuance. My success came down to persistence, precise clinical wording that insurers could accept, and finding a provider willing to stick with me and treat me like a person rather than a risk code. Insurers are sensitive to wording indicating uncertainty or that you await test results. Other words that may raise red flags include unexplained, unknown cause, under investigation or pending treatment. Cancer support charity Maggies says cancer patients are routinely refused cover or are quoted unaffordable premiums, even when theyre in a stable condition. This forces many to travel without insurance or not go at all. The travel insurance sector can be difficult to navigate if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Some policies wont cover claims for these, while others will allow you to pay a top-up fee to include this in the policy. If the price is an extra 200 beyond the standard policy, the insurer must signpost customers to specialist insurers, under Financial Conduct Authority rules. Its always best to be honest about existing medical conditions, in case you have an issue while abroad and the insurer refuses to pay for any treatment. Professor Adrian Crellin, an oncologist from Leeds who has prostate cancer, says the travel insurance industry hasnt kept pace with modern medicine, and a lot of factors come together to make it harder for cancer patients to get cover. He says many insurers often dont understand the difference between treated or cured cancer versus a diagnosis or having metastatic cancer. He adds: They often dont know the difference between incurable and terminal, which are not the same. Metastatic disease is incurable but often very, very treatable, yet the perception is metastatic disease is terminal. It isnt always. A major issue, he argues, is how decisions are made by insurance companies using very simplistic algorithms which lack the nuance a human could pick out. Professor Crellin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, has found it difficult to obtain insurance for travelling. For a recent seven-day trip to the Arctic he was quoted 2,000 by several insurers before managing to get cover for 200 through Insureancewith, which specialises in cover for cancer patients. Professor Crellin says Insurancewith asked intelligent questions and understood his condition was stable. He adds: More insurers should look at individual cases and not rely on outdated algorithms. What some patients do is lie, take the risk of travelling uninsured or they dont go on holiday any more, which is terrible. Debbie King, a luxury travel adviser, says she tells clients to always plan their policy carefully. Be upfront about medical declarations and dont start by looking for quotes online, she warns. If you get a quote online first, then call, they can see what youve been quoted and your price will remain at the online price. Call them, get the quote, then get passed through to the medical underwriters who will advise and adjust accordingly, she says. This underlines Roberts experience if you can obtain human intervention, you have a better chance of success. The British Insurance Brokers Association has a list of approved specialist providers that provide cover if you have a serious medical condition (biba.org.uk). MoneyHelper also has an online list of 19 insurers offering policies to those with serious medical conditions (moneyhelper.org.uk). Garry Nelson of InsureandGo, which provided Roberts cover, says it uses expert knowledge to assess individual risks on and offline. Roberts case highlights the complexity of his conditions but also that hes made as full a declaration as possible, allowing us to provide cover at a price reflective of his age, medical history and places he wants to visit, he says. For complex cases, customers can speak with real people at our UK call centres. This helps them to consider the options fully and make informed decisions on the best and most appropriate cover for their medical conditions. Two thirds of drivers say they will use the Government's new Fuel Finder Scheme to keep an eye on how much their local petrol stations are charging. Last week, the Government launched the scheme which legally requires every petrol station to share changes to their prices within half an hour of making them. Drivers can access live pricing data via websites, on their smartphones or through their vehicle's sat-nav system. This allows motorists to locate the cheapest forecourts around them, so they won't get ripped off at the pumps. And it seems that the scheme is proving an instant hit with drivers as 67 per cent of motorists told the AA they will now start to monitor their local pump prices on mobile and other devices. This rises to nearly nine out of 10 young drivers and four in five in the young family bracket (25-44 years). 67% of drivers say they will use the Government's new Fuel Finder Scheme to check which local petrol stations offer the cheapest pump prices As of 11 February, 7,020 retailers (84 per cent of all UK fuel stations) were showing on the database and 78.4 per cent of them have logged a pump price change. Last week, average UK petrol pump prices reached a plateau of 132.0p a litre, a level last seen in June 2025 and once more at the lowest since the summer of 2021. This levelling off followed a 5.5p fall from 12 December. Diesel is down to an average of 140.8p a litre, having been at a high of 146.9p in early December. But wholesale petrol costs have risen 3p a litre since early January, and drivers will now be taking advantage of pump-price transparency thanks to the Fuel Finder Scheme to locate the retailers refraining from passing on price increases. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The results of the AA's survey of more than 13,000 drivers indicates complete pump-price transparency across the UK will likely have a transformational impact on the way motorists in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland buy their petrol and diesel. When Fuel Finder went live, views of pump prices on the AA App fuel-price search engine jumped six-fold. The compulsory Fuel Finder system will eventually take over from the CMAs voluntary scheme, which covers 65 per cent of forecourts. There are nearly 8,350 forecourts in the UK, all of which are required by law to register with the scheme and log price changes within half an hour. Nearly 7,000 have already done so. The scheme legally requires every filling station to share changes to their prices within half an hour of making them and should save households 40 a year Why has the scheme been introduced? It was launched after years of campaigning following a major investigation into the fuel retail sector discovered drivers are being ripped off consistently at the pumps. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called for the implementation of the statutory scheme since 2023. It had found evidence of weakened competition in the fuel retail industry post pandemic. In her Autumn Budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the Fuel Finder Scheme would be implemented and said it would save the average household 40 a year. The official launch was celebrated by motoring organisations who called it 'the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK'. Craft beer giant Brewdog has called in restructuring experts to oversee a possible sale of the business. The Scottish firm, behind drinks including Punk IPA, has appointed AlixPartners to field interest from potential suitors as it battles difficulties including growing losses and job cuts. Those thought to be interested include James Watt, who co-founded Brewdog in 2007, according to Sky News. Watt, who stepped down as the beer group's chief executive in 2024, remains one of its largest shareholders. 'As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate... we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company,' Brewdog said in a statement. 'Following a year of decisive action in 2025... we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment.' In difficulty: Craft beer giant Brewdog has called in restructuring experts to oversee a possible sale of the business But it is thought any sale would be unlikely to attract a price tag near a previously estimated 2 billion, with the firm reporting a loss of 37 million last year despite raking in 357 million in sales. A deal had stoked hope among Brewdog's 220,000 small shareholders, with the company having previously raised 75 million by selling stock to customers in exchange for perks such as discounts and early access to new beers. Five years ago, the brewer was rocked by allegations from former employees that it had created a 'culture of fear', prompting it to overhaul its company culture. But this has failed to reverse difficulties, as the firm struggles to respond to a downturn in the sector. Last month, Brewdog unveiled plans to shut down its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and said it would stop making brands including Duo Rum after several bar closures in 2025. From the streets of Sydney to full-blown influencer stardom, Spanian has transformed himself into a brand synonymous with both success and controversy. What began as a raw, underground presence in Australia's rap scene - shaped by years of runins with the law, time in juvenile detention and prison, and a reputation forged on the streets - has evolved into a lucrative social media empire. It's a business built on hardearned notoriety, provocation and relentless selfpromotion. Fans, critics and rivals now ask the same question: how did he pull it off? The selfstyled entrepreneur, who has openly spoken about his reputation as one of the city's most flagrant crooks in the social housing enclaves of Redfern and Woolloomooloo, now lives a world away from those humble beginnings. Once a heroin junkie, he now lives high above Sydney Harbour in a glamorous, multimilliondollar twobedroom waterfront apartment in Barangaroo, renting for an estimated $2,500-a-week. Parked downstairs is a $250,000 MercedesBenz GWagon, the luxury SUV of choice for the ultrarich - from Kim Kardashian to highprofile Sydney powerbrokers, including the infamous 'King of the Cross', John Ibrahim. The G-Wagon is another sign of how far Spanian's come - from the streets to serious money, with every step of the journey playing out in front of millions online. The influencerturnedentrepreneur has quietly built a multimilliondollar food empire with food trucks, a bricks and mortar store and a Youtube channel dedicated to food reviews As the kebab empire has grown, so has the flex. Spanian (pictured) now regularly broadcasts a highend lifestyle to his millions of followers flying business class overseas, indulging in luxury experiences and showcasing his 22-year-old girlfriend Ava Jean Walker (pictured) Spanian's Kebabs One of Spanian's biggest cash cows is kebabs. The influencerturnedentrepreneur has quietly built a multimilliondollar food empire, with Spanian's Kebabs now valued at around $2.5million and expanding fast. What started as a latenight feed has become a serious business, with eight mobile food trucks operating across New South Wales and Victoria and more in the pipeline. The money is in the model. Franchisees pay between $250,000 and $350,000 upfront for a readytoroll operation, covering the truck, fitout, equipment and training. Sources say Spanian then takes about 10 per cent in commission, allowing him to scale rapidly while franchise holders shoulder the daytoday grind. Flush with confidence and cash, Spanian has opened his first brickandmortar store on Newtown's brutal King Street, where hospitality businesses are chewed up and spat out with regularity. The address has already claimed casualties, including previous tenant Mr Potato, making the move a bold test of whether the brand can survive beyond hype and Instagram buzz, with more stores already being planned. Since leaving prison in 2017, Spanian (pictured) has reinvented himself as one of Australia's most successful content creators complete with young girlfriend Ava Jean Walker (pictured) As the kebab empire has grown, so has the flex. Spanian now regularly broadcasts a highend lifestyle to his millions of followers, flying business class overseas, indulging in luxury experiences and showcasing his much younger girlfriend. He has also unveiled a noticeably slicker look in recent years, complete with cosmetic dental work and other aesthetic upgrades - a far cry from the toughtalking eshay image that first made him famous. Social media Today, Spanian commands a massive social media following, with fans hanging on his every word ever since he started posting prison raps and stories of his upbringing. Since leaving prison in 2017, the former inmate has reinvented himself as one of Australia's most successful content creators. Drawing on his past, including time spent in prison and previous involvement in drug dealing, he has built an online persona that many view as authentic and at times deliberately controversial. Spanian's massive following of nearly 3million people on Instagram (929,000), YouTube (1.2million), and TikTok (793,000) provides him with a steady stream of income with YouTube almost certainly one of his top income pillars. Spanian's (pictured) earnings for the past year from Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are estimated at around $1million The entrepreneur has two successful series on the video streaming platform: It's All Eats which focuses on food around the globe, and 'Into The Hood', where he visits some of the 'most dangerous' neighbourhoods locally and overseas. It's estimated by influenceranalytics platform Hype Auditor that Spanian's income last month was between $75,000 and $100,000, with earnings from Instagram of at least $19,720, TikTok from $14,120 and YouTube up to $50,000. His earnings for the past year from Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are estimated at around $1million. Snap Star Last year Snapchat recruited Spanian to join their social media platform as an invite-only Snap Star with earnings estimated to vary from $500 to over $10,000 per post. He joins the likes of Kylie Jenner, DJ Khaled and closer to home, Emilee Hembrow, the sister of influencer Tammy Hembrow. Spanian has already grown his following on Snapchat to more than 139,000 since joining two months ago. Freedom giveaways Adding to his growing business portfolio, Spanian has launched Freedom Giveaways, a subscription-based giveaway platform that operates like a modern, influencerdriven lottery. Spanian (pictured) has launched Freedom Giveaways, a subscription-based giveaway platform that operates like a modern, influencerdriven lottery The scheme offers highvalue prizes, including a chance to win Spanian's $35,000 Rolex Sky Dweller, offered through regular draws promoted to his online audience. Fans can join as free members or pay up to $99 a month to gain additional entries and access to premium perks. Paid subscribers are eligible for exclusive prize draws, invitations to VIP events with Spanian, monthly giveaways and access to memberonly discounts. Giveaway-based membership models have become increasingly popular among highprofile influencers as a way to monetise audiences beyond advertising and merchandise. Internationally, figures such as YouTube star MrBeast, internet personality Logan Paul and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk have all run largescale giveaways or prize based promotions tied to subscriptions, product purchases or fan clubs. The model relies on exclusivity, scarcity and the promise of lifechanging prizes, a strategy that has proven highly effective in converting followers into paying members in the influencer economy. If even a small fraction of Spanian's audience converts to paid memberships, the revenue potential scales rapidly. A conservative scenario of 1,000 paying members at $99 per month would generate about $1.18million a year in gross revenue. Spanian (pictured) was dropped after posting a video to social media containing a homophobic rant in which he compared gay people to paedophiles and childabuse groomers Even after accounting for prize costs, marketing and platform fees, the model has the potential to be highly lucrative by Australian influencer standards. Depending on subscriber uptake, Freedom Giveaways could reasonably generate well over $10million annually, making it one of Spanian's most financially significant ventures. Other income streams Other notable but more limited income streams include Spanian's brief foray into music, which began in 2018 with the release of gritty hiphop and drill tracks on streaming platforms. That career stalled in 2023 when he was dropped by his management company, One Day, after posting a video to social media containing a homophobic rant in which he compared gay people to paedophiles and child abuse groomers. The fallout extended beyond music. Publisher Hachette Australia later announced it would not work with Spanian on any future projects, despite having released his autobiography The Unfiltered Hood Life in 2022. The royalties Spanian continues to receive from book sales are not publicly known. However, under standard Australian publishing arrangements, a highprofile memoir with a mainstream publisher would typically attract an advance of $50,000 to $300,000 or more, with royalties of 10 to 15 per cent of the cover price on physical books and 20 to 25 per cent on ebooks. Police charged two eshays after alleged street attacks on police during wild appearance in Brisbane by YouTube sensation Spanian (pictured) On a paperback priced at around $32 to $35, that equates to roughly $3 to $5 per copy in author royalties once the advance has been earned back. At scale, the earnings can be substantial. Sales of 50,000 copies would likely generate $150,000 to $250,000 in royalties alone, with higher totals possible if combined with ebook and audiobook sales. Beyond publishing, Spanian also operates a merchandise business through his official website, selling branded apparel inspired by his Into the Hood brand. Tshirts typically retail for around $49.99, while hoodies sell for about $89.99. While exact sales volumes are not public, merchandise is one of the highestmargin revenue streams available to influencers. Even modest uptake can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in gross revenue, particularly when sold directly to fans. Despite ongoing controversy, figures like Spanian can also earn money from guest appearances, including private clubs and invite-only events. Fees for such appearances can range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on demand. Creators also frequently monetise through less visible arrangements, including undisclosed gifted products, affiliate links embedded in social media bios or swipeups, and shortterm brand relationships that may be promoted briefly before being removed. These noncash benefits can be financially significant. Savings are also earnings: a $50,000 car lease covered by a partner represents a tangible economic benefit even if no money changes hands. Spanian has previously claimed to own multiple properties. In a 2023 post on his YouTube channel, he wrote that 'six years later I own houses and shops', though no public records have been identified to independently verify the extent of his portfolio. Spanian's (pictured) fitness app Limitless charges $39 a month for workout and meal plans His fitness app Limitless charges $39 a month for workout and meal plans. He also has the podcast The Search and long-term plans for a Spanian movie. He's already auditioned for major Netflix and Hollywood roles and played himself in the movie Neverland in 2022. Ultimately, Spanian's story is less about any single business venture than the ecosystem he has built around himself - one fuelled by attention, controversy and a loyal audience willing to follow him from platform to platform. How much of that wealth is permanent, how much is performative, and how long the momentum will last remains an open question. Once known for street credibility, Spanian is now selling something else entirely: success. And judging by the numbers, it's a brand that's paying off. But for now, the former inmate who once hustled to survive has succeeded in monetising his past, his persona and his audience by turning notoriety into one of the most lucrative influencer brands in Australia. When it comes to wealth, extravagance and notoriety, few compare to Thailand's playboy king, Maha Vajiralongkorn. Known formally as Rama X, the 73-year-old monarch is the wealthiest ruler in the world, with an estimated net worth of 52billion. He has lived an extraordinarily wild, and at times outright bizarre, life that would put even history's most debauched monarchs to shame. But in recent months, the flamboyant royal has all but retreated from public life. Rarely seen since the October death of his mother Sirikit, the once-spirited monarch appears to still be in mourning. In November, just a few weeks after his mother passed away, a glum-looking Vajiralongkorn became the first ever Thai monarch to visit China as part of a state visit. And on February 1, the king was seen performing religious rites to commemorate the 100th day since his mother's passing. Photos of the event showed uniformed soldiers obediently bowing down to the dour-looking king and queen in a gaudy room that held a large portrait of the late Sirikit. Compounding his misery is the poor health of his eldest daughter, who has been in a coma for more than three years. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol is receiving 'continuous' treatment to stabilise her blood pressure because of a severe infection, the palace said in August. She has been unconscious in hospital since falling ill due to heart problems in December 2022 during a dog training session. Other than formal events, the monarch appears to have had little contact with the outside world. Before his retreat from the public eye, Vajiralongkorn was involved in a string of scandals, including making his poodle the chief of his air force, spending the Covid-19 lockdown with a harem of 'sex soldiers' in a German hotel, and throwing his mistress into prison for upsetting him and his wife. When it comes to wealth, extravagance and notoriety, few compare to Thailand's playboy king, Maha Vajiralongkorn (pictured) Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (pictured, right) and Queen Suthida (pictured, left) during their wedding ceremony in Bangkok on May 1 2019 In a 2001 video leaked in 2013, Princess Srirasmi (pictured, right) was seen feeding the king's dog Foo Foo (pictured, centre) while wearing nothing but a G-string The king was once seen cavorting around a German mall wearing a yellow crop top Though Thailand has some of the world's strictest lese-majeste laws - rules that allow courts to hand prison sentences of up to 15 years to anyone who dares criticise or mock the monarch - media outlets outside Thailand have normally been able to report on his wild antics. And given that Vajiralongkorn spends most of his time in Germany, he has become a veritable goldmine for the country's tabloids. Vajiralongkorn was regularly seen wearing crop tops and tight jeans as he swanned about the nation with his partners. Even in his early years, he showed signs of being wholly out of touch with common people. Educated at Kings Mead School in East Sussex and later at Millfield, a boarding school in Somerset, he is said to have been a spoilt bully as a child. At the precocious age of 12, he could not tie his own shoelaces as he had grown up having courtiers do so for him. Following his education in the British schooling system, he was then sent to attend two different military training courses in Australia, before attaining a law degree from a Thai university. After starting a career as an officer in Thailand's standing army, he quickly rose up the ranks to become the commander of the Royal Security Command, the detail in charge of protecting the country's royal family. He also became a qualified pilot, certified to fly, among other aircraft, F-16 fighter jets and Boeing 737-400s. But his time in the military, where discipline and rigour are beaten into soldiers from the moment they sign up for active service, apparently did little to wrangle his zaniness into submission. Sordid video footage showed the princess wearing nothing but a G-string in front of dozens of courtiers, lying on the floor and eating cake beside Foo Foo. Just two months after he married Suthida, he made his mistress Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi (pictured) a royal noble consort, as well as a Major General in his nation's army Perhaps the best example of this is his bizarre relationship with his pet poodle. For 17 years, Foo Foo was the apple of Vajiralongkorn's eye. Picked up at a Bangkok market in 1997 as a month-old puppy, the dog lived a life of luxury few of us could even begin to imagine. Foo Foo was often seen sitting in Vajiralongkorn's arms, with the royal endearingly describing him as 'quite cute, but... very weak'. So beloved was the poodle that the monarch gave him a major military role as head of the nation's air force. Foo Foo's appointment as Air Chief Marshall bemused many at the time, including the US ambassador to Thailand. In a leaked 2007 cable, diplomat Ralph Boyce spoke of the dog's antics at a gala dinner he hosted, at which Vajiralongkorn was guest of honour. Boyce wrote in the now-infamous note that he had confirmed that 'the crown princes miniature poodle, Foo Foo, currently holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal. 'Foo Foo was present at the event, dressed in formal evening attire complete with paw mitts, and at one point during the bands second number, he jumped up onto the head table and began lapping from the guests water glasses, including my own. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, 45, is receiving 'continuous' treatment to stabilise her blood pressure because of a severe infection. Pictured: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol delivers a speech on September 14, 2009 Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (2nd R) and Queen Suthida (R) wave to well-wishers with his children Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (L), Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti (2nd L) and Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol on May 6, 2019 'The Air Chief Marshals antics drew the full attention of the 600-plus audience members, and remains the talk of the town to this day.' That was the same year a sordid video was leaked by the then-crown prince's enemies of the 30th birthday party of his third wife, Princess Srirasmi, in 2001. The video showed the princess wearing nothing but a G-string in front of dozens of courtiers, lying on the floor and eating cake beside Foo Foo. In early 2015, the poodle passed away. Vajiralongkorn tasked officials with running four days of Buddhist funeral rites for Foo Foo. The dog was then cremated, with the fate of its ashes unknown to this day. On top of his evidently long-standing love for animals, Vajiralongkorn, to put it mildly, has a bit of a reputation as a philanderer. As the world hunkered down in their homes for the Covid-19 pandemic, baking banana bread and following Joe Wicks' exercise videos, Vajiralongkorn used his enormous wealth to live quite a different life to the rest of us. Accompanied by a harem of 20 concubines with military ranks, the Thai king booked out the whole fourth floor of the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in southern Germany. The floor was full of 'treasures and antiques' from Thailand, with amenities including a 'pleasure room.' Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol (pictured, second-left) has been unconscious in hospital since falling ill due to heart problems in December 2022 during a dog training session An outdoor area at the Bavarian hotel, where the Thai monarch spent much of the pandemic except for occasional visits to his home country His 'sex soldiers' are said to have been assembled as a military unit called the SAS. Like Britain's special forces, the unit stood by the motto: 'Who dares wins'. At the hotel, his concubines were apparently given military-style designations with numbers such as S01 or S020, along with ranks including major or colonel. The sex soldiers were also given honorary titles such as Sirivajirabhakdi or 'The beautiful one who will be faithful to the king,' it was claimed. One hotel worker said at the time that staff were forbidden from the fourth floor where the king and his entourage set up camp. Thailand expert Andrew MacGregor Marshall told Bild in 2020: 'The whole floor [was] full of Thai antiques and treasures from Bangkok. 'The concubines make a big gamble - with the hope of winning big. Some are happy to join and are hoping for riches and success for themselves and their families. 'Others give in to the king's pressure to join over fear of the consequences if they refuse.' The king's stay in Germany meant he missed Coronation Day in Thailand, marking the first anniversary of his accession to the throne. A room inside the Alpine hotel where the king's harem was joined by his former consort At the hotel (pictured), his concubines were apparently given military-style designations And since then, he has stayed in the nation, choosing to rule there instead of from his home. This ticked off both the German government and the people of Thailand. In 2020, then-foreign minister Heiko Maas said the government had made clear that 'politics concerning Thailand is not to be done from German soil'. He added Germany 'would always oppose having guests in our country who run their state affairs from here'. A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry said at the time that this position had been made clear to the Thai government on several occasions, with representatives of the Asian nation assuring Germany that while government business is conducted by the Thai prime minister, the King is in Germany for private reasons. The king isn't just someone who loves collecting the most beautiful members of his military for casual flings. At the age of 73, has so far had five marriages. He has long had a reputation of being a womaniser, with even his own mother comparing him to Don Juan. She said during a trip to the US in 1982: 'My son, the Crown Prince, is a little bit of a Don Juan. He is a good student, a good boy, but women find him interesting and he finds women even more interesting.' Accompanied by a harem of 20 concubines with military ranks, the Thai king booked out the whole fourth floor of the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in southern Germany (pictured) for much of the pandemic The floor he booked out was full of 'treasures and antiques' from Thailand, with amenities including a 'pleasure room' Shockingly, he is currently married to two different women at the same time. In May 2019, three days before he took the mantle of king, he married Suthida Tidjai, former acting commander of Royal Thai Aide-de-Camp Department. As a result, upon his coronation, the former Thai Airways flight attendant became Queen Consort - and his fourth wife. Official photos from the wedding ceremony showed Suthida laying on the floor and looking longingly at the king as he gave her a gift. But it was not long before Vajiralongkorn's eyes began to wander. Just two months after he married Suthida, he made his mistress Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi a royal noble consort, as well as a Major General in his nation's army. Sineenat, born in 1985, worked as a nurse before she got involved with the king. She eventually became a bodyguard, pilot and parachutist, before joining the royal guards. Footage of the hideously awkward ceremony showed Sineenat lying on the floor as she demurely accepted a gift from the king, as Suthida stonily looked on. His decision to rule from the German hotel (pictured) angered the nation's government Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn posing with royal noble consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani on August 26 2019 He used ceremonial water to anoint his partner while she lay at his feet. It was the first time in a century that a ruling monarch has openly had multiple formal romantic partners. But just three months later, Vajiralongkorn issued a command to rescind the appointment to consort, as well as her military rank, and sent her to prison. She was accused of being 'dishonourable, lacking gratitude [and of] disobedience against the king and the queen', though circumstances around this are still unclear. The palace claimed at the time that she was being punished for trying to elevate herself to 'the same state at the queen'. Sent to the Bang Kwang maximum-security prison in Bangkok, she was released just a few months later and joined the king in his harem in Germany in September 2020. It was written in the Thailand's Royal Gazette, where all laws and royal decrees are announced, that the king's decision meant that her name was 'not tarnished'. It added: 'Henceforth, it will be as if she had never been stripped of her military ranks or royal decorations.' Along with his Don Juan-esque antics, the king also has bold sense of fashion that he does not like being mocked. In 2017, Thailand's government placed significant pressure on Facebook to remove hundreds of posts that depicted the then-newly-crowned monarch walking through a shopping mall wearing a skimpy yellow crop top. A 44-second video showed the king walking with a woman through a Munich shopping mall. The video also exposed a large tattoo of his back, as well as what appeared to be a fake tattoo sleeve. This is far from the first time the king has been spotted out in public in a surprisingly sultry outfit for an elderly monarch. In 2016, he was seen arriving with Foo Foo at Munich airport in a tiny white top and sagging blue jeans. He was also seen sporting a fake tattoo sleeve as he got into an awaiting Mercedes convoy. Given the tragedy that has struck the king in recent months, it's unclear how long Vajiralongkorn will be in his low mood for. As the old saying goes, money can't buy happiness; only military harems and crop tops. News / Local by Staff reporter A self-styled prophet accused of masterminding an elaborate "snake cleansing" scam that allegedly cost a retired bank manager more than US$20 000 and three vehicles has been acquitted of fraud charges.Lenon Chidarikire, popularly known as Madzibaba Lenon Chidarikire, was facing four counts of fraud. He walked free on Thursday after Bulawayo magistrate Themba Chimiso ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.Chidarikire was represented by Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Company and Attorneys.In his ruling, Mr Chimiso said there was no evidence that Chidarikire misrepresented himself to the complainant, Ms Innocencia Sekani, by falsely claiming to be registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association or by presenting himself as someone capable of removing snakes from her home.The magistrate noted that during trial, Ms Sekani consistently referred to the accused as "Madzibaba Chidarikire," indicating that she understood him to be a prophet who prays for people."The complainant did not hand the money to the accused but handed it to Madzibaba Mushore and Michael. She also told this court that she threw some of the money into a river after she was instructed to do so by Madzibaba Mushonga," ruled Mr Chimiso.In acquitting Chidarikire, the court found that the evidence presented did not establish criminal misrepresentation or direct receipt of the funds by the accused.Prosecutor Mr Samuel Mpofu had told the court that the alleged scheme began on March 22 last year when Chidarikire and an accomplice, Madzibaba Michael, reportedly visited Ms Sekani's home and performed rituals, claiming to have removed two snakes from the house.Terrified, Ms Sekani was allegedly told to pay US$3 000 within two hours to avert unspecified spiritual consequences, which she did.On March 28, the court heard, Chidarikire allegedly returned, claiming he had received a spiritual message from another prophet, Madzibaba Mushore, instructing Ms Sekani to visit a shrine in Norton.She travelled there accompanied by her daughter and the daughter's boyfriend. At the shrine, she was allegedly instructed to sell her Mazda Demio, which she sold for US$2 200. Chidarikire signed the agreement of sale as a witness.On May 14, the accused allegedly returned and claimed to have removed another snake from the house, demanding US$250 and a Toyota Aqua as payment for cleansing rituals. Ms Sekani allegedly complied.On June 24, she was reportedly summoned again to the shrine and warned that evil spirits were targeting her daughter. She paid a US$20 consultation fee and US$300 for cleansing.Chidarikire allegedly instructed her to bring her Toyota Hilux, claiming it harboured an evil spirit. She was told to sell the vehicle within two hours to a buyer he identified for US$9 500. After handing over the money, she was allegedly told an additional US$500 was required because the cash was "contaminated with evil spirits."The court further heard that at one point, Ms Sekani and her daughter were instructed to throw money into the Umguza River as part of rituals, believing it would appease spirits. It was alleged that someone would later retrieve the cash from beneath a bridge.By the time she reported the matter, Ms Sekani had allegedly lost US$20 700 and three vehicles. Only the Mazda Demio was later recovered.However, the court ultimately ruled that the prosecution had not established that Chidarikire personally received the funds or made false representations amounting to fraud, resulting in his acquittal. An Apprentice star and his brother whose websites sold weapons linked to at least 14 murders in Britain raked in nearly 400,000 by surrendering zombie knives under a controversial Government scheme. Adam Eliaz, who appeared on Lord Sugar's Young Apprentice aged 17 in 2010, and his older brother Eddy have been accused of 'profiting' selling zombie knives and ninja swords online. Police say blades from Adam's business, DNA Leisure, and Eddy's website, Sporting Wholesale, have been linked to at least 14 murders - including 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed with a 22-inch ninja sword in Wolverhampton in June 2022. The brothers' multi-million pound knife selling empire, which they both operated from warehouses in Luton, Bedfordshire, came to an end when the Government introduced a ban on zombie knives on September 24, 2024. It is now illegal to own a knife with a sharpened blade longer than 8in (20cm) if it also has features including a serrated edge, more than one hole in the blade, spikes and more than two sharp points. Adam attracted criticism after encouraging his customers to buy up his stock of zombie knives ahead of the ban. But he drew the ire of the families of murder victims, when he and his brother received huge payments from a controversial scheme, where the Home Office offered to pay a minimum of 10 per knife handed in. The millionaire brothers accounted for an astonishing 78 per cent of the 47,795 knives surrendered during the month-long compensation scheme, according to police and Home Office figures. With Adam's DNA Leisure handing in 1,500 knives and Eddy's Sporting Wholesale surrendering 35,800, the brothers were paid at least 373,000 from the taxpayer-funded scheme. The brothers are understood to dispute the figures or making a profit but the payments to them raise questions over the handling of the scheme, which critics say had 'huge flaws'. A Home Office impact statement shows the Home Office thought owners would hand in 472 blades, resulting in a 14,000 total pay out - a massive underestimate. Adam made it clear he was willing to do whatever it takes to make money from an early age. He left school at 16, setting up a business selling fishing and camping equipment and appeared on Young Apprentice aged 17. Adam Eliaz set up DNA Leisure in 2012. He appeared on Young Apprentice (pictured) in 2010 Pooja Kanda at her home in Wolverhampton, holding a picture of her son Ronan. He was stabbed to death with a ninja sword bought from Luton-based business DNA Leisure Millionaire brothers Adam (left) and Eddy (right) Eliaz accounted for an astonishing 78 per cent of the 47,795 knives surrendered during the month-long compensation scheme Pictured: Zombie knives that police seized Adam Eliaz later told a YouTube channel that Lord Sugar (pictured with him) had told him he was 'too nice...so I changed that' He said in the opening of the series: 'I love making money. I'll scrub floors to make money to be honest. I'll do anything if it brings money in my pocket.' Speaking later of his time on TV, he admitted: 'Alan Sugar told me I was too much of a nice guy, so I've kind of changed that now.' Adam set up DNA Leisure with the support of his brother Eddy, who owned Sporting Wholesale, a bulk importer that sourced the products cheaply from China and sold them to retailers in the UK. They specialise in fishing, shooting and archery gear. By 2017, Sporting Wholesale were turning over 8million and declaring profits of more than 2.5million. According to their most recent finances, in the year ending December 2024, their total equity was 2.7million. Their stock, however, dropped from being worth 5.2million in 2023 to 3.4million in 2024. Both Sporting Wholesale and DNA Leisure sold items under the Anglo Arms brand. But after the Government said they would offer compensation for zombie knives, they handed in the remaining stock. Knives and swords bought from DNA Leisure were used to kill Ronan Kanda, 16, in Wolverhampton in June 2022; Rahaan Amin, 16, in Newham, east London in July 2023; and Omar Khan, 39 in Luton in September 2023. After the death of her brother, Ronan's sister Nikita wrote to Adam, telling him that a ninja sword set had been purchased from DNA Leisure. It cost just 16.99. Nikita, who features in the Channel 4 documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody Investigates: Zombie Knives, added: 'How many of your sales have fallen into the wrong hands and led to innocent people being murdered?' Adam sent a chilling response back, comparing zombie knifes to 'stamp collecting'. 'Hello Nikita,' he wrote. 'I am sorry for my delay in replying to you. I have been on holiday and was then off, unwell. The swords, machetes and larger items you are concerned about our customers buy these just to keep at home, like people collect stamps. It really is no different and, in fact, no more dangerous, really.' 'How are you comparing a machete to a stamp? I don't remember people picking up stamps and killing people,' said Nikita. 'I thought he was a gigantic idiot who literally didn't care. He was just trying to justify his behaviour.' Ronan Kanda was stabbed in the chest with a ninja sword by two thugs who mistook him for another boy they had argued with over money. The sword was bought from DNA Leisure Prabjeet Veadhesa (left) was 16 when he used someone else's ID to order 26 knives from DNA Leisure. His accomplice, Sukhman Shergill (right), was also 16 at the time of the killing Ronan was walking home from a friend's house when he was attacked in the street in Wolverhampton in June 2022 It's understood the brothers are threatening taking legal action over their portrayal in the documentary as they claim the email exchanges were cherry-picked to make them look bad and that Adam had offered his condolences. Nikita told the Daily Mail: 'It is sickening to think how many murders Adam and Eddy Eliaz have been linked to through selling disgusting knives that are clearly designed to seriously harm or kill, yet marketed as harmless "collectibles". 'Their weapons were sold into the hands of teenagers and young people, and my innocent brother, Ronan Kanda, was one of the many lives taken as a result of this horrific trade. 'I cannot understand how Adam and Eddy Eliaz were allowed to continue operating for so long, exposing young people to these weapons and encouraging a culture where owning a lethal knife was treated like a hobby. 'Even though they raked in a significant amount of money from the surrender and compensation schemes, I am at least relieved that these weapons are finally being taken out of circulation and are no longer being flooded onto our streets in the same way.' She added: 'He made profit off that weapon so as I see it, he was basically profiting off my brother's murder.' Ronan was stabbed to death with a 22-inch ninja sword by 16-year-olds Prabjeet Veadhesa and Sukhman Shergill close to his family home in Wolverhampton. Veadhesa bought the sword, and 25 other blades, from DNA Leisure over the course of six months using someone else's ID, selling many of them on for a profit. He collected the two-sword set carried by himself and Shergill from the post office the day they murdered Ronan. The pair then ran up to Ronan from behind as he left a friend's house and stabbed him. He was not their intended target: they mistook him for the friend whose house he was leaving, with whom they had disagreed about money. Baby-faced Veadhesa and Shergill were jailed for life in July 2023, and are serving minimum terms of 18 and 16 years respectively. Trial judge Mr Justice Chowdhury said Veadhesa had an 'unhealthy fascination with knives' and that those he bought were 'frightening even to look at'. He continued: 'These were for the most part large machetes and swords which have no legitimate use on our streets. It is disturbing that a 16-year-old could so easily purchase such items online. 'The businesses engaged in this kind of trade should reflect on their facilitation of knife crime and the devastating consequences for the lives of so many.' DNA Leisure listed clearance products that were about to be outlawed on this page of its website DNA Leisure and Sporting Wholesale say they did not sell knives prohibited under the legal definition at the time of sale and complied immediately when legislation was updated. DNA Leisure said it made a 'commercial decision' to stop selling 'bladed articles on our website from the 13th of June [2024]'. Sporting Wholesale continue to import and sell fishing equipment and crossbows. The Mail previously sought to contact Adam at a family home address in Watford, Hertfordshire. There, we spoke to a man claiming to be Adam's father, who said Adam had relocated to Canada. Asked what he thought of his son selling knives to killers, he pointed at his luxury SUV in the driveway and said: 'If I went out and killed someone with this, would you ban all of these? 'If my son's website was not here people would find other ways to buy these.' He added that he believed 80 per cent of DNA Leisure's sales were from fishing equipment. This claim could not be verified. Adam previously said: 'We are deeply saddened by any loss of life, and our hearts go out to the victims' families. It is misleading to blame us for knife crime. 'The misuse of these items is beyond our control and reflects broader societal issues related to gang and drug-related crimes. 'Additionally, recent media coverage has increased our website traffic by over 500 per cent, attracting attention from individuals who may not have our products' intended use in mind. 'By mentioning our company, the media inadvertently brings the wrong kind of attention to our site, potentially exacerbating the issue they claim to be concerned about. 'The vast majority of our customers, like the general population are normal, law-abiding individuals. Fully aware of the laws and behave sensibly. 'A knife isn't a weapon, unless a person turns it into one. The products we sell are collectables and tools which are used legally and safely by the vast majority of customers.' Adam and Eddy have again been contacted for comment. They declined to appear on the Channel 4 documentary. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'This government is committed to halving knife crime in a decade. Knife enabled homicides and robberies are down, and we have already banned zombie-style knives, machetes and ninja swords. 'This has taken 60,000 knives off the streets and removed deadly weapons from circulation, with fewer victims and families bearing unimaginable loss.' Savage girl gangs are running riot through a beachside suburb in Sydney's ritzy east and staging vicious fights to post graphic videos of the attacks on social media. Locals say Maroubra's infamous Bra Boys surf gang has now been replaced by the disturbing new threat terrorising residents in local streets and shopping centres. Shocking footage and firsthand accounts reveal groups of teenage girls roaming in packs as they launch brutal assaults and intimidate strangers. Locals say the gangs have now turned what had finally become a safe family community into a suburb gripped by fear once more. One mother has now delivered a chilling warning after the most recent bloody gang attack left a young teenager in hospital with life-threatening injuries. Domestic violence author Ashlee Donohue spoke out after she saw shocking footage circulating online of the assault on Maroubra Bridge on January 31. In the video, a group of girls surrounded the victim, before Ms Donohue said the girl was viciously attacked while lying defenceless on the ground. 'They circled her like a pack of wolves and the level of abuse and violence is horrific,' she told Daily Mail. 'I'm surprised she didn't die. Footage seen by Daily Mail shows attacks in the street, parks and shopping malls A group of girls dressed in figure-hugging 'body-con' clubbing dresses and carrying handbags taunt others to fight Author Ashlee Donohue decided to speak out after shocking girl gang attacks in Maroubra 'I want to speak to the parents and tell them what kind of children they are raising because anyone who carries out this level of violence and then uses it to post on social media for street cred and popularity is disgusting.' Ms Donohue said the 14-year-old suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. 'They could have killed her. She was in hospital with a collapsed lung,' she said. Daily Mail has seen several other disturbing videos from the same suburb showing similar attacks, all carried out by young girls and most in broad daylight. In one clip, a group of girls dressed in figure hugging body-con dresses and carrying handbags appeared more ready for a party than a punch-up as they spat venomous insults to provoke others into fighting. One brazenly filmed the confrontation, which Ms Donohue believes to be fuelling the attacks. 'It's for clout,' she said. 'They are doing this to post it online to get likes and views and there is no law against filming this. 'The laws haven't kept up with the impact of social media on young people.' Recent assaults have been brutal and planned The suburb was once the stronghold of the infamous Bra Boy gang Members of the gang gained international fame through their 2007 documentary Bra Boys: Blood Is Thicker than Water In another video in a shopping mall food court, one teen was beaten to the ground as her female attackers cheered on. When a teenage boy attempted to pull her off he was met by an angry crowd who told him: 'It's girl-on-girl...get off!' Security officers were also seen standing by to one side as the chaos erupted. In the 1990s, the Bra Boys rose to notoriety turning Maroubra into one of Sydney's most feared postcodes. The surf gang, made up largely of local brothers and lifelong mates, became synonymous with violent turf wars, bikie links and running battles both in and out of the water. Their dominance of the beachfront suburb earned national headlines and a reputation that lingered long after the height of their power. The members even gained international fame through their 2007 documentary Bra Boys: Blood Is Thicker than Water, narrated by Russell Crowe and written and directed by the Abberton brothers, Sunny, Koby and Jai. Ms Donohue claims it is that same desire for attention which fuelling the most recent attacks. The Bra Boys dominance of the beachfront suburb earned national headlines Ms Donohue said a young teen was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries after an attack The young teen in the most recent footage was lured to the location by a girl from school, believing they were going to hang out at the beach. After they arrived, she was set upon by several girls as a crowd of around 15 others cheered them on. 'Girls were literally jumping on her head while the one filming was giving directions on what to do,' she said. She claims laws need to be changed so those who stood by, filmed or failed to intervene are just as culpable as those who carried out the violence. 'This assault was brutal and planned and these girls are a menace to society. The next girl is not going to be so lucky,' she said. 'She didn't even know them. They didn't go to her school and she had never met them. It was all for show for the video and it's happening all the time.' While she says police are now involved and have laid charges against several teens, Ms Donohue is making an public appeal to speak directly with the parents of the alleged attackers, saying the police can only do so much. 'There are no harsh consequences and the violence being shared online is out of control,' she said. 'I want to set up a meeting with their parents to discuss how to move forward with this.' The first time Savannah Guthrie's life was upended, she was a teenager. The Today show anchor was 16 a junior at a Tucson high school when her beloved father Charles Guthrie died suddenly of a heart attack while on the job in Mexico. She has described his 1988 death at 49 as a defining blow that reshaped her family, her character, and the course of her life. 'My father died when I was 16. I think about him all the time,' Savannah has previously said. Charles Guthrie, a mining engineer and executive with the Phoenix-based copper giant Phelps Dodge, suffered his first heart attack when Savannah was about 13. 'I think I was a freshman in high school, and I don't think we understood how serious that was,' she recalled in a 2023 interview with Brooke Shields. Three years later, a second heart attack proved fatal. 'It was so unexpected,' she said. 'It cracked open our family and crushed us.' Savannah Guthrie had often credited her mother with holding the family together after her father's death, but the Guthries are now forced to grapple with Nancy Guthrie's tragic disappearance Charles Guthrie, a mining executive, died unexpectedly at 49 while working in Mexico. He is pictured with Savannah and her mother in a childhood photo He had been, she said, the family's center of gravity. 'We just idolized him and adored him. He was larger than life funny, charming. His loss was so sudden and so shocking.' In the aftermath, the Guthries clung tightly to one another, adjusting overnight from a family of five to a family of four. 'We hung on to each other for dear life,' she said. Now, as her family faces renewed anguish, with the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother Nancy, that teenage tragedy looms large. Savannah, the youngest of three children, was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1971, shortly after her father, relocated there for work with Phelps Dodge. Her brother, Camron, 61, is a retired fighter pilot; her sister Annie, 56, is a poet and writer. They have all been together in Tucson as the hunt for their mother and her abductors continues. Savannah has previously spoken publicly about the loss of her father, describing him as the familys 'center of gravity' Savannah was just 16 when her father died suddenly of a heart attack in 1988. She has said her father's death split her life into 'before' and 'after' The family returned to Tucson when she was two, purchasing the home where her mother, Nancy, was still living at the time of her disappearance. Guthrie has described her father, who was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, as an 'unlikely' mix of traits 'always strong, sometimes terrifying disarmingly gentle and tender when it counted' with a presence that lit up a room. 'He was deep and complicated, and he didn't talk to us like little kids,' she said. 'He told us things that I didn't understand at the time but later would remember, long after he died.' Those memories, she believes, carried a kind of foresight. 'I feel almost like he knew or God knew he needs to give me this wisdom,' she said. 'She can't understand it now, but years later it will be like a gift I unwrap. 'Oh, that's what he meant.' Among the qualities she most admired was his integrity, what she called an 'unbending notion of right and wrong,' paired with unexpected kindness and mercy. Now, Savannah and her siblings are faced with another devastating blow as their mother remains missing after being kidnapped from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1 Savannah Guthrie and her missing mother Nancy are pictured together in 2020 She has kept tangible reminders of him. A love note he once wrote to her mother, signed 'all my love,' later became a tattoo. Guthrie often describes her father's death as a stark dividing line. 'I always think of it like on our calendars we have B.C. and A.D.,' she said. 'There's before my dad died and there's after. It's profound.' She believes that line altered everything where she lived, how she saw the world, even the career she chose. 'I often think I would have been totally different if my father had lived,' she said. 'I don't know that I would have chosen this career. I might have stayed in my hometown.' At the same time, she says, grief softened her. 'I know that my heart is more tender because of it,' she said. 'I wasn't afraid to talk to people who are sad or in grief, because I know what it's like. 'There's pretty much nothing you can say that's going to make them feel any worse.' Savannah was flanked by former fighter pilot brother Camron, 61, and poet sister Annie, 56, during an emotional video plea to her mother's captors Nancy Guthrie was living in the Tucson family home at the time of her disappearance That openness extends to strangers who approach her with memories. 'If somebody comes up to me and has something to tell me about my dad,' she said, 'I can't hear enough of it.' The public history of the company that shaped much of her father's professional life stands in quiet contrast to the private memory she carries. Phelps Dodge was a dominant and controversial force in Arizona's copper industry. In 1983, five years before Charles Guthrie's death, the company was at the center of a bitter three-year strike that reshaped labor relations in the state and made headlines around the country. The confrontation ultimately broke the union and left deep divisions in the mainly Mexican-American mining communities in Arizona. At least two books, including one by Barbara Kingsolver, have been written about the strike which was marked by violent clashes and riots. A three-year-old girl was shot in the head by a bullet aimed at her family's house. Nancy Guthrie's $1 million home is pictured. She has lived at the property since 1975 Conservative pundit Ann Coulter's tough ex-FBI father, John Vincent Coulter, was dispatched from New York by Phelps Dodge bosses as an enforcer to help break the union. 'It was ruthless,' labor historian Jonathan Rosenblum, who wrote the 1995 book, Copper Crucible, about the strike, told the Daily Mail. 'The towns were devastated. Families turned on each other. Brothers turned on brothers.' The company's history also includes the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, when more than 1,000 striking miners were rounded up at gunpoint, loaded onto cattle cars, and abandoned in the New Mexico desert. For Guthrie, that broader history exists alongside something far more intimate: the memory of a father she describes as principled, magnetic and morally certain, the man who defined her earliest understanding of right and wrong. 'I know it changed me,' she said of losing him. 'Fundamentally, it changed everything.' Do you know more? Email charlotte.karp@dailymail.com.au A respected barrister who took his own life after being accused of being a paedophile wrote a law article with detailed instructions on how to groom children and discredit their evidence in court, along with a bizarre paper laden with foul language. Mark Dennis SC, 60, died by suicide at his Leichhardt home on Monday, just weeks after he was arrested after stepping off a flight from Cambodia in Sydney in mid-January. Australian Border Force officers confiscated his electronic devices and allegedly found the exploitation material along with sexualised conversations he was having with children, and about children. He had been in Cambodia for his charity Reasonable Causes, which operated out of the impoverished nation and worked to improve the lives of locals from age six to 24 and give them access to tertiary education. Dennis, who used the name 'Dark Menace' for his online profiles and professional email address, was granted bail and due to face the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday. He had not entered a plea, but court records indicate the matter was instead withdrawn on Thursday in light of his death. The Daily Mail previously reported Dennis told mates that he had a goal of having sex with 100 virgins before he died. It can now be revealed Dennis appeared to be hiding in plain sight, having published a series of questionable articles - including one about defending alleged child rapists, published on a paywalled PDF library. Mark Dennis SC is pictured at an NRL game with mates in October. He has since been accused of possessing child abuse material Top barrister Mark Dennis SC (pictured) was intercepted by Australian Border Force officers as he returned from a trip to Cambodia Another paper published on a popular criminal law site in 2023 was called 'Dog A**e C**ts, and discussed issues that could arise when defendants use profanities in court, and offers advice to legal professionals about how to deal with it. Dennis was able to publish these articles without raising questions because it was his job as a barrister was to help defend alleged criminals in court, including accused paedophiles. In the 21-page article about defending alleged child abusers, Dennis described the verbal and physical cues needed to gain a child's trust while they were being cross-examined about their alleged assault in local court. He gave a series of examples, listed what not to do, and suggested cross-examiners watch a variety of popular children's television programs to better understand children and manipulate the situation to their advantage. Dennis wrote: 'It will likely dawn on the child at this stage (if it hasnt already) that you are challenging them as to their truthfulness, reliability and credibility. 'A child who realises that you are not their friend is far less likely to be co-operative in any answers they care to give.' He then referenced and quoted a number of historic matters from the Case Law, including one from 1991 that read: 'Children are entitled to grow up free of defilement by sexual predators.' Another reference, from 1989, read: '[Sex] offenders should be severely punished, especially those who stand in a position of trust.' Mark Dennis SC is pictured with a five-year-old Cambodian boy during one of his first trips to South East Asia in 2007 Mark Dennis SC was arrested at Sydney Airport on Tuesday. He is pictured outside Bail Court, carrying his possessions He reiterated the same points about defending sexual predators in another published paper with a list of tips for new lawyers. In that article, he used sexual assault against children as his primary example. 'Criminal trials are like pop music every song has an underlying emotion (albeit sometimes a very simple emotion),' he wrote. 'An allegation of child sexual assault brings forth the emotion that child sexual assault is a putrid crime committed by deeply evil people. 'Defence practitioners should not lose touch with what ordinary citizens think about such matters (in the case of jury trials), nor forget that judicial officers are people too (in the case of magistrate or judge alone trials).' Dennis was charged with one count of possess child abuse material using a carriage service, and two counts of using a carriage service to make child abuse material available. His fourth charge was intentionally importing prohibited tier 2 goods without approval, which includes items such as child abuse material, weapons, steroids, chemicals, tobacco products, human body tissue, or counterfeit credit cards. In 2022, Dennis was given a platform in the NSW Bar Association legal journal to speak about starting his foundation for young people, Reasonable Causes, after a visit to Cambodia in 2006. Mark Dennis SC (left) was found dead inside his home less than three weeks after he faced court and was granted bail He said he managed to juggle his charity work with his responsibilities as a barrister 'with difficulty', and added: 'I burn the candle at both ends, but it's a lot of fun.' Dennis told the journal his 'philanthropy' was 'like a form of adrenaline' that gave him an immense feeling of satisfaction. 'You cant change the world, or even a country but you can take a handful of individual lives and change those lives,' he said. 'And the feeling when you do, its pretty incredible.' Dennis travelled to Cambodia twice a year from 2010, telling the journal: 'I hadn't really been a philanthropist up until then, but I was at the point in my life where it was time to start.' He would have had unfettered access to young children in orphanages and care facilities during his charity work in South East Asia. In the journal interview, he spoke of a 'rock star' five-year-old boy who was living at an out-of-home care facility in the nation's capital Phnom Penh when Dennis was on one of his first trips to Cambodia in 2007. Dennis told the journal he kept in contact with the boy and eventually offered him a scholarship to study at university through his charity. Mark Dennis SC is pictured, right, leaving bail court in January When his matter appeared before Bail Court in January, prosecutor Jon Kisch said Dennis had chats with at least two people that allegedly revealed a sexual interest in children. Mr Kisch also said the conversations showed a 'willingness to subvert' consent laws. 'There's a description of potentially a desire to rape a 16-year-old I appreciate that's as far as it goes, but certainly very disturbing chats,' he told the court. Australian Border Force officials intercepted Dennis at the airport and searched his luggage following 'intelligence led screening'. 'The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation,' the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Wednesday. 'AFP members attended and on further examination of the device, identified alleged child abuse material and sexualised conversations with and about minors.' A female teacher has been banned from the classroom for sending inappropriate messages to a vulnerable pupil at a special needs school she worked at. Kaodi O'Loughlin Campbell, 34, met the pupil while teaching at Elmwood School in Walsall, West Midlands, a special secondary school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs, between September 2021 and May 2022. But after leaving the school and finding a new job in a primary school, the two began communicating on social media in January 2023 and became friends on Snapchat. Communication between them continued for most of that year with the pupil reporting it to officials in October, leading to an investigation into the teacher's conduct. In one message, Ms O'Loughlin Campbell sent a message to the pupil stating: 'I ain't trying to move to you like that I ain't a pedo I just think you're a lovely person and I want the best for you.' In another she tells the pupil: 'Make sure you delete all messages from here.' One message instructs the pupil, whose name and gender has not been revealed, to 'delete these messages,' while another states: 'Add me back on Snap.' A report by a professional conduct panel of the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA) revealed that after details of the communication between the two came to light, Ms O'Loughlin Campbell lied to investigators insisting that she did not send any messages to the pupil. Kaodi O'Loughlin Campbell has been banned from the classroom for sending inappropriate messages to a vulnerable pupil at a special needs school she worked at Kaodi met the pupil while teaching at Elmwood School in Walsall, West Midlands between September 2021 and May 2022 Elmwood School is a special secondary school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs She only admitted to it when shown the messages they had exchanged. The TRA met in January to decide her fate, which took place without a hearing following a request from Ms O'Loughlin Campbell. She provided a signed statement of agreed facts and admitted unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, resulting in her being banned from teaching. The report stated: 'The panel concluded that Ms O'Loughlin Campbell breached professional boundaries in a way that potentially presented a risk of harm. The panel accepted that she had acted without any malicious intent, and it recognised that there was no evidence of direct harm to Pupil A as a result.' But it maintained that she abused her position and knew what she was doing was wrong. The report also slammed Ms O'Loughlin Campbell for initially lying to investigators. It said: 'She had also acted dishonestly in an attempt to cover up what she had done. In her written submissions to the TRA, she admitted that she had been dishonest in a self- interested attempt to avoid the consequences of her actions, rather than from any desire to protect Pupil A.' It added: 'For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms O'Loughlin Campbell amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.' The disciplinary panel said its decision to ban her from teaching was also taken because they feared that she might do the same again. The report stated: 'The panel recognised that Ms O'Loughlin Campbell had made full and honest admissions and expressed an understanding of what she had done wrong in terms of breaching professional boundaries. 'However, it did not have sufficient assurance that she had fully remediated her conduct and would not act in a similar way in future. In these circumstances, the panel was concerned that there was a risk of repetition of similar conduct in the future.' A family source revealed that Ms OLoughlin Campbell had been traumatised by the fall out from the case and said: The problem is she cares too much. She was always being sent letters of thanks from pupils and their parents but on this occasion she was naive. Kaodi had just come out of university when she got the job with the school in Walsall. Shed got first class honours in Youth Work and Community Development. But her training was suited to teaching juniors not seniors. The school shouldve recognised that and not accepted her placement and the agency shouldnt have sent her there in the first place. Kaodi had just five conversations online with this pupil. It was the pupil who found her on social media - due to her unusual name - and it was him who messaged her first. When she was working at the school, shed be the one the staff would turn to if the boy started misbehaving because shed built up such a good rapport with him. When he got in touch with her she felt almost obligated to reply and make sure he was doing ok. 'She thought because he was an ex-pupil and not a current one that she wasnt breaking any rules. In that respect she was naive. Ms O'Loughlin Campbell was struck off indefinitely and therefore cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England After leaving the school and finding a new job in a primary school, Ms O'Loughlin Campbell began communicating on social media in January 2023 with the pupil The pupil reported Ms O'Loughlin to officials in October 2023, leading to an investigation into the teacher's conduct But this whole episode has been blown way out of proportion and its killing her, it really is. Shes been left traumatised by it all. Ms O'Loughlin Campbell was struck off indefinitely and therefore cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England. She is unable to apply for the prohibition order to be lifted until January 2028. If she does attempt to return to teaching, a panel will meet to consider whether it should be set aside. In the run-up to the 2024 election, the Daily Mail conducted focus groups with uncommitted voters in critical counties in two swing states: Erie County in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania and Cobb County encompassing the suburbs outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The Rust Belt and the Sun Belt. One region evokes visions of America's manufacturing past and a struggle to build a new future, the other is the future an expanding ethnically and economically diverse South. The data and insights obtained from these demographically, politically and geographically disparate groups helped Daily Mail and JL Partners produce the most accurate pre-election projection of any polling operation. Now, nearly a year and half later and eight months from midterms that will determine the balance of power in Congress and the course of President Donald Trump's remaining time in office, the Daily Mail went back to ask how their opinions had changed. What we discovered was remarkable on one hand and entirely predictable on the other. Despite one of the most tumultuous periods in US history from tariff wars to bombing raids, National Guard deployments to mass deportations, regime overthrows to government shutdowns the loyalties of these one-time swing voters have not budged since November 2024. In fact, their positions have hardened. What has changed is the intensity of their feelings and that may make all the difference. Michael, a white 52-year-old and Pennsylvania delivery truck driver, voted for Barack Obama twice, then Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. The last time we met he was thinking of voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, but his mind was far from made up. Michael was bothered by Democrats' handling of the war in Ukraine and was worried about Harris' ability to handle the job. Despite it all, he ended up voting for the Democratic candidate in 2024, but without much enthusiasm. Michael, a white 52-year-old and Pennsylvania delivery truck driver, voted for Barack Obama twice, then Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020 Daily Mail first interviewed these Cobb County residents in the run-up to the 2024 election Now, Michael is surer than ever that he'll vote blue. He is also more engaged and angrier than ever, he says. 'We are headed towards disaster,' he warned of the country. 'Everything is being done for one person or a select few. It's just more insanity and I can't believe we let this happen.' His concerns range from foreign policy ('I can't remember any time in my life someone deciding that we need to occupy Greenland') to immigration ('to say that everyone that's coming across the border is a criminal and a drug dealer and a rapist is not true') to what he sees as a lack of credentials among Trump's top team ('they aren't qualified to run a juice stand at the mall'). When asked to give Trump a school-style grade, he gave a D. 'The only reason I'm not giving an F is because he hasn't managed to nuke anybody yet,' he said. In 2024, Trump elicited more of a shrug than fury from Michael. Now, he believes he has a duty to vote as 'every vote helps to turn the tide.' But, even as Democrat-leaning voters have become more certain of their choice, Trump supporters are not abandoning their man. In fact, every person who pulled the lever for Trump in 2024 said they would vote Republican in November. The main drivers of these positive perceptions are the current state of the economy and fiscal management, including perceived increased local construction and reduced government spending and debt. Ricardo, a black 37-year-old marketing professional in Georgia who voted for Trump in 2024, said he liked 'the way Trump seems to be reducing debt through tariffs, standing up for Christians here and abroad and peace through strength.' He also sees people in his community 'thriving' and likes what Trump is doing on 'deportations.' In a warning to Republicans, Bryanna, a black 31-year-old and software engineer from Georgia, is sticking with the GOP, but she thinks the economy is the same as it was in 2024, and while she supports Trump's deportation policy, she has reservations with how it is being implemented. 'The mass deportations people who are actually citizens are being deported, I don't agree with that,' she said. Join the debate How do you feel about voters choosing to vote against a candidate rather than for a party they trust? Ricardo is a black 37-year-old marketing professional in Georgia who voted for Trump in 2024 Bryanna is a college-educated software engineer. She voted for Trump in 2020 and 2024 Vacant factories dot its shoreline along Lake Erie in Erie County in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Personal security was another factor resonating with Republican-leaning voters. In the words of Jarron 39, a Georgia resident heading back to college to study computer and data engineering he feels 'protected and safe.' Republican voters also like the decisive stances that Trump takes and view him as 'assured,' 'fierce' and 'ferocious' in doing what he said he would. But fulfilling campaign promises cut the other way for Erie resident Tina, a 44-year-old former bartender who backed Harris. She told me in 2024 that the country needed someone who can 'get stuff done' on the southern border. But despite Trump's successful efforts to end the illegal immigration crisis, she has turned on the President over this very issue. 'I'm embarrassed by it and I'm scared,' she told me. 'I think that it's immoral the way that ICE is treating people and there's no economic benefit worth what the damage to our reputation has been.' She now believes the administration 'is threatening democracy as we know it.' Previous conspiracy theories she threw at the Biden administration when we last spoke in 2024 were now employed against the Republicans: 'I think all the chaos is intentional and they're just using it as a distraction from whatever is really going on,' she said. The up sum for her? She feels she has 'a responsibility to vote' blue in November. When Democrat-voting Michael said that Trump had not delivered his promises, it prompted one of the only instances of non-partisanship. Panelists across the political divide sprang to the President's defense - on border security, cutting government spending, deportations and bringing gas prices down. Gordon, a 54-year-old ex-steelworker who plans to vote Democrat in 2026, said: 'He closed the borders. He's done the immigration thing that he said getting illegal immigrants out. Not that I agree with the way he's done it or any of the facts of it. I'm just saying point of fact he's done it.' Economically, Gordon also sees benefits: 'Looking at [the country] from a business standpoint, I'd be lying if I said [Trump] wasn't making some advancements for us.' Of course, most left-leaning voters disagreed with that. For Pennsylvania's Conrad, 32, the day to day has gotten harder in the last two years. Affordability is the main issue for him and his wife. He has ping-ponged between insurance underwriting and work as a nurse and talked about 'opportunity and the future' being his biggest concern. He pointed out that food prices are high, lamented a lack of career flexibility and stability and worried about having kids in the current environment. Bryanna agreed. 'The gas prices are stabilized but now it seems like the price of groceries have increased,' she said. This is not to say that Democrats have it easy. Asked to describe the Democrats in a word, our voters reeled off negatives: 'defeated', 'divisive', 'lost', 'gutless', 'not aggressive', 'unprepared', 'visionless'. Jarron, 39, a Georgia resident heading back to college to study computer and data engineering said he feels 'protected and safe' For Conrad, 32, the day to day has gotten harder in the last two years. Affordability is the main issue for him and his wife Gordon also sees benefits: 'Looking at [the country] from a business standpoint, I'd be lying if I said [Trump] wasn't making some advancements for us' These voters are casting a ballot against Trump, not for the Democratic party which they see as weak and ineffective. And there is no liberal hero riding to the rescue. The one Democrat figure that they seem to agree has stood up to Trump is California Governor Gavin Newsom, but he is not on the ballot. Neither is Trump, of course. There appears to be a window for Trump to rally his base and swing voters if noticeable economic gains are made, but that window is closing by the day. Today, the energy is with these Democrat-leaners. The apathetic voters I met two years ago now have a glint in their eye. They are spying November as a chance to vote against Trump and place limitations on what they see as outrageous violations of American values. In many ways, this is the classic midterm dynamic when an outraged opposition party punishes the incumbent. The swing voters of Pennsylvania and Georgia may not have changed their minds. But their energy levels have shifted dramatically. That may end up being the story of November. A double-glazing saleswoman who was the subject of a bet over which of her colleagues would 'bed her first' has told of her sexist office nightmare. Molly Craigie, 24, was horrified when she learned of the sordid wager which followed a string of sexualised comments - and took her former employers at East Anglia Home Improvements to a tribunal. Today she told the Daily Mail: 'I want people to judge me on my skills not on how I look or what I wearIt was really degrading.' The sales team among whom the sexualised banter was shared was led by Ms Craigie's line manager Filipe Goncalves and also comprised another manager and two other male sales reps, it was said. Sales manager Mr Goncalves is understood to have been behind the bet about who could sleep with her first, which was shared among team members. According to the tribunal report Mr Goncalves told Ms Craigie: 'It's hard not to look at your a*se when the skirt falls in all the right places,' as well as making other sexist comments. He also told her after a potential sale fell through she should have slept with the buyer to protect the deal, it was said. In an exclusive interview, Ms Craigie said: 'It was really disappointing to see how they viewed me as just an object when in fact I was a successful saleswoman. Molly Craigie, 24, who was the subject of a bet over which of her colleagues would 'bed her first' has told of her sexist office nightmare The double-glazing saleswoman was horrified when she learned of the sordid wager which followed a string of sexualised comments 'I like to think I have a little bit of personality and I'm not just about what I look like or how I dress. 'I can't believe that in this day and age people still judge women on their looks and not on their talents.' Ms Craigie took the position at the Norwich-based windows firm in September 2022 when she was just 21 - and the sexist culture in the sales team was apparent almost immediately. Mr Goncalves started asking about her sex life and making crude jokes, the tribunal heard. Three months after starting Ms Craigie, who was making over 3,000 a month in commission alone, learned of the crude bet about her. She told the hearing: 'Mr Goncalves and another colleague had placed a wager between themselves as to who would sleep with me first.' She was also reprimanded when a customer pulled out of a sale agreement, with Mr Goncalves telling her she should have 'slept with the customer', the tribunal heard. And when she complained that another customer had behaved towards her in a sexualised manner she was advised to ignore this. She told the Daily Mail: 'I am not a stiff person, I can take a joke and banter but there comes a point where it is just not funny and that line was crossed numerous times with East Anglia. 'What was infuriating as well, was that I would complain but I would be dismissed and it would just continue. And you have to remember that at the time I was really young and I was the only woman on the team. 'They obviously thought I was easy prey for them, but I wasn't going to let them get away with it, I was taught to fight for what is right.' These incidents happened despite the fact that she let them know that she had a boyfriend with whom she was in a long-term relationship. She left after nine months of sexist torment and later complained to the firm. After attempts at mediation failed, Ms Craigie then took her case to a tribunal in Watford last year and details of her claim emerged in a 54-page report which named Mr Goncalves as the primary protagonist. According to the report obtained by the Daily Mail, as well as the graphic comment about her bottom, Goncalves told Ms Craigie how 'her clothes would show off her figure', and remarks of this kind were typically made twice a week. Join the debate Do YOU believe companies do enough to protect young staff? The sales team among whom the sexualised banter was shared was led by Ms Craigie's line manager Filipe Goncalves. Pictured: Filipe with his fiancee Molly worked with the men at East Anglia Home Improvements, a firm that describes itself as 'the UK's number one home improvement provider' Ms Craigie told the tribunal that Mr Goncalves encouraged her to 'flaunt herself and flirt with male customers in order to secure more sales'. Mr Goncalves who no longer works for the firm - denied Ms Craigie's account was accurate and told the hearing of the bet claim: 'This is simply a lie and I deny it was said or took place.' However Judge Rebecca Peer wrote in her report: 'The claimant's evidence is clear that this comment was made, and it stuck with her and I accept this evidence, I find there is no reason not to find her credible as to this.' But despite the tribunal accepting her version of events, Ms Craigie still lost on technical grounds because she brought her claim too late under time limit rules. Ms Craigie said: 'In essence the judge agreed with me but what's worse is that the people involved are getting on with their lives as if nothing happened and I am the one who has been left to pick up the pieces. 'When I read the judge's report it was really disheartening - she believed it happened but there was nothing that could be done. The dark cloud is still hanging above me, it's not really gone away. 'I just feel as if they have got away with it despite what the judge said and they have faced no consequences. But in their heart of hearts they know the truth.' Ms Craigie went on: 'To hear him speak in such a degrading way to me made me feel sad. 'At times I wanted to pull out and let the dust settle but I knew what I was saying was the truth and I had to stand up for myself and other women as well. 'I am a really proud person and I believe you should fight for what is right and that's why I took this to a tribunal but the whole thing from start to finish was really demoralising. 'They just didn't care and the experience left me shell shocked, I suffer from anxiety and that just added to it as well.' Ms Craigie said she had made more than 30,000 in commission during her nine months with Norwich based East Anglia who describe themselves as the UK's number one home improvement provider. She added: 'This was a pretty good figure, and it was achieved through hard work. 'I enjoy sales, I'm still working in sales, I like talking to people and I'm a good saleswoman, that's why my commission was so good. 'But they just felt the best way to get sales was by flirting with the customers and that's not what I believe in, you should just be honest and get on with them, that's what secures sales.' She added: 'Three years down the line, this whole thing still haunts me. It was really degrading; I want people to judge me on my skills and all East Anglia could do was judge me on how I Iook and what I wore. 'They claimed I was trying to control the narrative and made it up but if they thought I made this up to make a quick buck hey couldn't be more wrong. 'I just wanted to do what was right, I spoke the truth and I wanted to protect other females going into that company. 'You would hope that in this day and age, people wouldn't think like this, with all that's going on in the world, and it makes it terrifying because you are not safe to be who you want to be. 'If it wasn't for the backing of my family, friends and partner, who have been incredible, I don't know how I would have found the strength to go on. 'Now I just want to put it behind me and get on with my life but I do feel sorry for those involved. Ms Craigie told the tribunal that Mr Goncalves encouraged her to 'flaunt herself and flirt with male customers in order to secure more sales' Three months after starting Ms Craigie, who was making over 3,000 a month in commission alone, learned of the crude bet about her 'I feel really sad for them and just pray that no other young girls ever have to experience anything like that, and they are not judged on what they wear or look like but are judged on what is in their hearts.' When contacted by the Daily Mail this week Mr Goncalves said: 'I have no comment to make and I have no recollection of what she said. I'm at work, goodbye.' Ms Craigie, from Cambridge, did win an unpaid holiday claim, and the firm was ordered to pay 4,775, while an attempt by the company to recover 7,500 in legal costs was dismissed. East Anglia Home Improvements was also approached for comment. News that Sarah Ferguson has been spending time in the UAE should surprise no one - as she is beginning to see the Middle East as the only place left globally where she won't be socially and financially shunned, we can reveal. The former Duchess of York who was evicted from her longtime Windsor home this month, has, along with her former husband Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, become a pariah across the west as the extent of their association with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein has made headlines. Friends now believe that she may conclude that the only place where her former royal status may still open doors is in the oil-rich states. So they are now asking: 'Might Fergie actually relocate to the Gulf?' Royal author Andrew Lownie, who wrote a damning book on the scandal-hit couple called Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, believes that multi-millionaires in Dubai and the surrounding countries of Bahrain and Qatar will probably be bankrolling Fergie already. He said: 'In Britain neither Sarah or Andrew will be socially accepted again whatever they try to do or wherever they go. But in the Middle East no one will care about what they have got up to. 'There are people there - royalty, politicians and business types - whom Sarah can quite happily sponge off and who will be happy to bankroll both of them. 'These types of people in the Middle East simply couldn't care less what Sarah has done. And even if she doesn't have her title of the Duchess of York anymore, she will still be seen as royalty and treated as such - and she knows it.' Fergie with her daughters, Princesses Beatrice (left) and Eugenie (right), pictured together in 2017 The family in a selfie posted on Instagram, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Sarah Ferguson is thought to be plotting a move to the UAE. Pictured: The Etihad Towers in Dubai Mr Lownie added: 'There are plenty of dodgy people in the Middle East who would quite happily help out Sarah. People in Dubai have been linked to Epstein through the email release but they are safe because they know they are untouchable. 'They have palaces and properties that they will quite happily loan out to Sarah and I wouldn't be surprised if they even pay her airfares and cover all her bills to help her out. 'Let's not forget Sarah has no money and has quite an extravagant lifestyle, she will want to carry that on. 'I'm sure Sarah could make a life for herself out there, staying out of the public eye and sponging off Middle East connections.' The fabulously rich kingdoms and emirates - where even tarnished royals can disappear behind the closed doors of opulent palaces and luxurious villas - provide the perfect bolthole for the disgraced ex-duchess. Fergie has been spending time in the UAE, and, according to royal watchers, linking up with her daughter Princess Eugenie, 35, who was in Qatar for the Art Basel fair. Join the debate Has Britain turned its back on the Yorks for good? Eugenie is pictured with friend Caroline Daur, 30, working at an art fair in Qatar this week Eugenie pictured in Qatar this week And she has been telling her friends: 'I need to get back to work. I need money.' She has both have extensive and potentially lucrative contacts across the Middle East. Among them is Dubai business tycoon Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem who was himself identified in the recent Epstein file drop - though this had far less critical coverage in his homeland than Andrew and Fergie have faced here. And one of the former Duchess's closest confidants, PR guru James Henderson, her official spokesman for two decades, relocated to Dubai last year. Abu Dhabi is the capital of The United Arab Emirates and it's uncertain whether Fergie's red flag status will actually affect her standing in the money-orientated bling Gulf State, where her ex-husband Andrew built up extensive contacts while he was 'working' as a UK business envoy. Likewise, as the Daily Mail revealed last year, Andrew has been offered the use of a private royal villa within Abu Dhabi's ultra-exclusive Sea Palace complex, surrounded by high levels of security, should he tire of his new digs at Marsh Farm on the wet and windy Sandringham estate. Andrew, 65, was offered use of the waterfront home in Abu Dhabi by president Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom he met when they were pupils at Gordonstoun School. The invitation may well extend to the former duchess. Sheik Mohamed ordered a refurbishment of a private villa within the complex following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, 65, has been offered use of a waterfront home by UAE president Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (both pictured) The six-bedroom property, with a home cinema, indoor plunge pool and gym, offers the disgraced former prince the chance to live away from the media spotlight It is believed the villa has been extensively used in the past by both Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Designers said the refurbished villa aimed to blend classical grandeur with a 'youthful and playful' interior - using bold colours and those marble finishes to modernise the 'palace-style' home. The six-bedroom property, with a home cinema, indoor plunge pool and gym, offered the disgraced former prince the chance to live away from the media spotlight. A particularly large kitchen is staffed by Cordon Bleu cooks, with fittings such as light switches, lamps and taps decorated in gold. When the Sea Palace, built in the 18th century as a watchtower to protect from seaborne raiders, was put at Andrew's disposal in 2010, Buckingham Palace was keen to stress it was not an outright gift. The Yorks' associations with the Gulf go back several decades and in October 2025, Princess Beatrice was seen hosting a 'tea party' in the same Riyadh hotel, the infamous Ritz Carlton, where hundreds of the Saudi 'old guard' were beaten and tortured in 2017. The Riyadh gathering, part of the prestigious Future Investment Initiative, was just the latest occasion when Beatrice rubbed shoulders with some of the richest men on the planet. Some even wondered if she might be quietly slipping into the former role filled by her disgraced father, the former Prince Andrew, of UK trade envoy. Even as far back as 2008, speculation began that the then 19-year-old Beatrice was being groomed for the role when Andrew took her on a 14-day tour of Abu Dhabi and Egypt at taxpayers' expense. The bill for the Met Police bodyguard she was allowed in those days alone was estimated at 40,000 since, because of shift patterns, one set of police officers had to be flown out to replace another. She performed no public engagements. In 2011, it was reported that Beatrice was given expensive pieces of jewellery on another trip to Abu Dhabi with Andrew by their royal hosts. Many years later, Beatrice was fronting an event for women business leaders in Riyadh. The invitations announced: 'We cordially invite you to Afternoon Tea hosted by Princess Beatrice of York,' along with Canadian wellness entrepreneur Ruma Bose, and a US-based organisation called the 'Lioness Collective'. Princess Beatrice pictured in Riyadh, hosting 'afternoon tea' The afternoon tea invitations billed the event as 'insights and bold ideas for investing in women, wellness, and the next generation of leaders' Our enquiries with Beatrice's co-hosts at the 'Lioness Collective' and Ms Bose drew no response at the time. Many attendees were surprised that Beatrice even showed up for the Riyadh event, given the tumultuous events which had occurred back home. Her parents had just effectively been thrown out on their ears by King Charles after they were exposed as having lied about breaking off contact with billionaire paedophile Epstein in the years following his 2008 conviction and plea deal for soliciting child prostitution. Since then, with each new tranche of emails and photos from the Epstein files, the King's unflinching treatment of the Yorks has only been vindicated. Beatrice and Eugenie were said to have been 'left aghast' and 'absolutely devastated' by the latest scandal surrounding their father accused by the late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre of having sex with her when she was trafficked and underage, which he has denied. Last year during Beatrice's appearance in Abu Dhabi, she also rubbed shoulders with some of the region's key power players both in public and behind the scenes. She spoke about artificial intelligence at the Adipec energy conference in the Emirate, where her father is reported to have the exclusive use of a royal palace at his disposal. Beatrice also attended a private conference hosted by the UAE minister of industry, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the day before her public appearance. She was pictured at the event next to Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Reporters were banned from the meeting, which included the CEOs of Shell and EDF, the vice president of Microsoft, and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, now the UN special envoy for climate action. In a public interview on stage, Beatrice made sure she hit her key points, rattling away pleasantly and fluently about 'collaboration', 'moving the needle', 'expanding the conversation' and 'asking questions'. US journalist Hadley Gamble, who conducted the interview, told the Mail on Sunday: 'There was a general feeling that Beatrice was an unofficial ambassador for the UK.' She added: 'Beatrice was quite literally in the inner circle at a gathering of global energy CEOs, top finance guys and policy makers.' When Beatrice accompanied her father on Andrew's official UK trade envoy trips, the lines were always blurred, and many people couldn't help but notice that many often coincided with the weekends of F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi or Bahrain. A few months before he was forced to stand down as Trade Envoy in 2011, the public were given a rare insight into what the diplomats called on to help arrange Andrew's trips really thought of him. A bombshell letter from former UK Ambassador to Qatar and Tunisia, Stephen Day, an ex-head of the Foreign Office's Middle East section, was leaked. He told government ministers that Andrew should be sacked 'as soon as possible' because he was doing 'serious damage' to the Royal Family and Britain. Mr Day said the Prince was the 'worst person' to deploy in countries such as Qatar, where his presence was seen as 'crass'. He also alleged that Andrew had held a 'worrying' private meeting with Col Gaddafi three years earlier at the home of Sakher elMateri, the sonin-law of the recently ousted Tunisian president, and described by Mr Day as 'the worst of all the crooks in the presidential family'. Andrew's reign as trade envoy came to an ignominious end three months later, but he then morphed into the host of 'Pitch@Palace', helping young entrepreneurs link up with potential investors. Savannah Guthrie is reportedly considering leaving her role as host of NBC's flagship program, the Today show, as the massive search for her mother, Nancy, enters its second week. Nancy, 84, vanished on February 1 from her home in a rural neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, prompting authorities to launch a kidnapping investigation that has since captivated the nation. Savannah is perhaps one of the most recognized faces in network news, having first appeared on NBC in 2007. Sources have told NewsNation that the exhaustive and traumatizing search for Nancy has forced Savannah to reconsider her position in the public eye. 'This absolutely came out of the blue, and I think shes really concerned that it was because of her job,' NewsNation's Paula Froelich reported, citing sources. Froelich added that Savannah was reportedly 'a mess' and was worried that past segments featuring her mother made Nancy vulnerable. Law enforcement believes that Nancy was snatched from her home in the middle of the night. Her age and health status have complicated the search, leaving investigators in a race against time to find Nancy. Authorities have combed her Tucson home, raided a nearby residence, and uncovered surveillance camera footage in a desperate attempt to uncover clues about Nancy's whereabouts. Fresh hope for a break in the case came on Friday when Special Weapons and Tactics units were seen descending on a nearby home in Tucson in connection with the search. However, the sheriff's office later announced that no arrests had been made after the raid. Follow along for more details as the investigation unfolds. Meghan's estranged father is making 'good progress' in his efforts to walk again after having his left leg amputated below the knee. Thomas Markle, 81, passed a milestone on Friday when he attended a Valentine's Day party at the rehabilitation centre in the Philippines where he is recovering from the surgery. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last night, Mr Markle said it was 'great fun' to be able to join other patients and nurses for a celebratory lunch, complete with red roses and chocolates. The retired Hollywood lighting director added: 'I'm being very well taken care of and I am grateful for all the wonderful care I am getting.' However he has not heard from his daughter since she sent him a letter a few days after his leg was amputated in December. Mr Markle nearly died when a massive clot in his left thigh cut off the blood supply to his foot. Doctors were forced to amputate his left leg below the knee to save his life. He said last night: 'I am adjusting slowly and doing a lot of physiotherapy. I am feeling very happy and am making good progress. I have a long way to go but am getting used to my new circumstances.' Thomas Markle, 81, passed a milestone on Friday when he attended a Valentine's Day party at the rehabilitation centre in the Philippines where he is recovering from the surgery Mr Markle nearly died when a massive clot in his left thigh cut off the blood supply to his foot The party marked the first time Mr Markle was able to wear 'normal' clothes jeans and a blue shirt instead of a hospital gown. He is now doing daily physiotherapy sessions and is hoping he will eventually be able to get a prosthetic leg. Mr Markle became estranged from Meghan on the eve of her 2018 wedding to Harry. He has never met his son-in-law or his grandchildren Archie, six, and Lilibet, four. Mr Markle has been plagued with serious health issues. He had two heart attacks on the eve of his daughter's wedding, preventing his attendance, and suffered a stroke in 2022. News / Local by Staff reporter Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on Friday installed Central Intelligence Organisation operative Silas Chikwanda as substantive Chief Chikwanda at a ceremony marked by the conspicuous absence of members of the Chikwanda clan and close family relatives.The event, held at Chikwanda Secondary School a few kilometres from Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo, was attended largely by primary and secondary school pupils, police officers from the Law and Order section, suspected intelligence officers and officials from the Ministry of Local Government.Silas Chikwanda is reportedly a security aide to Garwe.Peter Chikwanda, Silas' brother, described the ceremony as a nullity, saying the family deliberately boycotted the event after lodging a formal objection to President Emmerson Mnangagwa over what they termed an "unprocedural and illegal appointment.""We did not attend the ceremony, and we went about our daily activities because we object to the appointment, and we have sent our petition to the President on the matter. The event is a nullity. Nothing is above board and legal, so the whole thing is a non-event to us," Peter told Masvingo Mirror.Also absent were several prominent traditional leaders from the province, including Chief Murinye, chairperson of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs' Council; Chief Mutanga (born Felani Chauke); Chief Gutu; President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Lucas Mtshane Kumalo; and Chief Musara, who is alleged to work closely with Silas.Chief Chitanga and Chief Kumalo have recently expressed displeasure at what they described as the unprocedural manner in which Silas was appointed by President Mnangagwa.Appearing to respond to the low turnout, Garwe defended the installation, saying he would install anyone appointed chief by the President, regardless of objections."This is the second young man from my office to be appointed and installed as Chief. The first was Chief Nyakuchena from Mudzi. If the President appoints someone, he is going to be installed, whether you like it or not, like what we are doing right now," Garwe said.Chief Nyakuchena of Mudzi was identified as Keith Karinda Chimbangu, another official previously linked to Garwe's office.A letter dated February 10, 2026, addressed to President Mnangagwa and copied to senior government and traditional leadership offices, alleges that constitutional procedures were bypassed in the appointment process.The letter states that there was no selection process by the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs as required by the Constitution, no recommendations to the provincial assembly by a selection team, and no subsequent recommendation to the National Council of Chiefs.It further alleges that no recommendations were made by the National Council of Chiefs and that Silas Chikwanda should not have been appointed acting chief in the first place. Instead, the family argues, Peter Chikwanda ought to have been appointed acting chief following consultations involving the clan, the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs and Ministry of Local Government officials."There was no opportunity for all Chikwanda chieftainship houses to make submissions for the rightful candidate," reads part of the petition.The installation has deepened tensions within the Chikwanda clan and raised fresh questions over the role of executive authority in the appointment of traditional leaders, with critics arguing that due constitutional processes must be strictly followed to preserve the integrity of Zimbabwe's traditional leadership structures. A Florida man accused of running a multimillion dollar pyramid scheme has been arrested for allegedly ramming his Rolls-Royce through a barricade - and directly into a construction worker before fleeing the scene. Luis Urdaneta, 64, co-founder of Monat Global, was arrested at his nearly $7 million mansion on Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run while he was on his way to the Whole Foods Market in Coral Gables on January 9, the Miami Herald reports. The unidentified victim told authorities he was putting up a barricade for a street closure that day when he noticed a Rolls-Royce traveling with the intention of entering the closed street, according to an arrest report obtained by NBC Miami. The victim then claimed he waved at the driver to tell him he had to turn around and go the opposite direction, but the driver refused and started to enter the street closure while the victim was in his direct path. Urdaneta then intentionally drove forward, hitting and pushing the victim out of the way, Coral Gables police said. 'The victim stated the driver looked directly at him and motioned with his right hand as if he wanted the victim to move out of his way,' the arrest report states. A witness later told police they saw the driver intentionally use his luxury vehicle to force the victim out of his path, and noted that he took pictures of the vehicle - which led authorities to Urdaneta. The Venezuelan native has since admitted that he was the one driving, but claimed that the victim suddenly jumped in front of him and hit his windshield with an open hand. He also told authorities he left the scene because he was scared, according to the arrest report. Luis Urdaneta, 64, co-founder of Monat Global, has been arrested for allegedly ramming his Rolls Royce through a barricade - and directly into a construction worker before fleeing the scene Urdaneta admitted to authorities that he was the one driving, but claimed that the victim suddenly jumped in front of him and hit his windshield with an open hand But this is not the first time Urdaneta has faced legal issues as he tries to market himself as a self-made man who started a successful multi-level marketing company known for selling hair, skincare, and wellness products over social media. He describes himself on the Monat Global website as a 'first-generation, direct sales entrepreneur' who 'quickly worked his way to the top.' His website then goes on to say that after running a successful direct-selling business in Latin America, he and his son, Rayner Urdaneta, co-founded the Alcora Group, which later became the parent company of Monat. Together, they then launched Monat in October 2014, promising 'premium products and a rewarding opportunity,' as the beauty company aimed to help people 'make the world a better place, one person at a time.' Within three years, the company climbed to the industry's Global Top 100 list, which also includes companies like Mary Kay and Avon. Monat now lists multiple Urdaneta family members in leadership roles, including Rayner as the CEO, Luis as the chairperson and his wife, Leudin Petit Urdaneta, as the 'chief culture officer,' with whom he lives in a $6.5 million, seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom home. Amid his success, Urdaneta released a memoir in 2024 entitled 'Rebel Leadership: Why It Pays to Break the Rules to Be Successful in Business and in Life.' In the book, Urdaneta describes himself as a Venezuelan-born entrepreneur who grew up poor, lacked a high school diploma and built a near billion-dollar business through determination alone. He also talks about his early success selling Tupperware in Latin America, how he was financially ruined at the age of 39 after he left the industry and made his comeback in direct-sales. Urdaneta co-founded Monat Global with his son, Rayner, in October 2014 The company now lists multiple Urdaneta family members in leadership roles, with Luis as the chairperson and his wife Leudin Petit Urdaneta (pictured), as the 'chief culture officer' But just four years after the company was founded, it faced a class action lawsuit and even customer complaints filed with the Food and Drug Administration. Sue Hoffpauir claimed in the suit in Miami federal court, that Monat hair products caused her and many other women extensive hair loss. Urdaneta has described himself as a self-made man in his memoir 'Rebel Leadership: Why It Pays to Break the Rules to Be Successful in Business and in Life' 'Monat knowingly preyed on women's humble desire for self-beautification through longer, thicker, more luxuriant hair,' the suit claimed. 'That simple hope was crushed by the reality Monat delivered: painful scalp irritation and embarrassing hair loss for many customers. 'To further their deceit, Monat erases all consumer complaints about hair loss or scalp irritation from its website.' The lawsuit further alleged that Monat operates a pyramid scheme, with the Urdaneta family at the top. Under such fraudulent systems, a business generates revenue not by selling products but instead by recruiting new members who pay to join. Participants are then promised high returns for recruiting others, but the model collapses when no new recruits can be found, resulting in losses for most participants. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, but the same year it was filed, in 2018, the FDA released a statement saying that since August one year prior, the agency 'has received and is assessing 199 adverse event reports related to Monat hair products.' Sources within the agency told ABC 7 New York that the complaints against the company marked the second-highest number of complaints it had ever received for a haircare brand, next to Wen by Chaz Dean, which was also accused of hair loss and for which the FDA had received over 1,000 complaints. Urdaneta is facing an aggravated battery charge, but was released on a $5,000 bond The FDA then sent inspectors to the Florida facility where the products are made, and found that Monat cosmetics were being 'prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth,' WXYZ reports. Its report also noted that multiple products were at risk of cross contamination due to open reactor lids and missing protective caps on hoses used to pump the products. The FDA, however, does not have the authority to recall beauty products. Amid the turmoil, Monat sent its products to an independent lab that has been used by other labels like L'Oreal and Proctor & Gamble, which found that its products were safe. President Stuart A MacMillan then attributed much of the company's trouble to its rapid growth, explaining that the company did not initially have the systems in place to respond to the number of customers or distributors it was receiving. But years later, in April 2024, MacMillan would file his own lawsuit against the company, accusing it, Urdaneta and his son, Rayner, of orchestrating a scheme to dilute profits and avoid paying MacMillan millions of dollars he alleged were owed to him. That lawsuit was dismissed in March 2025. Still, it seems Urdaneta's legal troubles are not over as he now faces an aggravated battery charge. He spent some time at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, but was released on a $5,000 bond. The Daily Mail has reached out to Monat Global for comment. READ MORE: Tenant from hell is JAILED after stalking and terrorising landlord It comes as tenant owes them over $7,000 in unpaid rent Kez and Sammy, 67 and 84, could be forced from their home A cancer patient and her elderly husband could be forced from their home after their tenant took them to court, despite owing them thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. The couple, aged 67 and 84, could soon be evicted from their property in Melbourne's inner north after the tenant petitioned for an intervention order against them, to be ruled on next month. Kez and Sammy (the couple's aliases due to the intervention order) initially asked the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to evict the tenant after she owed them more than $7,100 in unpaid rent dating back to October 2025. They have rented out the granny flat at the rear of their home for more than a decade. Despite VCAT ruling the tenant could stay until February 3 before an eviction notice could be enacted, an appeal hearing gave the tenant more than two years to pay the rental arrears, plus an extra two weeks of free rent. VCAT deputy president Kylea Campana's order stipulates the couple can apply for another eviction order if the tenant fails to follow the payment plan. Kez, who needs ongoing medical care and surgery for a series of aggressive, recurring skin cancers, said the ordeal has taken a serious toll on their 'health, finances, and sense of safety' in their own home. 'Each new development feels like another blow, and the cumulative weight of it all is making it harder and harder to hold myself together,' Kez said. The elderly couple (not pictured) could be evicted from their own home within weeks (stock image) 'We live only metres from the tenant, so there is no escape from the tension or the fear.' The tenant has also recently served Kez with an intervention order 'based on events that never occurred'. The order could potentially force them from their home, if it is adopted in full when it goes before the courts. Kez said she and her husband, who suffers from serious heart problems, rely on the granny flats $450 weekly rent to make ends meet. The couple have now launched a GoFundMe to help cover their ongoing legal costs. 'Since the VCAT decision, the situation has become frightening,' she said. 'We are now receiving a stream of demanding, demeaning, humiliating, and intimidating emails ordering us to fix this, store that", unilaterally changing lease terms, and threatening to take us back to VCAT if we dont obey. 'The tenant is now enjoying repeated breaches of our agreement and basic tenancy obligations, with no consequences, while we are left to absorb the impact.' Their tenant owed them more than $7,100 in unpaid rent, despite the couple covering her water, electricity and internet bills (stock image) It's believed the tenant, since the VCAT hearings, has paid rent for the first time since September. Property Investors Council of Australia chair Ben Kingsley told the Herald Sun that Victoria was seeing a growing number of badly behaved tenants using 'all the tricks in the book' to stay in rental properties. 'And the government has been supporting them with further rental reforms that make it very difficult for the owners to have control over their property,' he said. 'But the reality is, with all of these reforms, the unintended consequence is that were seeing a greater number of disputes.' READ MORE: NSW to get an extra public holiday for Anzac Day A new poll has revealed support for One Nation has rapidly surged to unprecedented levels in Victoria and that it could hold the balance of power. The DemosAU/PremierNational poll shows One Nation has soared to a 21 per cent primary vote, its highest ever in the state - just two points behind Labor, which has slumped to 23 per cent. It marks a massive shift in Victoria, a state that has been a Labor stronghold for more than ten years since Dan Andrews was elected state premier in 2014. Victorians are shifting to Pauline Hanson's party in large numbers amid mounting frustration over spiralling crime, ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the worsening housing crisis and deepening anxiety about the state's economic outlook. One Nation is preparing a major push, planning to field candidates in every lower house seat at November's election - only the second time it has done so in the state. The poll reveals support for both major parties is collapsing: the Coalition has plunged eight points since October to 29 per cent, while Labor has dropped another three points, both now well below their 2022 election results. Labor is particularly struggling, with its primary vote at 23 per cent - down 13 points from its previous performance of 36 per cent. Despite the overall slump, the Coalition has widened its twopartypreferred lead to 5347, putting it in its strongest position to form government since Ted Baillieu's win in 2010. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan (pictured) has a net favourability rating of minus 37 per cent Despite their improved position, the Liberal Party faces a formidable political challenge, needing to win 16 seats to achieve a majority. In the upper house, the survey, which polled 1,274 Victorians between February 1 and 10, shows one in five voters plans to give One Nation their first preference. The Liberals lead with 28 per cent, followed by One Nation at 20 per cent, and Labor at 19 per cent. This result would shake up the state's upper house, potentially forcing the government of the day to negotiate with One Nation to pass legislation. Crime remains the top public concern, with 30 per cent naming it as their main issue. Another 29 per cent nominate cost of living, while 12 per cent cite housing. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has also strengthened her lead as preferred premier, with 40 per cent support compared with Premier Jacinta Allan's 31 per cent. Wilson has a net favourability rating of plus 3, while Allan has fallen to minus 37. The results spell bad news for Labor, which has maintained power in Victoria for more than ten years. One Nation could hold the balance of power in the Victorian Upper House, polling in second Andrews cemented his authority in 2018 with the so-called 'Danslide', a landslide victory that turned the electoral map into a sea of red. Labor surged to as many as 60 seats in the 88-seat parliament, gaining up to 15, while the LiberalNational Coalition suffered a significant collapse. By 2022, Andrews delivered a third decisive win, despite sustained criticism from opponents, hostile media coverage, and ongoing anger over pandemic lockdowns. The election was framed as a direct referendum on his leadership, yet Labor again prevailed with a projected 52 seats, securing another comfortable majority. However, since Andrews resignation in September 2023, the Labor Party under Jacinta Allan has struggled to match his popularity. The party has seen a sharp decline in opinion polls, with Allan herself significantly marked down by voters. An internal Labor poll from February reportedly showed the partys net satisfaction rating at minus 20 among all voters, and minus 40 among people over 50. Ongoing scandals over the governments handling of CFMEU corruption on the states Big Build infrastructure projects, surging crime, particularly involving knives, and questions around the response to recent bushfires have all been blamed for the partys decline. Republicans are gleefully embracing an unlikely ally in their quest to derail Gavin Newsom's widely anticipated 2028 presidential ambitions - his own wife. Jennifer Siebel Newsom has become a lightning rod for criticism after a string of interviews and public appearances that conservatives say perfectly capture what they view as the out-of-touch elitism surrounding the Democratic governor. Siebel Newsom has had string of public appearances in which she criticized wealthy elites, scolded reporters, and delivered remarks that GOP critics say perfectly encapsulate what they view as the smug detachment of the Democratic political class. GOP operatives, activists, and conservative commentators are now openly urging her to step in front of cameras more often, convinced that every unscripted remark is political gold. Their delight reached new heights this week after Siebel Newsom delivered a withering critique of wealthy tech leaders who have gravitated toward Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Her remarks that quickly spread across social media as critics pointed to her own life of immense privilege. 'It's incredibly disheartening and disturbing. It's very confusing,' she said when asked about what some observers have described as tech's political shift to the right. 'When you spend too much time in your bubble of wealth and perhaps in your limited perspective where you only interact at the same economic ilk until they're actually employed by you, I think that's a really dangerous place.' Jennifer Siebel Newsom, right, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized wealthy elites for living in a 'bubble of wealth' during a recent interview about tech leaders shifting toward Donald Trump Jennifer Siebel, 51, took the stand and scolded reporters for asking the 'wrong' questions at a news conference earlier in the week Her remarks quickly spread across social media as critics pointed to her own life of privilege One X user responded bluntly: 'Gavin Newsom's wife complaining about people 'spending too much time in your bubble of wealth' after they bought a nearly $10 million house in Marin County not too long ago is just...perfection.' Another Republican voice was even more explicit about the political value of her appearances writing: 'THANK YOU @JenSiebelNewsom for gifting us TWO negative campaign ads against the @GavinNewsom28 campaign this week! First, when you shoved aside your husband to berate mostly female journalists for doing their job.' Actor Dean Cain, a longtime conservative commentator, added his own blunt assessment on X: 'She's INCREDIBLY unlikeable!' The backlash was fueled in part by a remarkable moment earlier this week, when Siebel Newsom physically stepped forward during a Planned Parenthood press conference and rebuked reporters for asking what she viewed as the wrong questions. Standing beside her husband as he fielded queries unrelated to women's healthcare, she took the microphone and delivered a pointed reprimand. 'We just find it incredulous that we have Planned Parenthood here and women are 51 percent of the population,' she said. 'And majority of these questions - all of these questions - have really been about other issues.' She continued: 'It's just fascinating, you have this incredible women's caucus and all these allies, and you're not asking about it. 'You wonder why we have such a horrific war on women in this country, and that these guys are getting away with it. You don't seem to care. So I just offer that with love,' she went on. Siebel Newsom is a filmmaker and longtime advocate for womens rights issues, and has played an active public role during her husbands governorship The governors national profile rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, when California implemented some of the strictest lockdown measures in the country Gavin Newsom is widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, though he has not formally declared his candidacy The moment stunned many in the room and quickly went viral fodder online. A political gift for the Republicans. Siebel Newsom's comments about 'bubble of wealth' and her decision to publicly scold journalists have only intensified criticism of her at a moment when her husband's national ambitions are increasingly obvious. Although Newsom has not formally declared a presidential run, he has spent years positioning himself as a leading Democratic voice, clashing with Republican governors, appearing on conservative media outlets, and building a national profile that suggests he is preparing for a White House bid. Her critics say the remarks reinforced a perception that the Newsoms occupy a rarefied world far removed from ordinary Americans - a narrative that has followed the governor for years. Nothing symbolized that perception more vividly than the Governor's infamous 2020 dinner at the French Laundry, the ultra-exclusive Napa Valley restaurant, at the height of California's Covid lockdowns. At the time, Newsom had imposed sweeping restrictions on indoor gatherings, shuttered businesses, and urged Californians to stay home. Join the debate Does Jennifer Siebel Newsom represent elite hypocrisy or is she being unfairly targeted by critics? California Governor Gavin Newsom is shown above, left, sitting with ten others in the indoor/outdoor dining room at The French Laundry on November 6, 2020 without a mask Newsom has since admitted heading to the French Laundry restaurant during the pandemic was one of the 'biggest boneheaded decisions' he'd made Newsom expressed regret for his actions during a podcast last summer when asked to account for his most controversial pandemic-era policies But he attended a birthday dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant anyway - a move that became a political scandal. Newsom later expressed deep regret for his actions. 'I despise me for the French Laundry. I was wrong. I went to this damn restaurant. That's the rules for thee and not for me,' he said. 'I'm going to indict myself here. Biggest boneheaded damn decision I made.' 'Everyone who criticized me is goddamn right. And I own that,' he added. The episode became a lasting symbol for his critics and came to symbolize his hypocrisy and elitism. Now, Republicans say his wife's remarks risk reinforcing that same image. A man 'well known to police' has been charged following a horror two-car smash that left two women dead and shut down a major highway in both directions. Emergency services were called to a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney's south on Saturday morning following reports of a stolen car. The suspect Luke Peter Francis, 31, who allegedly ran from the scene, was arrested shortly after on Nepean Avenue, Camden. Francis was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with eleven offences including two counts of dangerous driving occasion death/drive manner dangerous. Francis was refused bail and appeared at the Bail Division Court 6 early on Sunday morning. The tragedy unfolded after officers were told a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by the suspect who then stole his red Toyota Camry and fled the scene. A short time later, highway patrol officers tracked down the vehicle on King Georges Road in Beverley Hills and launched a pursuit when the car failed to stop. Officers followed the vehicle along the M5 before the chase was terminated at Bankstown due to safety reasons. A police helicopter continued to follow the car. Two women aged 60 and 84 in the Alfa Romeo both died at the scene Emergency services were called to a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney's south on Saturday morning following reports of a stolen car Two women were killed following the horrific crash About 11.10am, the Toyota collided with a white Alfa Romeo sedan travelling along the Old Hume Highway at Camden South. Two women aged 60 and 84 in the Alfa Romeo both died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency responders. Police have since confirmed the pair were family members. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police were not pursing the suspect during the 40 minute period leading up to the crash. 'It was one of the most reckless and dangerous, demonstrations of driving I've seen in a long time,' Commissioner McFadden said. 'I've watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver.' In footage from the scene, the Toyota Camry and the Alfa Romeo are seen with significant damage, with the Romeo's windshield completely shattered. A man was seen being consoled by bystanders at the scene. A witness told Daily Mail they saw the Toyota Camry driving on the wrong side of the road while being followed by about 4-5 marked and unmarked police cars. A man remains in custody after he was charged over the fatal crash Other shocked witnesses described the incident as confronting Police confirmed the deceased women were family members Other shocked witnesses described the incident as confronting. 'There was just a very loud crash and violent bang and after that, it was just sirens and helicopters,' Bruno told Ten News. 'As someone who lives here, it happens a lot. 'We had two fatalities in the same spot last year. It's just devastating that it keeps happening.' Veronica added: 'The cops were doing a revival on a lady. It was very confronting and very sad to see.' The occupants of the Alfa Romeo died at the scene In footage from the scene, the Toyota Camry and the Alfa Romeo are seen with significant damage Shocked retirement village residents watched the dramatic arrest unfold. 'I was just sitting on my veranda talking to my daughter when I saw this young bloke rushing up here, running for his life,' Lesley Dickson told reporters. The highway was closed in both directions at the intersection of Camden Bypass, with drivers diverted via Burragorang Road and Cawdor Road. Francis was also charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, negligent driving (occasioning death), unlicenced driving and assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle. A Critical Incident Team from Burwood Police Area Command will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents, supported by the St George Police Area Command and the Crash Investigation Unit. The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Francis, who made no application for bail, was remanded to face court at a later date. Traditional owners have called for visitor numbers to be capped at a popular swimming spot in Queensland. Lake McKenzie on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is well-known for its clear waters and pure, white sand, making it a must-see natural site on the World Heritage-listed island. Representatives of K'gari's traditional owners Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) have called for a visitor limit to prevent overcrowding and mistreatment. BAC director and secretary Christine Royan said a cap would help protect the land. 'We need to limit the people that go in. We might need only 80 per cent (capacity),' she said. 'It's about caring for country there's even road rage at Lake McKenzie. 'We also want to save the lakes. They have a lot of people bring the type of sunscreens that destroy our lakes with the waters.' The caps could involve a booking system that tracks the number of visitors coming in and out of the lake, the Courier Mail reported. Some tourists may no longer be allowed to visit Lake McKenzie due to overcrowding concerns Visitor caps have been repeatedly ruled out by the Department of Tourism and Environment. The lake, which is also known by its traditional name Lake Boorangoora, is sacred and carries deep cultural significance for the Butchulla people. It comes as the BAC calls on the Queensland government to 'come to the table' and discuss better land and tourism management, including the controversial euthanising of eight dingoes following the death of Piper James. The 19-year-old Canadian backpacker was found dead on the island, surrounded by a pack of dingoes on January 19. An autopsy uncovered evidence of 'pre-mortem' dingo bites but found drowning was the most likely cause of death. It has been suggested the dingoes attacked her and corralled her into the water, where she drowned. 'We want to to work with the government to make sure there's protocols in place for wongari (dingo) management,' Butchulla man Conway Burns told NITV. 'Maybe temporary closures, to relax certain areas, when the packs are in their prime ... which will be hard, especially when it's breeding season over Easter. 'We need to sit down and walk together and put these processes in place.' The estranged twin daughters of a man detained in the US have claimed he abandoned them and called for their father to be sent home to face justice on his drugs charges. They spoke out after ICE detainee Seamus Culleton this week appealed on RTE radio for the Irish Government to raise his case with US president Donald Trump so that he could return to his wife, a US citizen, and his plastering company in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. The twins, who will turn 19 over the coming days, said Mr Culleton abandoned them when they were just 18 months old, leaving their mother Margaret (Maggie) to raise the children herself. Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton, who was arrested last year by ICE and is current detained in a Texas immigration facility, with his wife Tiffany Seamus Culleton, with his wife Tiffany and their two dogs. Mr Culleton faces drug charges from before he left for the US. In an exclusive interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Mr Culletons daughters, Melissa and Heather Morrissey, claimed that their father is not the man he seems and said they have little sympathy for his plight. Their father, they say, built a new life for himself in the US but never saw his own daughters in person again. Heather and Melissa claim their father is not the man people think he is and said his claim that he has done no wrong is false. The two young women said their mother has not received a penny in child maintenance from Mr Culleton since he abandoned them. Heather told the MoS: I think he should come back here and he should get arrested. The twins said their father was naive for going public with his case, knowing he has outstanding drugs charges against him in Ireland. Mr Culleton, who is from Glenmore in Co. Kilkenny, compared the conditions of the detention centre where he is being held to that of a concentration camp and said that he feared for his safety. Our sister paper, the Irish Daily Mail, revealed this week that Mr Culleton was charged with several offences in 2008. These included possessing drugs with intent for sale or supply, possession of drugs for personal consumption and obstructing a garda in the course of their duty. Mr Culleton failed to appear at New Ross District Court for his hearing and a bench warrant was requested. However, the warrant was never issued as he had left the jurisdiction. He also appeared in the same court in April 2008 for being extremely drunk in public. Court reports from the time noted gardai detained him for his own safety. Heather said: He was making himself out to be a saint like hes done nothing wrong, like he knows that there are warrants here for his arrest and that was going to come out. How did he not know that? He went to the news. People [can] go and find this Its public knowledge. The twins said they were in disbelief when they heard their fathers voice on the radio. Mr Culleton called RTEs Liveline programme on Monday. Heather added: I was shocked. I am sorry now but I just think its so funny how he can ring the news and Tiffany [Culletons wife] and his sister but couldnt ring me or my sister. He rang me the first day he got locked up because I asked his sister to ask him to ring me. I had to ask him to ring me. He told me that he got detained by ICE he doesnt know when hes going to get out. That was about it. I havent heard from him since then. Heather said she texted her fathers sister to let him know that Melissa was pregnant, but still there was no contact: My sister hasnt heard from him. Melissa and Heather Morrissey, 18, twin daughters of Seamus Culleton say their father should be sent home to face the charges against him Heather added: I feel that we were born and he just up and left. He did abandon us. Thats what he did. She said the twins were told their father was Seamus Culleton when they were 12 years old. They looked him up on Facebook and began messaging him. But Heather said: He never tried adding us or anything like that on Facebook. Then me and Melissa made it our own business then to add him. When we added him, we waited. We then texted him and basically said, You never reached out, and we never heard from you and all that kind of stuff, she said. He just said that he thought we wouldnt want to hear from him and all that kind of just silly stuff, really. And then we got afraid, in case our mom would see it on our phone. So we just blocked him. Heather said the twins reached out to their father again when they were 15 or 16, and that there were some infrequent online conversations. Hed be texting on and off, hed be texting, how are you and all this. He asked us if we were coming to see him and then I asked him if he was going to come over to see us instead, instead of us going all the way over there, and he said no and that he was never coming back here. Melissa said their father gave us 1,000 each for the twins 18th birthday last year, but only because we contacted him first and asked for a birthday present as a joke. The sisters said they were very upset when a fundraising campaign which has so far raised more than $30,000 (25,000) to pay for his legal fees was launched. They also said they felt hurt by comments made by Mr Culletons American wife Tiffany Smyth on TikTok, where she said she wanted Seamus to come home to her and her babies, referring to the couples dogs. Heather said: She posted a TikTok saying that she wanted their dad to come home to his kids. Theyre dogs. I understand people love animals and all that, but he has children. His dogs arent his children. Referring to the money raised for her fathers GoFundMe campaign, Mellissa said: Thats nearly child maintenance money. Like, you know, theyre taking the p*** out of people. The young women also told how a relative of their father contacted them after they posted on Tiffanys TikTok that he had real children, and not just dogs. Heather said she was shocked when the relative said their existence could hurt their fathers case. So then [Culletons relative] comes down my phone and was telling me to delete the comment that I am ruining his chances of getting out of ICE detention centre, wherever he is, and that I should take it down and that I dont understand. Heather Morrissey with her mother Maggie. Heather and her sister Melissa were shocked to hear their father Seamus claim to be the victim Melissa added: I feel the exact same as Heather, that Im just hurt by what they said up on the news, and I just think that hes scandalous and that he should come home. He just made us basically out, like were just like two pieces of s***. Mr Culleton has pleaded with the Government to help him get out of the detention facility and has claimed the conditions where he is being detained amount to torture. He said this week: Id love for you guys to just try to get me out here. Do all you can please. Its absolute torture, psychological torture, physical torture. I just want to get back to my wife. We were so desperate to start a family, he said. My mother, especially, is heartbroken that Im in here. Shes just heartbroken over the whole situation., he said. Despite refusing to sign deportation documentation, and posting a $4,000 (3,400) bond, Mr Culleton has remained at the detention centre in El Paso, Texas, for almost five months. There is no quality of life here, he said. Ive been locked in the same room for the last fourandahalf months. I can count on one have how many times Ive been let outside. However, in a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Homeland Security, said Mr Culleton received full due process and was issued a final deportation order from a federal judge. She said: On September 9, 2025, ICE arrested Seamus Culleton, an illegal alien from Ireland. He entered the United States in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows you to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa. He failed to depart the US. He received full due process and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on September 10, 2025. He was offered the chance to instantly be removed to Ireland but chose to stay in ICE custody. In fact, he took affirmative steps to remain in detention. Ms McLaughlin said Mr Culletons continued detention is his choice. adding Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to use the CBP [Customs and Border Protection ] Home app to take control of their departure. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 (2,200) and a free flight to selfdeport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the US the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return. Dragon dancers and people dressed in Beijing opera-style costumes have brought colour to the streets of Liverpool as they kick off the Lunar New Year celebrations. Chinatown and the Royal Albert Dock were adorned with red lanterns in an ode to the Chinese New Year, with the Year of The Horse set to begin on February 17. Elsewhere, the city's most famed buildings, such as Liverpool Town Hall and St George's Hall, were illuminated with red lights in honour of the festivities. Led by the Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association, Pagoda Arts and award-winning dance company Movema, the procession moved through the city centre. Performers dressed in colourful Beijing opera-style costumes and stilt walkers wowed onlookers as they made their way from Church Alley to the Royal Albert Dock at around 1pm yesterday. Two lantern art centrepieces, a horse and two dragons, commissioned by Culture Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Liverpool ONE made an appearance, greeting amazed children. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of speed, vitality, and persistence. Those born in its year are thought to share similar characteristics, including being independent and hardworking. The main celebrations are set to be carried out on February 22 in Chinatown, with similar events at a smaller scale held the day before. A woman in costume poses for a photograph during a Lunar New Year procession in Liverpool People gather around as a woman in costume performs during a Chinese New Year procession A child reacts as traditional dragon dancers perform during a Lunar New Year procession yesterday Children interact with the dragon as traditional dragon dancers perform during a Lunar New Year procession on February 14, 2026 A performer poses for a photograph as they take part in a Lunar New Year procession showcasing traditional Chinese arts and performances Traditional dragon dancers perform during a Lunar New Year procession in Liverpool celebrating the Year of the Horse The festivities are set to take place from 11am until 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, and will feature Tai Chi, performances, a fairground, workshops, and various stalls. There will also be firecracker displays and parades featuring traditional dragons, lions and unicorns on Sunday. Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture Harry Doyle told the BBC: 'No city welcomes the Lunar New Year quite like Liverpool, and the city will once again come alive with colour, culture, and celebration as we enter the Year of the Horse. 'With free events, beautiful installations, quiet and accessible activities, and so much more there really is something for everyone this year.' Ming Wang, secretary general of the Merseyside Chinese Association Joint Action Group, added: 'As we turn the page from the Year of the Snake, we gallop joyfully into the vibrant Year of the Horse - a year bursting with strength, freedom, and spirited adventure. 'Our local Chinese community, Culture Liverpool, and many partner organisations have once again come together with great heart and dedication to create a dazzling programme of arts and cultural events for all to enjoy.' Barack Obama unleashed a blistering warning about America's collapsing political standards after President Donald Trump shared a video depicting him and Michelle Obama as apes. Obama said that American political discourse had descended into a degrading 'clown show' that most Americans still find 'deeply troubling'. The former president's remarks came after Trump earlier this month reposted a meme video on Truth Social that included a segment showing the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies. Such imagery has long held racist overtones and sparked bipartisan condemnation, forcing the White House into damage control. Asked directly about the episode during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama did not mention Trump by name in his response, but delivered a sweeping rebuke of the tone and tactics that now dominate modern politics. 'First of all, I think it's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,' Obama said. 'It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction you meet people they still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness, and there's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television.' His intervention marked his most direct public comments since Trump shared the incendiary video, which some critics described as one of the most racially offensive social media posts shared by the president. Barack Obama warned that political discourse has devolved into a 'clown show' after Donald Trump shared a video depicting the Obamas as apes Trump said he 'didn't watch the whole video' before reposting it online and has refused to apologize The pro-Trump meme video centered on 2020 election fraud conspiracy claims - allegations that have been repeatedly debunked and litigated. But the clip ended with an AI-style segment that flashed the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies, set to The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The White House initially tried to wave the uproar away. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage as performative. 'This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.' A White House official later gave a more serious explanation stating, 'A White House staffer erroneously made the post. It has been taken down.' Trump's post was later deleted. But the condemnation, including from Republicans, was already on the record. The President received widespread backlash over accusations of racism after he posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are seen walking across the South Lawn in July 2016 Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina called it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House,' adding that the president should remove it. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi wrote: 'This is totally unacceptable. The president should take it down and apologize.' Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska argued that 'a reasonable person sees the racist context,' and said the White House should remove it and apologize. California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office blasted the post as well: 'Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.' A White House insider previously told the Daily Mail that the clip was posted by mistake and was accidentally included in a screen recording of a different video about election fraud. Join the debate How should leaders be held accountable for spreading racist content on social media? White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially doubled down on the President's post Senator Tim Scott called the video 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House' 'It's an obvious screen recording and the boomer who posted it on X didn't trim off the excess when the next reel started to auto play,' the Trump official shared. 'The aide didn't notice that one second portion at the end of the video and it was never seen by the president.' Trump told reporters that he didn't watch the whole video before it was shared online and maintained that he didn't do anything wrong. 'What I saw in the beginning was really strong. It was about fraudulent elections. Anytime I see that stuff and it's credible, you put it up. I didn't do it. This was done by someone else. It was a re-truth but that was a very strong truth,' he said. During the half-hour long interview, Obama admitted that any return to elected office would likely cost him his marriage, joking that his wife Michelle would leave him if he ever attempted a political comeback. The former president made the candid admission in which he essentially faced up to the fact his days in politics are firmly behind him. 'First of all, I'm not a politician anymore and I can't be, right?' Obama began. 'I mean, I guess technically I could run for, you know, city council or something, but I'm not in elected office. I don't have levers of power. I'm term limited out. And by the way, I believe in the Constitution and also I believe in my marriage and Michelle would divorce me even if I could run again.' The remark, delivered with Obama's trademark humor, offered a rare public window into the influence Michelle Obama holds over her husband's decisions. It also highlighted the toll years at the center of American political life took on their family. Obama has long acknowledged the sacrifices Michelle made during his ascent from Illinois state senator to back-to-back terms in the Oval Office. Michelle has repeatedly spoken about the strain political life placed on their family, and has remained both his closest confidante throughout. Obama said that she is also a powerful force guiding over what comes next. Barack Obama said 'Michelle would divorce me if I even if I could run again,' ruling out a political comeback The former president said their foundation works to empower the next generation of leaders globally. The couple are pictured in August 2024 at the Democratic National Convention During the interview he emphasized that the couple's post-presidential mission is a shared one focused less on reclaiming power and more on cultivating the next generation. 'Michelle and I still have the capacity, not just here in the United States, but globally, to inspire and motivate young people and invite them in to this process,' Obama explained, describing their work through the Obama Foundation. He framed the mission as essential at a moment when younger Americans face mounting challenges, from economic uncertainty to social isolation. He argued that the role of him and his wife is to help empower others rather than lead from the front. 'That's going to come from the 20, 30-year-old's who know firsthand what it means to not be able to buy a house,' he said. 'They're the ones who are going to remake our institutions so that they are consistent with the values that are, I think, timeless.' The Obamas' new presidential center in Chicago set to open in June will serve as the physical embodiment of that vision: part museum, part civic hub, and part training ground for emerging leaders. Obama also acknowledged what may be a particular draw for some visitors. 'There will be a museum with Michelle's dresses since that's what people want to see,' he said with a laugh, referring to the fashion that helped make his wife one of the most admired and recognizable First Ladies in modern history. Michelle is pictured with her daughters back in 2008 when Democrats crowned Barack Obama as the first black presidential election nominee Michelle Obama has previously spoken publicly about the personal and family sacrifices she made during Barack Obama's eight years in the White House. The family is pictured in 2015 Her wardrobe choices became cultural touchstones during their eight years in the White House, symbolizing not just her personal style but a broader sense of representation, accessibility, and cultural influence. But Obama made clear that beyond the dresses and memorabilia, Michelle's deeper legacy lies in her continued role as a global inspiration. He credited both of them with using their post-presidential platform to elevate others - particularly young leaders who might otherwise never have access to power. 'Our job as leaders is to lift up other leaders,' Obama said. 'To empower others to find their gifts and help them exercise those gifts.' That philosophy has guided their foundation's work, which has trained thousands of emerging leaders from across the United States and around the world - including grassroots organizers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and activists. Obama joked the Obama Presidential Center, scheduled to open in June 2026, will include a section dedicated to Michelle's dresses 'since that's what people want to see' Obama said he and Michelle continue to work together through the Obama Foundation. He described inspiring young people as a central mission of their post-White House life Barack Obama said he and Michelle Obama are now focused on inspiring young people and shaping future leaders through their joint work after leaving the White House. The former First Couple are pictured alongside daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24 During a quick-fire round of questioning, Obama declared that aliens are 'real' before firmly dismissing long-running conspiracy theories that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51. The candid exchange offered a rare glimpse into what presidents may know when it comes to one of America's most enduring mysteries. The former president made the remarks when Cohen asked him directly: 'Are aliens real?' Obama's answer was direct: 'Uh, they're real, but I haven't seen them,' he said, before immediately addressing speculation surrounding Area 51, the secretive US military facility in Nevada that has long been at the center of extraterrestrial conspiracy theories. 'And they're not being kept in uh what is it? Area 51!' Obama continued. 'There's no underground facility unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States.' His comments - delivered with a mix of humor and authority - amounted to a clear rejection of claims that the US government is secretly housing alien life forms at the classified base. Obama said any alien cover-up would have required information being hidden from the president himself. Pictured, a still from a previously released unclassified U.S. government video appearing to show unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) Obama dismissed claims that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51, pictured above, saying there is 'no underground facility' Area 51 has fueled decades of speculation, particularly since the Cold War, when its remote desert location and classified operations made it a natural target for rumors about UFOs and extraterrestrial cover-ups. The US government has acknowledged the facility's existence but has consistently said it is used for testing advanced military aircraft. Cohen then asked what question he most wanted answered upon entering the White House. 'Where are the aliens?' Obama replied with a laugh. Barack Obama declared that aliens are 'real' before firmly dismissing long-running conspiracy theories that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51. The candid exchange offered a rare glimpse into what presidents may know when it comes to one of America's most enduring mysteries. The former president made the remarks when interviewer Brian Tyler Cohen asked him directly: 'Are aliens real?' Obama's answer was direct: 'Uh, they're real, but I haven't seen them,' he said, before immediately addressing speculation surrounding Area 51, the secretive US military facility in Nevada that has long been at the center of extraterrestrial conspiracy theories. 'And they're not being kept in uh what is it? Area 51!' Obama continued. 'There's no underground facility unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States.' His comments delivered with a mix of humor and authority amounted to a clear rejection of claims that the U.S. government is secretly housing alien life forms at the classified base. Area 51 has fueled decades of speculation, particularly since the Cold War, when its remote desert location and classified operations made it a natural target for rumors about UFOs and extraterrestrial cover-ups. The US government has acknowledged the facility's existence but has consistently said it is used for testing advanced military aircraft. Barack Obama said aliens are 'real' but said he never personally saw any evidence of them Obama said any alien cover-up would have required information being hidden from the president himself. Pictured, a still from a previously released unclassified U.S. government video appearing to show unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) Cohen then asked what question he most wanted answered upon entering the White House. 'Where are the aliens?' Obama replied with a laugh. The exchange came as part of a wide-ranging interview in which Obama reflected on his presidency and post-White House life. Later in the interview the former president admitted that any return to elected office would likely cost him his marriage, joking that his wife Michelle would leave him if he ever attempted a political comeback. The former president made the candid admission during a wide-ranging interview in which he faced up to the fact his days in politics are firmly behind him. 'First of all, I'm not a politician anymore and I can't be, right?' Obama began. 'I mean, I guess technically I could run for, you know, city council or something, but I'm not in elected office. I don't have levers of power. I'm term limited out. And by the way, I believe in the Constitution and also I believe in my marriage and Michelle would divorce me if I even if I could run again.' The remark, delivered with Obama's trademark humor, offered a rare public window into the influence Michelle Obama holds over her husband's decisions. Join the debate Is Area 51 hiding more than we think? Obama dismissed claims that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51, pictured above, saying there is 'no underground facility' Barack Obama said he and wife, Michelle, are focused on inspiring young people through their post-presidential work It also highlighted the toll years at the center of American political life took on their family. Obama has long acknowledged the sacrifices Michelle made during his ascent from Illinois state senator to back-to-back terms in the Oval Office. Michelle has repeatedly spoken about the strain political life placed on their family, and has remained both his closest confidante throughout. Obama said that she is also a powerful force guiding over what comes next. During the interview he emphasized that the couple's post-presidential mission is a shared one focused less on reclaiming power and more on cultivating the next generation. 'Michelle and I still have the capacity, not just here in the United States, but globally, to inspire and motivate young people and invite them in to this process,' Obama explained, describing their work through the Obama Foundation. He framed the mission as essential at a moment when younger Americans face mounting challenges, from economic uncertainty to social isolation. He argued that the role of him and his wife is to help empower others rather than lead from the front. 'That's going to come from the 20, 30-year-old's who know firsthand what it means to not be able to buy a house,' he said. 'They're the ones who are going to remake our institutions so that they are consistent with the values that are, I think, timeless.' The Obamas' new presidential center in Chicago set to open in June will serve as the physical embodiment of that vision: part museum, part civic hub, and part training ground for emerging leaders. Obama also acknowledged what may be a particular draw for some visitors. 'There will be a museum with Michelle's dresses since that's what people want to see,' he said with a laugh, referring to the fashion that helped make his wife one of the most admired and recognizable First Ladies in modern history. The former president said their foundation works to empower the next generation of leaders globally. The couple are pictured in August 2024 at the Democratic National Convention Michelle is pictured with her daughters back in 2008 when Democrats crowned Barack Obama as the first black presidential election nominee Michelle Obama has previously spoken publicly about the personal and family sacrifices she made during Barack Obama's eight years in the White House. The family is pictured in 2015 Her wardrobe choices became cultural touchstones during their eight years in the White House, symbolizing not just her personal style but a broader sense of representation, accessibility, and cultural influence. But Obama made clear that beyond the dresses and memorabilia, Michelle's deeper legacy lies in her continued role as a global inspiration. He credited both of them with using their post-presidential platform to elevate others - particularly young leaders who might otherwise never have access to power. 'Our job as leaders is to lift up other leaders,' Obama said. 'To empower others to find their gifts and help them exercise those gifts.' That philosophy has guided their foundation's work, which has trained thousands of emerging leaders from across the United States and around the world - including grassroots organizers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and activists. Obama joked the Obama Presidential Center, scheduled to open in June 2026, will include a section dedicated to Michelle's dresses 'since that's what people want to see' Obama said he and Michelle continue to work together through the Obama Foundation. He described inspiring young people as a central mission of their post-White House life Barack Obama said he and Michelle Obama are now focused on inspiring young people and shaping future leaders through their joint work after leaving the White House. The former First Couple are pictured alongside daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24 Earlier in the half-hour long interview, Obama unleashed a blistering warning about America's collapsing political standards after President Donald Trump shared a video depicting him and Michelle Obama as apes. Obama said that American political discourse had descended into a degrading 'clown show' that most Americans still find 'deeply troubling.' The former president's remarks came after Trump earlier this month reposted a meme video on Truth Social that included a segment showing the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies. Such imagery has long held racist overtones and sparked bipartisan condemnation, forcing the White House into damage control. Asked directly about the episode during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama did not mention Trump by name in his response, but delivered a sweeping rebuke of the tone and tactics that now dominate modern politics. 'First of all, I think it's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,' Obama said. 'It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction you meet people they still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness, and there's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television.' His intervention marked his most direct public comments since Trump shared the incendiary video, which some critics described as one of the most racially offensive social media posts shared by the president. The President received widespread backlash over accusations of racism after he posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes The pro-Trump meme video centered on 2020 election fraud conspiracy claims - allegations that have been repeatedly debunked and litigated. But the clip ended with an AI-style segment that flashed the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies, set to The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The White House initially tried to wave the uproar away. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage as performative. 'This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.' A White House official later gave a more serious explanation stating, 'A White House staffer erroneously made the post. It has been taken down.' Trump's post was later deleted. But the condemnation, including from Republicans, was already on the record. Trump said he 'didn't watch the whole video' before reposting it online and has refused to apologize White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially doubled down on the President's post Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina called it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House,' adding that the president should remove it. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi wrote: 'This is totally unacceptable. The president should take it down and apologize.' Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska argued that 'a reasonable person sees the racist context,' and said the White House should remove it and apologize. California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office blasted the post as well: 'Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.' A White House insider previously told the Daily Mail that the clip was posted by mistake and was accidentally included in a screen recording of a different video about election fraud. Senator Tim Scott called the video 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House' 'It's an obvious screen recording and the boomer who posted it on X didn't trim off the excess when the next reel started to auto play,' the Trump official shared. 'The aide didn't notice that one second portion at the end of the video and it was never seen by the president.' Trump told reporters that he didn't watch the whole video before it was shared online and maintained that he didn't do anything wrong. 'What I saw in the beginning was really strong. It was about fraudulent elections. Anytime I see that stuff and it's credible, you put it up. I didn't do it. This was done by someone else. It was a re-truth but that was a very strong truth,' he said. News / Local by Staff reporter OPPOSITION FreeZim Congress leader Joseph Makamba Busha has launched a blistering attack on proposed constitutional amendments being pushed by the ruling Zanu PF under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing the party of plotting to entrench its grip on power and "destroy what is left of the country."The proposed changes, already approved by Cabinet, seek to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, suspend the 2028 harmonised elections and allow the President to be elected by Parliament rather than through a direct popular vote.Busha told NewZimbabwe.com Friday that the amendments were illegitimate and crafted to serve narrow party interests."Zanu PF and the President have never respected the people of Zimbabwe and the Constitution. First there was never and tomorrow there will be no Vision 2030 for Zimbabwe," Busha said."This is a Zanu PF agenda to preserve Zanu PF itself, to preserve what has been looted and lastly to destroy what is left of the country, making everyone a beggar."The opposition leader insisted that any constitutional changes not subjected to a national referendum would lack legitimacy, warning Zimbabweans against what he described as a repeat of past political misdirection."No amendments outside a referendum are legitimate. Zimbabwe cannot be misled like in the 2017 coup. Elections must be held in 2028. Let us join and work together against the rise of dictatorship and extremism in our country and elsewhere in the world," Busha said.His remarks come amid growing resistance from opposition parties and civic society organisations over the controversial proposals currently before Parliament.Several opposition figures have called for nationwide protests against the amendments, arguing they threaten democratic governance and constitutionalism.Meanwhile, government has warned that any attempts to stage protests against the proposed changes will be dealt with decisively, raising the prospect of heightened political tensions as debate over the reforms intensifies. North Korea could face a brutal power struggle in the event of Kim Jong-un's death involving his daughter and sister, a former intelligence official has warned. The leader is the third generation, after his father and grandfather, to have ruled the communist state and it looks increasingly likely that he intends to pass the baton of power to his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, believed to be 13. South Koreas spy agency told the country's parliament on Thursday that it believes the teenager is close to being designated as the countrys future leader as he moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. But those plans could be thwarted by his ambitious sister Kim Yo Jong, who is said to be planning to seize control for herself should the dictator die or become incapacitated. Yo Jong, 38, is well-respected within political and military ranks and is widely seen as the most powerful person in North Korea after Jong-un. Rah Jong-yil, the former South Korean ambassador to the UK and deputy director of Seoul's intelligence service, told The Telegraph he believes a struggle for power after Jong-Un dies 'is probable'. He said: 'It depends on the timing, but I believe if Kim Yo Jong believed that she had a chance of becoming the top leader then she would take it. 'For her, there are no reasons to refrain from putting into effect her own political project.' Intelligence services say it looks increasingly likely Kim Jong Un intends to pass the baton of power to his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, believed to be 13 Kim Jong Un's ambitious sister Kim Yo Jong is said to be planning to seize control for herself should the dictator die or become incapacitated Jong Un was just 26 when he was officially named heir during a 2010 party conference, two years after Kim Jong Il suffered a debilitating stroke Neither would there likely be much mercy shown in the event aunt and niece clash over who should rule the nation next, given previous events. Just two years after Kim took power in 2011, he had his uncle and mentor, Jang Song-thaek, arrested over allegations of having committed 'anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional acts'. The charges included illicit affairs with women, harboring 'politically-motivated ambition', weakening 'the party's guidance over judicial, prosecution and people's security bodies' and obstructing 'the nation's economic affairs'. He was later executed by firing squad in 2013. Meanwhile, Jong Un's older half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, fell out of favour with the dictator and was subsequently assassinated by having VX nerve agent smeared onto his face in Kuala Lumpur airport in 2017. It is widely believed he died on the orders of the North Korean government. Now the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in South Korea said during a closed-door briefing that they are closely monitoring whether Jong Un's daughter appears with him before thousands of delegates at the upcoming Workers Party Congress. First appearing in public at a long-range missile test in November 2022, Ju Ae has since accompanied her father to an increasing number of events, including weapons tests, military parades and factory openings. Join the debate If Kim Jong Un stepped down tomorrow, who would really take control his daughter or his sister? North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (centre L) and his daughter Ju Ae (centre R) inspecting a training of the Korean People's Army in 2024 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, directs a test of a large-caliber multiple-rocket launch system, in an unknown location in January Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae inspecting a newly-completed food factory in Sinpo city She travelled with him to Beijing last September for Jong Un's first summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in six years on the sidelines of a Second World War event. Speculation about her political future intensified last month when she joined her parents on a New Years Day visit to Pyongyangs Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a sacred family mausoleum displaying the embalmed bodies of her late grandfather and great-grandfather, the countrys first- and second-generation leaders. Some experts saw the visit as the clearest sign yet that shes positioned to be the heir to her 42-year-old father. South Korean officials initially expressed doubt that she could be chosen as a North Korean leader, citing the countrys deeply conservative culture and tradition of male-dominated leadership. But her increasingly prominent appearances in state media have prompted a reassessment. In its previous assessment of Ju Aes status in September, the NIS told lawmakers that Jong Uns decision to bring her along on his trip to China was likely part of an effort to build a 'narrative' to pave the way for her succession. 'In the past, (NIS) described Kim Ju Ae as being in the midst of `successor training. What was notable today is that they used the term `successor-designate stage, a shift that's quite significant,' said lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun, who attended the briefing. According to Lee, the agency cited her growing presence at high-profile military events, her inclusion in the family visit to Kumsusan, and signs that Jong Un was beginning to seek her input on certain policy matters. Sibling rivalry: Yo Jong, 38, is well-respected within political and military ranks and is widely seen as the most powerful person in North Korea after Jong-un In 2023, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un and his wife also likely have an older son and a younger third child whose gender is unknown. Since its foundation in 1948, North Korea has been ruled by male members of the Kim family, beginning with the countrys founder Kim Il Sung and followed by his son, Kim Jong Il. Jong Un was just 26 when he was officially named heir during a 2010 party conference, two years after Kim Jong Il suffered a debilitating stroke. Following his fathers death in December 2011, he was abruptly thrust into the throne with relatively little preparation. Some analysts suggest that Jong Uns decision to debut his daughter early possibly reflects his own experience of being rushed into power. Ju Aes first known visit to Kumsusan last month was also her fathers first visit to the site in three years. Given the palaces status as a key symbol of the Kim family rule, the trip should be seen as a symbolic gesture by Kim Jong Un to present his daughter as his heir before his grandfather and father as he prepares for the major ruling party congress, said Cheong Seong-Chang, a senior analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute. The Workers Party congress in late February, last held in 2016 and 2021, could provide a stage for Jong Un to formalize his succession plans, possibly by giving his daughter the partys first secretary post, its number two job, although such a decision might not be immediately disclosed to the outside world, Cheong said. Other analysts question whether she would receive such a high-profile post or any formal party role, given that party rules require members to be at least 18 - and argue that Yo Jongwould be more likely to succeed in the immediate term. Ju-ae or her siblings 'are still too young and unestablished to realistically be considered for succession in the coming five to 15 years', a report from analysis publication 38 North explained. Barack Obama admitted that any return to elected office would likely cost him his marriage, joking that his wife Michelle would leave him if he ever attempted a political comeback. The former president made the candid admission during a wide-ranging interview in which he faced up to the fact his days in politics are firmly behind him. 'First of all, I'm not a politician anymore and I can't be, right?' Obama began. 'I mean, I guess technically I could run for, you know, city council or something, but I'm not in elected office. I don't have levers of power. I'm term limited out. And by the way, I believe in the Constitution and also I believe in my marriage and Michelle would divorce me if I even if I could run again.' The remark, delivered with Obama's trademark humor, offered a rare public window into the influence Michelle Obama holds over her husband's decisions. It also highlighted the toll years at the center of American political life took on their family. Obama has long acknowledged the sacrifices Michelle made during his ascent from Illinois state senator to back-to-back terms in the Oval Office. Michelle has repeatedly spoken about the strain political life placed on their family, and has remained both his closest confidante throughout. Obama said that she is also a powerful force guiding over what comes next. Barack Obama said 'Michelle would divorce me if I even if I could run again,' ruling out a political comeback Barack Obama said he and wife, Michelle, are focused on inspiring young people through their post-presidential work The former president said their foundation works to empower the next generation of leaders globally. The couple are pictured in August 2024 at the Democratic National Convention During the interview he emphasized that the couple's post-presidential mission is a shared one focused less on reclaiming power and more on cultivating the next generation. 'Michelle and I still have the capacity, not just here in the United States, but globally, to inspire and motivate young people and invite them in to this process,' Obama explained, describing their work through the Obama Foundation. He framed the mission as essential at a moment when younger Americans face mounting challenges, from economic uncertainty to social isolation. He argued that the role of him and his wife is to help empower others rather than lead from the front. 'That's going to come from the 20, 30-year-old's who know firsthand what it means to not be able to buy a house,' he said. 'They're the ones who are going to remake our institutions so that they are consistent with the values that are, I think, timeless.' The Obamas' new presidential center in Chicago set to open in June will serve as the physical embodiment of that vision: part museum, part civic hub, and part training ground for emerging leaders. Obama also acknowledged what may be a particular draw for some visitors. 'There will be a museum with Michelle's dresses since that's what people want to see,' he said with a laugh, referring to the fashion that helped make his wife one of the most admired and recognizable First Ladies in modern history. Michelle is pictured with her daughters back in 2008 when Democrats crowned Barack Obama as the first black presidential election nominee Michelle Obama has previously spoken publicly about the personal and family sacrifices she made during Barack Obama's eight years in the White House. The family is pictured in 2015 Her wardrobe choices became cultural touchstones during their eight years in the White House, symbolizing not just her personal style but a broader sense of representation, accessibility, and cultural influence. But Obama made clear that beyond the dresses and memorabilia, Michelle's deeper legacy lies in her continued role as a global inspiration. He credited both of them with using their post-presidential platform to elevate others - particularly young leaders who might otherwise never have access to power. 'Our job as leaders is to lift up other leaders,' Obama said. 'To empower others to find their gifts and help them exercise those gifts.' That philosophy has guided their foundation's work, which has trained thousands of emerging leaders from across the United States and around the world - including grassroots organizers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and activists. Obama joked the Obama Presidential Center, scheduled to open in June 2026, will include a section dedicated to Michelle's dresses 'since that's what people want to see' Obama said he and Michelle continue to work together through the Obama Foundation. He described inspiring young people as a central mission of their post-White House life Barack Obama said he and Michelle Obama are now focused on inspiring young people and shaping future leaders through their joint work after leaving the White House. The former First Couple are pictured alongside daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24 During a quick-fire round of questioning, Obama declared that aliens are 'real' before firmly dismissing long-running conspiracy theories that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51. The candid exchange offered a rare glimpse into what presidents may know when it comes to one of America's most enduring mysteries. The former president made the remarks when Cohen asked him directly: 'Are aliens real?' Obama's answer was direct: 'Uh, they're real, but I haven't seen them,' he said, before immediately addressing speculation surrounding Area 51, the secretive US military facility in Nevada that has long been at the center of extraterrestrial conspiracy theories. 'And they're not being kept in uh what is it? Area 51!' Obama continued. 'There's no underground facility unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States.' His comments - delivered with a mix of humor and authority - amounted to a clear rejection of claims that the US government is secretly housing alien life forms at the classified base. Area 51 has fueled decades of speculation, particularly since the Cold War, when its remote desert location and classified operations made it a natural target for rumors about UFOs and extraterrestrial cover-ups. The US government has acknowledged the facility's existence but has consistently said it is used for testing advanced military aircraft. Cohen then asked what question he most wanted answered upon entering the White House. 'Where are the aliens?' Obama replied with a laugh. The exchange came as part of a wide-ranging interview in which Obama reflected on his presidency and post-White House life. Barack Obama said aliens are 'real' but said he never personally saw any evidence of them Obama said any alien cover-up would have required information being hidden from the president himself. Pictured, a still from a previously released unclassified U.S. government video appearing to show unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) Obama dismissed claims that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51, pictured above, saying there is 'no underground facility' At the start of the half-hour long interview, Obama unleashed a blistering warning about America's collapsing political standards after President Donald Trump shared a video depicting him and Michelle Obama as apes. Obama said that American political discourse had descended into a degrading 'clown show' that most Americans still find 'deeply troubling.' The former president's remarks came after Trump earlier this month reposted a meme video on Truth Social that included a segment showing the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies. Such imagery has long held racist overtones and sparked bipartisan condemnation, forcing the White House into damage control. Asked directly about the episode during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama did not mention Trump by name in his response, but delivered a sweeping rebuke of the tone and tactics that now dominate modern politics. 'First of all, I think it's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,' Obama said. 'It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction you meet people they still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness, and there's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television.' His intervention marked his most direct public comments since Trump shared the incendiary video, which some critics described as one of the most racially offensive social media posts shared by the president. The President received widespread backlash over accusations of racism after he posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes The pro-Trump meme video centered on 2020 election fraud conspiracy claims - allegations that have been repeatedly debunked and litigated. But the clip ended with an AI-style segment that flashed the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies, set to The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The White House initially tried to wave the uproar away. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage as performative. 'This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.' A White House official later gave a more serious explanation stating, 'A White House staffer erroneously made the post. It has been taken down.' Trump's post was later deleted. But the condemnation, including from Republicans, was already on the record. Trump said he 'didn't watch the whole video' before reposting it online and has refused to apologize White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially doubled down on the President's post Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina called it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House,' adding that the president should remove it. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi wrote: 'This is totally unacceptable. The president should take it down and apologize.' Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska argued that 'a reasonable person sees the racist context,' and said the White House should remove it and apologize. California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office blasted the post as well: 'Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.' A White House insider previously told the Daily Mail that the clip was posted by mistake and was accidentally included in a screen recording of a different video about election fraud. Senator Tim Scott called the video 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House' 'It's an obvious screen recording and the boomer who posted it on X didn't trim off the excess when the next reel started to auto play,' the Trump official shared. 'The aide didn't notice that one second portion at the end of the video and it was never seen by the president.' Trump told reporters that he didn't watch the whole video before it was shared online and maintained that he didn't do anything wrong. 'What I saw in the beginning was really strong. It was about fraudulent elections. Anytime I see that stuff and it's credible, you put it up. I didn't do it. This was done by someone else. It was a re-truth but that was a very strong truth,' he said. The lingerie section of Harrods is filled with delicate lace and luxurious silks, creating the finest intimate garments money can buy. Yet sitting starkly amid them now is a much less flattering addition a pair of high-waisted black jersey briefs... priced at a far from ordinary 890. And they are dry-clean only, meaning wearing them will regularly add 2 to your laundry bill. But crafted from viscose, wool and elastane, the briefs were designed by Givenchy's creative director Sarah Burton, who made Kate Middleton's wedding dress in 2011 when Sarah was with Alexander McQueen. Such knickers would doubtless be rejected even by Bridget Jones, whose 'granny pants' led her love interest Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant in the film adaptations of Helen Fielding's novels, to declare: 'These are absolutely enormous panties.' Harrods describes them rather differently. On its website, it says: 'This season at Givenchy, underwear transcends its traditional role, emerging as a bold statement of confidence and refined rebellion. 'Sleek bra tops, corset-inspired structures and sheer layering pieces blur the lines between sensuality and empowerment, as showcased by this pair of high-rise jersey briefs.' The pants, also available in white, have a Givenchy Paris signature embroidered on the back. They boast of being 36 per cent wool, 43 per cent viscose, 15 per cent polyamide, 5 per cent polyester and 1 per cent elastane. The high-waisted black jersey briefs (pictured) available at Harrods luxury department store are priced at 890 Actress Kristen Stewart (pictured) seen sporting the briefs, which are described by Harrods as 'as a bold statement of confidence and refined rebellion' It is thought some fashion-forward shoppers might pair such underwear with the trend for see-through dresses and skirts. A matching bullet bra jersey top, also by Givenchy, is available for 2,250, or for the truly flush there is a 9,050 satin bra top with embroidered pearls. Actress Sienna Miller recently teamed a white net cutaway empire dress with big knickers for the 2025 Fashion Awards in London. And supermodel Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber wore a black Lily of the Valley sequinned lace dress with giant pants to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. It is unclear whether these were Givenchy but Sienna, Cindy and Kaia are known to be Sarah Burton fans. The rest of us might be better suited to the full briefs offered at a significantly cheaper price by the likes of Marks & Spencer. Not only can they be thrown in the washing machine on a normal cycle, but for the price of a single pair of Givenchy pants, you could buy 556 similar items at M&S. A five pack of pure cotton briefs costs 8 a far more affordable 1.60 each. Harrods and Givenchy were approached for comment. Paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein became fixated with Byker Grove star Donna Air after his release from prison, emails show. A trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice reveals the duo exchanged several emails after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution for a minor. Ms Air, who rose to fame after appearing on Byker Grove, where she portrayed Charlie Charlton for three years, was in a long-term relationship with James Middleton, the younger brother of Princess Catherine. And between 2011 and 2012, before she was introduced to him by Princess Eugenie, the term 'Donna Air' was mentioned 224 times among the three million pages in the Epstein Files. Interactions between Epstein and Ms Air started after Italian hedge-fund manager Tancredi Marchiolo contacted the sex offender and told him he was venturing to New York with his 'good friend' Donna, according to The Sun. The asset manager asked his paedophile friend: 'Let me know if you want to meet her?'. Three other women were mentioned in the correspondence by Marchiolo, however their names have been redacted by US officials. In response, the disgraced financier asked Marchiolo which one was the actress, and he answered: 'Donna is on the internet. She's more institutional than these 3. Know her very well.' The convicted paedophile then responded: 'Yes to Donna'. Donna Air and Princess Beatrice pictured at a Fundraising dinner at The Dorchester in London on March 10, 2012 A trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice reveals the actress and Epstein exchanged several emails after his 2008 conviction for child sex offences Marchiolo then told Epstein he had given his number to Ms Air and that she would call him on Tuesday or Wednesday. 'Feel free to call her before then if you want, she is expecting you,' he penned. The exchanges between Ms Air and Epstein began a year after he had served a 13-month prison stint and a year on house arrest for child sex offences in Florida. Donna, who shares a daughter with millionaire conservationist Damian Aspinall, and Epstein appeared to have planned to convene in New York and Paris across several emails, The Sun reported. The disgraced financier would ask his assistant for reminders to contact the actress, while a diary entry was made for July 21, 2011. However, there is no suggestion that the pair met on that day. However, correspondence between the pair appears to show they met on two occasions on April 18, 2012, with the financier sending a message to the actress in the early hours, which read: 'Sorry, time was too short'. The Byker Grove actress appeared to have replied: 'No worries. Good to meet, have a great week!' Later that same day, Epstein said he had become 'unexpectedly' free that evening, to which the actress said she could come around 'for a cuppa' on her way to a dinner, to which he was invited. The paedophile again told her their meeting was 'much much too short', with the actress replying: 'Short but sweet, take care & good luck with it all.' Sources have claimed Ms Air (pictured in 2024) never agreed to meet the paedophile financier and that he would arrive at places she was attending and get in contact with her after the fact. In the same month, the duo also appeared to have been in correspondence via Skype, and Epstein also invited her to a party in Paris at the 'US ambassador's house'. It is not known whether the actress attended. In response to a message from the sex offender on June 30, Donna wrote: 'Thought of u Just this morning!' The final set of messages between the pair seems to be on August 18, 2012, where the Byker Grove star told Epstein she was jetting to Ibiza. There is no suggestion that Ms Air was involved in any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Ms Air met James Middleton the following February at a private members' club in Mayfair, London, and the pair were in an on-off relationship until 2018, during which she attended the wedding of his sister, Pippa. And it was not the first time the actress rubbed shoulders with society's A-listers, having previously worked with Ant and Dec on Byker Grove as well as being a part of the 90s Primrose Hill Set, which included the likes of Kate Moss as well as Noel and Liam Gallagher. Following her relationship with Mr Middleton, Ms Air reportedly had a romantic relationship with property developer Ben Carrington before making appearances on BBC drama, The Split as well as ITV's Dancing on Ice. She also previously had a relationship with businessman Damian Aspinall between 2000 and 2007. Of her relationship with Mr Middleton, Donna previously said: 'He's a great guy. I wish him nothing but happiness.' In 2021, Mr Middleton later went on to wed Alizee Thevenet, a French financial analyst. Sources have claimed Ms Air never agreed to meet the paedophile financier and that he would arrive at places she was attending and get in contact with her after the fact. The Daily Mail has approached Donna Air's representatives for comment. Gisele Pelicot says she was 'honoured' and 'overwhelmed' to receive a letter from Queen Camilla calling her an inspiration. The 73-year-old rape survivor became a figurehead for women around the world after she waived her right to anonymity at the French trial of her husband and dozens of men he invited to abuse her after drugging her. She also tells The Mail on Sunday's You magazine today that she did so at the sensational 2024 trial to make 'shame change sides'. In a television interview yesterday, Ms Pelicot said: 'It was an honour for me to receive this letter. I wasn't expecting it at all. 'I was overwhelmed that the Queen could send me this letter. Although my words touched the whole world, I wasn't expecting a letter from the Court of England. 'I felt moved and very honoured that she had become aware of what had happened to me. I am grateful to her.' The Queen, a supporter of charities helping rape and sexual abuse victims, wrote to Ms Pelicot, a mother of three who has seven grandchildren, after the trial which saw her ex-husband and 50 other men convicted of rape and sexual offences. The attacks took place over a decade. The 73-year-old rape survivor Gisele Pelicot became a figurehead for women around the world after she waived her right to anonymity at the French trial of her husband and dozens of men he invited to abuse her after drugging her The Queen, a supporter of charities helping rape and sexual abuse victims, wrote to Ms Pelicot, a mother of three who has seven grandchildren, after the trial which saw her ex-husband and 50 other men convicted of rape and sexual offences She told her: 'I very much wanted to write to express my heartfelt admiration for the courage, grace and dignity with which you have faced the horrific crimes committed against you.' The Queen wrote she has 'inspired women across the globe' creating 'a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, for ever'. In today's You magazine, Ms Pelicot details for the first time life with her new partner, ex-Air France steward Jean-Loup, whom she met through mutual friends after moving to the French resort of Ile de Re in 2023. She says: 'It happened almost by accident, because I never thought I'd fall in love again or would even want to. Neither of us expected it at all. And we thought, "Why not? Why not allow ourselves to be happy?"' Thousands of Aussies have signed a petition for 2021 Australian of the Year winner Grace Tame to be stripped of the honour after she chanted 'globalise the intifada'. Tame used the controversial phrase 'intifada' and anti-Israel rhetoric during a speech at a rally in Sydney on Monday, protesting a visit from Israeli president Isaac Herzog. The 31-year-old was faced heavy criticism after the rally erupted into clashes between protesters and police. The comments sparked outrage, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dodging a question in Parliament on Tuesday about whether he will publicly condemn Tame. A petition launched by Rebel News has garnered more than 25,000 signatures calling for her to be stripped of her Australian of the Year honour. The petition is also calling for authorities to charge Tame with '[alleged] criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law'. 'We do not need new hate speech laws, if the threshold for incitement has been crossed, current laws are sufficient,' the petition states. 'In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation. Australian of the Year winner Grace Tame chanted 'globalise the intifada' at a Sydney rally on Monday 'That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals.' The petition took umbrage at Tame leading the rally by chanting 'from Gadigal Aboriginal name for Sydney to Gaza, globalise the intifada'. 'The term intifada is historically associated with violent uprisings and armed conflict,' the petition states. 'Its use in Australia, particularly when amplified by a former national honouree, has caused profound distress within the Jewish community and concern across the broader public. 'This occurred in a climate already charged with fear and trauma, including in the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack.' The petition stated it was 'about responsibility' and 'not silencing debate'. 'Australians have the right to protest. Australians have the right to criticise foreign governments. Australians have the right to speak freely,' it stated. 'But no one, regardless of status, has the right to incite violence. Tame spoke at a protest against a visit to Australia from Israeli president Isaac Herzog Thousands attended the Sydney protest on Monday 'When a nationally recognised figure calls to globalise the intifada it is not unreasonable for Australians to question whether that crosses the line from political expression into incitement. 'If ordinary citizens made comparable remarks encouraging globalised uprising, authorities would act. Public prominence should not provide immunity.' The petition also proclaimed Tame's 'honour must be revoked' because the award is 'meant to unite, not divide'. 'It symbolises, respect for community harmony, leadership that uplifts rather than inflames and values that Australians across backgrounds can stand behind,' it read. 'When a former recipient engages in rhetoric that many Australians interpret as legitimising violent struggle, it undermines public trust in the integrity of that honour. 'Removing or reviewing an award in light of serious misconduct is not unprecedented. National honours are privileges, not entitlements. 'If you believe national honours should reflect values that unite Australians, and that incitement to violence must be taken seriously, add your name today.' Tens of thousands of Aussies backed the petition, with many taking to social media to vent their frustrations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dodged a question in Parliament on Tuesday about whether he would publicly condemn Tame 'I'd like an official investigation as to why she has not been charged under our hate speech laws?' one wrote. Another wrote they will sign the petition because Tame 'disgraced the position' while another said: 'Maybe change her title to Anti-Australian of the decade'. Newly elected federal opposition leader Angus Taylor told Sky News that Albanese should 'condemn' Tame's language. 'I condemn a Prime Minister who cannot call out people who are calling for violence,' hesaid. 'Globalise the intifada is a call for violence, and this Prime Minister could not condemn it. That is true.' Taylor stopped short of calling Albanese to strip Tame of her Australian of the Year honour. 'Well, I think what should happen is that this Prime Minister should start by condemning that language,' he said. 'It is unacceptable, the way we deal with people making calls that are not consistent with our way of life is that we start by condemning them. Newly elected Opposition Leader Angus Taylor MP said Tame's public rally chant is a 'call for violence' 'And if the Prime Minister cant even do that, it shows that he has not got the leadership capacity. He doesnt have the moral clarity. He doesnt have an understanding of right and wrong, which I think is important in a leader of this nation.' Taylor praised police at Monday's rally for doing a 'tough job in these circumstances' after video emerged of NSW police allegedly moving on Muslims while they prayed. 'These were protests where we heard people calling for violence. Globalise the intifada is a call for violence. Lets be clear about that,' Taylor told Sky News. 'The police needed to be able to do their jobs. They do a tough job in these circumstances, and I think we should respect the work they do. 'They have to make difficult calls, and they have been making those difficult calls. I have great respect for the police who do that hard work.' Tame shared her response to the criticism in a video on Wednesday afternoon after previously releasing a written statement about coverage of the rally on Tuesday. 'This is not the first time I've been made a villain for speaking out,' she wrote alongside Wednesday's video. 'It is, however, the first time I've been cast in a worse light than a criminal state. 'In the pursuit of justice, proportion, fairness, and truth, I refuse to be silent.' In her video she directed her critics to watch an investigation by Al Jazeera - a Qatari state-funded international news network - about the ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza, which allegedly deployed US-made bombs. 'Our political and media classes are trying to distract the masses by focusing on words that I said at a peaceful protest on Monday night in Sydney,' she said. 'Disingenuously distorting definitions has been a cornerstone of Israel's propaganda strategy for decades. 'Choosing to put a negative spin on the word intifada, which literally means shaking off, is just another example of that.' OpenAI has fired one of its top internal critics after she voiced concerns about the rollout of a planned update that would allow ChatGPT users to generate AI pornography. Ryan Beiermeister was fired from her position as vice president of product policy in early January, following a leave of absence, people familiar with the company's employment told the Wall Street Journal. She started working at OpenAI in mid 2024 as part of a wave of hires from Meta who viewed themselves as trying to change tech companies from the inside, insiders said, and she started a peer-mentorship program for women at the company. In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said she 'made valuable contributions during her time at OpenAI, and her departure was not related to any issue she raised while working at the company.' It instead claimed her termination was related to Beiermeister sexually discriminating against a male colleague - something she refutes. 'The allegation that I discriminated against anyone is absolutely false,' she told the Journal. At OpenAI, Beiermeister led the product policy team, which develops rules for how people can use the company's products and designs the enforcement mechanisms for these policies. Her termination came ahead of the company's planned launch of 'adult mode,' which would allow users to create AI erotica in ChatGPT and allow for X-rated conversations. Ryan Beiermeister was fired from her position as vice president of product policy at OpenAI in early January, according to the Wall Street Journal She reportedly raised concerns about the company's planned launch of 'adult mode,' which would allow users to create AI erotica in ChatGPT and allow for X-rated conversations CEO Sam Altman first announced the update in October, and it is scheduled to make its debut it the first quarter of this year. 'We made ChatGPT pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues. We realize this made it less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but given the seriousness of the issue we wanted to get this right,' Altman said in his announcement. 'Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases.' He then added that as the company rolls out 'age-gating more fully and as part of our "treat adult users like adults" principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.' But Beiermeister told co-workers before she was fired that she opposed the idea of adult mode, and worried it would have a harmful effect for users, those familiar with the conversations told the Journal. She said she did not believe OpenAI had strong enough mechanisms to stop child-exploitation content and she worried that the company could not sufficiently block adult content from teenage users. Others at the company also raised similar concerns, with members of an advisory council on 'wellbeing and AI' that OpenAI convenes regularly expressing their opposition to adult mode and urging executives to reconsider it, sources said. Researchers at the company who have studied how people form unhealthy attachments to chatbots have also spoken out against the new feature - raising their concerns that allowing sexual content could intensify those feelings. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (pictured) announced in October that ChatGPT will allow for the creation of AI-generated erotica as part of its 'treat adult users like adults' principle Yet some of OpenAI's competitors have already allowed for mature content, with Elon Musk's xAI introducing a sexy chatbot over the summer. Ani is a fully fledged, blonde-haired AI companion with a gothic, anime-style appearance. She has been programmed to act as a 22-year-old and engage at times in flirty banter with the user. Users have reported that the chat bot has an NSFW mode - 'not safe for work' - once Ani has reached 'level three' in its interactions. After this point, the chat bot has the additional option of appearing dressed in slinky lingerie. At the same time, however, Musk has had to update his Grok chatbot amid backlash to its creation of deepfakes that stripped people down into 'revealing clothing.' Women said they felt violated by the AI's ability to create compromising images of them against their will, for all to see. 'We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis,' X announced last month. 'This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers.' It comes amid widespread disgust at a trend that saw Grok being used to remove the clothes of women and even children without their consent. The UK's internet regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has now launched an investigation into xAI over Grok's use of personal information 'to produce harmful sexualized image and video content.' 'The reported creation and circulation of such content raises serious concerns under UK data protection law and presents a risk of significant potential harm to the public,' it said. Under its investigation, the ICO says it will probe whether safeguards were built into Grok's design to prevent it from being used for abuse. UK's Ofcom regulating body is also continuing to assess whether X has breached the country's Online Safety Act by allowing deepfakes to be shared on the site, and the European Commission is conducting its own probe of the chatbot. The Daily Mail has reached out to OpenAI for comment. The UK will ramp up its net zero targets and hand over control of energy policy in a bid to tighten ties with the EU, under new plans drawn up by Sir Keir Starmer. A memorandum, published by the Cabinet Office earlier this month, says that there needs to be a 'dynamic alignment' of British law with EU rules on 'the promotion of renewable energy'. This would require the UK to decarbonise not just electricity but also heating and transport. Net zero targets would possibly need doubling to reach these targets, potentially meaning measures such as reducing meat consumption, restrictions on flying, wood fires and driving could be brought in. 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. 'Deeper economic integration is in all of our interests,' Sir Keir said in a speech on Saturday. '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.' Sir Keir and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, are currently in negotiations for Britain to rejoin the EU's internal electricity market. The UK will ramp up its net zero targets and hand over control of energy policy in a bid to tighten ties with the EU, under new plans drawn up by Sir Keir Starmer. Pictured: Sir Keir alongside Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission 'Deeper economic integration is in all of our interests,' Sir Keir said in a speech on Saturday Sir Keir and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary (pictured arriving at Downing Street in December), are currently in negotiations for Britain to rejoin the EU's internal electricity market Britain would operate within a borderless power grid alongside 27 EU member states under the proposals, which critics have previously branded a 'betrayal of Brexit'. Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, told the Telegraph: 'Labour's deal with the EU has already pushed up energy bills and imposed higher carbon taxes on businesses in a 5bn hit to the economy and it hasn't even been signed yet.' Under the proposals, the UK will have to comply with regulations from Brussels in sectors such as food standards, animal welfare, pesticide use and electricity. It will also require MPs to surrender their sovereign right to make laws to the EU for the first time. And future sector-by-sector agreements will require payments for access, in what two EU diplomats described as 'pay to play' to the Financial Times. Meanwhile, the UK will not get a vote on future laws and regulations made by Brussels as it is no longer an EU member. An expert on the UK renewable sector, Professor John Constable of the University of Austin, described the deal as 'fundamentally political'. He told The Telegraph: 'I fear that the Labour Government is trying to poison the well for any incoming government. It will be a poisoned chalice they will be so fettered by EU law, and it will be incredibly difficult to unwind. 'The whole package reduces the degree of flexibility in the future. If it were UK law, an incoming government could cancel them. But an international commitment is much more difficult to get out of.' The Bill is expected to be introduced in the next few months and carried over into the next parliamentary session. Last month, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) warned against reopening Brexit wounds and accused Sir Keir of taking the country back to the 'bad old days' It will introduce the powers for a mechanism to allow the UK to comply with regulations set by Brussels, known as 'dynamic alignment'. The UK has become progressively reliant on its European neighbours to power the nation after leaving the EU internal electricity market as part of Brexit in 2021. Power generated in Holland, Belgium, France, Denmark, Norway currently reaches the UK via seven subsea cables. Last month, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned against reopening Brexit wounds and accused Sir Keir of taking the country back to the 'bad old days'. 'We had a vote 10 years ago, the country voted to leave the European Union,' she told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. 'Leaving the European Union means leaving the single market, leaving the Customs Union. What he's doing is taking us back to those bad old days where we were all arguing.' A Government spokesman said: 'The outcome from exploratory talks is clear that any overall target for renewable energy would be purely indicative, and there would be no targets for industry sectors, transport, buildings, heating and cooling. 'Closer cooperation on electricity will bring real benefits to British businesses and consumers helping to drive down energy costs, strengthen energy security, and drive investment in the North Sea.' An award-winning pilot and his wife died in a tragic plane crash Wednesday - as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) blamed oil covering the windshield for their deaths. Ron and Barbara Timmermans were flying above East Texas with their beloved dog when Ron, who was piloting the plane, declared an emergency due to engine problems. The couple's single-engine Beechcraft A36 hit a power line around 5:30pm and went down near Echo Lake in Brownsboro, People reported. The duo, who owned an aviation company together, were the only people aboard the aircraft. Their beloved pooch miraculously survived the crash. Local Mary Ann Shoulders heard the plane go down right in front of her home, just moments from a runway. She immediately called 911. 'I saw the woman and I didn't recognize her...' Shoulders told KLTV. 'The dog was alive, and so one of the neighbors took the dog to take care of.' Officials said next of kin were alerted, and loved ones were on the way to take care of the recently orphaned pup. An FAA report obtained by the Daily Mail listed 'oil covering the windshield' as the reason for the emergency. Ron and Barbara Timmermans died in a plane crash Wednesday while their beloved dog miraculously survived Timmermans, a longtime flight instructor, was piloting the plane at the time of the crash The plane 'diverted' and impacted powerlines before crashing to the ground, the report said. According to flight data, the plane left from their home city of Orlando that morning before stopping 90 miles away from the crash site for fuel. Ron was an award-winning flight instructor in 1998 and the National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021. A spokesperson for the Florida Aviation Network, which Ron joined in 2017, told KVUE the couple will 'be greatly missed.' 'Ron was an important part of training hundreds of pilots over the years. He's done hundreds of hours of interviews with people in the aviation industry,' they said. Ron started work as an independent flight instructor after logging more than 4,000 hours in the air. Ron and Barbara were accompanied by their dog who survived the crash He was best known for his involvement in the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program and the Bonanza Pilot Training program. On the Bonanza & Baron Pilot Training website, Ron said his wife inspired him to fly. 'My wife, Barbara, and I often joke that she purchased a Beech Bonanza and hired me as her personal pilot,' he wrote. 'We both enjoy flying Bonanza N3215U from our home in Orlando and we have flown to many locations throughout the US, Canada, and the Bahamas.' Ron worked as an architect for 40 years before taking on aviation full-time. Ron and Barbara owned and operated the aviation company AileRon T, LLC together. The couple owned an aviation company together called AileRon T, LLC A spokesperson for the couple's church in Orlando released a statement about their death The couple's Florida church sent out a letter to the congregation sharing the sad news of their death. 'Ron and Barbara were a huge part of the life and ministry of Spirit of Joy,' a spokesperson wrote. 'I continue to cherish each story I hear of how they touched someone's life in a deep and powerful way.' The National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation and will inspect the remnants of the plane. The Daily Mail contacted the Henderson County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Aviation Network for comment. A San Jose teacher was arrested after allegedly attempting to exchange money for sex with an officer he thought was a 13-year-old boy. Ruben Guzman, 31, was honored as the 2024 finalist for California Teacher of the Year and even recognized by the San Francisco 49ers for his work in education. But on February 3, the assistant principal and math teacher at Sunrise Middle School in San Jose, was arrested during a massive undercover chat operation. According to a statement from the San Jose Police Department, cops posed as minors online, targeting multiple 'individuals seeking to sexually exploit children.' 'On the evening of February 3, 2026, Suspect Guzman started to communicate with who he believed was a 13-year-old juvenile male,' read the release. 'The suspect acknowledged the child was underage and told the minor that he wanted to engage in sexual acts, further enticing the minor by offering money in exchange.' Police say Guzman attempted to meet up with the teen in San Jose, but when he arrived, officers took him into custody. When they searched Guzman and his car, they allegedly found 'items consistent with the planned encounter.' Ruben Guzman, 31, was arrested on charges of communicating with a minor for sex Guzman was a teacher at Sunrise Middle School in San Jose for six years Sunrise Middle School Principal Teresa Robinson told ABC7 that Guzman was a 'highly regarded teacher and administrator' for the six years he worked for her. 'While this is deeply upsetting, it does not reflect who we are as a school,' she said. 'There was nothing in his work record or his prior work record [at] other schools to indicate anyone had any problems with his work.' Robinson informed parents, provided students with counseling and discussed the issue with them in an 'age-appropriate manner.' 'We are very, very glad that it did not happen, to the best of our knowledge, to anybody at our school; safety will continue to be our top priority,' she said. Guzman was instructed to stay away from Sunrise Middle School and have no further contact with students, reported KTVU. The school is cooperating with the investigation. A total of 11 suspects were arrested during the San Jose Police's sting operation. Their ages ranged from 24 to 72 Between February 3 and February 6, ten other men were arrested in the major operation. The suspects ranged in age from 24 to 72. The operation was planned in the week leading up to the Super Bowl to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. Guzman was booked at the Santa Clara County Main Jail and charged with communicating with a minor for sex. He remains in custody. Because he was a teacher, the San Jose police believe there may be additional victims. They have asked anyone with information to contact the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children/Child Exploitation Detail Task Force. The Daily Mail contacted Sunrise Middle School and the San Jose Police Department for comment. News / National by Stephen Jakes Hwange Central Ward 5 residents have been notified that the area has been earmarked for a borehole drilling project under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the councillors office has announced. In a notice issued to residents, the Ward 5 councillors office confirmed that progress had been made following a community consultation process led by the Office of the Member of Parliament for Hwange Central, working together with the CDF Committee.Following an extensive community consultation process residents were given an opportunity to participate in a collective decisionmaking process to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive development, the notice read.During consultations, residents initially proposed two possible sites within Empumalanga. However, after further deliberations and guidance from the Ward Development Committee, a third alternative site was agreed upon.The agreed site for the borehole is Empumalanga Clinic. The borehole infrastructure will be installed within the clinic premises to ensure security and sustainability, the notice stated.The project will supply 24hour water access to the clinic through internal connections, while the wider community will access water through controlled external points.According to the councillors office, the borehole will be jointly administered by Empumalanga Clinic, the Hwange Local Board and community leadership structures through the Office of the Ward Councillor.The project will remain a community asset under local authority oversight for purposes of maintenance, security and longterm sustainability, in line with council strategic development plans, the notice added.Authority to drill the borehole within the clinic premises has been formally granted through council processes, and implementation is expected to begin once final arrangements with the contractor are completed.The Office of the Ward Councillor expressed appreciation to Ward 5 residents, the Ward Development Committee and the Office of the Member of Parliament for their cooperation and commitment to community development. An Adelaide shipyard will receive $3.9 billion to train workers in building AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday the Osborne shipyard would receive the multi-billion dollar cash injection as a 'downpayment' for the facility, with the total cost forecasted to be around $30 billion when it is completed in 2040. It will be identical to another shipyard building submarines in the UK. Under the AUKUS agreement, the Australian navy will acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines over the next decade from the United States and Britain. The federal government says around 10,000 skilled workers will be required to build the vessels. 'This is a driver of not just of national security and how we're going to defend our nation into the future,' Albanese said at a press conference on Sunday. 'It's also a driver of our economic prosperity, as well as making such an enormous difference to some of the apprentices that we've met here today.' It comes as news of the staggering cost of the facility drew criticism with some questioning if the promised shipyard would ever see an AUKUS vessel. Australia will acquire US-built Virginia-class nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement Albanese said AUKUS is 'in the interests' of Australia, the US and UK (pictured at the Osborne shipyard in April 2023) The future of AUKUS has been under a cloud for months since the US announced it would review the terms of the agreement. However Albanese dismissed those concerns, telling reporters: 'This is in the interest of the United States, in the interests of the UK and in the interests of Australia.' The eye-watering price tag of the facility is laid bare by the sheer size of the footprint being designed. Enough steel to make 17 Eiffel Towers as well as 710,000 cubic metres of structural concrete will be used in the construction of the 420 metre-long fabrication hall. As well as construction, the new yard will include capability for the testing and commission of the submarines. Construction has already started on a fabrication area worth $5 billion and a Skills and Training Academy worth $500 million. Defence has become a boom industry for South Australia with the country's first missile factory recently opening in Port Wakefield. Osborne already hosts the existing facilities for Collins-class and Hunter-class subs. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said 4000 people will be required to build the Adelaide facility 'There were 1200 people working at Holden when it closed, 4000 will be required to construct this facility,' Premier Peter Malinauskas said. 'It is hard for South Australians to genuinely comprehend the amount of high-paid skilled work that has come our way.' A community is mourning the loss of a much-loved teacher who was killed after an allegedly stolen car rammed into her vehicle in a horrific car crash. Lee Casuscelli, 60, died alongside an 84-year-old family member after Peter Francis, 31, allegedly crashed into them on Old Hume Highway at Camden South at about 11.10am on Saturday. Police alleged Francis had been travelling at speed in a red Toyota when he collided with Ms Casuscelli's Alfa Romeo sedan, killing her almost on impact. The highway was shut down in both directions following the crash and Francis, who allegedly ran from the scene, was arrested shortly after on nearby Nepean Avenue. Police allege Francis had stolen the car at a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney's south, in the hours before the fatal collision. Francis was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with eleven offences including two counts of dangerous driving occasion death/drive manner dangerous. He was refused bail and appeared at the Bail Division Court 6 early on Sunday morning. The Camden community has been left in mourning by the death of Ms Casuscelli, who had specialised in early childhood and disability services and taught for more than 40 years. Lee Casuscelli, 60, died alongside an 84-year-old family member on Saturday in Camden NSW Peter Francis, 31, crashed his allegedly stolen red Toyota into Ms Casuscelli's Alfa Romeo sedan Ms Casuscelli and her family member died at the scene The teacher has been described as a 'rare jewel' and a 'shining light' by those who knew her. 'Lee contributed to every sphere of her life in such inspiring ways. She continued to enrich this world in more ways than I can enumerate,' her colleague Jill Myer said. 'A rare jewel. A shining light. 'Lee, none of us will ever forget how you enriched our lives. 'Our hearts are broken, with your family & especially FOR your family.' Other mourners remembered her as a devoted mother, teacher, mentor and wife who was a 'kind, loving woman' and her children's 'biggest cheerleader'. At the time of her death, Francis, who police said was unlicensed, had been engaged in a getaway from police who had been in pursuit after the car was allegedly stolen at South Hurstville. The other nine charges he is now facing include two counts of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death escaping pursuit; driving recklessly/furiously or at speed in a manner dangerous; police pursuit not stop driving dangerously; failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death; negligent driving occasioning death, driving unlicensed not stopping at stop line at red light; and assault with the intent to take/drive motor vehicle. Francis allegedly fled on foot after the crash but was captured by police nearby soon after Francis is now in custody and is facing 11 charges related to his alleged deadly getaway Francis has been refused bail on all 11 counts. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said officers had tried to capture him prior to the fatal crash but that their pursuit had to be terminated in the Bankstown area. 'It was one of the most reckless and dangerous, demonstrations of driving I've seen in a long time,' Commissioner McFadden said. 'I've watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver.' Polair still managed to track his car for 40 minutes following this when there were no more police cars on his tail. Multiple crime scenes were established at the scene of the crash and a critical incident team is now leading an ongoing investigation into what happened. They are supported by St George Police and the Crash Investigation Unit and their end report will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Federal authorities have deployed a 'signal sniffer' mounted to a helicopter in the latest attempt to find Today show host Savannah Guthrie's mother. Local and federal investigators have been searching for two weeks to find Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her $1 million home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson in the early morning hours of February 1. Without any new leads on Saturday, officials resorted to installing a 'signal sniffer,' a compact device they hope could track the 84-year-old's pacemaker, NewsNation reports. It was seen on one of the skids of the Pima County Sheriff's Department helicopter that flew over the Tucson area Saturday evening. Maureen O'Connell, a former FBI special agent, said the bureau is likely employing a variety of technological devices to find Guthrie. 'With regards to this particular tool... I do know that the pacemaker sends off a very short-distance alert, or whatever, so they're going to have to get really close' to be able to ping the device, she said. Guthrie's pacemaker was disconnected from an app on her phone the night she went missing, just before 2.30am, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has said. Her Nest doorbell camera had been disconnected less than an hour earlier, at 1:47am, when an unidentified masked figure was seen yanking the camera from the door frame. Federal authorities continued the search for Today s how host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother on Saturday night The Pima County Sheriff's Department installed a 'signal sniffer,' a compact device they hope could track the 84-year-old's pacemaker, to one of its helicopters - which was seen flying low over Tucson, Arizona on Saturday evening An unidentified masked figure was seen pulling the Nest doorbell camera off Nancy's doorframe the morning she went missing The masked man, who authorities say was carrying a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, also tried to obscure the camera with a bunch of flowers he ripped from Guthrie's entranceway. Federal authorities believe the suspect is approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in with an average build. Tens of thousands of tips have rolled in to the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Office since the footage was released last week, but on Friday, Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed his fear to the New York Times that it could take 'years' to find the mother of three. Still, there was some hope as Nanos announced that DNA recovered from Guthrie's property did not match her or anyone known to have been in close contact with her. Investigators have also said they found several gloves between roughly two and 10 miles from Guthrie's home - though Nanos said he had 'no way' of knowing whether the gloves were the same ones worn by the unidentified figure in the footage. In the meantime, Nanos said authorities were focused on 'tracking down leads' as federal agents were seen performing a traffic stop on a gray Range Rover Friday night while a SWAT team executed a search warrant on a nearby house. One man briefly detained in the raids 'was our person of interest,' Sheriff Chris Nanos told Fox News on Saturday. It is believed that the individual owns the gray Range Rover that authorities searched and towed as part of the investigation. Nanos said the individual was being cooperative with authorities, but did not elaborate on whether he believes the person that was briefly detained has any direct connection to Guthrie's disappearance. Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed his fear to the New York Times that it could take 'years' to find the mother of three Federal agents were seen performing a traffic stop on a gray Range Rover Friday night A house in Tucson was raided by a Pima County Sheriff Department's SWAT team on Friday night. Law enforcement said they were executing a federal search warrant But according to Nanos, the 'person of interest' has been released. 'No arrests,' he told NewsNation's Brian Entin about the raids. 'And no signs of Nancy.' David Curl, who has lived in Nancy's neighborhood for 30 years, offered additional information about the raid. He told The New York Times he was relaxing at home after returning from vacation when a sheriff's deputy showed up with his next-door neighbor. She had been alone when law enforcement arrived at her residence with the search warrant. The homeowner was forced to spend the night at Curl's home after police told her she could not be inside her house while investigators were also inside. 'She had no idea what they were asking about,' Curl said. 'She had no information about the disappearance or any idea why they were focusing on their house.' The woman later told Curl that her adult son had been questioned by investigators and released. He was now staying with friends. She declined to speak to the outlet, and her identity was concealed. Your browser does not support iframes. Federal authorities are now said to be waiting for test results to come back from the raids before they could release any more information about Friday night's raids. But the sheriff has previously faced scrutiny for sending DNA samples to a private lab in Florida rather than to the FBI's forensics facility in Quantico, Virginia. He forcefully denied the allegations and called them 'not even close to the truth,' according to KVOA. As the investigation drags on, though, Savannah reportedly told Nanos that 'she has her own people and didn't need him' as the FBI hiked its reward to $100,000 for any information on Nancy's disappearance. The sheriff, who has had a long career in law enforcement, admitted he is not used to the amount of scrutiny that has come with leading the investigation into Nancy's disappearance. Multiple sources close to the Pima County Sheriff's Department have told the Daily Mail how Nanos allegedly mishandled the crime scene (pictured) Federal authorities are now said to be waiting for test results to come back from the raids before they could release any more information about Friday night's raids Multiple sources close to the Pima County Sheriff's Department have 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.' The hunt for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has entered a critical new phase but a veteran FBI agent is warning that investigators risk losing precious time as key DNA evidence is being shipped nearly 2,000 miles away. Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent with more than two decades of experience, has described the case as one where 'every hour matters.' Law enforcement has scrambled to process forensic evidence collected during dramatic raids, traffic stops and searches tied to the disappearance of the mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Pack stressed the situation is now a race against the clock. 'That decision should have been made days ago. Which lab, which courier, what's the turnaround?' Pack told Fox News, expressing frustration at the apparent delays in getting critical evidence processed. He warned that authorities cannot afford to hesitate particularly when Guthrie, who has serious medical needs, remains missing. 'In a case involving a vulnerable 84-year-old woman who is without her heart medication, where every hour matters, you don't wait for FedEx on Monday morning,' Pack said. His comments come amid growing scrutiny over the Pima County Sheriff's Department's decision to use a private forensic laboratory in Florida, 2,000 miles from Tucson, instead of the FBI's own world-class crime lab in Quantico, Virginia. Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her $1 million home in the early hours of February 1 and remains missing Retired FBI agent Jason Pack warned the Nancy Guthrie case is now a 'race against the clock' Your browser does not support iframes. 'That eliminates days of waiting,' he said, referring to cases where FBI aircraft are used to immediately transport evidence. 'If the FBI has the lead, Quantico is the logical answer, and I'd expect evidence to be wheels-up before the sun sets today.' He reiterated that, in a time-sensitive investigation, delays can be devastating. 'Authorities cannot afford to lose a weekend debating how to process evidence,' Pack said. The decision to send evidence across the other side of the country has been defended by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who said the FBI agreed it was best to continue using the same contracted laboratory already working on the case. Authorities have not confirmed when the newly obtained evidence will arrive at the lab, or how long results might take. The warnings come as investigators dramatically escalated their search late on Friday night, sealing off roads and deploying heavily armed SWAT teams and FBI agents to a home about two miles from Guthrie's upscale Catalina Foothills residence. The operation marked what Pack called a 'significant escalation' - a signal investigators may be acting on specific intelligence rather than chasing blind leads. The FBI agent said the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, could process evidence faster in urgent cases A SWAT operation unfolds at a home in Tucson, Arizona on Friday night - but no-one was arrested as a result, CNN reported A terrifying figure in a ski mask and black gloves is seen on Nancy's doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance Nancy and Savannah are pictured together at a gala event in 2012. Savannah has pleaded for her mother's release Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, above, has not provided a timeline for the next update, as the FBI is requesting that information remain withheld Your browser does not support iframes. 'This has the hallmarks of agents acting on specific, actionable intelligence,' Pack said. Agents detained multiple individuals during the operation and stopped a gray Range Rover in a nearby Culver's parking lot. The SUV's contents were examined, concealed from public view under a tarp, and the vehicle was ultimately towed away for further forensic analysis. But Pack cautioned that the dramatic searches represent only the beginning of the real investigative work. 'They'll be going door to door, looking to talk face to face with neighbors,' he said. 'They want to identify patterns of life for each of the people detained. If someone says, "I wasn't home that night," a neighbor's Ring camera might tell a different story. Investigators are building the box.' Such urgency stems from chilling forensic evidence already recovered from Guthrie's home. Authorities have confirmed that DNA belonging to an unidentified individual - someone not known to Guthrie or her family - was found at her property. Gloves were also recovered nearby, raising the possibility that the perpetrator left behind critical trace evidence. Multiple ransom notes have been sent demanding up to $6million for Nancy's release. Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie and brother Camron are pictured during one of their videos Guthrie, 84, requires daily medication, raising concerns about her safety A person is seen placing flowers in front of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona on Friday 'DNA that doesn't belong to Nancy Guthrie or anyone close to her has already been identified at her property. Gloves have been recovered,' Pack said. 'All of that evidence needs to get to a lab.' Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home more than two weeks ago on January 31. Authorities say blood was found on her front porch, and surveillance footage captured a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack outside her door on the night she disappeared. Her family, including her daughter Savannah, have issued several emotional public appeals for her safe return. Savannah described her mother as a 'loving woman of goodness and light.' Investigators have received tens of thousands of tips and deployed hundreds of agents in the massive search effort, but no arrests have been announced. The founder of an advocacy group aimed at increasing female representation in the Liberal Party has relinquished her membership just days after Sussan Ley was rolled from the top job. Charlotte Mortlock announced her resignation from the party on Sunday after Ley - its first female leader - was replaced by Angus Taylor and the NSW Liberals rejected a proposal for gender quotas she had worked on. The former journalist and Liberal staffer said in a statement that her departure was due to 'recent events'. She also said she would be leaving the organisation that she had founded - Hilma's Network - named after Hilma Molyneux who led the NSW suffrage movement. 'I founded Hilma's four years ago and am incredibly proud of all we have achieved, mainly the many women we supported across the country throughout preselections and elections. From inception, we quickly grew to multiple states hosting events that challenged the Party to evolve,' she said in a statement. 'Due to recent events I have decided there are other ways I can support women and Australia. 'I wish Hilma's and the Liberal Party success in the future.' Previously Mortlock had established Hilma's Network as a means of attracting female voters back to the party in 2022. Prominent women's advocate Charlotte Mortlock has quit the Liberal Party This announcement comes just days after the party's first ever female leader, Sussan Ley, was ousted from her position after less than 12 months Angus Taylor is the new leader of the Liberal Party following a spill Liberal leader Angus Taylor has pledged to bring stability to the party after knifing Sussan Ley, sparking her resignation from parliament and triggering a hotly contested by-election. Taylor toppled the party's first female leader 34 votes to 17 in a Friday leadership ballot, ending her tenure after only nine months. 'We must look ahead and put the disagreements of the recent past behind us,' Taylor told reporters following the leadership spill. 'The choice is simple for the Liberal Party: change or die. I choose change.' Taylor said home ownership would form the centrepiece of his leadership alongside a focus on growing the economy. The Liberals' migration policy would restrict those who did not share Australian values from entering, he said. Victorian senator Jane Hume was elected Taylor's deputy, knocking off Ted O'Brien, who will now likely lose his shadow treasurer portfolio. Ley said she would spend the coming weeks in her regional NSW electorate of Farrer, before tendering her resignation from parliament. Victorian senator Jane Hume was elected Taylor's new second-in-command, replacing former deputy Ted O'Brien 'I leave it for others to judge this period of my leadership, now, and with the passing of time,' Ley told reporters. 'While I'm sure plenty of people will have plenty to say, I've never sought to influence what other people think of me. 'I'm not sure what comes next for me,' Ley said. 'I look forward to stepping away completely and comprehensively from public life, to spend time with my family, to reconnect with my enduring passion, aviation, which taught me if I had an ego, I'd be dead. It's been quite useful in politics.' Ley's time leading the Liberals was fraught with slip ups and sliding polls and now the party is struggling to regain the foothold it had just five years ago. Hume said Mortlock's resignation so soon after Ley's was 'a really sad moment' for the party which is facing an 'existential crisis'. 'Charlotte has been a great contributor and a great voice for women that hold Liberal values this is a really sad moment,' she told ABC Insiders. 'The Liberal Party has had its worst results since its formation in 1944. Something has to give. Australians are rightly aggrieved at the moment, and you can see why they're looking elsewhere, because they weren't finding the answers in the messages and the policies and the positions that we were taking. 'That's why there has been a change.' Hume said Mortlock's resignation was 'a really sad moment' for the Liberal Party The Hilma's Network has already announced its new leader following Mortlock's departure. Victorian representative Erin Watson will now take the reigns as the organisation enters 'a new era'. 'Erin is a long-term party member, has an in-depth and personal understanding of the Liberal Party and lives in Melbourne, ensuring she is able to bolster (Victorian opposition leader) Jess Wilson and her team in November's state election,' the network said in a statement. 'We extend our deepest appreciation to Charlotte for having the passion and vision to create Hilma's Network and thank her for her commitment, energy and bravery to support women in politics. 'This transition represents both continuity and renewal. Our mission remains unchanged, and we are as committed as ever to attracting and promoting the next wave of Liberal women.' BrewDog co-founder and 'worst boss in the world' James Watt is considering buying back the craft beer firm after it was put up for sale. Watt, who was declared 'captain and co-founder' when he stepped down as CEO in 2024, is understood to be canvassing support from financial backers to launch a bid. He remains one of the largest shareholders of the Scottish brewer which yesterday announced it had appointed restructuring experts AlixPartners to look for potential investors. BrewDog's price tag is thought to be far lower than its once-mooted 2billion valuation, one insider told Sky News. The brewer, behind craft beers such as Elvis Juice and Punk IPA, has posted pre-tax losses for five consecutive years. The spiraling decline in BrewDog's popularity resulted in ten bars closing across the UK in July - including its first pub in Gallowgate, Aberdeen, not far from its Ellon HQ. Last month, the company announced it was closing its distilling brands, sparking concerns for jobs at its facility in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Watt's possible return to the helm of the firm would come two years after he stood down from the top job. BrewDog co-founder and 'worst boss in the world' James Watt (pictured with his wife Georgia Toffolo) is considering buying back the craft beer firm after it was put up for sale The Scottish brewer has announced it has appointed restructuring experts AlixPartners to look for potential investors He founded the firm in 2007 alongside his friend Martin Dickie, from a garage. Watt has claimed he had been described as the 'Darth Vader of CEOs' and listed the 'horrible' moves he made as a boss. This included gifting 20 per cent of his shares to the team, gifting team members and their families 250,000 and rejecting a salary during the pandemic. The husband of Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo's previous 17 year tenure was marred by a string of controversies including a workplace culture row. Former workers accused the beer company in 2021 of operating a 'culture of fear' and said there were 'toxic attitudes' towards junior employees. And in 2022 its controversial Watt was accused of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power. Former BrewDog USA workers told the BBC how his behaviour made them feel 'uncomfortable' and 'powerless'. Lawyers for Watt denied these claims but a complaint to Ofcom over the corporation's documentary exposing his alleged inappropriate behaviour was thrown out by the broadcasting watchdog in February 2024. Watt (right) founded the firm in 2007 alongside his friend Martin Dickie (left), from a garage Empty beer kegs await collection outside the permanently closed BrewDog pub in Camden, London, in August 2025 Watt married Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo last year when the couple eloped to North East Scotland Months later, in May the same year, Watt stepped down as chief executive after leading the company for 17 years. He said in a statement: 'During my time at the helm of BrewDog, there have been highs and lows, up and downs, crazy successes and incredibly hard challenges. 'When I look back on the last 17 years my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude.' In 2024, BrewDog also sparked fury after announcing it would no longer hire new workers on the real living wage and instead pay below the legal minimum wage. The Daily Mail previously revealed how in December 2024 Mr Watt led a party of 15 through the Aberdeenshire village of Braemar for his stag do. At one point during their night out the group stopped at Berties Whisky Bar in the ultra-fashionable Fife Arms Hotel and racked up an eyewatering bill of nearly 159,000 after ordering ten Laphroaigs dating back to the 1940s - at 4,000 a pop. A further 15 tots of 50-year-old Balvenie were added to the tab swelling it by 67,500. While it was not known who foot the bill, it was certainly well within the former BrewDog boss's financial reach, with an August 2025 estimation that together with his reality TV star wife, the pair were worth 425million. Mr Watt's fortune came from the rise of BrewDog, which began life in his garage nearly 20 years ago. The beer giant rose to fame after a number of publicity stunts which Mr Watt had himself masterminded. These include riding a tank through the City of London and projecting his naked image onto the Houses of Parliament. The beer giant has reported a cumulative 148million in pre-tax losses over five consecutive years of decline. Watt, who was declared 'captain and co-founder' when he stepped down as CEO in 2024, is understood to be canvassing support from financial backers to launch a bid Join the debate Would YOU trust him with a second chapter at the helm? It operates 72 bars around the world as well as four breweries. A BrewDog spokesperson said: 'As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate and facing sustained macro headwinds, we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company. 'Following a year of decisive action in 2025, which saw a focus on costs and operating efficiencies, we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment for the business. 'This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the BrewDog brand and its operations. 'BrewDog remains a global pioneer in craft beer: a world-class consumer brand, the number one independent brewer in the UK and with a highly engaged global community. 'We believe that this combination will attract substantial interest, though no final decisions have been made. 'Our breweries, bars and venues continue to operate as normal. We will not comment on any further speculation.' Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have come into force across large parts of the UK, as weeks of relentless rain give way to snow. Flooding is also expected in more than 70 areas after hundreds of homes have already been waterlogged. A series of warnings expired throughout Saturday, but yellow snow and ice warnings covered the vast majority of Scotland and large parts of England until 10am on Sunday. A fresh snow and ice warning in the East of England, covering parts of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, is in place until 4pm. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has urged the public to remain vigilant amid the ongoing flood risk. Last night, there were 74 flood warnings and 163 flood alerts in place across England. Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said more than 24,000 homes and businesses have been protected, but that around 330 have been flooded. The yellow warning for snow and ice stretches from Derby across the majority of Scotland, and the Met Office warned of possible travel disruption caused by the snow which would be 'heavy at times'. Vehicles travel along clear roads surrounded by snow covered moors and blue skies in Weardale, County Durham, on Saturday morning An icy car on Saturday morning, at the start of a chilly weekend for the UK that has brought yellow snow and ice warnings Flooding around Tewkesbury Abbey near the confluence of the River Avon and River Severn on Saturday The vast majority of Scotland and large parts of England were under yellow snow and ice weather warnings on Sunday morning It said 'accumulations of 1-3cm (of snow) will be possible at low levels, with 3-7cm possible above about 150m elevation, and perhaps 10-15cm above 400m'. The warning on the Met Office's website reads: 'Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards on Saturday night will fall as snow initially, even to low levels for a time, before becoming confined to higher ground as milder air arrives from the west.' It continues : 'Areas sheltered to the north of high ground may see very little snow. 'Ice will be an additional hazard, particularly across north-east England and parts of Scotland where precipitation has the potential to fall on frozen ground leading to very slippery conditions. 'Snow will turn increasingly to rain into Sunday morning, perhaps as a short spell of freezing rain in places, before eventually clearing to the east with a steady thaw of lying snow then setting in.' Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said Sunday will begin with a blustery start for many, with outbreaks of showery rain and some hill snow. Milder air will move into the South West and parts of Cornwall and Devon could reach 12C, while it will be about 4C or 5C in the East, he said. Next week will begin unsettled and blustery with further showers across the whole of the country, which will ease into Tuesday, then another weather system will arrive on Wednesday bringing more unsettled weather, while Thursday is expected to be drier. Yvette Cooper today defended her decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, insisting it was 'not a normal protest group'. Judges ruled on Friday that a decision she made when home secretary was unlawful, with implications for thousands of people arrested for supporting the group at protests across the country. The ban remains in place ahead of an appeal against the High Court ruling but the Metropolitan Police has indicated officers were unlikely to arrest people simply for showing support for Palestine Action until the legal situation was clarified. Following the decision, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood swore to 'fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal', although a group of Labour backbenchers has urged her to drop the action. In a 46-page ruling on Friday, Dame Victoria Sharp said Ms Cooper's prescription was 'disproportionate', saying while PA 'promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality, a very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action.' Ms Cooper, who has since moved to become Foreign Secretary, told Sky News today: 'I followed the clear advice and recommendations going through a serious process the Home Office goes through which was very clear about the recommendation about prescription of this group. 'The court has also concluded that this is not a normal protest group, it found that this group had committed actions of terrorism, that this group is not simply in line with democratic values and has promoted violence as well. Judges ruled on Friday that a decision Yvette Cooper made when home secretary was unlawful, with implications for thousands of people arrested for supporting the group Ms Cooper, who has since moved to become Foreign Secretary, told Sky News today: 'I followed the clear advice and recommendations going through a serious process the Home Office goes through which was very clear about the recommendation about prescription of this group. The High Court's ruling was 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 Ms 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. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said she was 'appalled' by the High Court's ruling. The Witham MP told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: 'It is right that they feel the full force of our laws, including the proscription that has been put in place. They are on par with how terrorist organisations conduct themselves, and they plan their attacks. 'I think the public would be absolutely horrified to see that these individuals have been able to essentially get away with the type of activity that they have been able to thus far.' 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. Lord Walney, who was appointed as an independent government advisor under the Conservatives, last week 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.' A Jeffrey Epstein survivor broke down in tears as she recounted how she thought she was going to die while being assaulted on the paedophile's private jet. Juliette Bryant said the billionaire began 'forcibly touching me in between my legs' within seconds of his 'Lolita Express' taking off. Women working for the financier who had recruited the then 20-year-old aspiring model were on board the Boeing 727100 and laughed as she was attacked, she said. In an emotional interview with Sky News, Juliette broke down as she told how she 'just freaked out and I suddenly realised... these people might kill me'. 'I suddenly realised I had to be nice and friendly as I realised I was in great danger,' she said. Juliette added: 'He [Epstein] patted the chair next to him... and then I went and sat there. It was such a confusing situation for a young person to be in,' she said, before adding: 'I was really petrified.' She first met and was recruited by Epstein in Cape Town in September 2002 when he was touring South Africa with Bill Clinton. Within three weeks, she was flown from South Africa's southern coast to New York and thought 'my dreams were all coming true' after he offered to launch her modelling career. Epstein survivor Juliette Bryant broke down in tears as she recounted how she thought she was going to die while being assaulted on the paedophile's private jet Ghislaine Maxwell (left) and Jeffrey Epstein (right) on board a private jet. Some 90 flights came in and out of UK airports with suspected sex trafficking victims on board Moments after landing in the Big Apple, the first-year university student was ferried to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and told she was going to the Caribbean and Epstein's private island. Her passport was taken away and, trapped on the island, she was repeatedly raped by Epstein for the next two years. She said she was not trafficked to other men. Juliette found a disposable camera and took pictures of all the places she was abused, including at his New Mexico ranch. She said Epstein offered her $2,000 to recruit girls for him and $4,000 a month to stay with him. But she refused as 'I didn't want to be around him'. Juliette's unredacted emails to Epstein were part of the latest tranche of documents released by the Department of Justice. They show she remained in contact with him until 2017. She said she sent him the emails when she had been drinking or was in the midst of a breakdown. Juliette said she 'felt like he was watching me, and that was also why I emailed', as she added: 'Invisible chains is a good way to put it, it was like I was handcuffed invisibly.' It comes as the most complete picture yet of the sickening itinerary of the private jet Epstein used to traffic women and girls around the world - and frequently into Britain was revealed by the Daily Mail. Juliette had her passport taken away and, trapped on the island, she was repeatedly raped by Epstein for the next two years Juliette found a disposable camera and took pictures of all the places she was abused, including at his New Mexico ranch Your browser does not support iframes. A team of our journalists and data analysts painstakingly pored over newly released information to identify who travelled on the dozens of flights aboard the so-called Lolita Express jet into and out of the UK and why. Some 90 flights came in and out of UK airports with suspected sex trafficking victims on board outlined in manifests which charted those journeys over 20 years. Our findings come as former prime minister Gordon Brown called for the Metropolitan Police to investigate exactly what trafficking may have taken place on British soil. Using the plane's serial number N908JE the Boeing 727-100 was used primarily to fly young victims between Epstein's lavish homes in New York, the US Virgin Islands and his waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. But it also made repeated trips to British airports, including small facilities close to royal palaces in both England and Scotland - and corresponds to known visits by Epstein often with Andrew. Despite ostensibly being business flights, inside the luxuriously decorated aircraft young victims were forced to carry out sex acts and take part in orgies. In 1999, Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell flew to Scotland and were famously photographed at Balmoral as guests of Prince Andrew. Pictured: the rear interior of Epstein's Boeing 727-100, complete with a double bed, recliner chair and red velvet sofas Another room inside Epstein's private jet. The Boeing plane was used primarily to fly young victims between Epstein's lavish homes in New York, the US Virgin Islands and his waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida Epstein and Maxwell at a shoot in the countryside near Balmoral, in Scotland. It has not been confirmed who the third male figure is The picture showed them at a log cabin on the late Queen's Scottish estate, both dressed in casual clothes sitting on a veranda, with Maxwell's arm draped over Epstein's knee. The following year, in June 2000, Epstein was photographed with Andrew at Royal Ascot as he and Maxwell enjoyed Ladies' Day in formal attire. No corresponding flight data has been found for those trips, suggesting those may have been made by a scheduled airline, rather than the private jet Epstein favoured. But one that was recorded came in the same period, in December 2000, when the couple joined Andrew once again in the UK for a shooting trip at Sandringham. As well as photos of the pair out on the grouse moors in their tweeds, another image emerged from that trip, taken inside Sandringham House, showing Mountbatten-Windsor reclining across the legs of five people, whose faces have been redacted, with his head near a woman's lap. In this image, Maxwell appears to peer down and smile at him. Data from the flight log shows that Epstein was given permission to land at RAF Marham, having flown into Luton airport initially from JFK in New York. New photos show former president Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein's long-time friend Ghislaine Maxwell on board the billionaire's private jet, dubbed the 'Lolita Express', in 2002 Your browser does not support iframes. Marham is only a 20-minute drive from Sandringham. On the way back, via Norwich airport, the flight manifest shows the passengers as Epstein and Maxwell, someone listed as 'Kelly Spamm', US hotel tycoon Tom Pritzker and an unnamed person listed only as 'female'. In March 2001, Epstein and Maxwell flew to the UK with Virginia Roberts, then aged 17, and during this trip, Ms Roberts (later Giuffre) alleged that Prince Andrew had sex with her at Maxwell's London mews flat. It was also when Andrew was photographed with his hand around her waist whilst a smiling Maxwell looked on in the background. Flight logs show that the London visit was part of a longer journey encompassing Granada, Spain and Tangier, Morocco. Epstein and Maxwell picked up Ms Roberts, then aged 17, in Palm Beach, Florida, in March 2001 and flew her to Paris via Canada. There, Alberto Pinto, the interior designer, his sister, Linda, Ricardo Legorreta, the Mexican architect, and an unnamed female joined the party and went to Granada in Spain. The Pintos and the woman were taken on to Tangier before Ms Roberts flew with Epstein and Maxwell to London for two days. It was there that Ms Roberts said she was taken to Maxwell's mews house in Knightsbridge, where the infamous photo of Prince Andrew with his hand round the teenager's bare midriff was allegedly taken. Andrew suggested in his disastrous Newsnight interview that the notorious photo had been fake, but emails from Maxwell contained in the Epstein files confirmed that it was genuine. Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008. The disgraced billionaire died in 2019 in a New York jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Woman who was stabbed is out of hospital A Brisbane waitress who was viciously stabbed in the head while at work by an aggrieved ex-colleague had reportedly been harassed by him in a previous incident. Zoe Samson-Wood, 20, was allegedly stabbed 15 times, including in her head and across her body, by Cameron William Leslie Clark in a hallway of Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo on Thursday. It's now been revealed Clark, 33, was fired from his kitchen hand job for inappropriate behaviour, hours before the alleged attack. Clark had been let go following an accusation, and subsequent company investigation, that he had previously harassed Ms Samson-Wood. Her sister, Ruby Samson-Wood, has since shared an update confirming that she has been discharged from hospital following treatment for her serious wounds. Ruby praised her sister for 'putting up a hell of a fight' on the night of her injuries and thanked everyone who assisted her. During the alleged assault another worker at the venue, a 61-year-old chef, got between the two. He was allegedly stabbed in the stomach and paramedics rushed him to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Ms Samson-Wood has now also been discharged from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, despite having suffered significant nerve damage, her sister said. Zoe Samson-Wood, 20, was stabbed 15 times while working at Brisbane's Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo on Thursday Clark went to Easts Leagues Club (pictured) on his day off after he received written notice that his employment had been terminated Police allege Cameron William Leslie Clark, 33, turned on the waitress shortly after having been fired from the venue Clark allegedly began his assault in a hallway of the restaurant before its chef intervened long enough for Ms Samson-Wood to get away. After this short pause however, Clark allegedly continued his assault in the dining area of the club where she had fled to. He was quickly restrained by diners as emergency services arrived to the scene. 'My heart goes out to you all, especially the man who saved her life and was stabbed in the abdomen as a result,' Ruby wrote. 'Thank you to anyone who helped, even if it gave Zoe an extra millisecond to get away, you saved her life. 'I share her story not to fearmonger or seek pity but to shine light on how immensely brave and strong Zoe is to survive this and to raise awareness of violence against women. I am here for every single woman that has been made to feel powerless.' She said her sister had suffered a nasty cut to her skull and tendons causing nerve damage that requires reconstructive surgery. Clark has since been charged with one count each of attempted murder, unlawful stalking, unlawful wounding, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm or transmit serious disease, and going armed so as to cause fear. The Easts Leagues Club board thanked everyone who stepped in to help Ms Samson-Wood Ruby (left) said her sister suffered nerve damage as a result of the stabbing Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the alleged attack had been a 'life-altering event' for all involved. 'Those people that were physically injured, those people that witnessed the event, they will forever remember what occurred,' he told reporters. 'I think we are very lucky and fortunate today that I'm not here discussing a more serious outcome.' Clark remains in custody and is next due to appear in court Monday. His lawyer, Lana Millar, said he had been taken to hospital for treatment regarding injuries of his own. The Easts Leagues Club board praised the efforts by all staff and diners. 'In the worst of times, we truly saw the best of our people,' they said in a statement. 'We are grateful that our staff are safe, and we are working closely to support all of them through this upsetting time. 'Our venue has now reopened for our community. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and care shown to our staff since reopening, and for that, we are deeply thankful.' News / National by Staff reporter Presidential Special Investment Advisor Paul Tungwarara has publicly dismissed reports of a fallout between himself and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, describing the alleged rift as "imaginary" and politically motivated.In a statement issued in Harare on February 14, Tungwarara said there was no conflict between him and Tagwirei, whom he referred to as his mentor and brother."Please take note that there are people going around trying to create an imaginary conflict between my mentor, Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and myself. This supposed fight does not exist," he said."I want to set the record straight: Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei has never done anything wrong to me. In fact, he has helped me to become who I am today. I hold nothing against my brother, and I cannot continue to allow these false rumors to spread."Tungwarara also addressed speculation surrounding the suspension of the Presidential Empowerment Fund programmes, distancing Tagwirei from any responsibility for the delay."Frankly, Dr. Tagwirei is not responsible for the hold-up of the Presidential Empowerment Fund Programs. The program was put on hold by the party to ensure that proper monitoring structures are in place, to identify who has benefited and who may have abused the funds," he said.He added that he was not in competition with anyone and rejected claims that he was at odds with Tagwirei."I want the nation to know that I am not in competition with anyone, and certainly not with Dr. Tagwirei, whom I regard as my mentor," Tungwarara said.The advisor warned that some individuals were exploiting the alleged rift for personal gain."There are people who are using divide-and-rule tactics in order to benefit from this imagined conflict. I urge these individuals to be honest and to ask for favors directly, instead of spreading falsehoods that I am fighting my brother," he said.He further disassociated himself from individuals attacking Tagwirei in his name."Furthermore, there are those who are attacking Dr. Tagwirei in my name, thinking they can gain favors from me. I want to make it clear that I do not recognize these people, nor do I know them."Tungwarara concluded by aligning himself with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's message of unity."Our able leader, President E.D. Mnangagwa, always preaches unity and kubatana (togetherness). I stand by that call for unity," he said. A grandmother is suing Jeremy Clarkson after a fall in the Farmer's Dog car park left her needing surgery. Elizabeth Purley, 68, travelled three-and-half hours from Scunthorpe to visit the site of Clarkson's Farm in the Cotswolds with her husband Darren in November of last year. But the trip turned into a nightmare when Ms Purley was hospitalised following an accident in the former Top Gear star's pub car park, which she describes as a 'total disaster'. 'It was supposed to be great fun,' the NHS worker said. 'I really wanted to visit as I enjoyed watching his Amazon show. But it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. 'I bought my most expensive boxes of eggs from the farm shop but then I fell on them and was left with diddly squat and was badly injured. 'I know Jeremy is a perfectionist and the pub itself was perfect and the staff were great, but the carpark was a total disaster. It is very dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. I am probably scarred for life. 'Luckily, I keep myself fit and healthy and I think that helped me but anyone frail could have been more seriously injured. At the minute that carpark is a danger to visitors and needs fixing urgently.' Heavy rain the previous night had turned the field car park of the pub in Asthall, Gloucestershire, into a virtual mud bath with large metal sheets covering hidden 'squelchy' puddles. Elizabeth Purley, 68, is suing Jeremy Clarkson after a fall in the Farmer's Dog car park left her needing surgery The grandmother suffered a fall in the 'dangerous' car park, which sliced her hand open and saw her rushed to hospital 'At the minute that carpark is a danger to visitors and needs fixing urgently,' she says Ms Purley added: 'It was very muddy as it had rained the night before. The cars were continuous, and you really had to watch out as every time they went over these aluminium sheets that would move and rise up as they weren't fixed down and it was muddy underneath.' She had a soft drink in the pub and visited the on site Diddly Squat farm shop to buy two boxes of six eggs as a gift, which was carrying them back to the car when she fell. 'It happened in slow motion - I caught my foot on one of the upturned sheets and my feet went from under me,' she said. 'I instinctively threw my hand out to save myself and badly banged my knee. I fell flat landing on the bag carrying the eggs smashing them all. 'It was really scary as then I was struggling to breathe and was in incredible pain. I knew I had done some damage then and had to go to hospital.' After reporting the accident to staff in the car park, Ms Purley's husband - a former ambulance worker - rushed her to Witney Community hospital where they X-rayed her hand and knee. It was only then she saw the full extent of the damage to her hand after it had been cleaned of mud. The grandmother - who has a 45-year-old son and two stepchildren aged 30, 29, added: 'The first I knew my hand was injured was on way to the hospital when I touched the door handle and I saw blood but it was still covered in mud. Former Top Gear star Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm has become something of a tourist attraction amid the popularity of his reality show Clarkson's Farm The Farmer's Dog, Clarkson's pub, is situated on the farm 'So, I didn't know how bad it was. But when they cleaned it up, I saw a gaping open and jagged ugly wound. It was horrible and very painful. 'The car park covers must have been razor sharp to do that sort of damage. The nurse could only put steri strips on where the cut was because she said normal stitches would reopen.' After being discharged and bandaged she returned to the pub to fill in the accident book and later returned home following a complementary meal. However after a consultant from the Witney Hospital reviewed her x-rays, he rang suggesting she go to her local Scunthorpe General hospital to have 'metal fragments' removed from her hand. The part time NHS administrator had shortness of breath so also underwent a chest x-ray revealing broken ribs before being referred to nearby Castle Hill hospital in Cottingham to see a plastic surgeon for hand surgery. Doctors there spent hours 'reconstructing' the wound and removing metal carpark cover pieces, eventually using ten stitches to close the jagged, deep gash. 'The surgeon /consultant brought out some metal that he dug out of my hand and asked if I wanted to keep it as a souvenir but I didn't need them as the scar on my hand and my painful ribs are a permanent reminder of my pub trip,' she said. Ms Purley later returned to the pub with her husband to see if things had improved after her accident and was shocked to see nothing had changed. She added: 'I stayed in the car as my hand was still bandaged and I was embarrassed about what happened. I had to see if it had been made safe, but it was exactly the same. 'Nothing had changed. I at least expected to see a sign saying "caution, uneven surface". But there wasn't. 'There appeared to be little or no maintenance of the sheets they weren't screwed in or fixed in place. It was very shoddy. 'It was as if nothing had happened to me and business as usual. When I saw someone else nearly fall I knew I had to do something as I couldn't forgive myself if an elderly person or child was seriously injured and I could have stopped it.' Ms Purley later returned to the pub with her husband to see if things had improved after her accident and was shocked to see nothing had changed The 68-year-old eventually wrote to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire presenter Jeremy and his pub highlighting the dangers of the carpark but got no reply. Planning permission to install a permanent hard surface to the Car Park has since been approved by West Oxfordshire District Council last month but work cannot begin until a 'detailed' surface water drainage scheme has been submitted and approved in the next few months. Until then, customers still face the temporary metal coverings which Ms Purley says poses an ongoing hazard. She added: 'It needs fixing now not later as more people could be seriously injured in the meantime.' Despite feeling a bit 'intimidated' by Clarkson and his celebrity persona she contacted accident specialists Express Solicitors and started a legal claim for compensation. Accident specialist Jack Klein of Express Solicitors said: 'Elizabeth suffered a horrific injury on what should have been a fun day out. 'Celebrities are not above the law, they need to make sure their premises are safe and fit for purpose to protect people visiting their premises inside and out.' Hillary Clinton rocked a conference room in Germany after admitting that migration 'went too far' and has had 'disruptive and destabilizing' effects on countries with open borders. The 78-year-old former Secretary of State's change of heart shocked the Munich Security Conference on Saturday as she spoke on the panel, 'The West Divide: What Remains of Common Values.' 'There is a legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration,' Clinton began. 'It went too far, it's been disruptive and destabilizing, and it needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders that don't torture and kill people and how we're going to have a strong family structure because it is at the base of civilization.' At the conference, Clinton referred to current deportation efforts as 'bullying' and 'very shameful.' 'This debate that's going on is driven by an effort to control people. To control who we are, how we look, who we love, and I think we need to call it was it is,' she said. Clinton went on to admit that there were places where a physical barrier would be appropriate, but that a wall stretching across the border is not necessary, Fox News reported. The former First Lady's comments are in stark contrast with much of her previous statements referring to the migrant crisis in the United States. Hillary Clinton, the 78-year-old former US secretary of state, had a change of heart on immigration that shocked the Munich Security Conference on Saturday Clinton appeared at the Munich Security Conference in Germany at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, seen above Clinton spoke on a panel titled 'The West Divide: What Remains of Common Values,' admitting that migration 'went too far' During Donald Trump's first run in The White House, Clinton condemned his immigration efforts and claimed he had 'made it worse with cruel abuses at the border, detaining children and separating them from their families.' 'It's one of the most shameful moments in our history,' she said in 2018, Newsweek reported. Similar to her platform during her presidential campaign, Clinton has been a fierce advocate for immigration reform and said laws should be 'enforced with fairness and respect for human rights.' Throughout her 2016 campaign, she was staunchly opposed to severe deportation efforts and her anti-immigration opponent Trump. She promised to open an Office of Immigrant Affairs in the White House and take 'a very hard look at deportation policies.' Just as Trump pledged, Clinton too said she would put criminals and terrorists at the top of the deportation list. 'I have a very active agenda, and we're gonna be moving on it,' she said. In 2015, she accused Trump and Marco Rubio of wanting to 'tear families apart' with their promises of harsher immigration laws. Clinton has been a fierce advocate for immigration reform and said laws should be 'enforced with fairness and respect for human rights' Throughout her 2016 campaign, Clinton was staunchly opposed to severe deportation efforts and her anti-immigration opponent Trump As she dreamed of her chance in the president's seat, Clinton had plans to continue on with former President Barack Obama's executive orders related to immigration At the National Immigration Integration Conference in Brooklyn that same year, she laid out her hopes to open up a 'path to citizenship' for immigrants, including waiving visa feeds, providing more language programs and closing private detention centers. 'If you work hard, if you love this country and want nothing more to build a good future for you and your children, we should give you a way to come forward and become a citizen,' she said. 'There are millions of people in America who could be naturalized for one reason or another, they're not. So let's help more of our neighbors claim their rights. It's so powerful, so precious to be a citizen of the United States.' As she dreamed of her chance in the president's seat, Clinton had plans to continue on with former President Barack Obama's executive orders related to immigration. 'I will fight for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship,' she told a Las Vegas group of high school student immigrants. In addition to the 'DREAMers' Obama protected from deportation those brought to the US as minors Clinton said she wanted the program to also grant legal amnesty to the parents. 'I want to do everything we can to defend the president's executive orders,' she said, adding separately that 'as president I would do everything possible under the law to go even further.' A former Miss California and runner-up Miss USA model with a penchant for political statements was seen shockingly booted from a White House religious council meeting. Carrie Prejean Boller, 38, was kicked off the Trump-organized Religious Liberty Commission over accusations of attempting to 'hijack' a meeting on antisemitism. Boller, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, grilled officials on Israel's alleged genocide of innocent civilians - a stance she often plasters across her social media pages. 'Carrie Prejean was thrown off the Religious Liberty Commission, and thank God,' a former Trump White House official told Fox News. 'These commissions exist to advance the President's agenda, not to serve as a personal Jew-hating platform.' 'No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue,' Commission Chair Lieutenant Dan Patrick said in a lengthy post on X. 'This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision.' The meeting held on February 9 saw Boller challenging the panel on the definition of antisemitism, which the commission chair and Texas Governor Patrick declared was an attempt to 'hijack' the hearing for her 'own personal and political agenda.' Carrie Prejean Boller, 38, has been kicked off of the Religious Liberty Commission over accusations of attempting to 'hijack' a meeting on antisemitism The meeting held on Monday (pictured) saw Boller challenging the panel on the definition of antisemitism, which the commission chair and Texas Governor Dan Patrick declared was an attempt to 'hijack' the hearing for her 'own personal and political agenda' Trump had previously supported Boller in 2009 after she was stripped of her crown as Miss California USA winner after she was accused of breaching contract 'Since we've mentioned Israel a total of 17 times are you willing to condemn what Israel has done in Gaza,' Boller, a longtime supporter of Trump, said at the hearing in the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. 'No because I unilaterally reject that it's not a genocide,' Shabbos Kestenbaum said. Boller hit back and asked: '70,000 innocent civilians killed? You won't condemn that?' The Jewish activist responded that he believed the only genocide had occurred on October 7 when Hamas attacked and killed around 1,200 civilians. As of October last year, Israeli officials reported around 2,000 deaths and around 20,000 injuries since the war began, ABC News reported. By November, around 70,000 Palestinians were reported to have been killed in the conflict between Israel and Palestine and 170,800 seriously injured, CBC reported. 'By not being a Zionist does that make you an antisemite?' Boller queried, as she wore a Palestinian flag pin. 'I don't think you need to be a Zionist to support a country that defends itself and is free and religious in a hostile neighborhood,' Rabbi Ari Berman, Yeshiva University President, said. 'So is anti-Zionism antisemitism?' Boller queried, to which the Rabbi responded, 'Yes.' The commission was created by President Donald Trump as part of an executive order in May Boller pressed the panel on Monday over the definition of antisemitism, referencing her Catholic faith and the war in Gaza Boller continued pressing the panel and said: 'As you know, I'm a Catholic. I'm a Catholic and Catholics do not embrace Zionism. So are all Catholics antisemites according to you?' 'As I said, anti-Zionism - by denying the right of the Jews to have their own state while not saying the same for any other peoples, that is a double standard hypocrisy and anti-Semitism,' Berman responded. Boller, who converted to Catholicism from evangelical Christianity in April, was then interrupted by Governor Patrick, who clarified that the committee is 'focused on religious liberty taken from all people.' 'Whether they be Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs. We've had all those witnesses here. This is not a commission on defining religions or calling out any theology,' Patrick told the commission. 'This is not the commission for that.' Boller publicly condemned Patrick's post on X that announced he had decided to remove her from the commission, and wrote in her own post: 'This is President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, not yours.' 'You did not appoint me to the Commission, and you lack authority to remove me from it. This is a gross overstepping of your role and leads me to believe you are acting in alignment with a Zionist political framework that hijacked the hearing, rather than in defense of religious liberty. 'We serve as equals on this Commission. Just as I cannot remove you, you cannot remove me.... I refuse to bend the knee to Israel. I am no slave to a foreign nation, but to Christ our king.' Commission Chair Patrick announced in a lengthy post on X that it was his decision to remove Boller from the panel Boller publicly condemned Patrick's post on X that announced he had decided to remove her from the commission, and wrote in her own post:' This is President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, not yours' The commission was created by President Trump as part of an executive order in May. The Department of Justice was appointed to provide support toward the commission's goals of upholding 'federal laws that protect all citizens' full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.' Governor Patrick said in his post on Wednesday that Trump 'respects all faiths.' 'He believes that all Americans have a right to receive the great inheritance given to them by our founding fathers in the First Amendment.' 'I am grateful to President Trump for having the vision and boldness to create this Commission. Fighting for the Word of God and religious freedom is what this nation was founded upon. Leading this fight will be one of his greatest legacies,' he concluded. Trump had previously supported Boller in 2009 after she was stripped of her crown as Miss California USA winner after she was accused of breaching contract, Fox reported. At the time, she had spoken out against the legalization of gay marriage on the pageant stage. Trump, who owned the Miss Universe Organization, defended the contestant. The Daily Mail reached out to The White House for comment. A Democratic governor who's eyeing a potential presidential run has boycotted Donald Trump's upcoming White House dinner after the only black governor in the US was shunned from the event. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revealed he will not be attending the 2026 National Governors Association (NGA) dinner because the president refused to invite Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Moore, who is presently the only black governor in the country and the first in his state's history, was one of just two governors who were not invited to the February 20 meeting. All Democratic governors received an invite Wednesday afternoon for the lavish dinner, except Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Moore, who Trump called 'foul mouthed.' In a damning post to Truth Social, the commander-in-chief shut down rumors that he was only inviting Republicans to the traditionally bipartisan gathering. But still, Trump refused to include Polis and Moore on the invite list because he said they 'are not worthy of being there.' After learning Moore was snubbed from attending the event, Beshear, who spoke about the controversy with Jake Tapper on CNN Sunday morning, decided he would stand by his fellow governor and miss Trump's dinner. 'Nearly everything Trump touches, he destroys', the 48-year-old told Al Sharpton on MS Now on Saturday, adding that racism might have played a role in his choice to leave Moore out. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he is boycotting the 2026 National Governors Association (NGA) dinner at the White House because President Donald Trump did not invite Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the US's only black governor In a damning post to Truth Social, the commander-in-chief shut down rumors that he was only inviting Republicans to the traditionally bipartisan gathering, while also making it clear that Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were not welcome 'He has taken an annual bipartisan tradition, and hes turned it into his own 12-year-old birthday party, where hes going to invite some people and not invite others. "Everybody but Billy is invited",' he added. The Democrat went on to focus on Moore being the sole black governor in America. 'And the idea that he wouldn't invite Wes Moore, who is our nation's only black governor, in the same set of days that he put out that video of the Obamas the way he did, just speaks volumes,' he said, referring to the shocking meme Trump reposted earlier this month. The clip showed the faces of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama superimposed on ape bodies. Such imagery has long held racist overtones and sparked bipartisan condemnation. The post was later deleted by Trump. Beshear continued: 'Wed Moore is a friend of mine. I certainly ain't going if he's not invited.' He also told Sharpton that Trump's 'pettiness knows no bounds.' After hearing he was not invited to the dinner, Moore shrugged off Trump's decision. Moore shrugged off Trump's decision after hearing he was uninvited to the event 'Well I can't speak to the president's heart, I can speak to his actions,' Moore told CBS News. 'And 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. They are who I answer to, not him. '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,' Moore said, adding that if the meeting is set to be full of 'name-calling,' he's more than happy to skip it. 'If the point of the meeting is to turn it into name-calling, or to follow what he did in his most recent tweet, which is full of lies and it's ignorant, and it's unhinged. If the point of the meeting is that, then my answer to the president is very clear, nah I'm good,' he stated. In his lengthy Truth Social post, Trump referred to Moore as 'the foul mouthed Governor of Maryland, who fraudulently stated that he received Military medals, A LIE, is doing a terrible job on the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and has allowed Baltimore to continue to be a Crime Disaster.' In his lengthy Truth Social post, Trump referred to Moore as 'the foul mouthed Governor of Maryland' He also called out Polis for 'unfairly' placing a '73-year-old cancer stricken woman' in solitary confinement and 'attempting to fight Democrat Voter Fraud.' The president further mentioned that he even decided to invite the 'SLOB' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and 'horrendous' California Governor Gavin Newsom - two Democratic leaders Trump has publicly feuded with. He ended his post with: 'I look forward to seeing the Republican Governors, and some of the Democrats Governors who were worthy of being invited, but most of whom wont show up.' The Daily Mail contacted Moore, Beshear, and Trump's teams for comment. Shoppers have been left disappointed and demanding refunds after receiving poor quality flowers through the post for Valentine's Day. Various suppliers came under fire from disgruntled romantics, who shared photos of their 'half dead' and wilted bouquets on social media. Others complained of flowers looking disheveled soon after being bought, or of some stems lacking any petals at all. A Moonpig customer wrote on X the night before Valentine's Day: 'I ordered a card and flowers that arrived today for valentine's day and the flowers are brown and dying I'm very disappointed, I paid a lot of money for something so poor quality.' This was accompanied by photos of pink roses with browned and shriveled petals. They complained about having tried to contact the company to rectify the situation, only to find the customer phone line had closed at 6pm. Thomas Hughes also reported a disappointing experience of Moonpig flowers. He wrote: 'Moonpig flowers are awful! Bough them for Valentine's Day and they're delivered half dead. Won't be doing that again!' One customer ordered a bouquet of pink roses from Moonpig, but was unimpressed with their condition The customer complained it had been 'a lot of money' for something of such 'poor quality' Thomas Hughes also reported a negative experience with Moonpig's flower delivery service This Tesco shopper felt the flowers looked more disheveled than they should do after 48 hours Angie was 'very disappointed' with a bunch of purple flowers she bought the day before Valentine's Day Somebody who bought a bunch of red and yellow flowers from Tesco asked: 'Do these flowers look acceptable for something purchased on Friday (48 hours at home).' An Aldi customer was similarly frustrated and wrote on the morning of Valentine's Day: 'Very disappointed in these flowers purchases yesterday.' They revealed that four flower heads had dropped off as they opened up the package, and that a day later some were looking 'half dead'. Anyone unhappy with their purchase from Aldi can return the product to the store for a full refund. M&S received a number of complaints online about the quality of flowers delivered through doors. A customer called Will Mackenzie said: 'The 40 flowers I ordered from you for Valentine's are rotten. Every single flower and eucalyptus leaf in the bouquet is dying.' He added: 'How could anyone look at this selection of flowers and step back and think Yep, that looks good? Can I have my money back?' Another X user took aim at M&S flowers, but in this case ones that had been purchased in store. They wrote: 'Good afternoon. We're not usually M&S shoppers but we popped into your Stevenage store today to grab a Valentine's meal. Mr Mackenzie took a video of the bunch of flowers to demonstrate his point This M&S customer bought a bouquet of short stem roses, but felt were not fresh enough Mr Trodd wanted to bring to M&S's attention three stems without flower heads he found 'We also grabbed some roses for my wife. She was really disappointed to find they were not very fresh and several stems were broken. Not good!' Nick Trodd bought some 'very expensive' flowers from M&S, but found that three of the stems did not have any flowerheads on. He wrote: 'I wanted to give you this feedback on your site but could not find an email address. 'No biggie but I was disappointed to find three deadheads among the flowers. For the price I expected better.' Moonpig told the Daily Mail: 'At Moonpig we strive for the highest quality of service and standard of flowers. We are disappointed that our usual high standards weren't met on the occasion shared here. Our dedicated customer team work really hard to rectify errors as swiftly as we can and we encourage anyone who doesn't receive perfect stems to contact us directly.' An M&S spokesperson said: 'Over the weekend weve delivered thousands of fresh bouquets that are sourced from trusted growers. It is disappointing to hear that a small number of customers have received bouquets that have fallen short of the high quality we expect and were very sorry. Our Customer Service team are in touch with these customers directly.' Tesco and Aldi were also approached for comment. Senator John Fetterman ripped into his own party for attacking Trump publicly just to 'pay the bills.' The Pennsylvania Democrat made the scathing assessment on Friday to Politico's White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns, when asked about his relationship with Trump. Fetterman, casually propped in his sweatshirt and shorts, said despite disagreeing with the president, he will always 'talk and speak' with respect - unlike other members of his party. 'If I have something to say, its not going to be, you know, in an insult. Its not going to be extreme things,' he said in an interview on The Conversation podcast. 'When you have members of Congress calling him a piece of sh*t, [it's] crazy.' He seemingly referred to Jasmine Crockett, who in August 2025 called Donald Trump 'a piece of sh*t' over Republican redistricting plans. Crockett also labeled Trump as 'Temu Hitler' due to his involvement in the redistricting process. Fetterman also took a swipe at other Democrats for spewing vile insults at the president in an effort to stage 'professional wrestling.' 'I know some people just want the professional wrestling kind of thing. I know what pays the bills. 'Can you call someone a piece of s***? Can you now put that in an email? Can you chip in $10 to help me smash the oligarchy or whatever?' Fetterman mocked. Fetterman, sat in his signature hoodie and shorts, talked to Politico's White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns on The Conversation podcast Other Democrats have used similar rabble-rousing tactics. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly taken digs at Trump, calling him a 'son of a b****.' In January, Newsom tore apart European leaders for 'rolling over' to Trump in his pursuit of Greenland, likening the president to a 'T-Rex' you either 'mate with or he devours you.' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also called Trump a 'rapist' amid renewed calls to fully release the Epstein files, sparking significant backlash. And Tim Walz labeled Donald Trump and JD Vance 'creepy and weird' during the 2024 presidential campaign. Fetterman added that he would rather 'play it straight and treat people on both sides with respect.' 'We're going to disagree on things that we disagree,' he concluded. Fetterman also responded to Trump calling him 'the most sensible Democrat,' joking that his parents would appreciate the president's words. 'I know and I love a lot of people that voted for Trump, and thats part of I refuse to call these people Nazis... or [that] theyre trying to destroy our Democracy,' he told Burns. 'Now Im not defending the president, but I will say he hasnt defied a single court order yet. He hasnt.' Fetterman has received a mix of hesitant praise because of his comments. Fetterman speaks with reporters in the halls of the US Capitol, he tore into his party during the lengthy and wide-ranging interview Jasmine Crockett is a Democrat who has not minced her words when talking about Trump President Donald Trump attends Amazon MGM's 'Melania' World Premiere, he called Fetterman the most 'sensible' Democrat 'I never thought Fetterman would end up being the voice of reason in the democrat party. Hes definitely growing on me,' one user wrote on social media. 'I don't always agree with you, but you legitimately want to serve the people of Pennsylvania - and I will support that,' another said. The Pennsylvania Senator also ridiculed for their patronizing remarks towards constituents, saying that will be the party's biggest midterm liability. 'I don't treat voters like children,' Fetterman told Burns when asked about the upcoming election. He said that Democrats tend to talk down to voters when 'trying to explain why it's wrong to shut our government down.' The creators of a new TV series about John F. Kennedy Jr's whirlwind life and tragic death have spoken out after Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg slammed the show. Love Story, starring Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, spotlights the lives and love between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, up until their fatal plane crash in 1999. The show premiered on Thursday and sparked a wave of backlash and support from fans - including from Schlossberg, nephew of JFK Jr. During the show's filming, 33-year-old Schlossberg publicly denounced its creation on Instagram, calling it a 'grotesque way to profit' off his uncle's life. 'For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with, the new shows being made about him, the answer is no,' Schlossberg said back in June 2025. 'And there's really not much we can do.' 'The right to privacy, which includes the ability to control your own name, image and likeness, doesn't survive death in the state of New York. For that matter, he's considered a public figure, so there's not much we can do.' He hoped the shows producers take his uncle's achievements seriously and donate a portion of their profits. 'For the record, I think admiration for my uncle John is great. What I don't think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way,' he said. Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr's nephew, the 33-year-old has publicly criticized the new show Love Story, based on the tragic lives of John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette The show stars Paul Kelly as John F Kennedy Jr and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy John Kennedy Jr with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, attending a dinner back in May 1999, the show is about their romance and tragic deaths Executive producer Brad Simpson has since responded to the 'grotesque' claims, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Simpson said the creators must consider their 'ethical obligation' to the family and approach the show with 'love and kindness.' 'What I hope is that when people watch the show, they will see our sincerity. They will see that weve approached this with love, and that we were trying to celebrate the life of Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr,' he told the outlet. He added that he wants viewers to see the 'walk through their footsteps,' saying, 'I can understand why somebody could have a reaction before they see it. 'But, I would say, watch the show, because I think theyre going to be surprised at how sincere it is.' The response has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some arguing that Jack Schlossbergs claims about 'profiting off his family' are not valid. 'This motherf***er is the last person on Earth who should be complaining about someone drafting off his family's clout,' one person wrote on X. Another agreed, calling the heir: 'Beyond mediocre and uninspiring.' Schlossberg suited up at a Christmas Party back in December, he also revealed that his family was not consulted during the show's creation The series debuted on Thursday, and has nine episodes revolving around the tragic romance of the pair John F Kennedy, Jr, and his wife Carolyn pictured 1997, executive producer Brad Simpson said in an interview that the creators approached the making of the show with sincerity But many pushed back in support of Jack Schlossberg, arguing he has every right to be upset since it involves his immediate family. 'His familys clout is his clout hes part of that family. Thats kind of his god given right,' one user wrote. 'Well, that is his family. That is in fact different,' another said. The nine-episode series created by Ryan Murphy explores the private courtship of the high-profile 90s couple, following the progression of their love until their tragic plane crash on July 16, 1999. A growing number of investigators are said to be probing the possibility that Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping on February 1 began as a burglary gone wrong. One person familiar with the ongoing investigation into Guthrie's disappearance told Arizona Family on Sunday that police are looking at the possibility that a man caught tampering with her Nest doorbell camera may have just been trying to burglarize the $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona. If that were the case, the source said there is hope that the 84-year-old could still be alive even as the search for her extends into a third consecutive week without any arrests. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos later disputed that theory and told the Daily Mail that his department is still working on the theory that Nancy was abducted. Several people have been questioned in connection with her disappearance, but were later released. A series of ransom notes have also been sent to media outlets, including TMZ, demanding at least $6 million in bitcoin from the Guthrie family. Authorities are now waiting for confirmation on DNA samples from an unknown male profile that was lifted from a glove that the FBI has said 'appears to match' the pair the suspect was seen wearing in the shocking doorbell surveillance footage. It was found last week near Nancy's home along with several other gloves, which were sealed in evidence bags by the Pima County Sheriff's Office, and shipped overnight for testing at a private lab in Florida. Nearly 16 gloves were collected near her home, and most of them were used and discarded by searchers at the site, the FBI told the Daily Mail. But one of the gloves is different from the rest and appears to match the ones the unidentified masked captor was wearing in the doorbell video captured at Nancy's front porch, the FBI said. DNA results usually take about 24 hours to come back Savannah Guthrie is reportedly considering leaving her role as host of NBC's flagship program, the Today show, as the massive search for her mother, Nancy, enters its second week. Nancy, 84, vanished on February 1 from her home in a rural neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, prompting authorities to launch a kidnapping investigation that has since captivated the nation. Savannah is perhaps one of the most recognized faces in network news, having first appeared on NBC in 2007. Sources have told NewsNation that the exhaustive and traumatic search for Nancy has forced Savannah to reconsider her position in the public eye. 'This absolutely came out of the blue, and I think shes really concerned that it was because of her job,' NewsNation's Paula Froelich reported, citing sources. Froelich added that Savannah was reportedly 'a mess' and was worried that past segments featuring her mother made Nancy vulnerable. Law enforcement believes that Nancy was snatched from her home in the middle of the night. Her age and health status have complicated the search, leaving investigators in a race against time to find Nancy. Authorities have combed her Tucson home, raided a nearby residence, and uncovered surveillance camera footage in a desperate attempt to uncover clues about Nancy's whereabouts. Savannah Guthrie is reportedly considering leaving her role as host of NBC's flagship program, the Today show, as the massive search for her mother, Nancy, enters its second week Savannah Guthrie is reportedly considering leaving her role as host of NBC's flagship program, the Today show, as the massive search for her mother, Nancy, enters its second week Her 84-year-old mother Nancy has been missing for two weeks now Fresh hope for a break in the case came on Friday when Special Weapons and Tactics units were seen descending on a nearby home in Tucson in connection with the search. However, the sheriff's office later announced that no arrests have been made after the raid. Just about three months ago, Savannah returned to her hometown of Tucson for a nostalgic tour visiting the place that shaped her upbringing. The special segment, which aired on NBC's Today Show in November, framed Tucson as the city where her 'soul is home', with a focus on family and community. Her mother made a rare on-air appearance during the segment, as the pair toasted to the 'gentle' desert town she had lived in since the 1970s. But following her disappearance, there is growing concern behind the scenes at NB that the feature might have inadvertently placed Nancy in danger, the Daily Mail previously learned. Her disappearance has cast the November Homecoming special in a stark new light. 'There's a lot of soul searching at NBC about whether their segment made Nancy a target,' a Today Show source told the Daily Mail. Nancy has three children - Savannah, Annie, and her son Camron Investigators and news crews are seen outside Nancy's $1 million Tucson home after she vanished without a trace The segment did not feature Nancy's home or disclose details about where she lived. At the time, Savannah, 54, described the six-minute feature as a 'love letter to Tucson' - the desert city she moved to at age two from Australia and where her family put down roots. Savannah was just 16 when her father, Charles Guthrie, suddenly died of a heart attack while on a mining job in Mexico. Nancy was just 46 when Charles died, leaving her to raise their three children, Savannah, Annie, and Camron, on her own. Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan made a surprising admission when he defended his ICE agents wearing masks while on the job in Minnesota. Homan staunchly defended agents wearing masks for 'safety reasons' - despite the fact that he himself does not like it - as he championed ICE efforts during Minnesota's Metro Surge as 'a win.' He admitted to CBS News's Ed O'Keefe on Sunday: 'As far as the mask look, you know I don't like the masks either. 'But because threats against ICE officers are up over 1500 percent actual assaults and threats are up over 8000 percent. These men and woman have to protect themselves.' Homan refuted claims that they are unidentifiable, telling the outlet that all agents wear placards. 'There is identifying marks, but masks, you know, why don't they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that?' Homan asked. 'But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.' The former immigration officer exampled the director of ICE, Todd Lyons, as a reason for the agents fearing being identified. 'Just yesterday, the director of ICE, his wife was filmed walking to work,' he told O'Keefe. 'His home address has been doxed. His kids have been doxed and filmed.' Border czar Tom Homan was forced to defend his agents wearing masks while on the job as he gloried in the hundreds of people removed during Minnesota's Metro Surge As he staunchly defended his agents decisions to conceal their identities, Homan praised the work done by ICE during what was dubbed the Metro Surge in Minnesota The border czar was missioned with deescalating the tense atmosphere in Minnesota following ICE raids and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti 'I don't know of another agency in this country that has an 8000 percent increase [in threats].' As he staunchly defended his agents decisions to conceal their identities, Homan praised the work done by ICE during what was dubbed the Metro Surge in Minnesota. When asked about the winding down efforts of the agency in the sanctuary city, Homan said they would 'get back to the original footprint.' 'We already removed well over 1000 people, and as of Monday, Tuesday, we'll remove several hundred more,' he said. 'We'll get back to the original footprint, with the exception of the agents there to do the fraud investigation, will stay there and continue their work until they're done.' 'But there will be a small security force, what we call RFQs, that will respond when our agents are out and they get surrounded by agitators and things got out of control. 'They'll remain for a short period of time, just to make sure the coordination, the agreements we have with local state law enforcement, stay in place, and they respond to a public safety threat when needed.' The border czar, who was missioned with deescalating the tense atmosphere in Minnesota following ICE raids and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, told the outlet that he hoped that security forces could be removed 'fairly quickly.' Homan championed agreements with jails in Minnesota as 'a win,' which allows ICE agents into jails instead of sending 'six or seven people out to look for them' Homan praised the overall efforts done by ICE during President Donald Trump's second term, and said: 'The bottom line is, we have the most secure border in history in this nation' When asked about the winding down efforts of the agency in the sanctuary city, Homan said they would 'get back to the original footprint' 'I'm hoping. I think things are going in the right direction, and I got faith they'll continue that way,' he said. Homan championed agreements with jails in Minnesota as 'a win,' which allows ICE agents into jails instead of sending 'six or seven people out to look for them.' He hoped that other sanctuary cities would follow in line, and added: 'If you really want us to focus on the criminals, then let us in the jail. That's the safest, most secure place to do our work.' Homan turned his attention to the overall efforts done by ICE during President Donald Trump's second term, and said: 'The bottom line is, we have the most secure border in history in this nation.' 'We got record numbers of criminal aliens arrested and deported in this country because this is one team, one fight. The results speak for themselves.' Homan's praises of the agency come as a partial government shutdown, focused on the Department of Homeland Security, began on Saturday. Disagreements over immigration reform has kept the Democrats and The White House at a stand still. Among the demands for ICE from the Democrats include requiring body cameras and identification, banning masks, halting racial profiling and mandating judicial warrants for arrests on private property, the outlet reported. Homan told the outlet that racial profiling is 'just not occurring,' and any arrests or questioning is based on 'reasonable suspicion.' 'It has nothing to do with racial profiling,' he said, adding that ICE agents have been 'acting within the framework of federal statutes.' Homan told CNN that the shutdown will not affect operations, and said: 'The immigration mission, the reason why President Trump was elected to be president, continues.' News / National by Staff reporter An Airlink flight travelling from Johannesburg to Bulawayo was forced to divert to Harare on Saturday morning after it was unable to safely land at its intended destination.Flight 4Z112 departed Johannesburg at 07:15 on 14 February 2026 and was scheduled to arrive in Bulawayo at 08:30. However, the aircraft could not land due to the unserviceability of the Non-Directional Beacon (NDB), one of the key ground-based navigation aids at Bulawayo Airport.The situation was further complicated by poor weather conditions. The cloud base was reportedly below the prescribed minima required for the airports Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, making it impossible to execute a safe landing.As a precaution, the flight diverted to Harare.After conditions improved in Bulawayo, flight 4Z112 departed Harare at 10:40 and landed safely in Bulawayo at 11:22.The return leg, flight 4Z113, left Bulawayo at 11:51 and arrived in Johannesburg at 13:07 without any reported issues.The incident underscores how critical fully operational navigation systems and suitable weather conditions are to maintaining aviation safety. Labour activists paid a PR firm to 'spy' on Sunday Times journalists who were investigating and reporting on secret, undeclared donations made to the group. Labour Together, a think tank which helped Keir Starmer's election as party leader, paid 36,000 to investigate reporters at a time when it was run by Josh Simons, now a Labour MP and Cabinet Office minister. It hired US public relations company, Apco to examine the personal, political and religious 'backgrounds and motivations' of the reporters behind the story with a view to discrediting their work, The Sunday Times reported. Gabriel Pogrund, the Sunday Times's Whitehall editor and Harry Yorke, the newspapers deputy political editor, were named as 'persons of significant interest' in the 58-page report. In it, there were nearly 10 pages of deeply personal and false claims about Mr Pogrund - linking him to Russian sabotage campaigns, commenting on his status as a Jew and making claims on his personal relationships, The Sunday Times said. In November 2023, Mr Pogrund and Mr Yorke revealed that Labour Together had failed to declare 730,000 of donations between 2017-2020. The article questioned whether this had been a deliberate cover-up by Morgan McSweeney, who was its chief executive until 2020. McSweeney resigned last week as Starmer's chief of staff as it was revealed that he had pushed for the appointment of the scandal-mired Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Apco's report was shared with key Labour politicians in 2024 - including present cabinet ministers and special advisers. These reportedly false accusations seemed to be believed and repeated by key figures and formed the basis of a whispering campaign against Mr Pogrund, Mr Yorke and The Sunday Times, the paper said. Sunday Times Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund (pictured) was the subject of 10 pages of intensely personal and false claims in the report, The Sunday Times said Harry Yorke, Sunday Times deputy political editor, was listed as a person 'of significant interest' alongside Mr Pogrund in the report Mr Pogrund and Mr Yorke's article revealed the Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's former chief of staff, had not declared 730,000 of donations to the activist group Labour Together which he was then head of Mr Simons was the man to order Apco's investigation, days after the article appeared. By this point, he had succeeded McSweeney as head of Labour Together, but his predecessor was still aware of the decision to begin the probe, The Sunday Times said. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has now called for the 'creepy Labour Party spy minister' to be sacked. The full report, seen by the paper, is named 'Operation Cannon' and is marked 'private and confidential', dated January 2024. Labour Together has admitted to hiring the firm, but never confirmed any other details. Now Simons has said Apco strayed beyond their brief. It was written up by Tom Harper, Apcos senior director and a former Sunday Times employee. In the report, Harper reportedly sought to portray Mr Pogrund and Mr Yorke as part of a Russian campaign to sabotage Starmer's reputation. He reportedly alleged without evidence that emails that underpinned the story were likely from a suspected Kremlin hack of the Electoral Commission, The Sunday Times said. This appeared to be without considering other explanations or getting basic IT or cybersecurity advice. Apco is not a cybersecurity company. Mr Pogrund's faith as a Jew, upbringing and personal and professional relationships were also analysed. The report quoted an alleged Sunday Times source that his Jewishness was 'odd' considering what they falsely described as his political and ideological position, the Sunday Times said. Labour Together helped Keir Starmer get elected as Labour leader. He has never publicly acknowledged the links between him and the activist group or its donors Josh Simons ordered the Apco investigation days after the Sunday Times article following his succession of McSweeney as head of Labour Together Tom Harper, Apcos senior director and a former Sunday Times employee, wrote up the report Harper reportedly wrote that his reporting on the Royal Family 'could be seen as destabilising to the UK and also in the interests of Russias strategic foreign policy objectives'. He also falsely claimed that previous stories had been sourced from pro-Russian actors, The Sunday Times said. Meanwhile, Mr Pogrund was an remains sanctioned by Russia and is on a no-travel list to the country following the invasion of Ukraine. The report also investigated South African journalist Paul Holden who had supplied material for the article and American reporter and writer Matt Taibbi who had written with him. Harper wrote: 'We have examined the sourcing, funding and origins of the Sunday Times story - plus the forthcoming works by Paul Holden and Matt Taibbi - to establish who and what are behind the attacks on Labour Together.' A shorter version of the report, stripped of the personal section on Mr Pogrund, was sent to the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, which declined to launch a full investigation. But this GCHQ referral was used to tarnish the article's legitimacy and cabinet ministers and special advisers quietly alleged that it was linked to the Russian state, the Sunday Times said. Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, told The Sunday Times: 'The freedom of the press and the ability of journalists to work free from harassment and intimidation is a vital foundation of our free society. 'That anybody thought they could do this is absolutely appalling and raises further questions about the role played by Labour Together in bringing Keir Starmer to the leadership of his party.' Conservative MP for West Suffolk Nick Timothy spoke out for press freedom in the wake of the scandal McSweeney never publicly explained his failure to declare the donations, with the group dismissing the matter as an 'admin error' - a phrase McSweeney was advised to use by lawyers if he had no better explanation, internal emails published by the Conservatives revealed. Mr Simons, now the Labour MP for Makerfield, said Apco had overstepped its brief. He said: 'I was surprised and shocked to read the report extended beyond the contract by including unnecessary information on Gabriel Pogrund. 'I asked for this information to be removed before passing the report to GCHQ. No other British journalists were investigated in any document I or Labour Together ever received.' He said he welcomed the investigation launched last week by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA). Keir Starmer has expressed the importance of press freedom, but never acknowledged his relationship with Labour Together or its donors. One patron is hedge fund manager Martin Taylor who made his money at NevskyCapital, 1.5 billion Cayman Islands fund linked to investments in Russian companies such as Gazprom, and Sir Trevor Chinn, a businessman. The former Labour MP Jon Cruddas spoke on the Apco investigation. He said: 'I have heard of black briefings, but never heard of anything like this. This is dark s***.' Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP said: 'Keir Starmer must sack the Labour Party minister at the centre of this creepy spy scandal. 'Yet again, Starmer has serious questions to answer about his judgement and his own role in this scandal. 'Why did he appoint Josh Simons and why has he failed to take any action despite these allegations being in the public domain? 'What Labour Together support did he benefit from during the Labour Party leadership election - and during the general election?' A transgender doctor embroiled in a fiery row over sharing women's-only changing rooms has left the NHS. Dr Beth Upton, a biological male who identifies as a woman, was taken to a tribunal alongside NHS Fife by nurse Sandie Peggie after she complained she was uncomfortable sharing a dressing room at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. Ms Peggie, 56, a nurse of 30 years, was suspended from her A&E unit after the transgender doctor made a complaint against her at the beginning of 2024. But she later won a landmark battle against NHS Fife who were found to have harassed her in what was hailed as a victory for women's rights. The health board admitted that it spent more than 400,000 on legal fees on the case. Dr Upton left the health service at the end of 2025, NHS Fife confirmed. A spokesperson said: 'As this is a personal employment matter, we will be making no further comment.' Dr Upton may have left the UK for Australia, it has been claimed. Dr Beth Upton, a biological male who identifies as a woman, has left the NHS following a fiery changing room row Ms Peggie, 56, a nurse of 30 years, was suspended from her A&E unit after the transgender doctor made a complaint against her at the beginning of 2024. A hospital insider told The Sun: 'Staff at the hospital found out he had left and that he was thinking of heading to Australia. 'Whether thats for a break or to work there, no one knows. 'But the health board in Fife has spent a fortune in taxpayers cash defending themselves and him in the tribunal and hes not even an employee any more.' Susan Smith, director of campaign group For Women Scotland, said it would be 'a relief to female patients'. 'What came out at the tribunal was that Dr Upton said if a patient requested a female doctor, he would be quite happy to go and treat them. 'This is someone who put ideology ahead of the welfare of colleagues and patients. 'Im not sure someone like that should have a place in the NHS.' Ms Peggie was suspended in January 2024 after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment. Ms Peggie said she was 'beyond relieved' after Employment Judge Sandy Kemp found NHS Fife harassed her on four occasions. Pictured: Supporters of Sandie Peggie stand outside during a tribunal hearing in Dundee on July 16 She said: 'I am beyond relieved and delighted that the tribunal has found that my employer Fife Health Board harassed me after I complained about having to share a female only changing room with a male colleague. 'The last two years have been agonising for me and my family.' While Ms Peggie won part of her complaint against the health board, several claims were dismissed. In a written judgment the harassment claim was upheld but allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation were dismissed. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is 'not above the law', the UK's chief prosecutor has said amid a growing clamour for the disgraced royal to face a police investigation over his relationship with the notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, made the remark amid calls for a probe into whether the King's brother passed on secret information via his role as UK trade envoy. A dossier of evidence compiled by the Mail on Sunday today lays bare the extraordinary extent to which Andrew exploited his taxpayer-funded position at the behest of Jeffrey Epstein in a bid to boost the paedophile's business interests. Included in the vast Epstein Files are emails exposing how Andrew allowed the convicted sex offender to organise meetings for him during an official trade mission to China. New photographs hidden in the documents show Andrew socialising with a glamorous Chinese model at a secret dinner in Beijing during a ten-day official trip where he was supposed to be representing the UK. Before the 2010 dinner, Andrew's adviser, businessman David Stern, described the woman in offensive terms, one email reveals. Thames Valley Police have held discussions with specialists from the Crown Prosecution Service but have not confirmed whether a criminal investigation will be opened into the former Duke of York. But Mr Parkinson told the Sunday Times: Nobody is above the law. Its my job to enforce the law, and I do so without fear or favour, and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned.' The Conservatives have also signalled their support for an investigation, with shadow foreign secretary and former Cabinet minister Dame Priti Patel telling GB News: 'I think this country will feel absolutely sick with what we are now discovering with these disclosures, and full transparency and the rule of law should be applied to absolutely everyone that was involved in all of this.' A dossier of evidence compiled by the Mail on Sunday today lays bare the extraordinary extent to which Andrew exploited his taxpayer-funded position at the behest of Jeffrey Epstein in a bid to boost the paedophile's business interests. Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, told the Sunday Times: Nobody is above the law. Its my job to enforce the law, and I do so without fear or favour' Pictured: Emails between Andrew's advisor - businessman David Stern - and the former Duke The Conservatives have also signalled their support for an investigation, with shadow foreign secretary and former Cabinet minister Dame Priti Patel telling GB News: ' I think this country will feel absolutely sick with what we are now discovering with these disclosures' As pressure mounts on police and the Government to investigate the former Duke of York, our investigation reveals how: Andrew leaked sensitive information about Royal Bank of Scotland in the aftermath of its 45 billion taxpayer-funded bailout; A senior palace aide leaked an official diplomatic cable about UK-China trade relations to a banker who was Andrew's friend and business associate; Epstein boasted of getting intelligence from Andrew, former Cabinet Minister Lord Mandelson and a mysterious 'third man', declaring: 'I've got the UK sewn up'; After Andrew's 2010 trade mission, Mr Stern plotted with Epstein to do 'discreet' deals with the Chinese government. The bombshell findings heap pressure on the Government to release documents from Andrew's time as trade envoy and have sparked fresh calls for the police to investigate whether Andrew abused his position in public office by giving Epstein access to confidential information. Thames Valley Police is already assessing allegations that Andrew shared such material with Epstein, but has not yet launched a criminal investigation. Former Business Secretary Vince Cable told the MoS: 'Of course there should be an inquiry it's disgraceful behaviour. The main issue is whether this is a police matter and it is for them and the director of public prosecutions to decide. But undoubtedly this is very, very bad behaviour.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Andrew has sold our country down the river every chance he gets. It's high time spineless Keir Starmer actually does something and investigates the full extent of the damage he's done to Britain's security.' A Labour aide said: 'Andrew's behaviour as trade envoy is a complete betrayal. He has dragged Britain's name through the mud. There needs to be an investigation to find out the full extent of damage he has caused. The Prime Minister should get on the front foot and give him both barrels.' Royal author Andrew Lownie added: 'It really is time that there was a parliamentary inquiry into the former Prince Andrew's time as a trade envoy and how he personally enriched himself and his business cronies.' Prince Andrew's high-profile public role as roving trade ambassador between 2001 and 2011 was designed to promote British business and attract investment on taxpayer-funded trips overseas. They were meant to be organised by the Government, but in an apparent breach of protocol, emails reveal that Mr Stern, a London-based German businessman who was an adviser to both Andrew and Epstein, was asked to 'help' plan a September 2010 official visit to China. He then told Epstein he would insert meetings with organisations that had been quietly requested by the paedophile. Writing to Epstein just over a year after the financier was released from jail following his conviction for procuring a child for prostitution, Mr Stern said: 'Based on your request I will NOT suggest industry ministries' instead focussing on 'financial/asset management'. Join the debate Do YOU trust authorities to act without fear or favour? Pictured: Andrew enjoying a ride on a bamboo river raft while in China in a photo released in the Epstein Files Three days before the trade mission started, Mr Stern emailed Epstein a photograph of Miya Muqi, a 23-year-old Chinese model. During the trip, Mr Stern sent photos to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, showing Ms Muqi (pictured) at a dinner with Andrew During the trip, Mr Stern also sent photos to Epstein of Andrew sat next to an unknown woman at the same dinner attended by Ms Muqi Another email shows Epstein arranged for Andrew to have dinner at the five-star St Regis hotel in Beijing with Jes Staley, a senior JP Morgan banker whose role as the paedophile's personal banker was later exposed. Having fixed the dinner with Mr Staley, Epstein then instructed Mr Stern: 'Confirm with Andrew.' Emails seen by this newspaper reveal that Andrew insisted that the first four days of his visit should be 'private'. During the trip Mr Stern emailed Epstein what appear to be discreetly-taken photographs of Andrew meeting multiple young women. There is no suggestion that any were victims of Epstein or of Andrew himself. The photos also show a seemingly unaware Andrew enjoying a ride on a bamboo river raft. Three days before the trade mission started, Mr Stern emailed Epstein a photograph of Miya Muqi, a 23-year-old Chinese model, and said: 'We have dinner in Beijing on Sunday night with this P'. The letter P is repeatedly used by Mr Stern in emails to Epstein as code for a vile and disparaging term for young women. During the trip, Mr Stern sent photos to Epstein, showing Ms Muqi at the dinner along with at least one other young woman who sat next to Andrew. Ms Muqi, who later became an actress and yoga teacher, did not respond to the MoS's request for comment. This newspaper can reveal that the dinner party guests also included billionaire Chinese media mogul Bruno Wu. A month after the dinner, emails show Mr Stern told Epstein they needed to discuss 'if we can do wealth management for Chinese', adding that he wanted to 'partner with Bruno Wu and involve [Prince Andrew]'. Mr Stern emailed Epstein a photograph of Miya Muqi, (pictured) a 23-year-old Chinese model, and said: 'We have dinner in Beijing on Sunday night with this P'. The letter P is repeatedly used by Mr Stern in emails to Epstein as code for a vile and disparaging term for young women Later in the year Mr Stern told Epstein about a potential $1 million investment with Mr Wu, saying: 'Since it involves [Prince Andrew] maybe you want to have a look.' Mr Stern said the deal involved '3 luxury brands and 3 clubs'. There is no evidence any deal went ahead. The MoS has approached Mr Wu for comment. In October 2010, Mr Stern told Epstein that he was planning potential business deals thanks to Andrew's trip. 'Since China trip in September I started to follow up on meetings we had to develop/attract deals. Is this right?,' he said. And in an email to Epstein the following summer, Mr Stern proposed setting up a 'discreet' investment firm to target 'state owned enterprises and private wealth,' adding: 'This is the route to managing Chinese private wealth.' He said the proposed firm could be small but 'must feel, smell and in fact be big money and power including access to power globally see PA [Prince Andrew].' The revelations came as it was claimed that Epstein boasted about the sensitive information he was getting from his Establishment sources in Britain. An adviser to a Middle Eastern government, who repeatedly met Epstein, said the paedophile bragged about getting information from Andrew, Peter Mandelson and a 'third man' from inside 10 Downing Street and declared: 'I've got the UK sewn up'. Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: 'We continue to assess all relevant information and have no further comment at this time.' Andrew did not respond to the MoS's request for comment. China talks cable sent to ex-Duke's associate By Mark Hookham One of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's most senior aides leaked a 'sensitive' diplomatic telegram about China to the former duke's business associate. Amanda Thirsk forwarded banker Jonathan Rowland a Foreign Office cable that included details of talks between the then prince and leading Chinese politicians. The cable was marked 'sensitive' and meant for Government officials. An investigation by The Mail on Sunday in 2019 revealed Mr Rowland, whose father David is pictured right with Andrew, was with him on a taxpayer-funded mission to China in 2010 and used his access to try to land clients for his family Banque Havilland. Leaked documents reveal how after the three-day visit, Ms Thirsk, then Andrew's deputy private secretary, forwarded Mr Rowland a cable written by Sebastian Wood, the UK's ambassador to China. Mr Wood had sent the telegram almost a month earlier to London via the Foreign Office's secure system. The cable detailed face-to-face talks during the trade visit with Wang Qishan, China's vice premier, and Chen Deming, the commerce minister. Asked if it was appropriate for Ms Thirsk to send him the cable, Mr Rowland said last night: 'That's a question for her.' She was contacted for comment. Andrew also allegedly forwarded a confidential Treasury briefing to Mr Rowland, who has 'no recollection of it'. A mass brawl erupted between British passengers on a flight from Turkey to Manchester, forcing the jet to make an emergency diversion. Chaotic footage has since emerged of Thursday's Jet2 fight, capturing passengers screaming as others exchanged blows and wrestled in the aisle mid-air. Now, a 21-year-old passenger from Sheffield who was on board the flight has described the scenes to the Daily Mail, and explained what triggered the 'shocking and frightening' brawl. The unnamed source claimed that the trouble began when a bald man who had recently undergone a hair transplant loudly began asking other passengers if they wanted to listen to music. 'Some people said yes because he was already being so loud,' he said. 'I think him and another bloke had definitely been drinking before or on the flight because their beaviour just wasn't normal'. But cabin crew quickly intervened and requested he turn it down. The man, who can be seen in footage wearing a grey Trailberg jacket, then began shouting at the air hostess, according to the anonymous passenger. 'She went and got her supervisor but he was being so rude, just swearing and shouting at her, I've not seen anything like it,' he said. An unnamed source told the Daily Mail that the trouble began when a bald man who had recently undergone a hair transplant loudly began asking other passengers if they wanted to listen to music The man, who can be seen in footage wearing a grey Trailberg jacket, began shouting at an air hostess, according to the anonymous passenger Dramatic footage shows travellers screaming as passengers traded punches and wrestled with each other in the aisle Around 10 minutes later, another altercation erupted when he allegedly asked two teenage brothers sitting in front of him, aged 16 and 18, if they would buy him cigarettes as he had reached his 210 spending limit on board. The older brother refused, causing the man to start swearing at them, according to the Sheffield resident who filmed the scenes. 'He told him to f*** off, he was swearing and yelling at them it was awful, I wouldn't wish anything like that on anyone,' he said. 'It was so scary, there were kids on the plane'. The 18-year-old, who is not seen in footage, then left his seat to go to the bathroom before his mother walked over to confront the man who had asked for the cigarettes. According to the passenger, the woman remained calm as she told the man to leave her son alone and that he would not be giving him any money. 'She didn't say anything bad at all, she was very respectful and was just asking the man to stay away from her son'. But this simple interaction prompted the man to start hurling verbal abuse towards the mother, as he told her to 'f*** off b****', the passenger said. The younger son then allegedly approached the man to tell him to 'stop swearing at my mum' but this only angered the man more as he began yelling loudly at the pair, starling nearby passengers. The individual filming the drama soon became involved in the incident as he attempted to stand up for the woman who was being yelled at. But things quickly took a turn for the worse when the male passenger allegedly began making racist remarks. 'He kept on asking me if I wanted to fight, but then he called me a Muslim mug. He said: "Bet you don't want to fight me you Muslim mug". It was shocking, an unreal experience,' he said. 'This is when everyone began shouting and fighting, some more people were filming now and people were just asking him: "Why are you being racist?"' In his footage, the man, who was standing in the plane aisle could be seen attempting to snatch a woman's phone who was filming the scenes unfold. He is then seen grabbing a pair of glasses off a man's face before throwing them to the side, prompting the man to retaliate by shoving him. This man was allegedly the cousin of the two teenagers who were asked by the disruptive passenger to buy cigarettes for. Passengers previously claimed one of those detained had been drinking heavily and making racist remarks before the situation escalated Police boarded the aircraft on landing and took two individuals into custody The brawl erupted between British passengers and prompted the flight to make an emergency landing in Brussels A third man then joined in shoving the would-be phone snatcher, prompting all hell to break loose. During the ensuing altercation a woman could be heard screaming as a female flight attendant rushed in to try and separate those fighting. One man placed another in a headlock, and terrified families and elderly travellers reportedly became caught up in the disorder. 'Everyone was shouting and fighting. People were even crying and there were children on the plane. I never imagined something like that could happen,' the source said. In his footage, a pair of men standing in the background also appeared to be embroiled in a verbal altercation as shouts and yells erupt across the plane. Multiple passengers then attempted to intervene to calm the situation, with cabin crew seen also trying to ease things. Witnesses described seeing blood on seats and teeth scattered on the floor. 'I didn't see any teeth, but I heard that other passengers were saying that he had just gotten his teeth in Turkey and some had been knocked out in the fight. 'He was covered in blood though at the end. His whole head was bloody,' he recalled. Several passengers were later spotted giving basic first aid to those involved. 'People were coming back from their holidays and this is the last thing you would want coming home. It really was shocking. 'We were meant to land back in Manchester at around 8pm but we didn't end up getting back until around 10.30pm after we had to emergency land in Brussels'. According to the flyer, when they landed in Brussels, the police still took around 20 minutes to board the plane and detain the man, and another male passenger who had been fighting. 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. The Daily Mail has approached Jet2 for comment. Wes Streeting is under growing pressure to scrap the puberty blocker clinical trial after Northern Ireland refused to take part due to a legal challenge. The devolved nation said it would halt participation until the outcome of a judicial review, which has been launched by gender-critical campaigners. The UK-wide research will involve about 220 children under the age of 16 who are going through puberty, and will examine the impact of the puberty blocker drugs on their physical and emotional well-being. Legal letters have already been issued to the medical regulators responsible for the trial, and copied to Health Secretary Mr Streeting. At the weekend, Stormont's health minister, Mike Nesbitt, said: Having taken account of the ongoing judicial review into the UK government's clinical trial of puberty blockers, I have decided to suspend Northern Ireland's agreement to participate in the UK-wide Pathways trial until the legal process has concluded. Should the trial ultimately be given the green light to proceed, I shall take the views of executive colleagues before any potential lifting of the pause. The recruitment of the trial's participants has already been delayed until the start of April. Wes Streeting (pictured) is under growing pressure to scrap the puberty blocker clinical trial after Northern Ireland refused to take part due to a legal challenge However, the campaigners bringing the High Court challenge want to apply for an emergency injunction preventing the start of the trial until the case has concluded. They question the trials safety and transparency, and whether it meets the expected ethical principles. Participants in the 10.7 million trial will be put on the drugs for up to two years and placed randomly in two groups, one starting treatment immediately and the other after 12 months. More than 137,000 people signed an e-petition within 72 hours opposing the trial. The drugs, which pause the development of secondary sex characteristics such as breasts and periods, were banned for under-18s in gender medicine last year. Baroness Hilary Cass, who led the 2024 independent review into NHS gender care, told the BBC today she was in favour of the trial, because it would create an evidence base and stop 'charlatans' handing out drugs inappropriately. However, one of those involved in the legal challenge is Keira Bell, who took the now closed Tavistock gender clinic to court in 2020 after she was given puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones as a teenager. She said on X yesterday: Our legal case against the puberty blocker trial has halted Northern Ireland's involvement until it has concluded. Confirmation that the UK will do the same [would be] very welcomed. Fellow campaigner psychotherapist James Esses added: Wes Streeting, for the sake of our children, do the right thing and pull the plug on this safeguarding monstrosity. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: Medical care must always be based on solid evidence, and childrens safety must come first. The Cass Review recommended puberty suppressing hormones should only be prescribed to under 18s for gender dysphoria as part of a research or clinical trial. This study, which includes a trial into puberty-suppressing hormones, will provide further evidence needed to inform any ongoing clinical use. An Amazon delivery van became stuck on mudflats and caught in the tide after following a GPS route to a dangerous footpath. Coastguards were called out to reports of an Amazon delivery vehicle on The Broomway at Great Wakering in Essex this morning. The driver had reportedly been following a GPS route from Southend-on-Sea to Foulness Island. The Broomway is a six-mile footpath across flat sands into the Thames Estuary, which is home to a Ministry of Defence firing range. It has been described as the 'deadliest pathway in Britain' and is thought to have killed more than 100 people in previous centuries, though the last known death was in 1919. It is treacherous as the path disappears and reappears with the rising tide and people are advised to only attempt the walk with the help of an experienced guide. The route is not recommended for vehicles and was described by the coastguard team as an 'extremely dangerous area'. Amazon said it was 'aware' of the situation and was 'investigating'. The delivery driver became lost after following a GPS route onto The Broomway in Essex The Amazon delivery van was lifted from beneath the water on the dangerous walking route The Broomway is currently managed by global defence and security company, QinetiQ, which described it as a 'unique right of way which requires both caution and specialist knowledge to negotiate safely'. The company advised that it is 'not way-marked nor maintained for vehicles', adding that the route is on soft, wet mud, not sand. The company also states that it is illegal to drive a motorised or e-powered vehicle the full length of The Broomway. HM Coastguard Southend-on-Sea said the driver managed to escape from the van and reported back to Amazon. The company arranged the vehicle's extraction with the help of a local farmer. It was later seen being lifted from the Thames Estuary and back onto dry land. A spokesperson for the coastguard team said: 'HM Coastguard Southend were called out this morning to reports that an Amazon Delivery Van had driven via Wakering Stairs onto The Broomway, which is a 600-year-old six-mile "walking" path out into the Thames Estuary, following a GPS route to take it onto Foulness Island. 'The Broomway route is not for vehicles and should only be walked on with a guide who knows the mudflats. 'It is an extremely dangerous area and is on MOD property, only free to access when the firing ranges are not active and the barrier is open.' The Broomway has been described as the 'deadliest path in the UK' and is thought to have killed more than 100 people in previous centuries HM Coastguard Southend were called out this morning to reports that an Amazon Delivery Van had driven onto The Broomway, which is a 600 years old 6 mile 'walking' path out into the Thames Estuary 'The correct route onto Foulness Island is via the left barrier via Qinetiq security office. 'HM Coastguard Southend DSO spoke to the Qinetiq security office who confirmed they were aware of the van and that the passenger and driver had driven on to the mudflats yesterday evening. 'The delivery driver had removed themselves from the van and reported the incident to Amazon. Amazon have arranged with a local farmer to extract the vehicle this afternoon. 'HM Coastguard's primary concern was for the safety of the occupants and any possible pollution. 'With the occupants confirmed to be safe and the vehicle to be removed later today, Coastguard Officers were stood down.' At least five teachers a day needed medical treatment following attacks by violent pupils in Scotlands schools, figures reveal. The Scottish Tories said it demonstrated the SNPs soft-touch approach to classroom thugs. Of 5,222 incidents where teachers required treatment over the last six years, 225 ended up in hospital or needed to visit a doctor. However the true figures are likely to be far higher, as many of the 32 councils in Scotland lack records on assaults or refuse to collate the information on cost grounds. No disruptive pupils were permanently excluded from Scottish schools last year, but in the year the SNP came to power there were 164 expulsions. Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said: These deeply alarming figures show how teaching staff are being betrayed by the SNPs soft-touch approach to school discipline. Nobody should fear being assaulted in their workplace, yet that is the appalling reality for far too many teachers and support staff. This is why weve pledged to give headteachers the power to permanently exclude the most violently disruptive pupils from their school. They know what is best for their school, rather than unelected council officials. SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth published guidance to teachers on pupil violence Our plans would restore some much-needed discipline to Scotlands schools. The 5,222 incidents were recorded between 2019-20 and 2024-25 and the number of attacks when classrooms were open averaged just over five a day. Scotland has the highest rate of violent injuries to school staff in Britain, with 490 serious enough to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive between 2014 and 2024. And around two-thirds of incidents occurred in primary schools. SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth last year published guidance on pupil violence, saying exclusion should be a last resort. The advice suggested eye contact for low-level disruption and giving violent pupils a laminated set of bullet points to help them deal with their frustrations. Mr Briggs added: The SNPs guidance on violence in schools is full of waffle, and they have failed to act for too long on this issue. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Research shows most pupils are well-behaved, with the reduction in exclusions reflecting the hard work schools and councils are doing to improve behaviour. Exclusions remain an option and can be used as a last resort where appropriate, such as to ensure immediate safety. However, evidence shows exclusion alone rarely leads to behavioural change and can push vulnerable pupils into unsafe situations outside of school. Any thug who pulls a knife on Scotlands streets should expect to be shot by frontline officers responding to life-or-death emergencies, according to a top police union official. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), called for a New Zealand-style system of increased access to firearms. He believes that all officers should be trained in the use of guns and every police car equipped to carry them, allowing access in the event of a threat to life incident. The SPF which represents 98 per cent of officers will make the case for greater protection as part of its manifesto for police reform, which is due to be released later this month ahead of the Scottish parliament election. Discussing its most eye-catching proposal in an interview in The Herald, Mr Kennedy suggested there was a clear need for stronger action over the threat to police and public from knife crime. He said: If you walk out into the street in Scotland with a knife you should expect to be shot by police. David Kennedy has proposed for more Scottish police officers to have access to firearms Mr Kennedy highlighted the increased dangers for officers and the public from knife crime Mr Kennedy added that every single police officer in Scotland will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder at some point due to the levels of violence they face, adding: Police in Scotland are being emotionally and psychologically battered every day. With officers also buckling under the pressure of low numbers on the frontline, Mr Kennedy claims the public is being left at risk. He said: Policing is in crisis and the officers trying their hardest to provide a service to their communities are being broken in the process. In particular, the SPF points out that violence against officers is rising and personal protective equipment remains inadequate. As a result, the SPF is keen to adopt the firearms model used in Norway and New Zealand, which allows weapons to be stored securely in every police car so officers can access guns quickly if there is a threat to life. The proposal was backed by the Scottish Conservative victims and community safety spokesman, Sharon Dowey, who said: These calls underline the growing problem of knife crime which is causing misery on Scotlands streets. Under the SNPs regime, many dangerous individuals involved in knife crime often avoid jail and are simply sent away with a slap on the wrists. Most romances can be traced back to a defining moment for some its love at first sight while for others its a grand declaration of mutual feelings. But for daytime television queen Lorraine Kelly, Cupid struck during a drunken night in the Highlands. The Glasgow-born star has admitted she leapt on now-retired cameraman Steve Smith like a ninja while filming in Glencoe. The 66-year-old, who has been presenting her eponymous ITV morning programme since 2010, said: I had my eye on Steve since we stared working together at TV-am in the 1980s, but was getting nowhere with him. After filming in Glencoe with the mountain rescue team, I got him terribly drunk one night and leapt on him like a ninja. He had no defence, poor soul. Its our 35th anniversary next year and to celebrate I want to go to Mongolia or spend time in the Falklands its like Scotland, but with penguins. For our silver anniversary we went to Antarctica, which was incredible.' Lorraine and Steve on their wedding day in 1992 Lorraine and Steve walked under an arch of sabres after their wedding ceremony Lorraine has had a brilliant career - and will celebrate her 35th wedding anniversary next year The couple, who married in 1992, have 31-year-old daughter Rosie, who recently had a child of her own. Lorraine added: I cant wait to take my granddaughter, Billie, to Antarctica to see the penguins. Seeing the world through a childs eyes is pure magic. A series of cost cutting measures saw Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women all relocated to a smaller studio in central London. Stars such as Cat Deeley, Ben Shephard, and Kaye Adams are all being forced to share dressing rooms and use communal toilets. But an insider has claimed Ms Kelly is the only star to have her own personal toilet inside her dressing room. The insider told The Sun: There have been quite a lot of issues since the team's relocation to the new smaller studios. As well as the cramped space, presenters have had to give up their personal dressing rooms and loos. Lorraine is the only one who has her own private throne. 'But even she has to share it, with guests frequently popping in. A police sergeant with an untarnished 20-year record has been given the sack after he wrestled a violent suspect to the ground and struck the man three times in a desperate bid to restrain him. Rhodri Davies was found not to have caused any physical or mental harm to 'highly aggressive' Tariq Evans, 23, while trying to detain him on suspicion of affray during the fraught incident in 2022. But a misconduct appeal last month determined Davies should be dismissed from South Wales Police for his 'unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable' actions. Four other findings of misconduct were overturned, but Davies heard that striking the suspect amounted to using 'unlawful' force. Now local Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who represents Gower, said the former custody sergeant had been 'failed', while Mr Davies has spoken out to say he 'did not deserve' to lose his job. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Davies explained how his case has 'terrified' his former colleagues in situations where they have to handle violent suspects. He said: 'If we get something wrong, if we fail to search someone properly, if we fail to treat a suspect with the caution they require, it is potentially life or death. '[My former colleagues] do not use force on violent suspects because they are terrified that they will lose their jobs, and ultimately that means the public and police are less safe.' Rhodri Davies has been given the sack after he wrestled a violent suspect to the ground and struck the man three times in a desperate bid to restrain him A misconduct appeal last month determined Davies should be dismissed from South Wales Police for his 'unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable' actions The panel heard how in the run-up to the incident, Tariq Evans had already displayed violent behaviour towards other members of the public, as well as police officers Mr Davies had been found guilty of gross misconduct at his initial hearing over the incident and dismissed from the force. The panel heard how in the run-up to the incident, Evans had already displayed violent behaviour towards other members of the public, as well as police officers. Evans, who it was heard has autism and ADHD, was arrested in the Morriston area of Swansea on October 24, 2022, shortly after 7.30pm. Officers had been called to the scene amid reports of Evans and other males fighting, as well as the suspect hitting several vehicles with a fire extinguisher, the panel was told. When Evans saw a marked police van arrive, he proceeded to approach it and headbutt its window. He then fled, causing officers to search for him in the area. Evans was eventually detained by Taser and use of PAVA. It took 'numerous officers to take him to the floor and restrain him' while Evans is said to have also 'spat' at them. One officer described his level of aggression on the night as '9 out of 10'. Evans was said to have continued to be 'aggressive and uncooperative' and officers struggled to get handcuffs on him, eventually using a baton to assist. Footage from the scene combined with testimony at the misconduct hearing reveal how Davies and other officers had attempted to bring Evans into the custody suite Davies was accused of bringing Evans 'to the ground in a dangerous manner and whilst he was on the ground you struck him on several occasions' PC Jack Williams, 27, (pictured) was recorded on another officer's body camera beating Evans and was jailed for 12 weeks The suspect, still not complying, was placed into a spit hood and limb restraints in the back of a police van and transported to Swansea Custody Suite. On the way, he is alleged to have tried to bite PC Jack Williams, who responded by punching him repeatedly in the head. Williams was later charged with assault by beating and jailed for 12 weeks. By the time Evans arrived at the custody suite, he was still aggressive and attempted to kick at a female officer. It was against this context that Davies then received Evans into custody - with what happened next determining the end of his police career. Footage from the scene combined with testimony at the misconduct hearing reveal how Davies and other officers had attempted to bring Evans into the custody suite. Davies was accused of bringing Evans 'to the ground in a dangerous manner and whilst he was on the ground you struck him on several occasions.' He was then accused of using an 'unsafe technique' to bring the suspect to his feet, 'namely by using his handcuffs.' With Evans now standing, Davies can be seen striking Evans 'on one or more occasions' before using 'a dangerous restraint'. Davies was accused of placing his hand in a 'c-clamp' across the back of the suspect's neck applying downward pressure, before using knee strikes against him. The footage also shows the sergeant 'losing patience' and swearing at the suspect. According to Jonathan Walters, for South Wales Police, the incident amounted to gross misconduct, because there was 'no justification' for taking Evans down to the floor at that point. But Martin Graves, an expert on police use of force, told the original hearing that the actions of Davies were in line with his training and justified. Ms Antoniazzi has also questioned the decision to sack the police sergeant. She said: 'How is it possible that a police sergeant, when acting in accordance with all the regulations, can have eight breaches reduced to only one and still lose his job?' At the appeal, Davies highlighted that no other officers present made any complaint about his conduct at the time of the incident. He also flagged that 'unusually' the investigating officer told those present they would not 'get into trouble' if they decided to change their accounts, having given statements at the time. None of the witnesses amended their statements, the panel heard. The case against Evans was subsequently dropped, while Davies has lost his appeal and now works in finance. A spokesman for the force said: 'The appeal tribunal is an independent body to hear appeals against the findings of internal misconduct proceedings against police officers. 'They are not linked to South Wales Police, and operate independently to ensure fair and impartial decision-making. 'The independent tribunal panel upheld grounds one and two of former PS Davies's appeal, overturned the original decision, and made its own decision on the conduct. 'They concluded that two standards use of force and discreditable conduct had been breached, and the only appropriate outcome was one of dismissal without notice. This decision reflects that of the original misconduct hearing panel.' Daily Mail has contacted South Wales Police for comment. The case echoes that of police officer Lorne Castle, 46, who is appealing against a Dorset Police decision to sack him for gross misconduct. Mr Castle was found to have used disproportionate force during the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth in January 2024. Lorne Castle, 46, is appealing against a Dorset Police decision to sack him for gross misconduct after he tackled a knife-carrying teenager A Stanley-like knife fell from the boy's waistband during his arrest, but a misconduct panel said PC Castle who put his hand in the teen's face and on his neck and jabbed his finger at him - failed to act with self-control or show the boy 'courtesy and respect'. His dismissal came months after Mr Castle won a national lifesaving award for saving an elderly lady from a flooded river. The father-of-three said of his decision to appeal: 'I was sacked, left with no job, a family to look after and no job prospects. 'I want my name cleared. I feel that I have been treated really unfairly. I have been an exemplary officer for over 10 years.' Dorset Police has previously said of the dismissal: 'The panel found that PC Castle failed to act with self-control, did not treat the boy with courtesy or respect. 'His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate.' A video clip of the incident, released by the force, shows the officer tackling the 15-year-old boy to the ground before taking hold of the teenager's face and throat while repeatedly swearing and shouting at him. As the boy protests, crying 'what have I done?, the officer shouts 'stop screaming like a little b****, do you understand that? Shut up', before telling him: 'Stop resisting or I'm going to smash you. Do you understand?' The officer then told the youth he was being arrested on suspicion of assault. A former Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner later branded the sacking an 'overreaction' and accused his former force of going 'woke'. Martyn Underhill said he found it 'scary' how Dorset Police behaved, saying that while the officer deserved to be interviewed and disciplined, they were wrong to dismiss him without notice for gross misconduct. News / National by Stephen Jakes A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Presidential Guard corporal and a civilian accomplice have been arrested after they were allegedly caught trafficking 600 kilogrammes of marijuana at a National Task Force antismuggling roadblock in Bubi, 77km from the Beitbridge Border Post.According to a police memo, Corporal Alison Maredza and Norest Jingura were arrested on 14 February 2026 at around 7:15am after officers intercepted a white Toyota Hilux, registration AGP 1412, following a tipoff that the vehicle was transporting dangerous drugs.A search of the vehicle uncovered 120 cobs of marijuana, each weighing approximately 5kg, giving a combined weight of 600kg with an estimated street value of US$96 000.Police say Jingura was wearing a Zimbabwe Republic Police uniform and masquerading as an Assistant Inspector."Jingura indicated that he was given the uniform by ZRP officer Assistant Inspector Dzingai Takawarasha stationed at Mkushi Academy," the memo states.The suspects allegedly told investigators they were being paid US$25 per cob, and in this case expected to receive US$3 000 upon delivery of the drugs.Investigations are ongoing. Almost immediately after news broke of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the country became captivated with the investigation. At the same time, amateur journalists and internet sleuths have thrust themselves into the probe, with many of them setting up camp right outside of the 84-year-old's home in Tucson, Arizona. Now, officially two weeks into the search for Savannah Guthrie's beloved mother, tensions have appeared to grow between locals and internet personalities pushing out information on the case, including a lot of speculation and unconfirmed reports. Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez, who represents Tucson, said she is fed up with the presence of true crime sleuths who have taken over Tucson and the Pima County area. 'I am so sick of watching the "reporting" grifting, insane speculation, lies and BS by random wannabe journalists and YouTubers who have now caused more harm than good to this entire situation and put this serious case in jeopardy,' Hernandez said in an X post late Saturday evening. She then made a direct demand for those people to get out of the way and let officials 'do their jobs.' 'Please GO HOME. Let law enforcement do their jobs. Stop following them during swat operations and playing detectives. I am sick of the constant LIES from those who can't even spell Tucson and clearly have never been to our city,' she wrote. Hernandez also took a dig at Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has been repeatedly slammed for his handling of what many have referred to as a bungling investigation. Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez slammed amateur reporters and internet sleuths for camping outsid Nancy Guthrie's home since news broke of her disappearance (pictured on Sunday) The 84-year-old was reported missing on February 1. She was last seen by her eldest daughter and her husband during a dinner and family game night the evening before 'This home is not near downtown or midtown, so posting random videos of people walking in yards ain't it y'all, no, Mexicans don't all look the same, yes, our sheriff should probably stay off social media and not speak to the press anymore,' she continued. 'Yes, this is sad, and we all want Nancy home. But seriously, PLEASE STOP.' Hernandez's plea comes as another day goes by without any clue as to what happened to Nancy. Earlier on Sunday afternoon, it was revealed that investigators found and bagged up several gloves that were located just two miles from Nancy's $1 million home. The FBI told the Daily Mail that about 16 gloves were collected near her property, and that most of them were used and discarded by searchers at the site. But one of the gloves is different from the rest and appears to match the ones the unidentified masked kidnapper was wearing in the video clip released last week. Officials are awaiting confirmation on DNA of an unknown male profile that was lifted from the glove. Results usually takes about 24 hours to come back, the agency added. The doorbell footage showed a man covering his face with a ski mask and his hands with black nitrile gloves. Hernandez has demanded that podcasters and internet sleuths go home and leave the investigation to law enforcement Hernandez also took a dig at Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has been repeatedly slammed for his handling of what many have referred to as a bungling investigation Throughout most of the video, the man appeared to try to distort the camera's view, and at one point even grabbed a small shrub to cover the lens. Multiple people have been taken in for questioning in the mysterious case, but all of them have been released. On Friday, three people were arrested and taken in as persons of interest. They were later let go. A series of ransom notes have also been sent out to media outlets, including several letters to TMZ. In the latest correspondence, the sender demanded $6 million in bitcoin from the Guthrie family. Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, have taken to social media several times. In the clips, they spoke directly to their missing mother, and at times, they solely addressed her kidnappers. In each video, they begged those responsible for her disappearance to send them proof of life, but to this day, that has not been done. Although the police still have not named a suspect, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said 'no one has been eliminated'. In her most recent post, Savannah shared a heartwarming clip of old photos and videos of her mother with her and her siblings. 'Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope,' the Today Show host wrote. Italy's famous 'love arch' collapsed overnight on Valentine's Day as storms continue to rip through the country. The Torre Sant'Andrea in Puglia was a rock formation in the sea that had become a popular tourist destination, attracting couples seeking eternal love. According to local legend, pairs who kissed underneath the rock would have a love that lasted forever. However, the iconic arch collapsed during storms on Saturday night, following days of high winds and heavy rain. Pictures showed the bridge of rock between connecting the two stacks in the sea had eroded away. Mayor of Melendugno, Maurizio Cisternino, said the collapse was a 'huge blow to the heart'. 'One of the most famous tourist attractions on our coast and in Italy as a whole is disappearing,' he told Quotidiano di Puglia. 'I am deeply sorry for what happened, this is an unwanted Valentine's Day gift. The lovers' arch no longer exists.' 'An icon of our territory is shattered and lost at sea, and the sadness affects me as mayor and the entire community that loves our towns.' The Torre Sant'Andrea in Puglia, also known as the 'love arch' was a popular tourist destination for couples seeking eternal love The arch collapsed during storms on Saturday night following days of high winds and heavy rain. A grab said to have been taken from above the structure showed it had collapsed in the middle Walkers first noticed that the famous structure had disappeared on Sunday morning. Italy has been hit with extreme weather in recent weeks and months, including flooding in southern regions. A yellow weather warning had been issued for the Puglia region on Saturday following weeks of storms. Firefighters have been called out to more than 2,000 emergencies in Calabria, Sardinia and Sicily in the past three days. Last month Storm Harry brought nine-metre waves and winds of 74 miles per hour, submerging roads and pavements. Authorities issued red alerts across Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria as the storm unleashed gale-force winds, heavy rain and vicious storm surges. A man has been killed by a high-speed train in Bangladesh after he reportedly stood on the tracks to take a selfie just moments before the fatal collision. Tuk-tuk driver Mohi Uddin, 32, was visiting Bagmara market in the city of Comilla, eastern Bangladesh, on Sunday morning when he stepped onto the Dhaka-Chittagong railway line. Witnesses told JagoNews24 they saw Mr Uddin standing on the tracks to take a selfie which he is understood to have then posted on Facebook. The Daily Inqilab reports that others saw him talking on the phone at the time he was killed, which police have confirmed. A Laksham police spokesperson said: 'The deceased Mohiuddin was killed when he was hit by a moving train while sitting on the railway line and talking on his mobile phone. 'He has been taken to his village home. If the family complains, we will take action.' The 32-year-old was struck by the high-speed train, bound for Dhaka, at around 7.45am. He was killed instantly. Police said he could have been hit by an Upakul Express train which departed Noakhali and passed through Laksham railway station at around 7.30am. Tuk-tuk driver Mohi Uddin, 32, was killed by a high-speed train after reportedly standing on a railway line to take selfies in Bangladesh The Dhaka-Chittagong railway line where Mr Uddin was killed Mr Uddin's death comes after a tourist was killed in Sri Lanka when she leaned her head out of a train carriage while trying to take photos. Russian national Olga Perminova, 53, was travelling on the legendary Podi Menike railway line in February last year when she leaned out of an open door while holding onto two rails and smashed into a rock, suffering fatal head injuries. Citing police, local reports said she 'died after falling off the train when attempting to take a selfie while hanging from the train footboard between the Badulla and Hali Ela railway stations'. Ms Perminova 'knocked against a rock, fell off the train and sustained severe injuries'. This is the heart-stopping moment a toddler was allegedly snatched by a homeless man inside a busy supermarket in Italy. Shocking CCTV footage captured the one-year-old girl being grabbed in full view of her horrified parents at a store in Bergamo. The dramatic clip shows the family mum, dad and their little daughter calmly exiting through the automatic doors when a Romanian man suddenly approaches. Within seconds, the suspect, dressed in a black hoodie and green trousers, lunges at the child and seizes her. In a horrifying tug-of-war, the toddler is yanked in opposite directions as her desperate mother clings to her arms while the man grips her legs. The girls stunned father is seen jolting away from the shopping trolley he had been pushing before rushing to intervene. Panicked shoppers quickly leap into action, surrounding the pair and helping wrestle the little girl back to safety. A young girl with black hair can be seen frozen in confusion as the terrifying scene unfolds before her. Shocking CCTV footage captured the one-year-old girl being grabbed in full view of her horrified parents at a store in Bergamo The suspect, dressed in a black hoodie and green trousers, lunges at the child and seizes her In a horrifying tug-of-war, the toddler is yanked in opposite directions as her desperate mother clings to her arms while the man grips her legs Panicked shoppers quickly leap into action, surrounding the pair and helping wrestle the little girl back to safety Moments later, security guards storm in and pin the alleged attacker to the ground as chaos erupts inside the store. Police were called and raced to the supermarket, where officers secured the traumatised child before escorting the suspect to the station. Investigators pieced together the ordeal using witness accounts and CCTV footage. The toddler was rushed to hospital following the struggle. Doctors later confirmed she had suffered a fractured femur as a result of the alleged assault. The man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping of a child under 14 and aggravated assault. He is currently being held in prison as authorities await formal validation of his arrest. Fierce outrage on both sides of the political line has been unleashed at Pam Bondi's list of the rich and famous who were named in the Epstein files. The federal government has spent months redacting and releasing millions of files pertaining to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and the fallout has been felt from the hills of Hollywood to the palaces of the United Kingdom. Pam Bondi wrote a letter to Congress on February 14, declaring that the Department of Justice had now released all the materials relating to the Epstein files, which was asked of them after Donald Trump signed it into law last November. Alongside an update on their work, Bondi included a list of 305 names of celebrities and politicians who were mentioned in the Epstein files at least once. It included known associates like Ghislaine Maxwell, political bigwigs like Tony Blair, actors like Robert De Niro, and businessmen like Mark Zuckerberg. But the new list has infuriated Republicans and Democrats alike, who say this is still not comprehensive enough because so many of the millions of emails and documents were redacted. Bondi stood by her decision to redact parts of the files, noting that under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, elements protecting victims' identities, active investigation details, and child sexual abuse material are allowed to be marred from public view. California representative Ro Khanna called out the Trump administration for 'muddying the waters' by lumping the seemingly random names together in her list to Congress. Pam Bondi wrote a letter to Congress on February 14, declaring that the Department of Justice had now released all the materials relating to the Epstein files, which was asked of them after Donald Trump signed it into law last November Jeffrey Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019, before he could go to trial for the awful child sex crimes he was charged with. Since his death, people on both sides of the political line have begged the government to release the large swathes of documents relating to his case He made the distinction that people like songwriter Janis Joplin was one of the 300 or so named in Bondi's letter - despite the fact she died when Epstein was just 17, long before his depravity took place. Khanna decried Bondi as a predator protector, and demanded the administration 'release the full files' and only redact survivors' names. Rep Khanna wrote: 'The DOJ is once again purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email. 'To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar, who went to prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of young women and child pornography, with no clarification of how either was mentioned in the files is absurd. 'Release the full files. Stop protecting predators. Redact only the survivor's names.' Trump's newfound political enemy Marjorie Taylor Greene also found herself calling out Pam Bondi, following the Attorney General's letter to Congress on February 14. She referenced the fact that she was named in Bondi's long-list of 305 high-profile individuals in the Epstein files - but fumed that the Department of Justice had redacted the file she was actually named in. The former congresswoman questioned 'what is there to hide' if they are willing to put her name on the list, but not willing to reveal the contents of her association. Dumbfounded Taylor Greene wrote: 'If you are going to put my name on your fake Epstein List DOJ letter, then REDACT ALL 31 PAGES OF THIS FILE WITH MY NAME IN IT!!!!!!!!!! 'What is there to hide???' Political commentator Ed Krassenstein also weighed in - pointing out that two of the Biden family members were on Bondi's Epstein list, but none of the Trump children were. He called the omission a 'cover up.' Krassenstein wrote: 'Why does the DOJ's Epstein list include Ashley Biden and Hunter Biden but not Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Barron Trump? 'All of them are mentioned in the files. The Trump / Pam Bondi cover-up continues.' Bondi's letter on February 14 said: 'No records were withheld or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.' The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Department of Justice is following after Trump signed it into law on November 19, 2025, calls for the public release of all unclassified records relating to Epstein and his convicted madame, Ghislaine Maxwell. Under the law, the only elements of the files allowed to be redacted are those protecting victims' identities, active investigation details, and child sexual abuse material. The FBI estimated that there are more than 1,000 Epstein victims in total. The letter stated: 'The only category of records withheld were those records where permitted withholdings under Section 2(c) and privileged materials were not segregable from material responsive under Section 2(a). 'As discussed in the Department's December 19, 2025, and January 29, 2026, letters to Congress (the Prior EFTA Letters), the privileges that applied to the withheld records were deliberative-process privilege, work-product privilege, and attorney-client privilege.' Section 2(c) allows the withholding of information that may detriment victim privacy, child sexual abuse material, an active investigation, graphic content, or national security. It then reiterated that no records were withheld or redacted to spare high-profile individuals from 'embarrassment.' Bondi's letter on February 14 was sent to Congress as part of a requirement related to the Act. She was ordered to inform and update them within 15 days of completing the release of all the files. The Green candidate for an upcoming by-election has tried to defend Zack Polanski's claim that he could enlarge women's breasts via hypnotherapy. The party leader has long been mocked for telling women to 'visualise yourself with a bigger bust as often as possible' when he worked at a Harley Street clinic. Now even the Greens' candidate for next week's pivotal vote in Gorton & Denton has criticised Mr Polanski's past 'misogynistic behaviour', which was detailed in a 2013 interview. But in social media comments made just last year, Hannah Spencer also backed his later apology for the 'mistake'. She welcomed Mr Polanski's announcement that he would run to become party leader in May last year, writing on X: 'My heart could burst. Just what we've always needed.' When told by a party activist that 'Zack comes with baggage that will further humiliate' them, she replied: 'Find me a human who doesn't have baggage. I'd rather someone who's shaped by their mistakes and become a more decent person.' She went on to say: 'Most people in the world engage in misogynistic behaviour. But sadly few people reflect and apologise, or go on to dedicate their life to a fairer future.' Ms Spencer was then told that Mr Polanski had 'conned someone' and it 'doesn't matter' if he had apologised, as he has done repeatedly in the years since. Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton Hannah Spencer alongside leader Zack Polanski Ms Spencer tried to defend Zack Polanski's claim that he could enlarge women's breasts via hypnotherapy She responded: 'I'm glad this conversation brings light more generally to the standards women are held to physically. 'This didn't start or end with Zack maybe now more men can highlight and speak out against this, because it always seems to fall on women to speak out on the damage it does.' And told again that he had not only 'pandered to those standards' but also charged 220 for it the going rate for his 90-minute sessions when he was a hypnotherapist she wrote: 'I really look forward to your timeline becoming a space where you constantly raise and fight the unrealistic (and expensive) beauty and physical standards that us women and girls are expected to live up to. Better late than never, eh.' The looming by-election in the North West, sparked by former minister Andrew Gwynne being forced to resign over offensive comments in a WhatsApp group, has descended into a three-way fight between Labour, the Greens and Reform UK. As allegations of dirty tricks fly, Mr Polanski's party has been accused of falsely claiming an academic endorsed its campaign in leaflets as well as using a misleading bar chart on social media. A Labour source on Sunday night said: 'It shouldn't be hard to call out this ridiculous behaviour from Zack Polanski. Yet Hannah Spencer seems happy to defend the indefensible. 'Now Polanski's pulling his hypnosis scam on the voters by using bogus data and fake endorsements to claim the Greens can win in Gorton & Denton. They can't. 'Only Labour can defeat Reform's Tommy Robinson-endorsed candidate. 'A vote for the Greens just risks letting him in through the back door.' US military forces raided a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Venezuela, the Pentagon said on Sunday. Footage posted online by the Department of War showed the moment armed troops flew in by helicopter and boarded the Veronica III in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. The vessel left Venezuela on January 3, the same day Nicolas Maduro was captured, carrying around 1.9million barrels of crude and fuel oil, according to an X post by TankerTrackers.com. Since 2023, shes been involved with Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil, the organisation said. The Department of War said in an X post on Sunday: Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM [United States Indo-Pacific Command] area of responsibility. The vessel tried to defy President Trumps quarantine - hoping to slip away. 'We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. 'No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this. US troops armed with assault rifles prepare to board a helicopter before raiding the oil tanker Pictured: The moment US troops approached the Veronica III by helicopter in the Indian Ocean In photos released by the US Department of War, American soldiers could be seen raiding the Venezuela-linked vessel International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The department added that it will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain. It shared photos of at least 15 US soldiers on the tanker armed with rifles and night vision equipment. The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel currently under US sanctions related to Iran. According to Open Sanctions, it is engaged in the illegal transportation of hundreds of thousands of metric tons of sanctioned Iranian oil. Sundays raid in the Indian Ocean is the latest in a series of maritime interventions by the US military aimed at enforcing sanctions and stopping Venezuelan oil exports. At least eight other oil tankers have been seized in the past year. Last week US forces captured the Aquila II, which was also trying to flee quarantine. US soldiers onboard the Veronica III, which is currently under sanctions related to Iran Pictured: Helmet or bodycam footage shows the moment the helicopter approaches the Veronica III The tanker was the eighth ship captured by the US since the Trump administration started its crusade against illegal oil shipments in the Caribbean, hoping to cut off Venezuela's main profits. The Aquila II was among the several vessels that attempted to escape the area in early January after Maduro was captured by US special forces. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on X: 'It ran, and we followed. By land, air or sea, our Armed Forces will find you and deliver justice. 'You will run out of fuel long before you will outrun us.' The US is understood to have sanctioned the Aquila II on January 10, saying it was transporting Russian oil. It was already sanctioned by the UK for its connections to Russia. The Department of War posted footage on X showing US troops raiding the tanker. 'When the Department of War says quarantine, we mean it,' the post read. 'Nothing will stop DOW from defending our Homeland - even in oceans halfway around the world.' The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Sunday night said Vladimir Putin 'must be held accountable' after it emerged her husband was killed by a frog poison. Yulia Navalnaya thanked Britain and its allies for establishing that Mr Navalny's death two years ago is likely to have been caused by neurotoxin epibatidine. The poison is only found in nature on the skin of the Ecuadorian dart frog and results in a painful death of paralysis and respiratory arrest if ingested. Ms Navalnaya said: 'I was certain from the first day that my husband had been poisoned, but now there is proof: Putin killed Alexei with [a] chemical weapon. 'I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years and for uncovering the truth. Vladimir Putin is a murderer. He must be held accountable for all his crimes.' On Saturday, the UK, along with Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and France, accused the Russian state of killing 47-year-old Navalny in a Siberian colony. Navalny had been sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on dubious embezzlement charges. His death was announced by the Russian state on February 16, 2024. At the time, his allies accused the Kremlin of murdering him because of the political threat he posed. In their joint statement, the five nations said laboratory analysis found traces of epibatidine in Navalny's body, a toxin associated with South American dart frogs. The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Sunday night said Vladimir Putin 'must be held accountable' after it emerged her husband was killed by a frog poison It is not clear how the frog poison was allegedly administered to Mr Navalny (Pictured during his imprisonment) Navalny's death was the result of poison from a South American dart frog toxin called epibatidine (Pictured: Ecuadorian poison dart frog) The statement read: 'Epibatidine is a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America. It is not found naturally in Russia. 'Russia claimed that Navalny died of natural causes. But given the toxicity of epibatidine and reported symptoms, poisoning was highly likely the cause of his death. Navalny died while held in prison, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison to him.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described the report as Epibatidine, which is classed as a chemical weapon, is said to be 200 times stronger than morphine and can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death. It is used by indigenous South American tribes in blow darts or blowguns when they hunt. It is not clear how the frog poison was allegedly administered to Navalny. On Sunday morning, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed for the first time that Russia has had possession of the toxin, pointing out that 'it can be produced synthetically'. Ms Cooper also said work has taken place over the last two years 'on pursuing the evidence and pursuing the truth' around Navalny's death. She said: 'They wanted to silence him because he was a critic of their regime.' Roman Abramovich has been warned 'time is running out' for him to hand over 2.5billion from the sale of Chelsea FC before it's taken out of his hands. He agreed to transfer the cash earmarked for humanitarian causes in Ukraine after selling the Premier League club when he was sanctioned nearly four years ago following Putin's invasion. But the funds remain frozen in a bank account. Mr Abramovich was told in December that ministers would take legal action if he failed to hand over money. 'The clock is ticking on him,' Yvette Cooper said on Sunday. Police were on Sunday night facing mounting calls to launch a full investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's role as the UK's trade envoy. Senior political figures called for a criminal probe into fresh allegations that the disgraced royal abused his position to leak sensitive information, including to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. It came as it emerged all of the three million Epstein files have now been released. Detectives could investigate Andrew for the offence of misconduct in public office over allegations he forwarded confidential reports while representing the Government abroad. Police chiefs are already assessing claims that a woman was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with him at his Windsor home by his close friend Epstein. Adding to the pressure, the country's top prosecutor said on Sunday that the 65-year-old former Duke of York was not 'above the law'. On Sunday night Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'The Epstein revelations are hugely damaging to public trust in our institutions. It's clear Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor abused his position as trade envoy, sharing sensitive information about the UK's interests with his friend, and convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. 'The police are rightfully looking into this as we need full transparency to get justice for the victims of this abhorrent abuse. That must also include a public inquiry.' Police are facing mounting calls to investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over leaking sensitive information while working as the UK's trade envoy Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein walk together in New York's Central Park on December 5, 2010 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. Andrew, who was stripped of his remaining royal titles last year, served as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. The role allowed him to travel around the world at the taxpayer's expense and gave him privileged access to senior political and business figures. But some of the Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice appear to show that he like New Labour architect Peter Mandelson used the position to forward official documents including sensitive information to Epstein, who took his own life in a prison cell in 2019. The huge dossier includes emails showing that the King's brother allowed Epstein to organise meetings for him during an official trade mission to China. Photographs also show him socialising with a Chinese model during the 2010 trip. Files reveal that earlier that year he passed on a confidential Treasury briefing on Iceland's financial crisis to a banker friend. He also forwarded messages about taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland to his adviser David Stern, who sent them on to Epstein. Andrew even tried to arrange a meeting with Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi for Epstein, at the sex offender's request, although it did not go ahead. Senior Tory MP Alex Burghart said: 'Leaking sensitive Government information is incredibly serious, and these latest reports about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are therefore extremely concerning. No stone should be left unturned to get to the truth... It is vital we find out exactly what happened and due action is taken.' Shadow Foreign Secretary and former Cabinet minister Dame Priti Patel told GB News: 'Everyone that's been involved should be subject to the right kind of inquiries, police investigations. 'What has taken place and happened is absolutely abhorrent, and it's right that everyone is scrutinised in terms of their roles, what has happened, information, papers that may have been shared and disclosed.' A spokesman for Reform UK said: 'It is now time that the police launch an investigation into Andrew Mountbatten's disgraceful leaks as trade envoy. No one is above the law.' Andrew shakes hands with Oman's Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Sayed Faisal bin Ali bin Faisal al-Said, in 2004 An undated photo of Epstein and a women that was released by the US department of justice Andrew waves goodbye to a woman leaving Epstein's home in New York in December 2010 Labour's Rachael Maskell, the York MP who led calls for the royal to be stripped of his Duke of York title, said: 'It is important to have a clear understanding as to what occurred and what was shared on these trade visits... if classified information was leaked then a full investigation should take place.' In an interview with The Sunday Times, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said: 'Nobody is above the law. It's my job to enforce the law and I do so without fear or favour, and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned.' Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force continued 'to assess all relevant information'. Last week Buckingham Palace said: 'The King has made clear his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct... If we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.' Andrew has denied wrongdoing in relation to allegations of sexual misconduct. He has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations about his role as envoy. He will mark his 66th birthday on February 19, but unlike previous lavish celebrations, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will mark the occasion in exile. The disgraced former prince has settled into his new life of rural seclusion on the Sandringham estate after his older brother, King Charles, booted him out of the Royal Lodge amid a slew of revelations about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Life could not be more different from when he marked his 40th birthday 26 years ago, while still the Duke of York. He kicked off the celebrations in 2000 with a private ride on the London Eye alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Writing in Entitled: The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, royal biographer Andrew Lownie explained that the royal party had their own capsule and blocked members of the public from riding until 45 minutes after their arrival, citing security reasons. Some were forced to queue for the London Eye for two hours to allow the family to enjoy the ride. It was just a starter for Andrew's special day, though, and later that evening, his former wife threw him a 'This Is Your Life' birthday party in Sunninghill Park, Ascot, which cost 30,000. The Dance of the Decades in 2000 marked, pictured from L to R, Princess Margaret's 70th birthday, Prince Andrew's 40th birthday, Princess Anne's 50th birthday, and the Queen Mother's 100th birthday 'Sarah Ferguson had organised a thirty-minute video tribute based on the television programme This Is Your Life, featuring among others Elton John, and in honour of Andrew's Royal Navy service, staff had laid out the canapes around models of ships and helicopters, and a fleet of tiny wooden ships on each table,' Lownie wrote. Senior royals, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, did not attend due to concerns that Ferguson was leaking stories about them to the press, the author claimed. Soon after, Andrew, according to Lownie, had resumed his affair with sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and flew to Miami with model Naomi Campbell and Alexia Wallaert, a Parisian art dealer, on the 'Lolita Express'. The following month, on June 21, there was yet another event for Andrew's 40th birthday, the Dance of the Decades. In addition to Andrew's birthday, the celebration marked Princess Anne's 50th, Princess Margaret's 70th, and the Queen Mother's 100th. Both Epstein and Maxwell featured on the 800-person guestlist. It was a lavish black-tie event where guests were served Ruinart champagne and enjoyed live music after dinner. Fast forward to Andrew's 54th birthday, and he was spotted living it up with George Clooney's ex, 'Croatian Sensation' and model Monika Jakisic. Lownie wrote: 'The press reported the duke entertaining the swimwear model Monika Jakisic, known as the 'Croatian Sensation', first on his 54th birthday at the Italian restaurant Cecconi, then two days later at the Arts Club in Knightsbridge and finally a few weeks later in a private room at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.' The former Duchess of York took to Twitter to share a throwback snap of her ex-husband with a gushing message for his 58th birthday in 2018 Members of the public were forced to queue for the London Eye for two hours to allow the family to enjoy the ride Pictured: The former Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie, during a trip on the London Eye, on Andrew's 40th Birthday, on February 19, 2000 The model later sent the rumour mill into a frenzy after sharing a picture of a sparkling ring. 'After she posted a picture of what appeared to be a diamond engagement ring, his press agent was forced to deny the rumour,' said Lownie. Regardless, the love between the former Duke and Duchess of York was apparently still going strong in 2018, when the latter took to Twitter to share a throwback snap of Andrew to mark his 58th birthday. She added her own message to the post: 'Happy birthday to the best man, father, friend Prince Andrew.' And perhaps alluding to the fact she still carries a torch for the royal whom she's been divorced from for over 20 years, she added, 'Ooh, the best looking' and sealed the message with a kiss. This year will perhaps tell a different story for Andrew, however, following the news that the woman on the floor under him at Jeffrey Epstein's New York mansion was a sex trafficking victim, a senior US politician has claimed. 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. After having dinner with Andrew, Monika shared what looked a diamond engagement ring on Twitter Pictured: The former Prince Andrew and Monika Jakisic after a romantic dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht club in 2014 'Croatian sensation' Monika Jakisic is photographed during a night out in London back in May, 2013 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. His comments came on the same day that British former prime minister Gordon Brown urged police to interview Andrew as part of a new investigation into Epstein. 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. At this week's hearing in the US, Mr Lieu said: 'I'm going to show you two photos of former Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein. 'Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect the victims of Epstein's sex trafficking operation. You redacted the photos of this victim's face because you were following the congressional law, is that correct?' Ms Bondi replied: 'I'm sorry, that we redacted the victim's face?' Mr Lieu told her: 'Because you were following the congressional law, correct?' Ms Bondi said: 'Yes.' Mr Lieu continued: 'You have now established that we - please put the photos back up - that we are looking at a sex trafficking victim. Pictured: Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend Batman Forever in New York in June, 1995 Pictured: Former Prince Andrew at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor Great Park in 2017 Epstein and Maxwell attended the Royal Family's Dance of the Decades at Windsor Castle as special guests of the former Duke of York in 2000 'Under the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act, not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronises Epstein's sex operation is also guilty of a crime. 'That's why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein's clients, like former Prince Andrew. Last July, you closed the case on Epstein's abusers. 'The July 2025 memo from your Department of Justice stated: "We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties". 'These two photos - please put the photos back up - these two photos staring you in the face are evidence of a crime, and more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew. 'So I ask you, Attorney General Pam Bondi, why did you shut down this investigation last July? And why have you not prosecuted former Prince Andrew?' But Ms Bondi replied: 'I don't believe you asked Merrick Garland these questions when he was Attorney General and sat before you twice, did you? Never mentioned it.' Mr Lieu said: 'I agree with you. During the during the Biden administration, I called for people looking at Epstein files. Merrick Garland dropped the ball as did Attorney General Bill Barr, as did Alex Acosta, a whole string of failures, but you are in charge. 'You have the power to change things to hold these men accountable, and you're doing the opposite, you're protecting them.' It is not known whether Mr Lieu has had special insight on the Epstein investigations, but some US politicians are understood to have viewed unredacted files. The Department of Justice, which published more than three million documents relating to Epstein in the latest release, has never brought charges against Andrew. Many women connected to Epstein have previously been described by the US as sex trafficking victims under law but this characterisation had never been given to the woman in the Andrew photos until yesterday's hearing. There is no suggestion of criminal activity from the pictures themselves, and Andrew has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing. News / National by Staff reporter Former Robin Vela has publicly accused businessman Jayesh Shah of attempting to influence public opinion and court proceedings through a media smear campaign, in connection with a corporate debt dispute over US$1.82 million.Vela, who served as National Social Security Authority (NSSA) chairman, said he acted as a guarantor for his company, which allegedly owes Al Shams Global money. He stressed that the matter is still before the courts, despite media reports suggesting otherwise."The article, touted to several journalists over the last month, is sponsored by Jayesh Shah of Al Shams Global," Vela said. "It is factually incorrect with omissions in material aspects, including the fundamental fact that Shah does not have a court judgment in his favour for US$1.182 million."Vela claims Shah only disbursed US$985 000 in four batches, of which US$430 000 has already been repaid. He argued that the media reports ignored these repayments and misrepresented the provisional sentence claim as a final judgment."The article seeks to give the impression that the debt claimed is admitted; it fails to acknowledge that repayments have been made; and disregards the fact that Shah holds title deeds to a prime Harare CBD block of apartments, with a dual bank-accredited valuation of US$1.8 million," he said.Vela further clarified that the High Court granted Shah the right to proceed with a provisional sentence summons, dismissing Vela's request for a referral to the Constitutional Court on the usury/induplum rule a legal principle currently under scrutiny following the government's withholding of December 2025 loan repayments."The matter is still very much alive and before the courts. We are appealing to the Supreme Court for referral to the Constitutional Court," he said, stressing that the case concerns clarification of the usury/induplum rule, not an established debt judgment.The former UK banker also expressed frustration at media handling of the issue. "The article was published without affording me the right to reply, which is standard practice in ethical journalism. Such a right would have avoided clear errors in reporting," he said.Vela's statement comes amid growing attention on corporate debt disputes and the transparency of reporting in financial conflicts involving prominent business figures. The world's shortest IQ test is just three questions long and can tell if you're smarter than 80 percent of the population. Called the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT), it has been around since 2005 but recently gained popularity on social media, with one TikTok user's breakdown of the three questions getting 14million views. The test was created by psychologist Shane Frederick, now at the Yale School of Management, to help predict whether people are likely to make common mistakes in thinking and decision-making. Since its creation, multiple studies over the last two decades have tested thousands of college students, finding that less than 20 percent can get all three right. All three questions, asking about the price of a bat and ball, asking about the time it takes a machine to build widgets, and one asking about a patch of lily pads covering a lake seem simple, but are meant to appear simple but are surprisingly tricky. The first question is: A bat and a ball together cost $1.10. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? The second question is: If it takes five machines five minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets? Finally, the third question is: In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of the lake? Studies have calculated that getting all three questions on the Cognitive Reflection Test correct suggests you're smarter than over 80 percent of the population (Stock Image) Question 1: A bat and a ball together cost $1.10. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? The CRT is tricky because each question has an obvious 'intuitive' answer that pops into your head right away; however, that first guess is wrong. The correct answer requires slowing down and reasoning out the solution, relying on the test taker's ability to be reflective and thoughtful. For the question about the bat and the ball costing $1.10 together, and the bat costing $1.00 more, those taking the test commonly answer that the ball costs $0.10, but they're wrong. The correct answer to question one is: the ball costs $0.05. That makes the bat cost $1.05, exactly one dollar more than the ball, and makes their combined price add up to $1.10. Those who get this first question wrong often jump at the basic math of $1.00 plus 10cents equals $1.10, but Frederick noted that this ignores the part of the question which states that the bat is exactly $1.00 more than the ball. Frederick's original study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology gave the IQ test to 3,428 people who were mostly students at MIT, Princeton, and Harvard at the time. That experiment, published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, revealed only 17 percent could get all three questions right, meaning these individuals excelled at cognitive reflection and reasoning, key measures of intelligence that tests like the SATs also gauge. One TikTok video discussing these questions, originally created in 2005, recently received more than 14million views Question 2: If it takes five machines five minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets? For the question asking how long it would take 100 machines to build 100 widgets, the vast majority incorrectly think the answer is 100 minutes. The correct answer is just five minutes. That's because each machine makes one widget in five minutes, so 100 machines working together would make 100 widgets in the same amount of time. Since the first part of the question explains that five machines build five widgets in five minutes, the test taker can disregard any information about the number of machines since the time remains constant. Question 3: In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of the lake? When test takers reach the final question, asking how long it would take the lily pads to cover half the lake, the common answer given is 24 days, but that would be way off. The correct answer is 47 days. Since the lily pads double in size every day, and the lake is completely covered after 48 days, that means the lake would double from 50 percent coverage to 100 percent coverage just one day later. For those who got the answer wrong, researchers have explained that halving the time might seem logical, but it doesn't account for exponential growth. The CRT acts in a similar way to the SATs, testing the participant's ability to avoid common mistakes in thinking and decision-making (Stock Image) A 2011 study by researchers in the US and Canada found the CRT stumped even more people than in Frederick's original experiment. The study in Memory & Cognition, which tested 346 college freshmen, found that only 6.6 percent were able to get all three questions right. However, Professor Mohammad Noori claimed in the journal Judgment and Decision Making in 2016 that 41.3 percent of 395 Iranian university students correctly answered all three questions. While the results may vary depending on who's being tested, the debate on social media continues to rage on, with many still convinced they have the right answers. 'Lmao everyone thinks it's 5 minutes,' one person posted about the second question on a viral TikTok. 'It is tho,' someone quickly replied. 'The bat costs 1.50, the ball costs .50. You get them both for 1.10,' another social media user posted on a thread viewed over 5.5million times. 'The math ain't mathing,' another user said mockingly. Whether you learned with 'bunny ears' or 'around the tree', tying your shoelaces is something most people crack at a young age. But experts now say that you've probably been doing it wrong this entire time. Knot expert Ian Fieggen, also known as 'Professor Shoelace', says there are far more efficient ways to tie a knot than the common 'around the tree' method. Ranging from simple, sturdy options like the Reef Knot, to complicated tangles like the Turquoise Turtle Shoelace Knot, there are actually 25 knots for every conceivable scenario. And there is even one method that takes less than a second to tie. The socalled 'Ian Knot' looks like a simple bow, but uses a refined technique to tie a secure knot almost instantaneously. Mr Fieggen told the Daily Mail: 'The Ian Knot's main selling point is speed it's almost magically quick. The technique requires fewer movements, and they're done with both hands simultaneously.' So, have you been wasting precious time with the 'around the tree' method? Here's how to do the Ian Knot and shave seconds off your morning routine. From simple options like the Reef Knot, to complicated tangles like the Turquoise Turtle Shoelace Knot, scientists have ranked all 25 ways of tying your shoes to find the most secure option The fastest possible knot If speed and efficiency are your main goals, Mr Fieggen's personal favourite knot is definitely the one for you. The socalled 'Ian Knot' emerged from Mr Fieggen's quest to design a perfectly symmetrical knot that would wear down the laces evenly. As a happy consequence, with a little bit of practice, this also results in a knot that is bizarrely fast to tie. 'As a knot, it's just a regular shoelace bow. However, the technique with which it is tied gives it a few special attributes,' explains Mr Fieggen. 'The technique requires fewer movements, and they're done with both hands simultaneously.' To tie this special knot, start tying your laces as you normally would by making a simple leftoverright knot. Then, make both ends into loops and twist those anticlockwise, so that the loose end on your left is at the front and the loose end on the right is at the back. Join the debate Do YOU care how long it takes to tie your shoes? The fastest way to tie your knot was invented by Ian Fieggen and is called the 'Ian Knot' (pictured). Mr Fieggen says the knot's symmetrical structure makes it 'almost magically quick' How to tie your shoelaces in less than a second Make a simple leftoverright starting knot Take each loose end and fold it into a loop Twist each loop anticlockwise The loose end on your left should be at the front, and the loose end on the right at the back Start crossing the loops over and use the opposite hand to pull the edge of each loop through the other Pull the loops until the knot tightens Advertisement Cross the loops over and pull each one through the other, then simply pull to tighten. Mr Fieggen says that this knot's symmetrical design helps it stay tied for longer, and the research actually suggests he is correct. Dr Alexander Klotz, an expert on the physics of knots from California State University, told the Daily Mail: 'The biggest pitfall is accidentally tying a granny knot.' A granny knot, or false knot, looks very similar to a normal bow except for the fact that it can't be tightened while sitting straight across the shoe. Dr Klotz explains that this reduces the friction on the laces inside the knot, making the knot more prone to falling apart. A study conducted in 2017 found that socalled granny knots failed faster and more frequently during simulated walking. However, since the Ian knot is tied with a perfectly symmetrical technique, you avoid this problem altogether and get secure laces every time. The most secure knot possible Physicists found that the biggest problem for most knots was accidentally tying a 'granny' or 'weak' knot (illustrated), the Ian Knot's technique avoids this pitfall altogether Shoelaces come undone because material in the loops swings during each step, pulling on the knot as the centre is loosened by inertia (illustrated). Therefore, the best knots have as much lace in the central knot as possible But what if you just want the tightest knot possible, regardless of how quick it is to tie? According to Dr Klotz: 'It ultimately comes down to whether tension will increase friction between the laces.' A good knot needs a design that will increase the resistance in the middle of the knot, the more you tug on the ends. This instantly rules out several of Mr Fieggen's more fanciful knots, such as the Boat Shoe Knot, Moccasin Shoelace Knot, Fast Moccasin Knot and Halloween Shoelace Knot. However, recent studies into the physics of knot tying have revealed that the perfect knot needs an extra factor. Dr Klotz says that shoelaces come untied because the knot gets jostled very slightly every time the foot hits the ground, which slowly overcomes the friction between different parts of the lace. At the same time, every time you take a step, the loops swing back and forth with your movement. 'The swinging has a lot of inertia, and it's that inertia which pulls the loops out of the knot if the friction has been reduced by the jostling on contact,' Dr Klotz said. Some knots, like the Moccasin Knot (pictured), don't produce friction in the centre when the ends are put under tension, which means they come undone easily Some knots, like the onehanded shoelace knot have too little material in the central knot. This means that the inertia of walking will loosen the knot quickly This is why knots come loose very slowly at first and then seem to come undone all at once. Dr Klotz says: 'I think it's important that knots are tied in ways that prevent the loops from swinging too much. 'Knots in which more of the laces are part of the core and less in the loops would prevent this failure mechanism.' This rules out any knot that leaves lots of exposed lace flapping around, such as the Equality Knot, Reef Knot, and OneHanded Shoelace Knot. According to Dr Klotz, this means the best possible knots for your shoes are two of Mr Fieggen's inventions the Double Ian Knot and the Mega Ian Knot. The Double Ian Knot is just the same process as the regular version, except that you repeat the process again with the remaining loops. Likewise, the Mega Ian Knot uses the same technique but starts by making each of the ends into a double loop. In either case, the result is that more of the lace ends up in the knot rather than in the loops, reducing the inertia of each swing and ensuring the lace stays tied longer. According to Dr Alexander Klotz, an expert on the physics of knots from California State University, the two best knots to use are the Double Ian Knot (left) and Mega Ian Knot (right) The results are actually quite similar to other knots that have been used by hikers for decades, such as the Tibetan Trekking Knot, but with a symmetrical construction that helps reduce wear. Mr Fieggen says: 'I'm like most regular people in that I've never had a hobby or career that requires knotting proficiency. 'But I do tie my shoelaces, and so does almost everyone. 'It therefore fascinates me that other regular people, with similar lack of knot literacy, have come up with different solutions to the ageold problem of shoelaces coming undone.' Ukraine's president has said Vladimir Putin 'doesn't have too much time left' amid questions over his whereabouts as he has not been seen in over a week. Speaking to Politico during the Munich Security Conference on Friday, just days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'I'm younger than Putin. He doesn't have much time, you know.' While his remarks prompted a laugh from the audience, the Ukrainian president added: 'No, no, believe me, this is important.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Raising eyebrows: Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Vladimir Putin 'doesn't have too much time left' The 48-year-old also described his rival, 73, as a 'slave to war' as he drew parallels between the current conflict and the 1938 Munich Agreement. The agreement forced Czechoslovakia to surrender its bordering region with Germany, the Sudetenland, to Adolf Hitler, a year before World War II began. Zelensky's recent comments come as Putin has mysteriously vanished from the public eye for over a week, with Russian state media broadcasting pre-recorded footage of the Kremlin leader meeting officials in recent days. Last appearance: Putin was last seen by the public delivering a speech on February 5 The Kremlin leader was last seen by the public delivering a speech on February 5, and it remains unclear what has caused his latest absence. It is not the first time Putin has disappeared from public view, with the dictator having cultivated a reputation for vanishing for periods of time with no explanation. However, such absences have led to speculation of Putin undergoing secret medical treatment. Conflict: Firefighters at the site of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine on February 13 Zelensky's statement comes as the U.S. continues to strive for Russia and Ukraine to end the almost four-year war, with President Donald Trump recently setting a June deadline for the two sides to negotiate peace. On Friday, Trump said Zelensky would miss an opportunity if he doesn't 'get moving', and claimed Russia was willing to end the war through a peace deal. He said: 'Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelensky's going to have to get moving. Otherwise, he's going to miss a great opportunity. He has to move.' Between February 17 and 18, a new round of peace negotiations involving Ukraine will be conducted by the U.S. and Russia in Geneva. The Kremlin has confirmed Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide to Putin, will lead the Russians. More recently, Kyiv and its Western allies have accused Moscow of deliberately freezing Ukraine's population with its attacks on the energy grid. Zelensky said: 'There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks. Not one. 'But we still generate electricity,' he added, praising the thousands of workers repairing the plants. Taking a brutal swipe at the Kremlin leader, Zelensky added: 'He may see himself as a tsar, but in reality he is a slave to war.' The Ukrainian president also appealed once again to his Western allies to deliver air-defence systems to Ukraine more quickly. Russia and Ukraine are set to hold U.S.-brokered talks next week, as Zelensky maintains Kyiv is doing 'everything' to end the almost four-year war. It comes as questions over Putin's health were raised in November when he met with Yekaterina Leshchinskaya, 22, the chair of the Russian Healthy Fatherland movement. Suspicious: Putin has mysteriously vanished for more than a week As he reached to shake the woman's hand, the Russian leader's right hand was seen with visible bulging veins, prominent tendons, and thin, wrinkled skin. Footage showed the Russian leader appear to nervously move his fingers and clench them into a fist under his blazer sleeve. Following the circulation of the clip on X and later in Polish media, Ukrainian sources suggested that the Russian dictator may be suffering from pain. Prominent interviewer and media personality Dmytro Gordon said: 'Putin clenches his hands into something resembling fists. 'They look swollen and sore, with veins bulging prominently on one hand.' Another source said the Kremlin leader merely exhibits the normal signs of male ageing, which he seeks - through alleged cosmetic surgery - to hide from Russians after more than a quarter of a century in power. Forget wandering the Sistene Chapel or ticking off Sydney Harbour Bridge, there's a new sightseeing trend in town - grabbing a basket and exploring the supermarkets in your chosen holiday destination. The phenomenon, known as 'grocery tourism', has grown exponentially in the past twelve months, and is being hailed as a standout travel trend for 2026. New research by hotel goliath Hilton reveals a whopping 77 per cent of travellers actively partake in the trend, with 35 per cent of holidaymakers planning supermarket trips on their next jaunt. What's fuelled it? Essentially, the Airbnb boom, with tourists having kitchens to rustle up meals from scratch in - often using fresh, locally sourced produce from farmer's markets, convenience stores and chain supermarkets. And even for those in hotels, a visit to the nearest store is the perfect chance to browse local goods and stock up on regional snacks, cheap booze, quirky accessories and fun soft drink flavours - peanut butter and jelly soda, anyone? Grocery tourism, also called 'supermarket tourism', has become a trend of its own on social media, with thousands showing off trolley-loads of treats - from to-go bento boxes, ramen noodles and 2 socks in Japan, to fresh cheeses, deli meats and skincare in France. Here, the Daily Mail speaks to locals and travel experts about what to pick up where... USA Trader Joe's (and Walmart) Cereal sightseer: Walmart's shelves might double up as a breakfast museum with its dizzying array of colourful packets The land of plenty never disappoints when it comes to grocery tourism, even if you're just a curious voyeur, wondering how a supermarket can possibly have 72 different flavours of toothpaste on its shelves. For good food that you actually want to eat, Trader Joe's - America's wholesome, largely organic chain is the place to go. It's expensive but is generally an Ultra Processed-free zone, and brimming with creative dishes, many of which you can simply re-heat when you get back to your holiday digs. There's great artisan sourdough, rows and rows of IPAs from independent breweries and fresh food including favourites such as steamed pork and ginger soup dumplings and delicious takes on US classics such as Mac & Cheese. If food quality is your number on priority then Trader Joe's is the shop to head for; with delicious artisan produce on offer - although it is expensive. Right: Trader Joe's totes can command up to five times or more their $4 (3) price tag Trader Joe's bags are increasingly sought after too; snap one up for around $4 (3) in store...and hold on to it; they often sell for five times that much on re-sale fashion sites. In Walmart, there's definitely enticing fresh produce to be had - pastries, meat, fruit and veg and bread...but the real fun of America's supermarket giant is browsing the cereal aisle - with rainbow-hued Lucky Charms, Honey Smacks and Cap'n Crunch amongst the most colourful (and sugar-laden). What to buy: At Trader Joe's, whatever the special of the day is will make a fantastic lunch; pick up artisan bread or bagels, pots of fresh berries and delicious 'sheet' cakes to share. What should holidaymakers take home? That Trader Joe's tote bag...keep it pristine and you might make some money from it down the line Japan 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawsons 7-Eleven Japan is a popular convenience store in Japan - even in rural towns - selling everything from viral egg sandos to freshly-made bento boxes In Japan, 7-Eleven Japan (with over 20,000 stores) and FamilyMart (with around 16,000 locations) are everywhere - in cities, suburbs and even rural towns. Both are famed for onigiri, egg sando, fried chicken, to-go bento boxes, matcha desserts and seasonal limited-edition snacks that make convenience food an experience in itself. Pocky - slim biscuit sticks with flavoured chocolate at the end are available in Europe...but Japan's selection is endlessly creative - Pocky Matcha is a best-seller - and significantly cheaper Genie Harrison, Executive Travel Editor at the Daily Mail, said: 'Youd be hard-pressed to go to Japan and not be immediately drawn in by the bright lights and playful jingles of the convenience stores or konbinis as theyre more commonly known in here. 'There are 7/11s, FamilyMart and Lawsons all over the country, serving Japanese favourites like egg sandos, Pocky Chocolate and 'curry pan' (Japanese curry deep friend in breadcrumbs). 'Konbinis sell a variety of onigiri: rice triangles stuffed with all manner of fillings, from kelp to teriyaki chicken. Be sure to follow the instructions when unwrapping your new treat, though, to really eat like a local.' What to buy: For something hot, try a juicy chicken thigh at FamilyMart (or FamiChiki, as its better known) for as little as 1. What should holidaymakers take home? If youre looking for something to take home, Lawson's is a great place to stock up on Muji stationary. Ireland SuperValu What springs to mind when you think of Irish food? Is it a hearty stew, a buttery bowl of colcannon mash, or a generous slice of fresh soda bread? Well, if you find yourself venturing to the Emerald Isle any time soon, you'll be able to sample some of country's signature dishes by taking a quick detour to SuperValu. A go-to for locals doing a big shop in Ireland, SuperValu is essentially the Emerald Isle's answer to Sainsbury's or Tesco. Being Ireland's largest grocery and food distributer, it boasts 'big name brands at low prices,' with 223 independently owned stores throughout the country. Visitors should head straight to the chilled aisle for authentic Irish butter and cheese, as well as the bakery section for freshly-baked Derry turnovers and soda bread Ireland's favourite crisp is worth bringing home, says travel writer Jowena Riley Travel writer Jowena Riley said: 'As someone who's half-Irish and has lived in Northern Ireland for just under a decade, I always look forward to returning to SuperValu. 'Individual stores across the chain are mostly independently owned, but you'll find everything you'd normally get in an English superstore, from bakery goods to household essentials - with a few regional exceptions, of course. 'I cannot stress how good the sweet pastries are in Ireland, and you'll find most are baked in-store or delivered straight from a bakery each morning. Among my favourites are Derry turnovers: flaky puff pastry topped with icing and strawberry jam. What to buy: A loaf of fresh wheaten bread and soda bread, Jammy Joeys (Madeira sponge buns coated in a raspberry-flavoured jelly and desiccated coconut), Turnovers real Irish butter like Kerrygold, and Club Orange (similar to Fanta Orange). What should holidaymakers take home? Every flavour of Tayto crisps - though Cheese & Onion is the classic go-to. France Monoprix Monoprix, a high-end French retailer with over 600 stores in France alone, blends a premium grocery experience with a stylish department store, meaning you can stock up on skincare and snacks in one place Running low on skincare or snacks? If you're heading to Paris or Nice, make sure Monoprix is on your itinerary to replenish your vanity drawers and restock those cupboards. At Monoprix, a must-buy - and, luckily, an item holidaymakers can take home - is a Cote d'Or Dark Chocolate Bar (pictured) The high-end French retailer is a one-stop luxury destination that fuses a premium grocery experience with a stylish department store, where shoppers can pick up a wheel of Brie alongside a designer-collab pair of shoes. Finding and accessing a Monoprix is a breeze, with over 600 stores in France alone, many of which are located in city centre locations. Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks said: 'I've lived in Paris for a total of four years of my life, and as such have mastered the art of shopping in a French supermarket. 'It sounds cliche but its so cheap to buy cheese, wine and charcuterie in France and the options are so extensive and high quality. Don't forget wine, either - in my book, it's incomparable to anywhere else. 'New travel rules prohibit bringing certain goods back to the UK, so you might need to eat cheese and meats while you're still in France. But I find that even an average, mid-range cheese in Monoprix is better than some expensive ones in the UK.' What to buy: Danette Expresso yoghurt dessert pots, Cote d'Or Dark Chocolate Bar, skincare, and Bonne Maman Creme Brulee a la Vanille Naturelle 2x100g, 2.49 (2.17). What should holidaymakers take home? Essential skincare buys - La Roche-Posay Cicaplast balm B5, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water and Embryolisse Lait creme concentre. Spain Mercadona At Mercadona, holidaymakers can pick up paella ingredient kits and sample freshly prepared jamon serrano (pictured) In need of essentials for a fiesta or night in? In Spain, Mercadona is a great intro to Spanish food, where holidaymakers can stock up on regional specialties, such as jamon serrano and ready-made gazpacho. According to Alexandra Dubakova, a travel expert with FreeTour (freetour.com), Mercadona and French-owned Carrefour are among the leading supermarkets in Spain. While Mercadona is popular among the locals for their hacendado, hummus and guacamole, and stocks its own brands, Carrefour comes second because of the variety it offers, which includes big name brands. Lucinda Faucheux, an ABTA and ATOL protected travel agent, added: 'Stores like Mercadona are practical and straightforward, which helps visitors quickly understand how locals structure weekly food shops.' What to buy: Pre sliced cured meats such as jamon serrano and ready-made gazpacho. What should holidaymakers take home? Paella ingredient kits, and Lays Campesina (Bolognese), Lays Gourmet and Torres Black Truffle crisps. Germany REWE, ALDI and EDEKA REWE and ALDI are never far away for affordable snacks, low-cost skincare and freshly-made currywurst in Germany In Germany, with thousands of branches nationwide, the likes of REWE and ALDI are never far away for affordable snacks, freshly-made currywurst, and budget-friendly skincare buys. You're also more likely to have a stress-free experience navigating meticulously organised aisles across these stores. Noel Wolf, cultural expert at leading language learning platform Babbel (babbel.com), said: 'In Germany, shopping is typically purposeful and streamlined, with layouts designed to help customers move through the store quickly and independently. At Rewe and Edeka, you'll find everything you'll need to make a German hotdog, which consists of Bratwurst natural sausages with sauce and a bun (pictured) 'Compared to the US, they are usually also much smaller and laid out for day-to-day shopping, so product sizes tend to be more modest. 'One thing that often impresses foreign visitors is the sheer diversity of beers available, with even small supermarkets and corner stores stocking extensive selections. 'At the same time, shoppers will find a surprisingly broad variety of international products such as Turkish Ayran, Asian spices or Balkan sausages alongside the classics.' What to buy: Artisanal German breads, local dairy products, and traditional sausages like bratwurst and currywurst. What should holidaymakers take home? Spice mixes and local craft beer (in checked luggage). Austria BILLA Plus In Austria, BILLA Plus (the hypermarket arm of BILLA) has large stores across the country, particularly near city centres and retail parks. Expect fresh Semmel rolls, apfelstrudel, Tyrolean speck, and an impressive dairy section. Alen Baibekov, CEO and travel expert at Economy Bookings (economybookings.com), said: 'BILLA Plus is considered Austria's favourite supermarket. It's not industrial - those few products that pass for authentic in the authentic-sphere. 'These would include in-store bakeries and regional mountain cheeses (that travellers will often rave about to me, or even export themselves), as well as the speck and the fresh Knodel mixes.' What to buy: Schnitzel at ready-to-eat counters and alpine yoghurts. What should holidaymakers take home? Knodel dumpling mixes. Pick up some ready-to-eat schnitzel (pictured)on your next trip to BILLA Plus in Austria Italy Eataly At Eataly, holidaymakers can stock up on artisanal pasta, olive oil and gourmet treats For a true taste of Italy, Eataly's growing roster of locations in major cities like Rome, Milan and Florence is perfect for picking up artisanal pasta, olive oil and gourmet treats worth the suitcase space. According to Jason Boertje, Travel Expert at Supra Boats (supraboats.co.uk), Eataly is often described by travellers as more of a food destination than a standard supermarket. He added: 'The layout focuses on regional Italian produce, which helps visitors understand how local ingredients differ from one area to another. 'Instead of endless aisles, shoppers move through curated sections dedicated to pasta, cheese, bread and seasonal produce. 'Open counters where food is prepared add context rather than spectacle, giving people insight into how certain staples are made.' What to buy: Burrata or mozzarella prepared that day, truffle related items during peak season, olive oil and focaccia or rustic loaves. What should holidaymakers take home? Hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and artisanal dried pasta. The Netherlands Albert Heijn In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn's 1,200+ stores - often conveniently located near city centres and train stations - are ideal for grabbing stroopwafels, Dutch cheese and to-go bites for afternoon picnics by the canal. Albert Heijn is a major supermarket chain in the Netherlands, operating over 1,200 stores nationwide Must-pack items include Stroopwafels (pictured) and Croky Explosions Thai Curry crisps Travel writer Jowena Riley said: 'Having visited the Netherlands five times, no trip is complete without an evening or morning run to Albert Heijn. 'At the entrance, you'll find beautifully displayed aisles of fresh produce, offering everything from affordable pre-made salad boxes, to local Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Old Amsterdam, to an extensive baked goods section with artisan loaves and pastries. Of course, don't forget to pick up some sweet, chewy stroopwafels!' 'But my personal go-to are the freshly-baked cheese twists. Individual twists cost just over a euro, and they are impressively cheesy and three times bigger than the ones we get in the bakery sections in the UK. A win-win, in my eyes.' What to buy: Fresh cheese twists, truffle gouda products and aged Dutch cheeses. What should holidaymakers take home? Stroopwafels, Doritos Bits (Sweet Paprika), and Croky Explosions Thai Curry crisps. Poland Zabka Holidaymakers visiting Poland must run - not walk - to Zabka, which operates more than 9,000 neighbourhood shops It's worth popping in for kabanos sausages, pierogi packs, pastries, and Prince Polo wafers In Poland, Zabka operates over 9,000 neighbourhood shops, so you're rarely more than a short walk away from one. Pop in for kabanos sausages, pierogi packs, Prince Polo wafers and quick hot snacks - ideal between sightseeing stops. Alesia Fiddler, Travel Reporter at the Daily Mail, said: 'Zabka is a common convenience store in many Polish cities, similar to Tesco Express or Sainsbury's Local. 'You can find anything from freshly baked goods, chilled drinks, a range of snacks and even hot food. Travel expert Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores, added: 'Zabka is an ultra-convenience store that feels like a mini-supermarket. Found on almost every street corner, it's famous for trendy drinks, quick meals and its cult-favourite hot dog counter, which is a go-to cheap street food for locals and travellers alike.' What to buy: Hot dogs, freshly baked breads, pastries, wafer bars and unusual crisp flavours. What should holidaymakers take home? Alesia said: 'On both trips I took home a bar of E. Wedel strawberry milk chocolate (7.99 z) - delicious and a little different to the treats you find in the UK.' Greece A.B. Vassilopoulos Across mainland Greece and surrounding islands, holidaymakers will likely discover an A.B. Vassilopoulos store A variety of regional products are sold here, including feta and thyme honey (pictured), known for its intense herbal flavour and golden colour A.B. Vassilopoulos has hundreds of stores across mainland Greece and surrounding islands. It's an easy place to pick up feta, Kalamata olives, thyme honey, koulouri sesame bread rings and bottles of ouzo for a DIY sunset spread. According to Alen Baibekov, CEO and travel expert at Economy Bookings (economybookings.com), travellers have a 'clear preference' for a 'quality and trusted player' like A.B. Vassilopoulos when grocery shopping in Greece. He said: 'Travellers driving to Athens, Crete and the Peloponnese often plan supermarket stops here, where they happily peruse olive oils by region, fresh feta in brine barrels, thyme honey and cold dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), made daily. 'Less obviously essential, the frozen seafood aisle may not feel as exotic as Venice, but locals trust it.' What to buy: Freshly made dolmades, feta and thyme honey - known for its intense herbal flavour and golden colour. What should holidaymakers take home? Regional olive oil. Israel Shufersal (formerly Supersol) At Shufersal, expect Israeli favourites such as fresh challah, tubs of hummus, bourekas and Bamba peanut snacks In Israel, Shufersal - formerly known as Supersol - runs more than 300 branches in various formats, from neighbourhood shops to large hypermarkets. Expect fresh challah, tubs of hummus, bourekas, Bamba peanut snacks and ready-made salads that make assembling a quick meal effortless. Hayley Minn, Deputy Travel Editor at the Daily Mail, said: 'Generally, Israeli supermarkets are much more expensive than in the UK due to an 18 per cent VAT rate applied to all groceries. 'However, this rate no longer applies to tourists, as part of the 2025 Budget Law so my first recommendation, as someone who lived in Israel for three months, is to head straight to the countrys main supermarket, Shufersal, and try some cherry tomatoes. 'They're so much sweeter and juicier than the ones you get in the UK. Secondly, Israeli snacks are elite namely Bamba. 'I polished off a 60g bag of the delicious peanut butter snacks to myself every day when I lived there and put on a lot of weight because of it.' While small, 25g packs of Bamba are available to buy for 70p at Sainsbury's in the UK, Israel offers a cheaper price point, with standard 60g bags costing 4.90 INS (1.16), or packs of 10 15g bags for 17.90 INS (4.25) at Shufersal. What to buy: Cherry tomatoes. What should holidaymakers take home? Bissli (pasta-shaped crisps available in grill, barbeque and pizza flavours) and strawberry and chocolate-filled Bamba. Morocco Marjane In Morocco, Marjane has dozens of hypermarkets in major cities, offering a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping experience for those travelling in the North African hotspot. According to Daily Mail travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, almond butter is sold in abundance and is a must-buy Look out for msemen pancakes, almond pastries, dates, harissa and shelves of Moroccan biscuits alongside international staples. Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks spent several months travelling around Morocco on a budget - meaning she picked up some top tips on keeping costs low by stocking up on essential delicacies from supermarkets. Erin said: 'While most people flock to Morocco's markets for gifts and local specialties, you might find you're in luck in the supermarkets too. Argan oil, an essential product for skin and hair, is easily accessible in most shops here, and you can buy good quality for much less than you would be able to in the UK. 'I also found Amlou - an almond butter spread - to be of excellent quality and reasonable cost in shops such as Marjane. Fresh produce here is also great.' What to buy: Amlou, dates. What should holidaymakers take home? Ras el Hanout Moroccan spice mix 100g, Terroir du Maroc for 22MAD (1.77). 12. South Africa Woolworths in South Africa is worth the visit purely for a bottle of Mrs Ball's Chutney (pictured) alone Woolworths Woolworths has hundreds of locations across South Africa and is especially popular in urban centres. It's known for quality ready meals, biltong, boerewors, milk tart and excellent wine selections - perfect for a braai or road trip. Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, who was born in Johannesburg, said: 'Woolworths is, in my book, South Africa's equivalent to M&S. 'With excellent own-brand products, it's a great place to get high quality goods, and still at reasonable prices. I personally find the bread here to be of excellent quality, and given it's in South Africa, fruit is also top tier. For budget goods, try supermarket Pick 'n Pay. 'I have been back at least 30 times since leaving at the age of three. Every time I head back to visit family, I always leave a bit of space in my suitcase to bring back South African chocolate. 'For some reason, the Cadbury's over there tastes ten times better than in the UK. Plus, I stock up on peach-flavoured Mrs Ball's Chutney - once you try it, you'll never look for another chutney ever again.' What to buy: Top Deck Cadbury's chocolate, Mrs Ball's Chutney, Willards Flings crisps. What should holidaymakers take home? Simba Tomato Sauce Flavoured Potato Chips, 120g bag for 23 rand (1.05) at Pick 'n Pay. Thailand Among Thailand's most popular supermarkets are the Big C (pictured) and 7-Eleven, where holidaymakers can pick up sticky mango rice and the viral ham and cheese toasties Big C and 7-Eleven Thailand In Thailand, Big C has large-format stores across the country, while 7-Eleven Thailand boasts well over 13,000 branches - practically one on every block in Bangkok. Stock up on mango sticky rice snacks, tom yum instant noodles, seaweed crisps and the ever-popular ham and cheese toasties. Travel expert Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores (eshores.co.uk) encourages holidaymakers to pay Big C and 7-Eleven a visit on their next Thailand trips. Gavin Lapidus of eShores recommends travellers take home the ultimate Thai snack: Tao Kae Noi Seaweed He said: 'Big C is Thailand's snack shopping mothership. Huge stores filled with sweet, spicy and sour snacks you won't find outside Thailand. '7-Eleven Thailand, meanwhile, is arguably the worlds best convenience store chain and Thailand's most popular with over 13,000 stores. 'It's most famous for its toasted sandwiches, unique drinks and ready-to-eat snacks. Its also viral on TikTok, making it a major tourist attraction.' What to buy: 7-Eleven toasted sandwiches, with over 45+ flavours to choose from and Bento Squid snacks - chewy, spicy, pungent and extremely famous. What should holidaymakers take home? The ultimate Thai snack: Tao Kae Noi Seaweed, available in a variety of flavours, including Tom Yum. Australia Coles operates more than 800 supermarkets across Australia, selling beloved sweet treats like Tim Tams (pictured) Coles Coles operates more than 800 supermarkets across Australia, making it an easy stop in cities and regional towns alike. Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks can't recommend stocking up on Vegemite enough - Australia's answer to Marmite Fill your basket with Tim Tams, Lamingtons, barbecue-ready meats and fresh tropical fruit. Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, who's visited her family in Sydney several times, said: 'Every time I go back to Sydney, my cousins are always on hand to provide me top tips for what to buy in Australian supermarkets. 'For me, a highlight is Pods - snack bags of chocolate in various flavours that beat most UK snack packs. 'My Australian family have a list of recommendations: Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, (controversially) Vegemite, Cherry Ripe (oldest Australian chocolate), laminations and Anzac biscuits. Easter buns are also a specialty here.' What to buy: Vegemite, Coles Easter Sticky Date Inspired Hot Cross Buns 320g - 4 Pack for AU$5.50 (2.85). What should holidaymakers take home? Anzac biscuits, Caramello Koalas and Tim Tams Singapore Don Don Donki has multiple centrally located outlets across Singapore that sell hyper-regional Japanese snacks, such as matcha-flavoured KitKats (pictured) Don Don Donki In Singapore, Don Don Donki has multiple centrally located outlets - many open late or operate 24/7 - making it incredibly convenient. It's just the place for Japanese cheesecake, mochi, sushi trays, instant ramen, and quirky KitKat flavours. Matthew Freddura of Splendid Communications said: 'Singapore is a prime example of the rising global trend of supermarket tourism, reflecting its unique blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan cultures. 'One standout example is Don Don Donki, which has become a popular grocery tourism destination since opening its first Southeast Asian store in Singapore in 2017. 'The chain offers a diverse range of hyper-regional Japanese snacks, cosmetics and freshly prepared bentos, making it a must-visit for travellers looking for products they can't find at home.' What to buy: Instant ramen, cosmetics and fresh bento boxes. What should holidaymakers take home? Unique KitKat flavours such as Matcha, Wasabi and Hojicha Tea. A Total Wipeout winner opened up about how the 'horrendous' audition process ultimately left him 'looking like an idiot.' Presented by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, the fast-paced BBC game show aired from 2009 to 2012. In each episode, competitors faced off against each other in physical challenges - including jumping across giant red balls. Tomasz Wisniewski, who is originally from Poland, won an installment which aired back in 2011. Speaking to Zingo Bingo, the now 41-year-old shared details of how he auditioned to take part - and injuries sustained by fellow contestants. He said: 'Getting into that show was actually quite difficult because there were so many auditions. I would say six auditions. Tomasz Wisniewski, who is originally from Poland, appeared on and won an episode of Total Wipeout in 2011 Tomasz pictured with one of the show's presenters, Amanda Byram, who was on location with contestants in Buenos Aires Total Wipeout debuted on the BBC in 2009 and was hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram 'At one of the auditions they asked me to dress up so I thought, "I'm going to be really outrageous." So I dressed up as a male version of a Playboy Bunny. 'Through the audition, it was just horrendous. I had to pretend like I was a cow. 'So we all had to go and make ourselves look like an idiot. It's because they wanted to see your personality. 'At the end of the day, it's a reality show on the BBC which everyone watches, so you have to have a personality to be on that show.' Continuing, Tomasz recalled how some of his fellow players injured themselves during the process. He shared: 'Some people did end up with injuries. I remember there was a girl in my series - she broke her arm. 'I'm one of those people who may watch a few episodes and I don't really care that much. 'If I get through the audition, then I will worry. I had no clue. I only watched one episode.' Tomasz also disclosed that while the winners were presented with a trophy, this was 'just for TV.' The cult classic water assault course series entertained viewers until concluding its run in 2012 He added: 'For five seconds you have it and they take it back from you. 'There were three people and then one of the guys who was with me at the final, he actually was sharing a bedroom in the hotel with me. 'He was a lovely guy and he had throat cancer beforehand. I wanted him to win, but then obviously it's the competition, so we're going to fight for it. 'And then when I won, I could not believe it. I felt sorry for him because I felt he deserved it more than I did.' After winning his episode, Tomasz did not automatically receive the prize money, as he explained: 'I had to wait for quite a long time. 'Usually with reality shows, you don't get money straight away. 'You have to wait for a couple of months, and usually it's after the episode is aired on TV. 'So they kind of hold it back in case you do something silly, something stupid, or maybe say something bad. It was usually four or five months.' After the programme's initial 2009 to 2012 run, Total Wipeout made a brief 'return' to screens in 2020. Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff hosted a six-part series looking back on the show's best moments. A 'magnificent' period drama that's been hailed as 'the best [fans] have seen in a long time' is now available to stream for free. Starring Dame Judi Dench - who has been described as 'the finest actress on screen today' - and Sir Billy Connelly, Mrs Brown (1997) is centred around one of history's most unlikely love stories. The film's synopsis reads: 'When Queen Victoria descends into deep mourning after the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861, she finds solace in her trusted servant, Mr. John Brown, but their relationship also brings scandal and turmoil.' Mrs Brown has an impressive rating of 7.2 out of 10 on IMDb and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92 percent. The critics' consensus reads: 'Thanks to some top notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script, delivers a nuanced and entertaining, if not entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship.' A 'magnificent' period drama that's been hailed as 'the best [fans] have seen in a long time' is now available to stream for free - Mrs Brown (1997) Starring Dame Judi Dench- who has been described as 'the finest actress on screen today' - and Sir Billy Connelly, Mrs Brown (1997) is centred around one of history's most unlikely love stories between Queen Victoria and her servant Mr Brown One IMDb reviewer who gave the film 10 out 10 said that it 'is a sprightly, entertaining and engrossing study of a moment in the life of enigmatic Queen Victoria.' They added: 'Dench and Connolly play so well off each other that their relationship has a wealth of charm, tenderness, bite, wit, and solidity.' Another reviewer who gave Mrs Brown a rating of 9 out 10 described it as 'a love story with a difference.' They praised: It is the story of a servant's love for his queen; it is the story of a woman's love for the man who has given her life meaning; it is a story of two best friends, who ignore social circumstances and care deeply for one another. 'The story is nearly flawless, combining the historical situation and circumstances with intense and riveting emotion.' A third viewer described the film as 'must-see' for fans for historical dramas. 'A wonderfully executed period piece (circa 1860's), Mrs. Brown leans toward fact and avoids sensationalism as it tenders its biographically correct drama about a grieving queen who finds an unspoken love and renewed commitment to life in a most unlikely man. 'Anyone into British period flicks should enjoy this film's sterling performances, excellent costuming [and] beautiful locations.' One IMDb reviewer who gave the film 10 out 10 said that it 'is a sprightly, entertaining and engrossing study of a moment in the life of enigmatic Queen Victoria' Another viewer described the film as 'must-see' for fans for historical dramas and praised its acting, costumes and locations Dame Judy won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in the film while Sir Billy was shortlisted for a BAFTA for his role as Mr Brown The film's appearance on Sky comes after Sir Billy Connelly, 83, told The Scottish Sun last year that he and Dame Judi are still great friends almost three decades on from the film's release. He said: 'We are great mates. She phones me all the time. She just sent me a message on my phone. She was standing at the grave of John Brown the guy I played.' Joking about his character, the comedian admitted: 'All I knew about Brown was he'd had it off with the Queen what else do you need to know?' The film itself brought huge critical success for the duo as well as a lasting friendship and Dame Judy won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Victoria while Sir Billy was shortlisted for a BAFTA for his role as Mr Brown. Mrs Brown is available to stream now on Sky and NOW. EastEnders bosses have announced that Ross Kemp is returning to the soap for an 'explosive' stint as Grant Mitchell. The actor, 61, previously reprised his role as the Walford hardman as part of the show's 40th Anniversary celebrations last year. However it's now been announced that Grant will be heading back to Albert Square for several months, and Ross has already begun filming. Viewers saw Grant briefly return to Walford last year due to Nigel's concerns about his brother Phil's deteriorating mental health. This year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage. Grants' arrival on Albert Square also comes amid the deteriorating health of long time family friend Nigel. EastEnders bosses have announced that Ross Kemp is returning to the soap for an 'explosive' stint as Grant Mitchell The actor previously reprised his role as the Walford hardman as part of the show's 40th Anniversary celebrations last year Details about Grant's comeback remain under wraps, but viewers can expect plenty of drama. On his return, actor Ross Kemp said: 'I'm truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell's shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year. 'As well as exploring Grant's attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it's especially an honour to be part of Nigel's powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life'. EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey added: 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. 'The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders' defining dynasties, and we can't wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him' Ross originally starred in EastEnders from between 1990 and 1999, and has returned to the soap several times in the subsequent years. Thought he has since pursued a career making documentaries, he previously said he owed a 'great debt' to the series. 'Without it, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had. I've always owed it a great debt it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it,' he said, adding that going back to the soap was 'like going home.' Join the debate Will Grant Mitchells return revive classic EastEnders drama or ruin its current storylines? However it's now been announced that Grant will be heading back to Albert Square for several months, and Ross has already begun filming Viewers saw Grant make a dramatic return to Walford last year in a bid to make peace with his brother Phil, as he struggled with loneliness and depression. Its the latest in a string returns that have tied into Nigel's dementia battle, with Pam St Clement reprising her role as Pat Butcher in a special episode over the Christmas period. Jake Wood also returned to EastEnders last year as Max Branning, while Michelle Ryan has reprised her role as Zoe Slater. It comes after it was announced that Jake Moon would be heading back to Walford for a short stint, with his return hitting screens last week. Jake originally featured from 2004 to 2006, but made a cameo in 2024 as he reunited with Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman). Chrissie made a shock comeback herself in 2025, where fans learned she had been manipulating Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). Working together, the pair had been behind tormenting Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) for weeks. Zoe is now sitting in prison for Anthony Trueman's (Nicholas Bailey) murder, while Jake resurfaces looking for answers about what happened. The Traitors star Harry Clark has landed a major new BBC documentary following his dream to meet the Pope. The TV personality will take fans on a deeply personal journey to Rome and Vatican City the heart of the Catholic Church in search of answers about belief, identity and what it truly means to be a 'good' Catholic today. Harry, who grew up in a council house in Slough with his family, has had traditions passed down to him by his mother and grandparents and despite increasing clashes, his faith has remained a huge focus in his life. In the brand-new 60-minute documentary, titled Harry Clark Goes to Rome, the reality star will meet the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, one of the most powerful figures in the world. The new BBC Two series, which will hit screens at Easter, will also feature Harry opening up on his faith with his girlfriend Anna Maynard, as well as with friends and family. Harry's childhood priest will also make an appearance and his mum Georgia will accompany him to Rome to meet the Pope. The Traitors star Harry Clark has landed a major new BBC documentary following his dream to meet the Pope In the new 60-minute documentary, titled Harry Clark Goes to Rome, the reality star will meet the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, (pictured) one of the most powerful figures in the world Running parallel to this spiritual journey is Harrys determined and often comic attempt to reach the very top of the Vatican hierarchy. Through letters, phone calls, social media messages and every conceivable route of access, Harry pursues a meeting with the Pope, despite the scepticism of friends who question the odds. One friend bluntly told him: 'Why would the Pope want to see you?' Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, Harry visits Romes sacred sites testing his honesty at the legendary Mouth of Truth and undertaking a private confession. As the journey reaches its climax, Harry is granted a meeting with a Cardinal from the Popes inner circle and a member of the conclave itself. Discussing the once in a lifetime journey, Harry said: 'Faith has shaped who I am from a young age, so being able to travel to Rome with the BBC is something I never imagined possible. 'This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and Im excited to share this news and every step of my epic adventure. Im praying that it may even lead to meeting Pope Leo.' Daisy Scalchi, BBCs Head of Religion and Ethics for television, said: 'Harry brings a fresh, funny and very personal perspective to the conversation about faith. Audiences are in for some hilarious moments and jaw-dropping surprises along the way.' The new BBC Two series, which will hit screens at Easter , will also feature Harry opening up on his faith with his girlfriend Anna Maynard, as well as with friends and family Discussing the show, Harry said: 'Faith has shaped who I am from a young age, so being able to travel to Rome with the BBC is something I never imagined possible. This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime journey' Karen Emsley, Executive Producer at CTVC, says: 'This film captures an incredibly personal and powerful journey not just to Rome, but deep into faith, family and identity. 'Harrys warmth, honesty and remarkable determination mean you find yourself rooting for him right to the very end.' Last year, Harry revealed exactly how he spent his 95,000 prize pot from The Traitors. The TV star bagged the whole prize pot for himself in 2024 after deceiving his fellow contestants right until the very end. But the former Army helicopter engineer has remained humble despite his huge winnings - not having spent any of the money on himself. He told The Telegraph of what he's done with his winnings: 'I paid of my mum and dad's small debts and the rest of the money is in a high interest investment account which has just been building up. 'I also took everyone, seven of us, on holiday to Portugal; my family hadn't been away since 2010. 'It was probably the first moment after the show that I patted myself on the back. We're going back to the exact same place this year - only this time, there will be 13 of us.' Harry, a former Army lance corporal still lives in his family's three-bedroom council house in Slough, Berkshire and has no current plans to move out. Last year, Harry revealed exactly how he spent his 95,000 prize pot from The Traitors; pictured with host Claudia Winkleman The Series Two winner previously opened up about struggling with his mental health after finding fame on the BBC show. The British Army engineer told the Monday Mile Podcast with Aimee Fuller, 'It's so weird, my life's been very 50/50, the whole way through.' 'I mean, there's obviously good and bad to it. The bad probably from the four months, and that the success of the show is probably losing myself a little bit.' 'Obviously, a council kid from Slough, I go to these events, you finish a drink, or you finish a glass of Prosecco, soon as you finish it, you get another one in your hand.' 'And then I'm looking around to pay the bill, and there's no one to pay. So I've just been making the most out of it for four months.' 'So I lost my training, and I sort of lost myself a little bit mentally, but just carried on working and now I'm sort of finding that balance.' If you spend any time on BookTok, you'll already know the hype surrounding Colleen Hoover's novels. Long before the film adaptation was announced, Reminders of Him had garnered a fiercely loyal fanbase, with thousands filming emotional reaction videos of themselves while reading, and sharing favourite passages. Many have named the novel, a #1 New York Times bestseller with over 6.5 million sold worldwide, as the best of all of the prolific author's books. And now, The CoHort (the nickname collectively used by Hoover's fanbase) are steeling themselves for Reminders of Him's upcoming release in cinemas. Fans are buzzing over the upcoming release of one of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novels, Reminders of Him The gut-wrenching storyline centres on Kenna Rowan, a young mother who returns to her hometown after serving a prison sentence for a tragic mistake that killed the father of her child. Determined to reconnect with the daughter she's never known, Kenna is faced with earning the forgiveness of her late boyfriend's family, and her complicated feelings for his best friend. Emerging star Maika Monroe is already being praised for her starring role as Kenna, alongside Tell Me Lies' heartthrob Tyriq Withers as leading man Ledger Ward and Outer Banks actor Rudy Pankow as Scotty, the love she lost. Your browser does not support iframes. A stellar supporting cast includes Gilmore Girls icon Lauren Graham and The Handmaid's Tale and Emmy Award winner Bradley Whitford playing Scotty's parents, as well as The White Lotus' Nichola Duvernay and Yellowstone's Lainey Wilson. The movie's trailer has racked up millions of views and inspired thousands of reactions on social media already, with expectations sky high. One YouTube viewer wrote: 'My heart skipped a beat,' whilst another shared their love of Tyriq's character's spine-tingling line: 'Ive gone from hating you to wanting the whole world for you.' The fandom's frenzied anticipation and intense emotional investment has become a hallmark of Colleen Hoover's novels and subsequent film adaptations - most famously surrounding the release of It Ends With Us, which was preceded by months of commentary, speculation and debate. The tragic romance is released in cinemas Australia-wide on March 12, so grab your girlfriends and see it opening weekend The book's passionate readership tracked the production closely, proving that Hoover's audience is just as invested in how her stories are adapted as they are in reading them. Hoover has sold more than 35 million books globally to date, with several more screen adaptations rumoured to be in the works. With Reminders of Him landing in Australian cinemas March 12, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Many have named the novel, a #1 New York Times bestseller with more than 6.5 million sold worldwide, as the best of all of the prolific author's books Emerging star Maika Monroe is already being praised for her starring role as Kenna in the film, directed by Vanessa Caswill When the dramatic trailer was revealed on social media to the stirring soundtrack of Alex Warren's viral hit Ordinary, it got 51 million views on Instagram and over 38million views on YouTube - with followers, influencers and even celebrities effusively sharing their excitement. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul wrote, 'Ahhhhh can't wait,' while others added: 'Screaming, crying, throwing up RN,' and 'can't wait to sob in theatres.' Hoover has sold more than 35 million books globally, leading to big screen adaptations of her bestsellers Regretting You and It Ends With Us, as well as the upcoming Verity The CoHort are waiting in suspense to see how their favourite chapters and characters translate onto the big screen, and are prepared to wail at the book's most beloved line, 'There was before you, and there was during you. I never thought there would be an after you.' The emotionally charged movie is sure to be the kind of cathartic cinematic experience best experienced with a group of girlfriends, so rally the group chat and get your tickets for opening weekend. Reminders of Him is released in cinemas nationwide on March 12. Margot Robbie has been turning heads on the press tour of her new movie Wuthering Heights. But it's not just the fashion doing the talking - her jewellery has been stealing centre stage. From a replica of Emily Bronte's own bracelet to Elizabeth Taylor's 'cursed' necklace, the gems mirror the fevered intensity of the film itself. Starring Robbie opposite Jacob Elordi, the adaptation leans hard into obsession, passion and excess. And judging by the jewels alone, subtlety was never the point. Now, Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director of Dawsons Auctioneers, has estimated the value of the staple pieces on the red carpet. Margot Robbie has been turning heads on the press tour of her new movie Wuthering Heights with her statement jewllery (Margot pictured wearing Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery) Cece Jewellery signet rings - $5K Margot gifted Jacob with matching 18ct gold signet ring for their press tour. Each of the beautiful rings features an image of two skeletons embracing, and the words 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.' UK designer Cece Fein-Hughes, who created the rings, took to her social media to share behind-the-scenes details about the jewellery and a gallery of images. 'What an honour it was to create matching pieces for Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi, celebrating their time filming together as Catherine & Heathcliff in the new Wuthering Heights,' she said in the Instagram post. Elsewhere, Fein-Hughes of Cece Jewellery London shared that the words used on the hand-enamelled gold rings were written by Wuthering Heights author Emily Bronte. She added that each detail of the design was intended to tell 'a story of passion, devotion, and wild romance'. Each signet ring features two skeleton skulls, sitting in a tangle of thorns, and locked in an 'eternal' embrace. Both of the signet rings are engraved with the initials of Cathy and Heathcliff- the doomed lovers played by Margot and Jacob in the film. Each of the beautiful rings feature an image of two skeletons embracing, and the words 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same' Another feature is the inscription '1847-2026', a reference to the year that saw the publication of Bronte's classic novel - and the release of the new Wuthering Heights film. 'Gifted to Jacob by Margot, the piece features two entwined skeletons in the exact pose of the iconic film poster, a quiet reminder that love never truly dies,' Fein-Hughes said in her post. She added, 'As time passes and everything else withers away, what remains is the enduring bond between two souls,' adding a love heart emoji. Jonathan said: 'What we're seeing here is a move away from trend-led jewellery and toward pieces that carry narrative, symbolism, and longevity. 'Buyers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that feels personal and emotionally anchored, something with a story behind it that can be passed down. 'Signet rings, in particular, have evolved from purely heraldic objects into modern heirlooms carrying symbolic meaning, and this surge in interest reflects that shift.' While an exact valuation for the custom pieces is not known, similar high-end signet rings from Cece Jewellery typically retail between $5,000 to $7,500. Elizabeth Taylor's Taj Mahal necklace - Over $7.7M For the film's LA premiere, Margot wore one of the most historically significant jewellery pieces ever seen on the red carpet For the film's LA premiere, Margot wore one of the most historically significant jewellery pieces ever seen on the red carpet. The diamond dates back to the early 17th century and was a gift to Mughal Empress Nur Jahan by her husband, Emperor Jehangir. It was later passed down to their son, Shah Jahan, who gifted it to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The piece has a Persian inscription that includes Nur Jahan's name and a message often translated as 'Love is Everlasting'. Although the diamond was originally worn as an amulet, it was later reset into a ruby and gold necklace by Cartier. It was at the time purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1972 as a birthday gift. Tim Mendelson, a Trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor Estate, told Marion Faisel of Only Natural Diamonds: 'Elizabeth cherished the symbolism of jewellery, and no other piece in her legendary collection is more connected to epic, undeniable, and tempestuous love that transcends time and even death than the Taj Mahal Diamond.' When it comes to the value of the piece, Jonathan said: 'What we can trace clearly is the pendant's association with modern celebrity. Richard Burton gave the necklace to Elizabeth Taylor for her 40th birthday in 1972 during a trip to Budapest, a moment that transformed the jewel into a modern icon. 'Reported figures for the gift range from $470,000 to $520,000. Later, at Christie's New York in 2011, it realised $8,818,500. 'When a celebrity borrows an archive piece like this, the jewel becomes a short-lived exhibition: watched by millions, replayed endlessly, then returned to controlled storage. 'Jewellery, particularly when linked to a major couture house, and a landmark film or Hollywood, can command significant prices.' Lorraine Schwartz choker - $2.7M The Australian actress donned a striking Lorraine Schwartz diamond necklace, incredibly valued at more than 100 carats Margot showcased a dazzling piece of jewellery at the premiere of Wuthering Heights in Paris. The Australian actress donned a striking Lorraine Schwartz diamond necklace, incredibly valued at more than 100 carats. '@margotrobbieofficial captivates in her beauty in over 100 carat custom-made champagne (nude) diamond jewellery. Stunning,' the brand wrote of her premiere look on Instagram Stories. In another Instagram Stories post, Lorraine Schwartz wrote: 'Loved designing and making this nude 100 carat diamond choker and earrings for the amazing stunning @margotrobbieofficial.' As for the value of the piece, Jonathan said: 'Jewellery of this calibre, combining exceptional-coloured diamonds with designer provenance and global media exposure, could reasonably be valued at $2.7- 4m. 'These are pieces that sit comfortably alongside museum-grade jewels and private collections.' Jessica McCormack pendant and ring - $750,000 During the global junket for the photocall, Margot wore a Jessica McCormack pendant and ring The ring is a bespoke ruby and diamond chubby daisy ring During the global junket for the photocall, Margot wore a Jessica McCormack pendant and ring. The pendant was a 10.07ct pear-shaped diamond, set in a Georgian style cut-down setting in 18K blackened white gold & rose gold. While the exact cost is unknown, it's estimated to be around $750,000. Margot teamed the look with a bespoke ruby and diamond chubby daisy ring. It's a 1.43ct Central Round Brilliant cut diamond surrounded by a set of smaller Round Brilliant cut diamonds. It's in a talon setting in 18K blackened white gold & yellow gold. The ring is estimated at $68K. Jessica McCormack earrings - $19K She donned pear-shaped diamond gypset hoop earrings with two 7.50ct Pear-shaped Diamonds On her way to the Jimmy Kimmel show last month to discuss the new movie, Margot wore a stunning pair of earrings by Jessica McCormack. She donned pear-shaped diamond gypset hoop earrings with two 7.50ct Pear-shaped Diamonds. The diamonds are set in a Georgian-style cut-down setting in 18K blackened white gold & yellow gold. These have an estimated value of $19K. Jessica McCormack pearl and diamond earrings - $8K Margot donned a pair of pearl and diamond earrings from Jessica McCormack During another photo call for the movie, Margot donned a pair of pearl and diamond earrings from Jessica McCormack. The pieces are a cut-down hoop with two sets of Round Brilliant cut diamonds & two detachable pear-shaped 14.5mm freshwater pearl drops. They are set in a Georgian style cut-down setting in 18K blackened white gold & yellow gold. The earrings cost $8K. Charlotte Bronte replica mourning bracelet - $27K During the UK premiere of the movie, Margot wore a replica of Charlotte Bronte's mourning bracelet The real and replica next to each other During the UK premiere of the movie, Margot wore a replica of Charlotte Bronte's mourning bracelet. The original bracelet was made from hand-woven hair, thought to be of her sisters Emily and Anne - was the inspiration for Dilara Findikoglu's design. It was commissioned by Margot's stylist Andrew Mukamal, for wearing on the red carpet. Wyedean's managing director, Robin Wright, who liaised with Mukamal and the Bronte Parsonage throughout the process said: 'We could never have imagined the impact the bracelet, woven here in Haworth and with silver work created by our jewellery partners McCarty London, would make when Margot Robbie stepped out wearing it. 'It's been incredible for our team to see the impact of their work as we pulled out all the stops and used all the resources available to us to create the bracelet in just four weeks.' The finished bracelet combines three different shades and 280 braided threads to match the colour and texture of human hair. It's then fitted into the clasp pieces created, carved and set by McCarty London. While it's unknown what the repplica costs, the original is thought to be around $27K. News / National by Staff reporter Some residents in Gwanda are questioning the municipality's rollout of prepaid water meters, claiming there was insufficient consultation and alleging that the move violates their rights.Gwanda municipality first announced plans to install prepaid meters over a decade ago. Despite protests and petitions from residents, the council even sought borrowing powers from the Ministry of Local Government to purchase the devices. The project was shelved due to overwhelming opposition at the time.One resident on Sunday described the mandatory installation of prepaid meters as "pathetic" and against human rights, adding that the local residents' association appeared to support the policy without proper community input."We heard it is a 2013 resolution. We are challenging it in court," the resident said.Other concerns raised include communication gaps and affordability. "This was not a constitutional meeting; we were simply told what is being implemented," said another resident. "Some people do not have WhatsApp, yet updates are only sent through WhatsApp. How many boreholes are there in town, and will they sustain us? Even if boreholes are available, they are not user-friendly. People living in high-density areas cannot afford prepaid meters."Gwanda Mayor Thulani Moyo disputed claims that the policy was enforced without consultation. He explained that the council has been continuously adjusting previous resolutions to replace faulty meters with improved prepaid systems."The resolution is not from 2013 alone. It is part of continuity, where in 2022 and 2023, we resolved to remove faulty meters and install better gadgets that cannot be tampered with," Mayor Moyo said.He added that consultations were conducted across all wards, with councillors gathering feedback from residents, many of whom supported prepaid meters. "We have the database and signed agreements from residents, who opted for prepaid meters. There is no evidence of residents rejecting the meters; what is being reported is the opinion of a few individuals," he said.The mayor defended the prepaid system as a tool for sustainable service delivery, noting that the municipality is owed over ZiG 100 million in unpaid bills, affecting water provision, infrastructure maintenance, staff salaries, and operational costs."The right to water goes hand in hand with the responsibility to pay for it. There is no free service. Prepaid meters help us manage billing issues, prevent tampering, and support digitalisation as we work towards Vision 2030," Moyo said.The prepaid meters cost ZiG 270 each, payable in instalments of ZiG 22 per month, and will eventually become council property. The official launch of the system is scheduled for February 16 or 17, with service teams ready to assist residents. He's been channelling tortured romantic Heathcliff on the red carpet but Jacob Elordi showed a very different side on Saturday as he touched down in Brisbane. The 28-year-old actor was spotted striding through Brisbane Airport when he flipped the bird, offering a blunt gesture that was worlds away from the dashing gentleman he plays in his new film Wuthering Heights. Dressed in a bold, custom-made BODE mustard-yellow jacket splashed with floral and graphic prints, Jacob paired the look with dark sunglasses and jeans as he carried his bag through the terminal. But it was his raised middle finger that did most of the talking a pointed response as he made his way through arrivals. He cut a striking figure in his statement jacket and dark shades, projecting effortless movie-star cool as he strode through the bustling terminal. The moment stood in stark contrast to the polished image Jacob has been presenting on the films press tour alongside co-star Margot Robbie, where the pair have been leaning heavily into the gothic romance of their latest project. He's been channelling tortured romantic Heathcliff on the red carpet but Jacob Elordi showed a very different side on Saturday as he touched down in Brisbane. The 28-year-old actor was spotted striding through Brisbane Airport when he flipped the bird Jacob offered a blunt gesture that was worlds away from the brooding, dashing gentleman he plays in his new film Wuthering Heights Jacob offered a blunt gesture that was worlds away from the dashing gentleman he plays in his new film Wuthering Heights But it was his raised middle finger that did most of the talking, as Jacob confidently strode through the terminal The moment stood in stark contrast to the polished image Jacob has been presenting on the films press tour alongside co-star Margot Robbie, where the pair have been leaning heavily into the gothic romance of their latest project Jacob has taken on the role of the brooding antihero Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, with Margot starring as Catherine Earnshaw. It comes after Jacob took his embodiment of his leading man, Heathcliff, to new heights as he showed off a surprise new accessory at the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights on Thursday. The actor has taken on the role of the brooding antihero in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of the iconic Emily Bronte novel. And while joining his co-star Margot Robbie on the Australian red carpet, Jacob shared that he'd added a gold tooth to his look, in a nod to Heathcliff's gentlemanly transformation in the film. The Euphoria star opted for a sharp blue double-breasted suit as he posed for photos at the premiere. Meanwhile, Margot looked radiant in a flowing off-shoulder ivory gown, featuring a structured, boned corset bodice that cinched her silhouette perfectly. She added a romantic touch with sheer tulle sleeves and a mermaid-style flowing skirt layered with delicate tulle that moved gracefully with each step - a modern nod to the gothic romance of her latest movie. The new version of Wuthering Heights will see Margot and Jacob star as the tragic lovers Heathcliff and Catherine, and it hits cinemas on February 13, just in time for Valentine's Day. Jacob has taken on the role of the brooding antihero Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, with Margot starring as Catherine Earnshaw He cut a striking figure in his statement jacket and dark shades, projecting effortless movie-star cool as he strode through arrivals Jacob himself recently raised eyebrows during a press interview when he declared he and co-star Margot Robbie had a 'mutual obsession' while filming Speaking to Fandango, with Margot sitting nearby, he said he made sure he was never more than 10 metres away from the Barbie actress on set 'If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot, you're going to make sure you're within five to ten metres at all times,' Jacob said During the film's press tour, the stars haven't shied away from showing off their chemistry on the red carpet. In fact, it has led to some complaints from fans that the duo have taken inspiration from Sydney Sweeney's 'PR playbook,' after she put on a similarly cosy display with co-star Glen Powell in 2023 to promote their film Anyone But You. Jacob himself recently raised eyebrows during a press interview when he declared the pair had a 'mutual obsession' while filming. Speaking to Fandango, with Margot sitting nearby, he said he made sure he was never more than 10 metres away from the Barbie actress on set. 'If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot, you're going to make sure you're within five to ten metres at all times,' he said. 'Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food. When is it going to slip? It never comes undone.' Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett has been flooding her Instagram feed with pictures of her whopping engagement ring, courtesy of her multi-millionaire fiance Harry Hoare. So it may come as a surprise that the influencer allegedly still owes her former landlord, Charlotte Hill, a hefty 11,107. In October 2024, I revealed Ms Willett, now 33, had been found guilty in court of trashing the 1.8 million apartment in Kensington she had rented for eight months in 2022. She left make-up stains and drawings on the walls, drilled holes for pictures and a television, left a 9,000 carpet stained with dog pee, and damaged a hob. She was ordered to pay 4,749, in instalments of 600 a month, to Monaco-based Ms Hills. But I hear she paid only six instalments, stopping last September. Nor has she paid a large chunk of the 3,500-a-month rent she owed on the luxury two-bedroom apartment, bringing the total outstanding balance to 11,107, I'm told. When Ms Hills sued over the state of the flat in 2024, she told the court: 'It is a nightmare... The flat was completely wrecked.' Ms Willett counter-sued for harassment but that claim was dismissed. She is now expecting a child with her husband-to-be Harry, a Dubai-based financial broker. She also has a daughter, Ottilie, with her ex, Fraser Carruthers. Ms Willett did not respond to my approach for comment last week. Pictured: Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett who still owes her former landlord 11,107 for trashing an apartment Pictured: Tabitha Willett with her multi-millionaire fiance Harry Hoare Pictured: Tabitha's whopping engagement ring Cruzing into the music business... Could Cruz Beckham be the new Harry Styles? The youngest son of Sir David and Lady Beckham has just been signed to DawBell, a big music PR agency which represents the former One Direction star, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa. The move indicates Cruz, is no longer just a nepo baby and that his indie band, Cruz Beckham And The Breakers, have the nod of approval from music industry bigwigs. Watch this space... Cruz Beckham And The Breakers (pictured) have just been signed to DawBell, a big music PR agency VB's off the mark Perhaps Cruz could help his mum with her legal bill after she lost a 14-month trademark battle. Chinese designer Shaofeng Ren, who lives in Italy, has been selling clothes on a Facebook page under the name 'V&B: Vintage & Bohemme' and wanted to trademark the name and logo. Victoria Beckham's fashion company objected, complaining it was too similar to her VB brand. However a European court has found against her, leaving the former Spice Girl to pay costs. Victoria Beckham has lost a 14-month trademark battle with Chinese designer Shaofeng Ren Lady Lola's beauty sign Lady Lola Bute took a self-aware jibe at herself on Instagram as she showed off her new tattoo a red love heart with 'love you' written on it. Exhibitionist Lola, wrote: 'Chic and refined as always,' as she flashed her hip, also revealing a thin white tan line, possibly picked up from one of her many holidays. The daughter of the late 7th Marquess of Bute is dating Dutch model Parker van Noord. Lady Lola Bute took a self-aware jibe at herself on Instagram as she showed off her new tattoo a red love heart with 'love you' written on it Did Vogue go rogue? British Vogue's former editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, has hit back after the magazine claimed Bhavitha Mandava as the first brown model to grace its cover. He vented: 'In the haste to claim "firsts", let's not forget the ones who came before' then listed the likes of Jameela Jamil and Simone Ashley who were cover stars during his tenure. But Vogue assures that his cover stars (including Simone Ashley and Priyanka Chopra) were actually mentioned in the article Enninful was referring to. The journalist writes that although brown actresses and models were featured on the cover before, Bhavitha is the first brown model to appear on the cover solo. British Vogue's former editor-in-chief Edward Enninful has hit back after the magazine claimed Bhavitha Mandava (pictured) as the first brown model to grace its cover My lips are sealed, but... Which celebrity invited her A-list friends to a ceremony to take mind-bending ayahuasca following her birthday? Has Prince William stopped playing padel at the swanky Fairmont Windsor Park because the hotel is owned by a pal of his disgraced uncle? I'm told William used to be quite a regular there as it's close to the family home but now prefers to play at a court in Slough. The hotel is owned by billionaire property tycoon Surinder Arora, who asked Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to open the site for him in 2021. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were also guests at his wedding. Creators of the Oscar-winning horror flick The Silence of the Lambs have expressed 'regret' toward the transgender community over one of the movie's characters. Even though the cult classic came out 35 years ago on February 14, 1991 critics have become outraged that it does not live up to modern social standards. So much so, actor Ted Levine and producer Edward Saxon have apologized for the decades-old misstep. The book adaptation followed a young FBI trainee, played by Jodie Foster, who is tasked with tracking down a serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill,' played by Levine. She enlisted the help of the infamous killer and iconic character, Hannibal Lecter. At the 1992 Oscars, the movie won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Despite its many accolades and worldwide acclaim, Levine's adaptation of Buffalo Bill has been criticized for perpetuating homophobic and transphobic stereotypes. In the movie, Buffalo Bill donned women's clothes and tracked down female victims. He wore their skin as a 'woman suit' in an attempt to alter his identity. The Silence of the Lambs has receiving modern criticism three and a half decades later Buffalo Bill was portrayed as a serial killer who targeted female victims and wore their skin The Silence of the Lambs won several Oscars at the 1992 academy awards including Best Picture Levine told the Hollywood Reporter there are 'certain aspects' of the film that fail to meet modern standards. 'There are certain aspects of the movie that don't hold up too well,' he said. 'We all know more, and I'm a lot wiser about transgender issues. There are some lines in that script and movie that are unfortunate.' During one highly ridiculed line, Hannibal Lecter said Buffalo Bill is 'not really transgender.' 'Billy hates his own identity,' he said. 'And he thinks that makes him a transsexual, but his pathology is a thousand times more savage and more terrifying.' Saxon agreed that Buffalo Bill was not trans or gay, but rather just completely deranged. 'We were really loyal to the book,' he said. 'As we made the film, there was just no question in our minds that Buffalo Bill was a completely aberrant personality that he wasn't gay or trans.' 'He was sick,' he added. 'To that extent, we missed it. From my point of view, we weren't sensitive enough to the legacy of a lot of stereotypes and their ability to harm.' Saxon said he regrets the way Buffalo Bill's character was portrayed, but it did not come from a place of 'malice.' Producer Edward Saxon said he regrets certain, poorly-aged aspects of the cult classic Jodie Foster starred in the film, winning an Oscar for Best Actress. Anthony Hopkins (right) won the coveted gong for Best Actor, while Jonathon Demme won Best Director The creators of the film have apologized for Buffalo Bill's portrayal decades later Die-hard fans of the movie are outraged that Levine and Saxon are 'apologizing for one of the greatest horror movies of all time.' 'Purchase a physical copy of it before it's deemed "problematic",' one person wrote on social media. 'I guess this is yet another example that many of the greatest films ever made couldn't be made today,' added another. 'The notion that it is transphobic is also absurd...they make it clear the killer Buffalo Bill isn't trans,' a third chimed in. Despite the movie's cult following, Levine has conflicted feelings about his iconic character. 'I didn't play him as being gay or trans. I think he was just a f***ed-up heterosexual man. That's what I was doing,' he said. 'It's unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it's f****ed wrong. And you can quote me on that.' Home and Away lovers Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart have announced their engagement, after almost two years of dating. On Sunday, James, 50, shared a precious clip to social media which captured the heartfelt moment he got down on one knee and proposed to Ada, 48, in public. James absolutely beamed in the sweet footage as he was seen sharing a heartfelt vow to Ada, who joyfully accepted the proposal by leaning in and giving her partner a huge kiss. Moments after Ada accepted, their friends and family were seen in the background cheering on the exciting news. Ada and James then shared a beaming photo for the camera in which she flaunted her eye-popping diamond engagement ring. Many of their celebrity friends took to the comments section to offer their well wishes. Home and Away lovers Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart have announced their engagement, after almost two years of dating 'Omg I'm crying! World's biggest congratulations. You beautiful couple,' gushed Kyly Clarke. 'THE BEST,' added Liz Cantor. In October 2024, Ada revealed how her Home and Away co-stars discovered her off-screen relationship with James Stewart. The soap opera stars, whose characters are married on the Channel Seven show, were first linked earlier this year when they were seen sharing a kiss on Anzac Day 2024 before Ada confirmed their romance in a magazine interview. Speaking on Mamamia's No Filter podcast, the actress revealed she had only told a small group of people that she was 'close with' on set before 'word got around' about the couple's off-screen relationship. 'I figured I didn't need to tell anyone else,' she explained. 'We didn't need a group email, people just worked it out.' Elsewhere in the interview, Ada admitted growing feelings for her television co-star James was 'weird' at first. On Sunday, James, 50, shared a precious clip to social media which captured the heartfelt moment he got down on one knee and proposed to Ada, 48, in public James absolutely beamed in the sweet footage as he was seen sharing a heartfelt vow to Ada, who accepted the proposal by leaning in and giving her partner a huge kiss 'Jimmy and I have known each other for 25 to 30 years and there were no feelings for a really, really long time. So I was shocked when I started having feelings,' she said. 'There was this chemistry for the first time this spark that happened that wasn't there before and it was weird.' In July 2024, Ada finally broke her silence on her romance with James after months of speculation. The lovebirds were first linked earlier this year when they were seen sharing a kiss on Anzac Day that year. It has since been claimed that things are getting serious between the pair and they are considering moving in together, but they remained tight-lipped about their romance. Ada confirmed she was dating her longtime co-star James in a magazine interview, describing their romance as 'unexpected'. 'Jimmy and I are together, yes. It's only early days. It's very recent and unexpected. I'm super happy. It's really lovely,' she told Stellar Magazine. But she insisted their Home and Away characters, Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan, getting married on-screen was not an early sign of their real-life romance. The couple began dating after Ada split from her ex-partner, Adam Rigby, just before Christmas last year, and James finalised his divorce from Sarah Roberts in March 2024. Reality star Stephanie Pratt is asking Los Angeles not to make her brother Spencer Pratt their next mayor. Spencer announced his plans to run for LA's top office after losing his family's home in the Palisades fire last year in a campaign touting him as incumbent Karen Bass 'worst nightmare.' The disaster was devastating for the entire Pratt family - not only was Spencer's residence destroyed, but his parents' home was also burnt down. While Spencer has been calling for accountability over the fire ever since, Stephanie tore into his campaign on X on Valentine's Day, calling a ballot cast for him a 'vote for stupidity.' 'Spencer has done great work for the palisades. But LA does not need another unqualified and inexperienced mayor. A vote for him is a vote for stupidity,' she tweeted on Saturday. The duo have had a strained relationship for years, and in 2019 Stephanie said she was no longer on speaking terms with her brother and sister-in-law. Stephanie Pratt, pictured center with brother Spencer and his wife Heidi Montag, has blasted her siblings' intentions to become the mayor of Los Angeles; pictured 2015 She called his campaign a 'vote for stupidity' in a scathing tweeted she made on Valentine's Day 'We are not on good terms. We are not on speaking terms. I do not consider them my family,' she told People of her brother and sister-in-law. Two years later, Spencer said his sister still wasn't a part of his or his family's life. It's not entirely clear if they are no longer talking but Stephanie did recently praise her brother in his efforts advocating for their heartbroken community and calling for accountability. 'Wednesday Spencer was honored for his never-ending work for our town & today I bumped into him shopping! I was so shocked, I asked a stranger to take my photo in front of it (laughing crying emojis). Very cool Spencer! Everyone was so excited to talk about you when I went in Kitson,' she posted to Instagram. Spencer announced his campaign on the one year anniversary of the fires last month at the They Let Us Burn! protest. 'The system in Los Angeles isnt struggling, its fundamentally broken. It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash,' Spencer said. 'Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and Im done waiting for someone to take real action. 'Thats why I am running for mayor. And let me be clear, this just isnt a campaign, this is a mission, and were gonna expose the system. 'They intentionally let us burn before, during and after. There was no accountability. It was gross negligence. They let this happen. Spencer, pictured with wife Heidi, announced his mayoral run at the one-year anniversary of the devastating LA fires The devastating Pacific Palisades fire destroyed 7,000 homes and businesses in what was one of LA's most exclusive suburbs, killing 12 people and displacing nearly 100,000 residents. The cost of the wildfire has been put at $28 billion 'It wasnt a natural disaster or something that was unavoidable. It was their fault, and we need the accountability we deserve.' Pratt did not reveal which party he was running for. Pratt shared the news of his foray into politics with his 1.1m Instagram followers. The Hills star stared intently at the camera as he theatrically held up his signed paperwork to run for LA mayor. 'Yes, its official. Papers are filed and campaign is open,' he captioned the post before directing his followers to his campaign website. 'The system in Los Angeles isnt struggling, its fundamentally broken. It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with,' he said at the raly Pratt shared his news with his 1.1m Instagram followers in a post showing him filling out the paperwork to run for LA mayor The home Pratt and his wife Heidi Montag lived in with their two sons in Pacific Palisades was incinerated in the devastating blazes. Not only was the couple's residence destroyed, but Pratt's parents also lost their home to the fire. Pratt shared a photo of the little that remained of his parent's house to his Instagram Stories. 'My parents house gone,' he wrote along with a string of crying emojis. The devastating Pacific Palisades fire destroyed 7,000 homes and businesses in what was one of LA's most exclusive suburbs, killing 12 people and displacing nearly 100,000 residents. The cost of the wildfire has been put at $28 billion. The Pacific Palisades fire one of the wildfires that struck Los Angeles County in January 2025 burned for about 31 days before it was contained. The 2026 Los Angeles Mayoral election will be held on June 2, 2026, Karen Bass is the city's current mayor. Kate Hudson was honored with a prestigious award at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and who better to present it to her than her long-time friend Gwyneth Paltrow. The Oscar nominee, 46, and the Goop founder, 53, were happy to pose together on the red carpet leading up to the presentation at The Arlington Theatre on Friday, with both looking glamorous in their gowns. Hudson wore a custom Louis Vuitton dress in dusty rose, a color that complimented her beach-blonde hair which was styled naturally and allowed to flow over her shoulders. Her gown had embroidered accents and was loosely fitting as it trailed to heels, moving as she moved. Hudson, who stunned in a silk lilac gown at the Costume Designer's Guild Awards on Thursday evening, added jewelry by Sabyasachi for a radiant touch, per JustJared. Her blonde counterpart looked radiant in a pale pink Prada dress that featured a mid-thigh hemline and long train. Its sheer details allowed glimpses of her taut abs. Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson looked resplendent in pink as they posed together on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday Paltrow was on hand to present her long-time friend with the coveted Arlington Artist of the Year Award Paltrow paired the frock with pink Christian Louboutin heels, jewelry by Hearts on Fire, and she wore her hair in a high ponytail. The ladies clasped hands and seemed to be having a marvelous time. Later on, the big moment arrived when Paltrow presented Hudson with the Arlington Artist of the Year Award, referring to her friend as 'kind of like a little sister to me' in her speech, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The two have known each other for two decades or more, bonding through the same social circles and having kids going to the same schools. Paltrow even threw her 'little sister' a 40th birthday party in 2019. As the event in Santa Barbara continued, Hudson sat down for onstage chat with THR columnist Scott Feinberg. The mother-of-three spoke about wanting 'something different' after years of appearing in romantic comedies. 'I think when you become really famous doing that genre, its hard for certain filmmakers to see you in anything other than what were watching. These sort of things that like, "Well, transforming isnt what she does" when, in fact, its what I love to do,' she said. While the lifestyle and wellness entrepreneur wore a dress by Prada, the recent Oscar nominee for Song Sung Blue delighted in her Louis Vuitton gown Paltrow and Hudson wore ensembles that were both different and complimentary The ladies have known each other for over two decades and Paltrow refers to Hudson as her 'little sister' They both move in the same social circles and their kids went to the same schools Paltrow added glamour by wearing jewelry courtesy of Hearts on Fire Hudson sparkled in jewelry by Sabyasachi and let her blonde hair fall around her shoulders in beachy waves The good friends stood dignified and poised beside SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling at the event Hudson candidly pointed out that shes ready for 'the next phase.' 'It doesnt mean to me that all of a sudden I just want to be doing this for the concept of the accolades; I want to do it to put people in the theater too,' she explained. 'This feels like the beginning of maybe that part where I get to do a little bit more transformations than maybe Ive been able to do in the past.' Meanwhile, Hudson, who garnered her second Oscar nomination for Song Sung Blue, told The Hollywood Reporter at the movies AFI premiere in October that its hard not to fall in love with Hugh Jackman, who played her husband in the movie. Song Sung Blue is based on the true story of married couple Mike and Claire Sardina who formed the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Hudson said she felt 'magic' collaborating with The Greatest Showman star. 'It's hard not to feel magic with Hugh; he's a magical, sparkly man,' she described. 'He's got this very youthful spirit, and his generosity of spirit is wide and large. So I feel like it's hard not to fall in love with him; he's really wonderful.' The pair sing together in the movie and Hudson explained that practicing their vocals improved the on-screen chemistry between the duo. Paltrow referred to Hudson as kind of like a little sister to me in her presentation speech The two pals embraced as Hudson went up to collect her award Hudson radiated joy while clutching her new award and Paltrow stood beside her looking proud There were lots of congratulatory hugs to be seen as the night wore on The Song Sung Blue star was like the belle of the ball Hudson paused to pose for selfies with the fans who had come out to meet her She reflected on the first time they sang together: 'We got in there and I think it was like finding the vibe because it's one thing to record for a recording, it's another thing to record for live, which is what we were doing; it was kind of fun to find the imperfections and what we were going to be doing on the day. 'It was a great way to get to know each other for us too because we're in the studio for hours - before we got to go on set and play this very intimate married couple, we got to spend good time together.' Song Sung Blue's writer-director Craig Brewer was glowing in his praise of Hudson and Jackman, 57, as he shared fond memories of the production. The 53-year-old filmmaker recalled: 'That was magical, it really was. Getting them into the studio for the first time, watching them sing harmony for each other, it was just beautiful.' James Van Der Beek bought a Texas ranch for $4.76 million one month before he died on February 11 at age 48. And now, a representative for the late actor has revealed the purchase was made possible with assistance from friends. 'James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,' the rep told People magazine. In the wake of his death from colorectal cancer earlier this week, family friends set up a GoFundMe account for his widow Kimberly and their six kids. After initially posting a $500,00 goal, the page has surpassed $2.5 million through more than 48,000 donations as of Saturday. A description on the site reads: 'In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.' A representative for James Van Der Beek has revealed the Texas ranch the actor bought one month before his death was made possible with help from friends; pictured in May 2025 Van Der Beek and his wife shared daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four Van Der Beek and his wife shared daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. The former Dawson's Creek star and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas from Los Angeles in 2020. The couple, who wed in 2010, opted to lease the residence in order to try out the new area before committing to it. Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show they purchased the sprawling 36-acre home in an off-market deal on January 9. The Van Der Beeks used an LLC managed by a California attorney, per the outlet. The GoFundMe page details: '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.' The message continues: 'The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. 'Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the childrens education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.' The former Dawson's Creek star and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas from Los Angeles in 2020 Van Der Beek pictured at his Texas ranch with journalist Craig Melvin in 2025 Van Der Beek's close friend, actor Alfonso Ribeiro, paid tribute to him on social media Actor Alfonso Ribeiro paid tribute to Van Der Beek on social media, sharing photos from his visit to his home in Texas. Ribeiro shared that he was able to spend time with the late star shortly before he passed. 'Im so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. 'His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride - the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back,' he wrote in a caption. Ribeiro is godfather to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn. He wrote: 'Ive learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all theyve given me and my family. 'He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwens Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. 'I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.' Helen Skelton has finally addressed romance rumours with her BBC Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones in a new candid interview. The Countryfile presenter, 42, grabbed headlines in the recent months as rumours swirled about their budding romance. The pair fuelled the chatter after it was reported they had enjoyed dates in a luxury spa last year. And now Helen, who split from her ex-husband and rugby player Richie Myler in 2022, has finally given an update on her relationship with TV host Gethin, 48. When asked if the pair have been enjoying more romantic dates, she simply told The Mirror: 'No. Well, he's in Manchester working away, so yeah, no, all good.' Helen stressed the pair are nothing more than 'work friends' and always have been, adding: 'We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends. Helen Skelton, 42, has finally addressed romance rumours with her BBC Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones, 48, in a new candid interview (pictured together in October 2025) The Countryfile presenter grabbed headlines in the recent months as rumours swirled about their budding romance They printed pictures of us at work and that we're together because we are at work together.' When Helen and Gethin appeared on the red carpet together for ITV's Pride of Britain event in October, and a month later at a glitzy Royal Television Society bash in Manchester, it sent even their co-stars into meltdown. Bubbly Helen had been left heartbroken when her husband, retired rugby player Richie, walked out on her just four months after she gave birth to their youngest child Elsie back in 2021. Their commonalities are instantly obvious - both former presenters of Blue Peter, they've both taken part in Strictly, and have that clean-cut attractiveness of all former children's TV presenters. When they were seen in June at a spa close to Gethin's home in Cheshire - some 110 miles from where Helen lives in Cumbria - together and with a suitcase, the rumour mill kept on churning. Neither did anything to stop the speculation. No denials were issued, either publicly from them, or privately from their representatives, despite several approaches from this newspaper, until now. When asked about their budding romance, Helen told Prima Magazine in December that the pair are so close they often 'forget' they're on the air and are 'such good mates' it can become 'tricky' when they're filming the BBC One show, alongside Michelle Ackerley. 'I've been friends with Michelle and Gethin for 25 years. Geth was on Blue Peter before me, so we've always crossed paths, and Michelle and I were flatmates when we lived in London,' she said. 'We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends. They printed pictures of us at work and that we're together because we are at work together,' Helen told The Mirror When asked about their budding romance, Helen told Prima Magazine in December that the pair are so close they often 'forget' they're on the air and are 'such good mates' it can become 'tricky' when they're filming the BBC One show Helen and Gethin have been anchoring Morning Live full-time since its relaunch in January 2024 (pictured in January 2025) 'We're all in the same frame of mind. The tricky bit is, we're such good mates that sometimes we forget we're on air. I see my work friends as much as I do my real friends.' Helen and Gethin have been anchoring Morning Live full-time since its relaunch in January 2024, which came some three years after the programme was originally set up by BBC bosses to rival This Morning. Both were instantly popular with viewers, and their bouncy onscreen presence left ITV bosses cross with themselves for not finding Helen a show. Naomi Watts experienced an awkward wardrobe malfunction while attending the Khaite show during New York Fashion Week at Park Avenue Armory on Saturday. The celebrated actress, 58, went braless beneath a stylish sheer black top, but the look didnt stay in place, with the edge of the fabric slipping down and her nipple briefly spilling out of her top beneath the transparent material. Naomi stunned in the chic all-black outfit, layering a charcoal-grey longline wool coat over the sheer top and a satin slip dress. A silk scarf was tied around her neck, adding a classic finish. She paired the look with black velvet heels and carried a small patent leather top-handle bag. Her blonde hair was styled in a neat lob, worn loose, while her makeup featured a simple base and a bold red lip, and oversized black sunglasses completed the ensemble. Naomi Watts experienced an awkward wardrobe malfunction while attending the Khaite show during New York Fashion Week at Park Avenue Armory on Saturday The celebrated actress, 58, went braless beneath a sheer black top, but the look didnt stay in place, with the edge of the fabric slipping down and her nipple spilling out of her top beneath the transparent material Despite the brief slip, Naomi appeared relaxed as she arrived for the show, which formed part of the citys annual New York Fashion Week events. It comes after Naomi shocked fans at the Venice Film Festival in August, when she arrived on the red carpet with a bizarre fashion item. The Australian actress put on a loved-up display as she attended the event with husband Billy Crudup for the premiere of his latest film, Jay Kelly. However, one accessory Naomi wore left many fans on Instagram scratching their heads. The stunning dress, a custom Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele, was adorned with floral embellishments, including a silk bow which followers said looked like a 'fanny pack' at first glance. 'That black thing looks like a bum bag/fanny pack. Detracts from the gorgeous dress. Completely unnecessary - to the designers - remove it,' one fan demanded. Another chimed in with a similar comment: 'Beautiful dress, but I thought the black bow was a fanny pack at first.' Nevertheless, most fans could agree Naomi's dress was gorgeous with its plunging sweetheart neckline and embroidered flowers. Naomi stunned in a chic all-black outfit, layering a charcoal-grey longline wool coat over the sheer top and a satin slip dress A silk scarf was tied around her neck, adding a classic finish Her blonde hair was styled in a neat lob, worn loose, while her makeup featured a simple base and a bold red lip, while oversized black sunglasses completed the ensemble The actress accessorised with diamond drop earrings and styled her blonde hair in soft waves. Meanwhile, Billy looked dapper in a cream tuxedo, paired with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie and matching tailored trousers. The couple did not shy away from showing affection during their red carpet appearance, happily holding hands. Naomi was also seen placing her arm lovingly around her husband's shoulders while Billy stared into his wife's eyes with palpable adoration. The pair began dating in 2017 after they met on the set of the Netflix series Gypsy. After making their red carpet debut together in 2022, they married in New York City the following year. Adam Peaty surprised his wife Holly Ramsay with one last romantic surprise on honeymoon before the newlyweds finally arrived home this weekend. The Olympic swimmer, 31, marked Valentine's Day with a sweet post featuring his wife looking elated as she was surprised with a room filled with white, silver and pink balloons. Holly was seen sitting on the couch under a sea of balloons while wearing her pyjamas in their holiday apartment in Singapore. Alongside snaps of their wedding day, Adam penned: 'Happy Valentine's Day. What a month it's been together on our honeymoon and such an incredible way to end it in Singapore. So many incredible moments that I'll cherish forever.' Adam also took to his Stories to reveal that they landed back in the UK at 5 am after they enjoyed the final stint of their honeymoon in Singapore. Shortly after arriving home, Adam braved the rain in shorts and went straight to his local pool to train. Adam Peaty's Valentine's Day surprised his wife, Holly Ramsay,26, as they finally arrived home after their 'incredible' month-long honeymoo The Olympic swimmer, 31, marked Valentine's Day with a sweet post featuring his wife looking elated as she was surprised with a room filled with white, silver and pink balloons Holly and Adam continued soaking up the sun as they shared the latest glimpse of their honeymoon in Singapore on Friday. The couple first jetted off on a 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 Peaty 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 a crotchet cover up which she wore over a bright pink bikini. The couple later tucked into a lavishly decorated dessert, complete with an edible photo of them on their wedding day. 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. Adam also took to his Stories to reveal that they landed back in the UK at 5 am after they enjoyed the final stint of their honeymoon in Singapore Shortly after arriving home, Adam braved the rain in shorts and went straight to his local pool to train The 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. On Wednesday Holly showed off her toned abs in a yellow bikini as she shared stunning beach snaps to social media 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. 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.' News / National by Stephen Jakes Presidential Special Investment Advisor Paul Tungwarara has dismissed claims of a fallout with businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, saying some individuals are fabricating an imaginary conflict for personal gain. In a statement posted on social media, Tungwarara said attempts to drive a wedge between him and Tagwirei were nothing more than wishful thinking.Please take note that there are people going around trying to create an imaginary conflict between my mentor, Tagwirei, and myself. This supposed fight does not exist, he said.Tagwirei has never done anything wrong to me. In fact, he has helped me to become who I am today. I hold nothing against my brother, and I cannot continue to allow these false rumours to spread.Tungwarara also clarified that Tagwirei had nothing to do with delays in the Presidential Empowerment Fund Programmes, saying the pause was a party decision meant to strengthen monitoring systems and identify beneficiaries who may have abused funds.I want the nation to know that I am not in competition with anyone, and certainly not with Tagwirei, whom I regard as my mentor, he said.He accused unnamed individuals of using divideandrule tactics to create tension for their own benefit.I urge these individuals to be honest and to ask for favours directly, instead of spreading falsehoods that I am fighting my brother. There are also those attacking Tagwirei in my name, thinking they can gain favours from me. I do not recognise these people, nor do I know them.Tungwarara said he stands by President Emmerson Mnangagwas call for unity.Our able leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, always preaches unity and kubatana. I stand by that call for unity, he said. It's been an epic worldwide promotional trip and its seen Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordis sizzling on-screen chemistry spill over into real life. Yesterday the pair wrapped up their much-scrutinised press tour while home in Queensland for yet another viewing. Australians Ms Robbie and Elordi made a surprise appearance at a cinema in Brisbane for their 16th screening of the film. They play Cathy and Heathcliff in British director Emerald Fennells take on Emily Brontes 1847 novel. And it meant the actors were spending Valentines Day together for the second year running. Ms Robbies husband and father of her child, Tom Ackerley, who produced the film, was not present. It's been an epic worldwide promotional trip and its seen Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordis sizzling on-screen chemistry spill over into real life Yesterday the pair wrapped up their much-scrutinised press tour while home in Queensland for yet another viewing Perhaps he has got the ick with the seemingly loved-up pair just like many cinema-goers. In what cynics have dubbed a show-mance to help promote the so far polarising film, the pair have shared some jaw-dropping revelations about one another. Elordi, 28, said he and Ms Robbie, 35, have a mutual obsession, with Ms Robbie exclaiming her co-star made her almost weak at the knees and filled her dressing room with roses on Valentines Day last year while filming. They have also revealed matching signet rings which bear Brontes words: Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. Yesterday Ms Robbie dazzled in a tapestry-inspired mini dress, while Mr Elordi wore a custom jacket by luxury brand Bode as he left Sydney airport en route to Brisbane. It features motifs from his past movies, including Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein and Priscilla. Cinemas in the UK and elsewhere were booked up this weekend after Ms Fennell, 39, cannily slated her movie to come out on February 13. The film is set to earn back its 59million production budget on the first week of release thanks to it being Valentines weekend and to the sterling promotional work of its stars. Katie Price has once again leapt to the defense of her new husband Lee Andrews following a number of outrageous exposes about his work and relationships. The glamour model, 47, has sparked concern from her loved ones after she tied the knot for the fourth time to the so-called businessman in Dubai last month, just a week after they first met. And despite his claims of being a tycoon with links to Elon Musk, Lee's facade has quickly crumbled, with accusations of using AI, appearing on an escort site and having a colourful history with women. Several of his ex-partners have also 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 her name and has been banned from leaving the country. Lee has denied this, but as yet, does not appear to have left the country. Katie Price has once again leaped to the defense of her new husband Lee Andrews following a number of outrageous exposes about his work and relationships She took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to reshare a video that Lee had posted of her playing with a puppy, and angrily hit out at his doubters, branding them 'bitter' and 'snakes' The glamour model, 47, has sparked concern from her loved ones after she tied the knot for the fourth time to the so-called businessman in Dubai last month, just a week after they first met However, Katie continued to defend her husband on Saturday, as she took to her Instagram Stories to angrily hit out at doubters, branding them 'bitter' and 'snakes'. Resharing a video that Lee had posted on Friday showing her playing with a fluffy Pomeranian or Spitz puppy, she wrote over the top: '@wesleeeandrews has given me more love more security more respect. 'And proven that everything thats been said about him is absolute BS by bitter people and snakes in all areas.' Her furious rant comes after Katie unleashed her rage on her family, accusing them of being 'disloyal' after they threw their support behind her ex JJ Slater. The TV personality split from the MAFS UK star in January after two years of dating, with the Daily Mail sharing she ended it after realising she didn't see a future with him. On Friday, JJ then shared a cryptic social media post declaring that he was 'so back', with Katie's sister Sophie among those to like the post. Now, sources are claiming that Katie is upset that her sister, with whom she hosts a podcast and her family are continuing to support her ex. A source told The Mirror: 'Katie's family are very much "Team JJ". Ever since the break up, they've been in touch with him and supporting him. Her furious rant comes after Katie unleashed her rage on her family, accusing them of being 'disloyal' after they threw their support behind her ex JJ Slater (seen with sister Sophie and mum Amy) The TV personality split from the MAFS UK star in January after two years of dating, with the Daily Mail sharing she ended it after realising she didn't see a future with him (seen in 2024) 'They think the way he's been treated throughout this has been awful. They are really disappointed. He was so supportive of Katie and one of the nicest guys she'd been out with. 'Everything Katie is doing is just putting more of a distance between herself and her family. She won't be happy seeing that her sister has liked her ex's post - no matter how nice he is, he's still an ex. She'll think it's disloyal but underneath, she knows she's treated JJ terribly and that he's a nice guy.' Sophie has previously hinted at her disapproval of Katie's new marriage, sharing after the wedding that their podcast would be 'paused' for the foreseeable future. She also shared a video of rolling British fields with the caption: 'This and never stepping foot in Dubai,' after telling her followers she'd had 'one hell of a week' following news of the wedding. Last week, Katie addressed the whirlwind wedding for the first time on her YouTube channel, insisting she was 'not a young kid' and 'will do what I want to do'. While packing her bags ready to go to Dubai for their honeymoon, she began: 'I've made no comments about anything, I don't feel I need to make comments about anything. I'm fully aware like everyone else, I see stuff, I get sent stuff. 'What I want everyone to know is, I'm a grown a**e woman. I'm 48 this year, I'm not a young kid. I've learned a lot in the past few years, through therapy and learning to love myself. So I'm not stupid, I know what I'm doing and if I'm happy that's all that matters.' The mother-of-five continued to double down, insisting: 'At the end of the day, no one knows what I know. It's only been speculated by the press. 'I am very happy and that's all that matters. That happy that I'm going back to Dubai for the weekend. So I can't wait.' While she then addressed her fans who had been sharing their concerns for her, reiterating: 'If there's anything to update you on, I would always update you all. But I just want people to not worry. 'I'm not worried, so you don't need to worry about anything. Like I say, I will do what I want to do. But I want everyone to know you don't need to worry, I'm really happy, there's nothing to worry about. That's all I need to address on that.' And despite the concern around their marriage, Katie and Lee have been enjoying their honeymoon in the UAE, even hinting at a new addition to their family. In the puppy video that Katie reshared on her own Story, Lee pointedly captioned it with three emojis: a dog, a house and a pregnant woman. And earlier that day, he once again teased plans for a baby after Katie previously explored surrogacy amid her relationship with Carl Woods and claimed that she had already found someone who could carry her sixth child. Lee 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. While there is speculation that Katie could relocate to Dubai permanently in the near future to live with Lee, allegedly even putting a deposit down on a house in the UAE amid her financial woes. And despite the concern around their marriage, Katie and Lee have been enjoying their honeymoon in the UAE, even hinting at a new addition to their family Lee 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.' When host Lewis Raymond Taylor asked who would be having the baby, she 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, she 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***'. Oasis are reportedly planning a new tour for 2027 with the possibility of new music for the first time in nearly two decades. Oasis famously broke up 15 years ago after a furious bust-up between Liam and Noel Gallagher, before they reunited for a mammoth comeback tour in July. The band are now believed to be planning to announce a string of new dates across the UK, Europe and North America and could perform new music during the gigs, according to the Sun. A source told the publication: 'Noel and Liam are taking a well-deserved break from the road this year to recuperate. 'But they know the fans are hungry for more so they want to strike while the iron is hot.' 'Noel has been busy writing and they have all year to record. He was really inspired last year and is full of ideas', they added. Oasis are reportedly planning a new tour for 2027 with the possibility of new music for the first time in nearly two decades Oasis famously broke up 15 years ago after a furious bust-up between Liam and Noel Gallagher , before they reunited for a mammoth comeback tour in July (pictured in 2008) They are also said to be lining up friend Miles Kane from the Last Shadow Puppets to support the hitmakers on many dates. The Daily Mail has contacted Oasis's representatives for a comment. Liam and Noel's tumultuous relationship famously saw Oasis break up 15 years ago as a result of backstage bust-ups, walk-outs and numerous booze-fuelled arguments. After working through countless bickers since they shot to stardom in the 1990s, fans were left devastated when a dressing room feud in Paris tore the band apart in 2009. Noel issued a statement at the time, saying: 'It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. 'People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.' In another statement a few days later, titled Tales From The Middle Of Nowhere, Noel added: 'I feel you have the right to know that the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable. 'And the lack of support and understanding from my management and band mates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new.' The band are now believed to be planning to announce a string of new dates across the UK, Europe and North America and could perform new music during the gigs In the years that have followed, a feud and bitter fighting has ensued with the brothers trading insults back and forth in interviews and on social media. Despite delight over their reunion, fans anxiously worried that the warring siblings may not make it to their gigs. However, they were overjoyed to find the tour went off without a hitch. Noel is set to receive a major honour at the 2026 BRIT Awards later this month. The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday, February 28, from Manchester's Co-op Live, broadcasting on ITV and hosted by Jack Whitehall. Noel will be awarded this years Songwriter of the Year award, and is expected to be among a string of big names in attendance for the ceremony. Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: 'For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story - bold, brilliant, and always recognisable. 'His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally.' Noel is set to receive a major honour at BRIT Awards, it was confirmed on Wednesday (pictured in October) She continued: 'Honouring Noel as Songwriter of the Year celebrates a remarkable body of work and a creative force that continues to connect and inspire artists and fans worldwide.' A source added to The Sun: 'The Brits are planning a special visual tribute to Noel too, which will showcase some of the highlights of his work before he picks up the awards.' AJ Odudu put on a loved-up display with her rarely seen fiance for Valentines Day in a post shared to Instagram on Sunday. The Big Brother host, 37, flashed her diamond engagement ring only as they posed in face masks. AJ, who revealed her romance with Peter in June after he popped the question, also shared a fun snap of them enjoying a McDonald's dinner in bed and a slew of glamorous moments from a range of date nights. Alongside the post, she penned: 'Ooh la la... (in a Blackburn accent)'. The post comes after the host revealed that she and Pete are not in a rush to tie the knot, with their wedding plans currently on hold. She explained the reason for taking their time to Heat Magazine, saying: 'Were both way too busy.' AJ Odudu, 37, put on a loved-up display with her rarely seen fiance as she flashed her stunning engagement ring for Valentines Day in a post shared to Instagram on Sunday The Big Brother host only revealed her romance with Peter in June after he popped the question AJ announced she was engaged to a mystery man in June on Instagram, sharing a slew of photos of her diamond ring - reportedly worth an estimated 14,500 - and the couple together, captioned: 'Hiya love.' The following month, Daily Mail revealed that her fiance was American art director Pete, originally from Idaho but currently living in New York and planning a move to the UK. He currently works at brand agency Wieden + Kennedy, who also have offices in London and Mexico as well as the Big Apple. Pete - who was pictured backstage with AJ as she filmed Celebrity Big Brother this year - also previously worked as a graphic designer for Apple and an art director at Hypebeast. It's believed the former Strictly star has been taking secret trips to New York to spend quality time with her beau, but the couple agreed that, in the long-term, it makes sense for them to be London-based. A source revealed: 'AJ prefers her romantic relationships to be private but when it came to her engagement, she was so happy and excited, she wanted to share the news with her followers. 'Pete, living in New York, worked out perfectly for AJ because they were able to date and get to know each other away from prying eyes plus he doesn't regularly use social media. 'He's now planning a move to the UK so that he and AJ can live together and properly set themselves up for the future. And to celebrate the special day, AJ shared an insight into their relationship with the couple playfully posing in facemasks for one selfie AJ also shared a fun snap of them enjoying a McDonald's dinner in bed and a slew of glamorous moments from a range of date nights Alongside the post, she penned: 'Ooh la la... (in a Blackburn accent)' 'With many strings to his bow as an art director and creator, it made more sense for Pete to relocate, especially given AJ's career has taken off to new heights in the UK. 'They're both so happy and can't wait to make their relationship official by getting married.' The announcement of AJ's engagement came out of the blue because her fanbase were unaware she had a boyfriend. But AJ has been posting about Peter for years, as he attended group work out sessions with her and accompanied the star behind the scenes as she presented Celebrity Big Brother in April. Leonardo DiCaprio enjoyed a romantic date night with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti on Valentine's Day over the weekend. The 51-year-old Oscar winner who recently joined BFF Tobey Maguire at a Super Bowl bash amid awards season was seen arriving to the bustling eatery Anajak Thai on Saturday as he kept a lowkey profile. The Titanic star was first linked to the Italian model, 27, back in 2023 and the pair have kept their relationship mainly out of the spotlight. DiCaprio dressed down wearing a pair of loose-fitting, gray jeans as well as a warm black hoodie. The Hollywood actor additionally added a black cap on top of his head while slipping into a pair of comfy sneakers. Ceretti who helped take part in the Olympics opening ceremony last week in Milan stayed close to her boyfriend during the nighttime excursion. Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, enjoyed a romantic date night with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 27, on Valentine's Day over the weekend DiCaprio dressed down wearing a pair of loose-fitting, gray jeans as well as a warm black hoodie with the Italian model close behind him She was effortlessly chic in a pair of denim blue jeans as well as a plain white shirt. The model layered the ensemble with a blue jacket that contained a white, fuzzy trim and slipped into a pair of black-heeled boots. Her brunette locks were parted in the middle and cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves. DiCaprio was seen stepping out of the driver's seat of a sleek vehicle before later leaving the restaurant with Ceretti directly behind him as they spent the romantic holiday together. The couple were initially romantically linked back in August 2023 when they were spotted grabbing ice cream together in Santa Barbara, California. The following month, the actor whisked himself to Italy where he attended Milan Fashion Week as Ceretti strutted down the runway. Later that same year, a source told Us Weekly that DiCaprio was 'completely smitten' with the model while adding they both 'have a ton in common.' The insider added, 'She's not intimidated by his fame at all - she even makes fun of it, "the model and the movie star." Leo finds it refreshing.' The couple were initially romantically linked back in August 2023 when they were spotted grabbing ice cream together in Santa Barbara, California In regards to their age gap, the source explained that it 'clearly isn't an issue for him' while adding that Ceretti 'is an old soul'; seen in January in NYC In regards to their age gap, the source explained that it 'clearly isn't an issue for him' while adding that Ceretti 'is an old soul.' DiCaprio and the Italian star have since been seen on various other occasions, such as the pair having a blast on a yacht in the Mediterranean last year. The pair also attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's nuptials in June of last year in Venice. Most recently, the couple were spotted getting cozy on a shopping trip as Ceretti helped the actor pick out a few items inside a shop in NYC last month. Last year in April, Ceretti made brief comments about her relationship with the Oscar-winning actor during an interview with Vogue France. 'As soon as you're in a relationship with someone who has a larger following than you, you become "girlfriend of" - or "boyfriend of," for that matter,' the model expressed to the outlet. 'And that can be extremely annoying. Suddenly, people are talking about you as so-and-so's girlfriend who was so-and-so's ex.' The star continued, 'So it's not nice to think that you can't love whoever you want, because of the labels people need to stick on you.' The pair also attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's nuptials in June of last year in Venice; DiCaprio seen in Venice in June 2025 above Last year in April, Ceretti made brief comments about her relationship with the Oscar-winning actor during an interview with Vogue France While Ceretti did not mention DiCaprio by name during her conversation with the publication, she did reveal that they first met in Milan. However, she did gush about being a fan of the movie Titanic and called it 'an iconic film.' Both stars have been keeping busy throughout the year so far, with Ceretti taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony last week in Milan. Around the same time, DiCaprio was spotted enjoying some downtime by attending Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium over the past weekend. The day before the big game, the actor was seen joining his BFF Tobey Maguire as they grooved at the Raising Cane's pre-Super Bowl party in San Francisco. The star was seen flashing a cheerful smile while standing close to Maguire as they watched Ice Cube's live performance. Both stars have been keeping busy throughout the year so far, with Ceretti taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony last week in Milan (seen above) DiCaprio's performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another has garnered critical praise; seen above in the movie DiCaprio has also been making appearances at a number of red carpet events and festivals with awards season currently in full swing. He was dapper while attending the 2026 Golden Globes last month in January and opted for a double-breasted suit as he stopped by the 98th Oscar Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. His performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another has garnered critical praise. The star received a nod for Best Actor at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony in March - with the project raking in 13 Oscar nominations overall. A parade of cinema's elite gathered at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Sunday for the 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards. Model Kaia Gerber looked sensational as she commanded the red carpet in a sheer black lace Givenchy by Sarah Burton dress that clung to her enviable figure. The beauty who's the daughter of Cindy Crawford paired the look with black heels. Keke Palmer was a vision in a pastel yellow top and matching silk skirt, which she teamed with cream heels. Kirsten Dunst looked ready for spring in a light pink and blue floral dress. She was joined by husband Jesse Plemons. The show was hosted by SNL star Ego Nwodim and Honorary Chair filmmaker Lulu Wang. Kaia Gerber, Keke Palmer and Kirsten Dunst led the glamour at the 41st Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday Winners were selected by members of Film Independent, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting visual storytelling. The red carpet was a star-studded spectacle. The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev wowed in a floral red and yellow gown with a plunging neckline. Meanwhile, It Ends with Us actress Jenny Slate stunned in a sleeveless see-through black dress. Her sleek raven bob was parted in the middle, and she accentuated her features with delicate glam. Adolescence star Erin Doherty had all eyes on her on the red carpet, wearing a sculptural black dress, with voluminous, wing-like draped fabric from her shoulders to her wrists. The actress added a touch of color to the look with red earrings and red lipstick. Issa Rae cut a glamorous figure on the red carpet in a metallic gold dress featuring dramatic side slits. Regina King looked vibrant in a sequined halter gown. Join the debate Do red carpet fashion choices overshadow the real achievements at awards shows like these? Gerber looked sensational as she commanded the red carpet in a sheer black lace Givenchy by Sarah Burton dress The beauty who's the daughter of Cindy Crawford paired the look with black heels She wore picture perfect glam Palmer was a vision in a pastel yellow top and matching silk skirt She wore a delicate gold necklace Dunst was a vision in a pastel pink and blue floral dress Her blonde tresses were parted on the side She was joined by husband Jesse Plemons She shared a loved-up look with her husband She also mingled with her Civil War co-star Wagner Moura Nina Dobrev wowed in a floral red and yellow gown with a plunging neckline The Vampire Diaries star accessorized with a golden clutch Jenny Slate stunned in a sleeveless see-through black dress She wore a dark matte shade of red lipstick Adolescence star Erin Doherty had all eyes on her in a sculptural black dress, with voluminous, wing-like draped fabric from her shoulders to her wrists The actress added a touch of color to the look with red earrings and red lipstick Rose Byrne flashed a glimpse of her midriff in black dress with vibrant pops of color She wore her brunette hair in a short ponytail Regina King looked vibrant in a sequined halter gown Zoey Deutch paired a cream mini with black lace tights She was joined by partner Jimmy Tatro Like many other stars on Sunday, Tessa Thompson opted for a sheer gown It featured a colorful print on the torso Issa Rae cut a glamorous figure in a metallic gold dress featuring dramatic side slits Dree Hemingway looked chic in a yellow floral dress The Town star Rebecca Hall was a vision in a violet dress with side cut outs She added contrast by wearing black nail polish Meanwhile, Supriya Ganesh, who stars in The Pitt, wowed in an asymmetrical lilac dress paired with burgundy heels She further sparkled up the look with stunning blue earrings The host of the show Ego Nwodim brought the glamour in a black and white lace dress Lake Bell and Anna Camp looked glamorous at the event Actress Wally Baram wowed in a black-and-white blazer teamed with a black lace skirt She wore delicate glam Eva Victor paired an off-the-shoulder grey knit top with a floor-length satin maxi skirt Jane Levy showcased her toned arms in a black dress with a snakeskin bustier Her strawberry toned tresses cascaded down her back in beachy waves Frances Turner put on a leggy display in a white lace mini dress paired with silver heels Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku showcased her baby bump in a vibrant yellow, after announcing her pregnancy at the 2026 Golden Globes Meanwhile, Supriya Ganesh, who stars in The Pitt, wowed in an asymmetrical lilac dress paired with burgundy heels. The Town star Rebecca Hall was a vision in a violet dress with side cut outs. Rose Byrne flashed a glimpse of her midriff in black dress with vibrant pops of color. She wore her brunette hair in a short ponytail. Actress Wally Baram wowed in a black-and-white blazer teamed with a black lace skirt. Eva Victor paired an off-the-shoulder grey knit top with a floor-length satin maxi skirt. Victor accessorized with strappy black heels. Zoey Deutch paired a cream mini with black lace tights. Australian hunk Joel Edgerton, 51, cut a dapper figure in a grey suit. The actor also wore a striking pendant necklace, featuring a luminous white stone on a black chain. Edgerton is nominated for best lead performance for his work in 'Train Dreams.' Frances Turner put on a leggy display in a white lace mini dress paired with silver heels. Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku showcased her baby bump in a vibrant yellow, after announcing her pregnancy at the 2026 Golden Globes. Francesca Scorsese, the daughter of legendary director Martin Scorsese, opted for a vivid low-cut red dress. Flamin' Hot star Annie Gonzalez sizzled in a bustier style white gown, with her brunette tresses styled into bombshell curls Taylor Dearden opted for classic glamour, wearing an emerald strapless gown Francesca Scorsese, the daughter of legendary director Martin Scorsese, opted for a vivid low-cut red dress She posed for photos with Federica Domeneghetti, who rocked a black mini dress Comedian Kumail Nanjiani was joined by wife Emily V. Gordon, who looked chic in a polka dot dress and neon green heels Australian hunk Joel Edgerton, 51, cut a dapper figure in a grey suit The Train Dreams actor also wore a striking pendant necklace, featuring a luminous white stone on a black chain Star Wars legend Mark Hamill was joined by daughter Chelsea Hamill He looked sharp in a dark suit with a purple shirt underneath Comedian Robby Hoffman was joined by spouse Gabby Windey, who was a contestant on season 26 of The Bachelor Windey put on a sizzling display in a champagne toned dress that left little to the imagination Amy Madigan was the epitome of chic Tabs Breese and Rajee Samarasinghe wore ICE OUT pins in protest of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Twinless star Dylan O'Brien looked cool as ever Lamorne Morris and Mark Duplass both rocked dark suits Brandon Finn showed off his style in an aquamarine blazer paired with a baby blue button up and black silk pants His hair was gelled back Dewayne Perkins went shirtless under a white blazer, which he paired with black pants and a black scarf Cliff Curtis rocked a black button up and white pants He completed the look with lavender sneakers Michael Cimino opted for a pop of color in a Western shirt and black pants She posed for photos with Federica Domeneghetti, who rocked a black mini dress. Taylor Dearden opted for classic glamour, wearing an emerald strapless gown. Star Wars legend Mark Hamill was joined by daughter Chelsea Hamill. Comedian Kumail Nanjiani was joined by wife Emily V. Gordon, who looked chic in a polka dot dress and neon green heels. Michael Cimino opted for a pop of color in a Western shirt and black pants. Comedian Robby Hoffman was joined by spouse Gabby Windey, who was a contestant on season 26 of The Bachelor. Brandon Finn showed off his style in an aquamarine blazer paired with a baby blue button up and black silk pants. Dewayne Perkins went shirtless under a white blazer, which he paired with black pants and a black scarf. Jane Levy showcased her toned arms in a black dress with a snakeskin bustier. Her strawberry toned tresses cascaded down her back in beachy waves. Flamin' Hot star Annie Gonzalez sizzled in a bustier style white gown, with her brunette tresses styled into bombshell curls. Gerber and Francois Arnaud pictured onstage Arnaud sported a dark suit Byrne was pictured speaking onstage She presented the Best Documentary award for The Perfect Neighbor to Alisa Payne Byrne also won best lead performance for 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' She was presented the award by Kate Hudson The ladies shared a hug Hudson stunned in a black leather dress She wore her light blonde tresses in mermaid waves They posed together with the award Doherty accepted the Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series award for 'Adolescence' She played child psychologist Briony Ariston in the 2025 Netflix limited series She was presented the award by Keke Palmer Slate spoke to the audience This year marked a historic shift for the show, as it traded its long-standing Santa Monica location for the Hollywood Palladium King presented the award for best feature Clint Bentley's 'Train Dreams' was named best feature at the awards show Nwodim hosted the event Clint Bentley's 'Train Dreams' was named best feature at the awards show, and received three awards in total. Bentley also took home the award for best director. Eva Victor nabbed the award for 'Sorry, Baby', while Alex Russell's 'Lurker' won for best first screenplay. Lurker was also named best first feature. Rose Byrne won best lead performance for 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' Meanwhile Naomi Ackie won best supporting performance for 'Sorry, Baby.' Kayo Martin got the best breakthrough performance for 'The Plague.' Esta Isla (This Island) took home the John Cassavetes Award, the prestigious honor reserved for features produced on a budget of under $1 million. Meanwhile on the TV side, Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper maintained their winning streak, winning for their performances in Adolescence, which also nabbed the Spirit Award for best new scripted series. This year marked a historic shift for the show, as it traded its long-standing Santa Monica location for the Hollywood Palladium. The show was streamed on the Film Independent and IMDb YouTube channels. The Spirit Awards come amid the final stretch of awards season, with the Oscars now only a month away. Too Hot To Handle stars Emily Miller and Cam Holmes have revealed they are expecting twins with a sweet pregnancy post. The couple, who first met on the 2020 series, announced the joyful news in an Instagram post on Sunday evening. The clip showed them with their two-year-old son Reggie wearing a 'Big Brother' jumper as they all posed as a family. The caption read: '2 more to adore - Due 23.08', as the post was flooded with congratulatory messages. Molly-Mae Hague penned: 'Omg !!! Congratulations guys !!', while Made In Chelsea star Emily Blackwell wrote: 'Congratulations this is tooo cute.' It comes after last October they shared their engagement news. Too Hot To Handle stars Emily Miller and Cam Holmes have revealed that they are expecting twins with a sweet pregnancy post The couple, who first met on the 2020 series, announced the joyful news in an Instagram post on Sunday evening Emily revealed Cam 'finally' popped the question after five years together, during their family holiday in Greece. 'IT FINALLY HAPPENED', she wrote alongside snaps of the beachfront, sunset proposal. Emily couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she showed off her dazzling diamond ring in her bridal white mini dress. Her famous influencer and reality star pals congratulated the pair on their engagement in the comments. Love Island's Millie Court wrote: 'Aaaaaaa!!!!! Congrats both', Jess Wright added: 'Beautiful ', 'Congratulations ', Chloe Ferry penned. Emily and Cam welcomed their son in June 2024, two years after suffering an ectopic pregnancy. Last June, Emily shared a raw and honest paragraph alongside a slew of snaps, describing her past trauma as she marked two years since she suffered an ectopic pregnancy. She wrote: 'Its a bitter sweet feeling today which marks 2 years since my ectopic pregnancy. 'My due date is only a week away but I had always secretly thought how weird it would be if I gave birth on the exact day. But Im now glad that wasnt the case as they both deserve their special day.' An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The clip showed them with their two-year-old son Reggie wearing a 'Big Brother' jumper as they all posed as a family The caption read: '2 more to adore - Due 23.08', as the post was flooded with congratulatory messages Molly-Mae Hague penned: 'Omg !!! Congratulations guys !!', while Made In Chelsea star Emily Blackwell wrote: 'Congratulations this is tooo cute' They were seen walking together holding hands before the big reveal The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won't develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues. Unfortunately, it's not possible to save the pregnancy. It usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation. She added: 'I lost my little Twix [dog] a month before I found out I was pregnant which is ironic in itself because Twix hated babies and children and I always said I would never be able to have a child with Twixxy being my number 1 baby as it just wouldnt work.' Emily continued: 'Fast forward a few months I then lost my wee Nan. This too is ironic because the reason I got Twix was that he was my grandads dying wish for me. 'Expect he was supposed to be a white Siberian cat. Not a stray dog from Batterseabut thats another story. 'Long story short- I always felt my grandads presence in Twix. My Nan and Twix had this incredible bond and I dont know why but I just alwayssss knew that they would cross over at the same time. 'And would you believe it - as my Nan got sicker with Dementia and Twix got older neither of them were giving up until eventually it was only a few months apart when they both died. 'Anyway to cut to the point Ive never been hugely into spirituality but I do feel like this has all been linked together and to top it off we are calling our son after my Grandad which Cam & I decided way before my nans death. 'Its crazy how our mind and body recovers so quickly from trauma when its replaced with love and hope.' In June 2022 Emily revealed she suffered an ectopic pregnancy, after finding out she was pregnant a few weeks before. She detailed the tragic news in a lengthy post to Instagram, telling followers that she 'collapsed in pain' and was rushed to hospital. Emily detailed that she was 'extremely emotional' after the surgery and suffered a panic attack, adding that despite the physical pain, 'mentally it was even harder.' The television personality explained that despite the 'shock' pregnancy she was 'quite excited' before being admitted to A&E with stomach pain. Alongside a photo for her hospital bed, Emily penned: 'So a few weeks ago I discovered I was pregnant. Although it was a shock it was something I was also quite excited about. 'However on Tuesday. I collapsed whilst being at the shops. I cannot even describe to you the pain- it felt like my whole stomach was collapsing and was quickly rushed to hospital. I waited in A&E until 3pm the next day, when I finally got my scan.' It comes after last October they shared their engagement news She continued: 'As I laid on the table squeezing Cams hand the 2 nurses were so silent. I asked if everything is ok and she replied 'I'm just going to get my colleague for a second opinion' as the 3 nurses gathered round it was then they confirmed I had something called an ectopic pregnancy. 'For those who haven't heard of this (like me) it's basically where the fetus gets stuck and grows in your Fallopian tube which is fatal and if I had left it much longer my Fallopian tube would of burst. 'It's one of those things you just think will never happen to you. I was just so scared. Not only was I about to lose my baby but I was about to have my Fallopian tube removed with the potential of my ovary too. 'All I wanted to do was speak to my mum and I'm pretty sure I scared all the poor women in that waiting room with my crying.' Kirsten Dunst put on a radiant display as she cozied up to husband Jesse Plemons at the 41st Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Hollywood. The 43-year-old actress - who recently made a jab following Plemons' Oscars snub - glammed up on the red carpet alongside other celebrities such as Nina Dobrev and Kaia Gerber. Dunst notably received a nomination for Best Supporting Performance for her role in the 2025 movie Roofman. The mom-of-two turned heads wearing a long dress with colorful floral details printed on the flowy fabric. A thin strip of yellow material was tied around her midriff as a belt for a unique flare. Her blonde locks were parted to the side and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in elegant waves. Dunst opted to not add flashy pieces of jewelry to allow the ensemble to be the main focal point during the festivities which took place at The Hollywood Palladium. Kirsten Dunst, 43, put on a radiant display as she cozied up to husband Jesse Plemons, 37, at the 41st Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Hollywood Dunst notably received a nomination for Best Supporting Performance for her role in the 2025 movie Roofman The star's makeup was classically done for the event and comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a shimmering gold shadow around her eyes. A pink blush was added to her cheekbones while a nude-colored, satin tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch. Dunst flashed a cheerful smile on the red carpet alongside Plemons who dressed for the occasion in a black suit as well as a blue shirt underneath. The lovebirds stood close together while pausing for a brief photo session upon arriving to the star-studded venue. At one point, the actress was seen sending a loving look in her husband's direction as he wrapped his arm around her waist. She also crossed paths with The Secret Agent actor Wagner Moura and the pair shared a friendly embrace. Dunst took on the role of Leigh in the comedic drama Roofman - which was released last year in October. Other stars that had been cast in the project included Channing Tatum, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Peter Dinklage, Lily Collins and Ben Mendelsohn. The mom-of-two turned heads wearing a long dress with colorful floral details printed on the flowy fabric. A thin strip of yellow material was tied around her midriff as a belt for a unique flare The star's makeup was classically done for the event and comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a shimmering gold shadow around her eyes She also crossed paths with The Secret Agent actor Wagner Moura and the pair shared a friendly embrace Dunst took on the role of Leigh in the comedic drama Roofman - which was released last year in October; seen above in Roofman (2025) with castmate Channing Tatum The premise follows: 'A charismatic criminal, while on the run from the police, hides in a hidden space of a toy store. There, he adopts a new identity and becomes involved with an employee, beginning a relationship as unlikely as it is risky,' per IMDB. The film - which is based on a true story - was directed by Derek Cianfrance, who is known for other projects such as Blue Valentine (2010) and The Light Between Oceans (2016). Dunst reflected on her decision to take part in the movie during an interview with W Magazine. 'The director, Derek Cianfrance, gave me a little ringy-dingy and said, "Will you play this part?" And the answer was yes, immediately.' She further explained, 'I'm a director-driven gal, for sure. That's my whole experience. I'm a part of their vision. It's all in their hands.' The actress also voiced her interest to step behind the camera one day and direct, but said she is currently focused in raising her kids. 'I would like to direct one day, but I think it'll be so all-encompassing. I have two very young children, so I don't feel great about doing that.' Dunst shares children Ennis, seven, and James, four, with Plemons - whom she tied the knot with in 2022. Join the debate Is Kirsten Dunst still one of the most effortlessly stylish stars on the red carpet? 'The director, Derek Cianfrance, gave me a little ringy-dingy and said, "Will you play this part?" And the answer was yes, immediately,' she said; seen above in Roofman (2025) The actress also voiced her interest to step behind the camera one day and direct, but said she is currently focused in raising her kids; seen in January in Paris Late last year in December, Dunst made rare comments about her kids as well as her 'wonderful husband.' She discussed how she is more careful when it comes to selecting acting jobs, a decision that has been influenced by becoming a mother. 'I have been burnt out before, and I haven't sustained that energy of being able to have a work-life balance,' she said during the In Conversation event at the Red Sea International Film Festival. 'I also went to school, and I'd make movies, and I'd go back and forth. But now, I am in a position right now where I can wait, wait till I want to work.' She added, 'I have two kids. I've been enjoying just being a mum and then just waiting for projects that really mean something to me. 'It's comfortable and really wonderful that I'm in a position now where I can really be very careful about what really speaks to me and what work I do.' After welcoming her kids, Dunst added that it gave her a 'fearlessness in my acting' and she is able to now appreciate her roles more when she takes on an acting job. 'I've been very lucky that I have surrounded myself with good people, and I have a wonderful husband, and people that don't get caught up in the frivolous parts of this industry. So that's helped...' 'I have been burnt out before, and I haven't sustained that energy of being able to have a work-life balance,' she said during the In Conversation event at the Red Sea International Film Festival (seen above) Plemons also garnered a nod for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the Actor Awards (formerly SAG Awards) which will be held on March 1; seen above in Bugonia (2025) Along with Dunst, Plemons has also been keeping busy with awards season currently in full swing. The actor recently starred in the 2025 film Bugonia which additionally cast Emma Stone and Aidan Delbis. Yorgos Lanthimos - who has collaborated with Stone in the past - directed the black comedy thriller. Bugonia has received four nominations at the upcoming Academy Awards including Best Picture. Plemons also garnered a nod for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the Actor Awards (formerly SAG Awards) which will be held on March 1. Every Whole Foods in the US is ripping out its biometric payment method that allows people to pay with their palms after it was shunned by customers. By June 3, the more than 500 Whole Foods grocery stores across the country, all of which are owned by Amazon, will remove palm scanners from their checkout lines. The payment method, dubbed Amazon One biometric authentication services, allowed customers to link their Amazon accounts to their palm print. They could then use their hands to pay for groceries or access other services offered by the company. Although Amazon states that it 'processes more than one million biometric authentications each month,' a company spokesperson told the Daily Mail that a lack of widespread adoption was the main reason for nixing the program. Customers had expressed fury on Reddit when the machines were first introduced, declaring 'f**k no. Not giving Big Brother my biometrics' as they expressed fear over the company having their data. The Daily Mail visited a Whole Foods location in New York City's Union Square this week to ask customers whether they have ever used the biometric payment method and what they thought of it. Of the dozen shoppers who were interviewed, none said they had ever paid with their palms, and only a few said they had ever seen others do so. Some said they had never even heard of the program. The shoppers said that the system seemed redundant, as people always carry their phones, and digital wallets that allow for tap payments are already widely used. By June 3, every Whole Foods location in the US will discontinue a system that allows customers to pay with their palms. Whole Foods customers are pictured in a self-checkout in New York's Union Square on Tuesday The payment method is called Amazon One biometric authentication services. A palm scanner in a Whole Foods checkout line is pictured The Daily Mail visited this Whole Foods location in New York City's Union Square to ask customers if they have ever used their palm to pay Almost all of the customers who spoke with the Daily Mail also said they were uncomfortable with the idea of giving Amazon, a company with a more than $2trillion market cap, their biometric data. 'I think that pay with your palm is kind of scary because, like, what the heck,' Santiago Tieguec, a young man from Argentina who said he has never used the biometric payment method, told the Daily Mail. 'I don't want to give my biometric data to nobody,' Tieguec added. 'Nowadays we have our cards in our phones. So I think it's kind of unnecessary.' Whole Foods shopper, Gavin McGinn, said he had never used his palm to pay and told the Daily Mail: 'I wouldn't trust them to have that kind of information about people, because who would they sell it to?' McGinn added that the payment method felt 'science fiction-y,' and said he thought it was redundant. Despite frequently visiting Whole Foods, he thought the palm scanners in the self-checkout lines were just another terminal to pay with cards. Although McGinn's discomfort with Amazon having customers' biometric data is not uncommon, the company's website states that 'Amazon One data is not shared with third parties.' Amazon also states that customer 'data is not stored on any device. Instead, palm and vein images are immediately encrypted and sent to highly secure storage in the AWS cloud. Palm data is used to provide and improve the Amazon One service.' Neil Saunders, a retail analyst and the managing director at GlobalData Retail, told the Daily Mail: 'Amazon may have kept pay by palm around if consumer adoption was stronger and if more retailers were interested in purchasing the technology. Join the debate Do YOU trust big supermarkets with your data? Santiago Tieguec, a young man from Argentina who said he has never used the biometric payment method, said that paying with your palm 'is kind of scary' Gavin McGinn also said he has never used his palm to pay, and he wouldn't trust Amazon with his biometric data 'However, it never really took off, and Amazon is becoming stricter about ensuring its ventures can generate a return. 'As far as consumers are concerned, many did not see the point of it given that contactless payments and paying by phone is already so quick and easy. Some people also have concerns about sharing biometric data.' Saunders' explanation was supported by what customers told the Daily Mail. 'I havent [used palm payment], and I haven't seen anyone use it before,' Whole Foods shopper Priscilla Flete said. She did not know how the system worked. After the Daily Mail explained that customers can link their palm prints to their Amazon accounts to pay for their groceries, she said: 'Its a bit invasive.' Nusrat Abdullah, who said she had never even heard about palm payment, told the Daily Mail: 'It might be convenient, but I think your information is sensitive... I don't think paying with your hands is very safe.' An Amazon spokesperson told the Daily Mail that once the company has finished rolling back its biometric payment method, 'All customer data associated with Amazon One will be securely deleted.' But some customers interviewed by the Daily Mail were not buying it. Brayden Stephenson said he does not believe that Amazon will delete customers' biometric data after the palm payment program is rolled back Nusrat Abdullah said she had never even heard of the palm payment method and that she thought it did not sound 'safe' Brayden Stephenson, a Brooklyn resident who said he shops at Whole Foods when he is in Manhattan, said he once tried scanning his palm to see what would happen. 'I think I tried once, just because I was curious,' Stephenson told the Daily Mail. 'And then it tried to make me fill out stuff, and I was like, no.' He said he didn't believe that Amazon would actually delete users' biometric data. 'A lot of the time, "delete" is just archive and sell off to somebody else,' Stephenson said. The Amazon spokesperson emphasized that the company will securely delete all data associated with biometric payment after June 3, including names, phone numbers, emails, palm data, and any associated credit card or ID information. Other customers said they were not as uncomfortable with the idea of Amazon having their biometric data, because many large companies already have that information. Most iPhone owners, for instance, use their faces to unlock their smartphones. Ali Price, yet another shopper who said she has never used palm payment, told the Daily Mail: 'It's okay. Everyone has our data somewhere.' She also said that people likely did not sign up for the program because they did not want to take the time to fill out their information, especially considering how digital wallets already offer a convenient payment method. Despite not trusting Amazon to delete biometric data, Stephenson also did not mind the idea of the company having it. 'Everybody already has your stuff anyway, so I don't really care about that as much,' he said. None of the shoppers interviewed by the Daily Mail said they had ever used their palms to pay. Customers browsing the Union Square Whole Foods produce section are pictured Ali Price said that she was not concerned with Amazon having customers' biometric data, because many companies already have that kind of information But the incentive to share that information wasn't strong enough, Stephenson added. 'I already have a card. I'm not getting anything out of that,' he told the Daily Mail. 'There's not even a trade-off there. If I'm going to give my data or anything, it might as well be for a trade-off.' Grocery shopping can feel like a chore. But one inventive Costco customer says he has found a way to make it a whole lot more appetizing. Juleon Cotillon, from San Francisco, has been inundated with orders after creating the 'Buck Fifty' - a small 3D-printed tray that clips onto the top rack of a Costco shopping cart. The attachment is perfectly sized to hold the retailers iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, complete with a built-in cup holder to stop drinks from tipping as shoppers navigate the aisles. Cotillon came up with the idea after growing frustrated with having nowhere to put his food court haul while shopping. 'I honestly cannot grasp how weird it's all been,' Cotillon said. 'It's like being in the center of a tornado.' He named the invention the Buck Fifty in homage to the retailer's famously cheap $1.50 hot dog-and-drink deal - a price Costco has stubbornly held for decades despite rising costs. Priced at $15, the first batch of trays sold out quickly on Etsy. One shopper shared a photo of the tray in action, writing: It works! Only one person noticed it, but I dont have to worry about my drink bouncing exiting the store! Love it! Juleon Cotillon of San Francisco has been inundated with orders after creating the 'Buck Fifty,' a clever accessory designed to enhance the warehouse shopping experience From a young age, Cotillon - a pastry chef by trade - has been fascinated by how things are made and drawn to the creative process A pastry chef by profession, Cotillon manufactures each Buck Fifty at home using plastic and his 3D printer. What began as a lighthearted project has evolved into an unexpectedly popular product. From a young age, Cotillon has been fascinated by how things are made and drawn to the creative process. He was introduced to 3D printing in 2019 and later received his own printer as a Christmas gift from his girlfriend, Jeanette Garibay. He then taught himself AutoCAD - a computer program that allows him to produce detailed 2D and 3D designs for a range of projects. But the hobby is not cheap. 'The machines, the software, and the materials aren't cheap,' he said. His Bambu Lab X-1 Carbon 3D printer, for example, costs $549 - and he has since purchased two more. An AutoCAD subscription adds just over $2,000 per year in expenses. Costcos legendary $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo is a cult favorite among shoppers and the inspiration behind one customers viral Buck Fifty cart hack Ron Vachris, chief executive of Costco, has defended the companys commitment to value including its famously stubborn $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo, which has remained unchanged for decades despite rising costs Now, Cotillon is hard at work fulfilling orders to meet growing demand. A devoted Costco shopper, he visits the store once or twice a week - Buck Fifty firmly in place. The quarter-pound beef hot dog and 20-ounce soda - with free refills - is a big draw for members. Costco loses money on it but, like its $5 rotisserie chicken and cheap gas, it encourages members to renew each year. In fact, bosses have repeatedly said their priority is protecting renewals across its more than 80 million paid members. Costco's basic membership costs $65 a year, while the $130 Executive tier adds extra perks such as early store entry, and although the upfront cost can be a turnoff, regular shoppers often recoup it quickly through lower prices on everyday essentials. A recent report outlined how regular shoppers often recoup it quickly through lower prices on everyday essentials. Bulk savings on staples like diapers, coffee, cheese and water filters can offset the fee within months, while a single big-ticket purchase - such as a TV, sofa or engagement ring - can wipe it out in one go. Costo has also been cracking down on non-members. Last year, Costco installed card-scanners at store entrances to crack down on membership sharing. Costco also began requiring staff to check membership cards at its outdoor food courts across the US. Before that rule, non-members could usually slip in for the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo without much scrutiny. News / National by Staff reporter We hereby retract our previously published article reporting that travellers were stranded at O.R. Tambo International Airport due to 152 delayed flights and seven cancellations.The article relied on a report originally published by Travel and Tour World, titled "Travellers Stranded at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg South Africa as 152 Flights Are Delayed and 7 Cancelled Disrupting South African Airways, Emirates, British Airways and More." That source article has since been removed from its website.Following communication from the duly appointed communications agency for Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), we have been informed that the claims contained in the report are factually incorrect and materially misleading.ACSA has categorically stated that there were no such flight delays reported on the date in question at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, or King Shaka International Airport.We have also been advised that the operational circumstances described appear to relate to post-festive season congestion reported in early January and were incorrectly presented as current events. Furthermore, the inclusion of Kulula and British Airways as operating airlines in this context was inaccurate and created a misleading impression regarding current airport operations.ACSA has indicated that this framing falsely suggested ongoing operational disruptions, carrying reputational implications for the company and the broader aviation sector.For context, the delays referenced in earlier coverage by local South African media were clearly described as seasonal and temporary, linked to festive-period congestion. Our article did not adequately reflect that context.We sincerely apologise to Airports Company South Africa, the affected airports, airlines, and our readers for publishing information that was not accurate or reflective of current airport operations.The article has been removed from our website and all associated platforms. We remain committed to responsible journalism and will ensure that future reporting on operational matters is verified directly with the relevant authorities. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its price target lifted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$106.00 to C$112.00 in a research note published on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the banks stock. BNS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upped their price objective on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$100.00 to C$103.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Desjardins upped their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$104.00 to C$106.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$97.00 to C$104.00 in a report on Wednesday. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$95.00 to C$97.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a C$108.00 target price on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of Nova Scotia has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$98.17. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BNS Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Down 0.1% Shares of TSE:BNS opened at C$103.16 on Thursday. Bank of Nova Scotia has a fifty-two week low of C$62.57 and a fifty-two week high of C$106.31. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$101.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$93.05. The company has a market cap of C$127.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.19, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.33. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 2nd. The bank reported C$1.93 EPS for the quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 17.68% and a return on equity of 9.64%. The firm had revenue of C$9.77 billion during the quarter. On average, research analysts forecast that Bank of Nova Scotia will post 7.1286267 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of Nova Scotia In other news, insider Julie Walsh sold 3,716 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$100.62, for a total transaction of C$373,903.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$143,886.60. This trade represents a 72.21% decrease in their position. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Nova Scotia is a global financial services provider. The bank has five business segments: Canadian banking, international banking, global wealth management, global banking and markets, and other. It offers a range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. The banks international operations span numerous countries and are more concentrated in Central and South America. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (NYSEARCA:OWNB 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 14,043 shares, an increase of 126.6% from the January 15th total of 6,197 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 27,143 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 27,143 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Approximately 1.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of OWNB. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC bought a new position in Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF during the second quarter valued at about $1,794,000. Brookwood Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $233,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $934,000. Ankerstar Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,245,000. Get Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF alerts: Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Stock Up 4.4% Shares of OWNB traded up $0.77 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $18.35. 23,053 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 24,428. The company has a market cap of $21.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.01 and a beta of 5.30. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF has a 12-month low of $16.74 and a 12-month high of $39.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $28.27. About Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF The Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (OWNB) is an exchange-traded fund that trades on the NYSEARCA exchange in the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG (OTCMKTS:LDSVF Get Free Report) passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $14,333.76 and traded as high as $15,644.6048. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli shares last traded at $15,644.6050, with a volume of 1 shares changing hands. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli Stock Performance The firms 50 day simple moving average is $14,356.76 and its 200-day simple moving average is $14,886.20. Get Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli alerts: Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG, trading on the OTC market under the symbol LDSVF, is a Swiss chocolatier renowned for its premium confectionery. Headquartered in Kilchberg, Switzerland, the companys portfolio encompasses a variety of chocolate bars, truffles, pralines, seasonal specialties and gift assortments marketed under brands such as Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover and Caffarel. Products are sold through multiple channels, including supermarkets, duty-free shops, specialty retailers and Lindts own boutiques and cafes. Founded in 1845 by David Sprungli-Schwarz and his son Rudolf Sprungli-Ammann, the company introduced significant innovations to chocolate production, most notably the conching process that underpins modern chocolate texture. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:DEXC Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 658 shares, a decrease of 55.7% from the January 15th total of 1,487 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 14,915 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 14,915 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of DEXC. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF by 140.2% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 72,073 shares of the companys stock worth $3,436,000 after acquiring an additional 42,073 shares in the last quarter. Brown Financial Advisory raised its stake in Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF by 4.2% in the second quarter. Brown Financial Advisory now owns 348,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,033,000 after buying an additional 14,182 shares in the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC lifted its stake in Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF by 28.8% during the second quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 33,092 shares of the companys stock worth $1,840,000 after purchasing an additional 7,407 shares during the last quarter. Mills Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF by 53.8% during the 2nd quarter. Mills Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 37,209 shares of the companys stock worth $2,030,000 after buying an additional 13,019 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Command Advisory Services Inc. grew its stake in Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 1,796,546 shares of the companys stock worth $98,035,000 after buying an additional 63,463 shares during the last quarter. Get Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF alerts: Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF Stock Up 0.7% Shares of DEXC traded up $0.48 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $68.82. The company had a trading volume of 10,560 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,705. Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF has a 52-week low of $42.68 and a 52-week high of $69.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $282.16 million, a P/E ratio of 14.61 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $62.89 and a two-hundred day moving average of $59.07. Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF Company Profile The Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed, closet index tracking, fund. The fund aims to provide diversified emerging market equity exposure, excluding China all together DEXC was launched on Nov 13, 2024 and is issued by Dimensional. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Drax Group (LON:DRX Free Report) had its price target increased by Citigroup from GBX 850 to GBX 923 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on DRX. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Drax Group from GBX 750 to GBX 1,120 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a GBX 950 price target on shares of Drax Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Drax Group presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 998.25. Get Drax Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on DRX Drax Group Trading Down 2.4% About Drax Group Drax Group stock opened at GBX 851 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.11, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.32. Drax Group has a one year low of GBX 534.50 and a one year high of GBX 918. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 860.07 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 758.27. The company has a market cap of 2.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.10 and a beta of 1.22. (Get Free Report) Drax Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in renewable power generation in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Pellet Production, Generation, and Customers. The Pellet Production segment produces and sells biomass pellets. The Generation segment provides renewable, dispatchable power, and system support services to the electricity grid. The Customers segment supplies electricity and gas to non-domestic customers. The company owns and operates Drax Power Station located in Selby, North Yorkshire; Cruachan Power Station, a pumped storage hydro station, with an installed capacity of 440 megawatts (MW) located in Argyll and Bute; and Lanark and Galloway hydro-electric power stations with an installed capacity of 126 MW located in southwest Scotland. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Drax Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Drax Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:HDUS Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 12,546 shares, an increase of 131.8% from the January 15th total of 5,412 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 7,162 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 7,162 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:HDUS Free Report) by 12.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,380 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,030 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned about 0.79% of Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF worth $1,183,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF alerts: Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF Trading Up 0.1% Shares of HDUS traded up $0.06 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $65.62. 9,804 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,253. The company has a market cap of $157.49 million, a price-to-earnings 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. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $65.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $64.49. 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. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:PBW Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 526,311 shares, a decrease of 37.5% from the January 15th total of 841,968 shares. Approximately 2.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 976,692 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 976,692 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Approximately 2.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Allianz SE boosted its position in shares of Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF by 20.5% during the second quarter. Allianz SE now owns 264,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,260,000 after buying an additional 45,000 shares during the period. Benjamin Edwards Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF in the third quarter worth approximately $1,540,000. Realta Investment Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $659,000. Truist Financial Corp boosted its holdings in Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 27,824 shares of the companys stock valued at $554,000 after acquiring an additional 2,020 shares during the period. Finally, Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $42,000. Get Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF alerts: Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF Stock Up 1.7% PBW traded up $0.56 on Friday, hitting $33.48. The company had a trading volume of 1,598,906 shares, compared to its average volume of 971,414. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $33.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.37. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF has a 12-month low of $13.19 and a 12-month high of $36.58. The company has a market cap of $704.08 million, a PE ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.77. About Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF The Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the The WilderHill Clean Energy (AMEX) index. The fund tracks a modified equal-weighted index of companies involved in cleaner energy sources or energy conservation. PBW was launched on Mar 3, 2005 and is managed by Invesco. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Austria ETF (NYSEARCA:EWO Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 74,212 shares, a decline of 38.6% from the January 15th total of 120,921 shares. Currently, 1.9% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 67,687 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 67,687 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Currently, 1.9% of the companys stock are sold short. iShares MSCI Austria ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF stock traded down $0.49 on Friday, hitting $38.07. The company had a trading volume of 98,867 shares, compared to its average volume of 70,539. iShares MSCI Austria ETF has a 1 year low of $22.01 and a 1 year high of $39.40. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $36.30 and a 200-day moving average of $33.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $146.57 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.04 and a beta of 0.93. Get iShares MSCI Austria ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Austria ETF Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 16,411 shares of the companys stock worth $509,000 after acquiring an additional 894 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 466.0% during the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 1,217 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 1,002 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Austria ETF during the first quarter worth about $30,000. Harbour Investments Inc. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Austria ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $46,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its position in iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 45,921 shares of the companys stock worth $1,350,000 after purchasing an additional 3,432 shares in the last quarter. iShares MSCI Austria ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Austria Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Austria IMI 25/50 Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of stocks traded on the Vienna 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 Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Austria ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Austria ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:SMLF Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 63,198 shares, a drop of 47.1% from the January 15th total of 119,368 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 488,490 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 488,490 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Acropolis Investment Management LLC lifted its position in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 5.1% in the third quarter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC now owns 915,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,191,000 after acquiring an additional 44,367 shares during the last quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $216,000. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $4,649,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 432.1% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 52,238 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,884,000 after acquiring an additional 42,421 shares during the period. Finally, Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 0.8% during the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 97,280 shares of the companys stock worth $6,610,000 after acquiring an additional 807 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF stock traded up $1.10 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $78.86. The companys stock had a trading volume of 184,465 shares, compared to its average volume of 355,026. The stock has a market cap of $3.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.17 and a beta of 1.10. iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF has a twelve month low of $53.39 and a twelve month high of $80.72. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $77.60 and a 200-day moving average of $74.77. iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX U.S. SmallCap Equity Factor index. The fund tracks an index of small-cap US equities. Stocks are selected and weighted to increase exposure to four factors (quality, value, momentum, and low volatility). SMLF was launched on Apr 28, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF 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 growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 24,298 shares, a growth 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 presently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 30,862 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Lanvin Group Stock Down 0.7% NYSE:LANV traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $1.50. 79,628 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 66,057. Lanvin Group has a one year low of $1.03 and a one year high of $2.69. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.99. Get Lanvin Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Lanvin Group in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Sell. Lanvin Group Company Profile (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. Further Reading 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. News / National by Staff reporter A bus travelling from Lusaka to Johannesburg was completely destroyed by fire near the Zimbabwe border at approximately 05:30, after flames engulfed the vehicle in the early hours of the morning.According to reports, the driver was alerted by a passing motorist who noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear of the bus. The fire is believed to have started in the engine compartment before spreading rapidly through the vehicle, despite attempts to put it out.All 18 passengers and crew members managed to escape unharmed. Their luggage was safely removed before the blaze consumed the bus.Authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the fire. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NRO 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 68,011 shares, a decline of 53.6% from the January 15th total of 146,419 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 263,435 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 263,435 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Trading Up 1.0% Shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund stock traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $3.11. 395,496 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 275,083. The company has a 50 day moving average of $3.01 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.12. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund has a fifty-two week low of $2.75 and a fifty-two week high of $3.43. Get Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund alerts: Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $0.0312 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 12.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Company Profile A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NRO. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund in the third quarter valued at $33,000. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Fingerlakes Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV acquired a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund during the 3rd quarter worth about $48,000. Finally, Integrity Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund during the 3rd quarter worth about $53,000. (Get Free Report) Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund (NYSE American: NRO) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Listed on the NYSE American exchange, the fund seeks to provide shareholders with high current income and the potential for capital appreciation through an actively managed portfolio of real estate securities. Its structure allows investors to access a diversified pool of real estate assets within a single investment vehicle. The funds primary investment focus is on equity real estate investment trusts (REITs), real estate operating companies and other real estaterelated securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symphony International Holding (LON:SIHL Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.42 and traded as high as GBX 0.46. Symphony International shares last traded at GBX 0.46, with a volume of 2,549 shares changing hands. Symphony International Stock Up 5.7% The company has a quick ratio of 26.80, a current ratio of 21.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The company has a market cap of 2.38 million, a PE ratio of 0.03 and a beta of 0.74. The companys fifty day moving average is GBX 0.42 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 0.40. Symphony International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Symphony International Holdings Limited is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in investments in early stage, management buy-outs, emerging growth, management buy-ins, restructurings, special situations, and the provision of growth capital for later-stage development and expansion. It also invests in real estate development. The firm typically invests in innovative and high-growth consumer businesses, new economy, primarily in the education, hospitality, lifestyle logistics, new economy, healthcare, healthcare related services, luxury branded real estate, hospitality and lifestyle sectors. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Symphony International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Symphony International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hardy Reed LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 4,187 shares of the aircraft producers stock, valued at approximately $904,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BA. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Davis Capital Management purchased a new stake in Boeing in the third quarter worth $33,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new stake in Boeing in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC increased its position in Boeing by 62.4% during the 3rd quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 164 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Decker Retirement Planning Inc. bought a new position in Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Insider Activity at Boeing In other news, SVP Dana S. Deasy purchased 554 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of $178.88 per share, with a total value of $99,099.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 28,442 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,087,704.96. The trade was a 1.99% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 10,497 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $233.99, for a total transaction of $2,456,193.03. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 14,692 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,437,781.08. The trade was a 41.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Boeing Stock Performance Boeing stock opened at $242.96 on Friday. The Boeing Company has a twelve month low of $128.88 and a twelve month high of $254.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37. The company has a market capitalization of $190.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 120.87 and a beta of 1.15. The stocks 50 day moving average is $228.92 and its 200 day moving average is $219.35. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.40) by $10.32. The company had revenue of $23.95 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.41 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($5.90) earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 57.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane set a $150.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and issued a $280.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Boeing from $290.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, February 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $246.14. Read Our Latest Research Report on BA About Boeing (Free Report) Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world. Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warner Group LLC bought a new stake in Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 6,565 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $2,341,000. AON accounts for approximately 1.6% of Warner Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of AON by 100.0% in the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 70 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in AON in the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new position in shares of AON during the 3rd quarter worth $31,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new stake in shares of AON during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AON in the 2nd quarter worth $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get AON alerts: AON Stock Up 2.1% NYSE AON opened at $321.15 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55. Aon plc has a 12 month low of $304.59 and a 12 month high of $412.97. The stocks 50 day moving average is $344.20 and its 200 day moving average is $351.79. The stock has a market cap of $69.03 billion, a PE ratio of 18.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.83. AON Announces Dividend AON ( NYSE:AON Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $4.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.75 by $0.10. AON had a net margin of 21.51% and a return on equity of 45.23%. The firm had revenue of $4.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.38 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.42 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Aon plc will post 17.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.745 per share. This represents a $2.98 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 2nd. AONs dividend payout ratio is 17.51%. Analyst Ratings Changes AON has been the subject of several recent research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on AON from $410.00 to $416.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald lifted their price objective on AON from $393.00 to $412.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley set a $400.00 target price on shares of AON in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Mizuho set a $398.00 price target on shares of AON in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of AON from $402.00 to $412.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, AON has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $409.75. Get Our Latest Analysis on AON Insider Buying and Selling at AON In other news, Director Lester B. Knight bought 4,000 shares of AON stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $319.24 per share, with a total value of $1,276,960.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 143,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $45,651,320. This trade represents a 2.88% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. More AON News Here are the key news stories impacting AON this week: Positive Sentiment: Director insider buy Aon director Lester B. Knight bought 4,000 shares at about $319.24, raising his stake and signaling management confidence in the stock. Insider Purchase Filing Director insider buy Aon director Lester B. Knight bought 4,000 shares at about $319.24, raising his stake and signaling management confidence in the stock. Positive Sentiment: Senior appointment Aon appointed Joe Peiser as CEO of Risk Capital to lead its Commercial Risk and Reinsurance Solutions effort, strengthening leadership in a highmargin, capital solutions business. Aon Appoints Joe Peiser Senior appointment Aon appointed Joe Peiser as CEO of Risk Capital to lead its Commercial Risk and Reinsurance Solutions effort, strengthening leadership in a highmargin, capital solutions business. Positive Sentiment: New product/transaction Aon and KNIAZHA VIG launched a $25M warrisk insurance facility backed by the U.S. DFC, which can generate fee income and differentiate Aon in geopolitical/warrisk placements. WarRisk Facility New product/transaction Aon and KNIAZHA VIG launched a $25M warrisk insurance facility backed by the U.S. DFC, which can generate fee income and differentiate Aon in geopolitical/warrisk placements. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend timing Company announced a quarterly dividend paid midFebruary; supports yieldoriented holders but is not a catalyst for large price moves. AON Dividend & Profile Dividend timing Company announced a quarterly dividend paid midFebruary; supports yieldoriented holders but is not a catalyst for large price moves. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst/coverage summaries Multiple outlets are circulating analyst views and price targets, keeping the stock in focus but providing mixed signals rather than a single directional push. Analyst Coverage Summary Analyst/coverage summaries Multiple outlets are circulating analyst views and price targets, keeping the stock in focus but providing mixed signals rather than a single directional push. Neutral Sentiment: Market research & regional hires Aon surveys (e.g., on cyber/supplychain risk in Japan) and local hires (Leeds) reinforce advisory positioning and execution depth but are unlikely to move nearterm earnings materially. Aon Survey Market research & regional hires Aon surveys (e.g., on cyber/supplychain risk in Japan) and local hires (Leeds) reinforce advisory positioning and execution depth but are unlikely to move nearterm earnings materially. Negative Sentiment: Mixed analyst estimate revisions Zacks issued several small trims to Q12026, parts of FY2026/FY2027 and some quarter estimates while boosting a few others, signaling modest downward pressure on neartomediumterm EPS expectations. Zacks Estimate Changes About AON (Free Report) Aon plc is a global professional services firm that provides a broad suite of risk, retirement and health solutions to corporations, institutions and individuals. The company operates primarily as an insurance broker and risk adviser, helping clients identify, quantify and transfer risk across property, casualty, cyber and other areas. Aon also offers reinsurance brokerage and capital market solutions that connect insurers, reinsurers and corporate buyers. In addition to traditional brokerage activities, Aon delivers consulting and outsourcing services in areas such as human capital, benefits, and retirement plan design and administration. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AON? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AON Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AON and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Industries Group (NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 47,289 shares, a decrease of 19.0% from the January 15th total of 58,391 shares. Approximately 1.5% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 120,531 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 120,531 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 1.5% of the companys shares are sold short. Air Industries Group Stock Performance Air Industries Group stock opened at $3.19 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $3.20 and a 200-day moving average of $3.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a market cap of $15.25 million, a P/E ratio of -5.70 and a beta of 0.05. Air Industries Group has a 1-year low of $2.77 and a 1-year high of $4.20. Get Air Industries Group alerts: Air Industries Group (NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter. Air Industries Group had a negative return on equity of 12.48% and a negative net margin of 4.01%.The company had revenue of $10.31 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that Air Industries Group will post -0.21 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Air Industries Group About Air Industries Group An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Air Industries Group stock. Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Air Industries Group ( NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 24,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $77,000. Citadel Advisors LLC owned 0.52% of Air Industries Group as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 42.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. (Get Free Report) Air Industries Group, Inc (NYSE American: AIRI) is a precision engineering company headquartered in Ronkonkoma, New York. The firm specializes in the design, development and manufacture of air and gas handling solutions for high-performance applications. Its core offerings include turbomachinery components such as blowers, fans, compressors and turbines, as well as heat exchangers and related assemblies. Air Industries Group serves as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a trusted supplier to a range of industries, with a particular focus on defense and aerospace. The companys product portfolio addresses the demanding requirements of military and commercial aerospace platforms, providing mission-critical airflow and thermal management systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Industries Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Industries Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (OTC:ASCUF Get Free Report)s stock price rose 5.7% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $4.70 and last traded at $4.55. Approximately 188,616 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 19% from the average daily volume of 159,057 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.3035. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ASCUF has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper in a research report on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy. Get Arizona Sonoran Copper alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Arizona Sonoran Copper Arizona Sonoran Copper Stock Performance Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Profile The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.83 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.77. (Get Free Report) Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, development, and production of base metal properties. It primarily explores for copper. The companys principal asset is the 100% owned Cactus Mine Project located in Casa Grande, Arizona. The company was formerly known as Elim Mining Incorporated and changed its name to Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc in July 2021. Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Arizona Sonoran Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arizona Sonoran Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 534,796 shares, an increase of 35.7% from the January 15th total of 393,972 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 516,943 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 516,943 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BCH has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $36.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. UBS Group set a $48.00 price objective on shares of Banco De Chile and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Banco De Chile from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $40.00. Get Banco De Chile alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BCH Banco De Chile Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BCH traded down $0.33 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $43.42. The stock had a trading volume of 598,636 shares, compared to its average volume of 452,885. The companys 50-day moving average price is $40.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $35.12. Banco De Chile has a fifty-two week low of $23.66 and a fifty-two week high of $46.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.09, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.53. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.60 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $826.07 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $878.92 million. Banco De Chile had a return on equity of 23.94% and a net margin of 33.09%. Research analysts predict that Banco De Chile will post 2.31 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco De Chile A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. TT International Asset Management LTD bought a new position in Banco De Chile in the third quarter valued at about $26,962,000. UBS Group AG grew its holdings in shares of Banco De Chile by 110.0% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 494,082 shares of the banks stock valued at $18,775,000 after purchasing an additional 258,844 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its position in Banco De Chile by 199.1% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 352,465 shares of the banks stock worth $10,680,000 after purchasing an additional 234,619 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP increased its position in Banco De Chile by 177.7% during the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 298,085 shares of the banks stock worth $9,032,000 after purchasing an additional 190,741 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. lifted its stake in Banco De Chile by 29.5% in the 4th quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 835,782 shares of the banks stock valued at $31,755,000 after purchasing an additional 190,567 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.24% of the companys stock. About Banco De Chile (Get Free Report) Banco de Chile (NYSE: BCH) is a leading Chilean financial institution headquartered in Santiago. Founded in 1893, the bank is one of the countrys oldest and most established banking groups, serving a broad spectrum of individual, corporate and institutional clients. It is publicly listed and operates under Chilean banking regulations while participating in international capital markets. The banks core businesses include retail banking, commercial and corporate banking, and investment banking. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Banco De Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco De Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Queensland Limited (OTCMKTS:BKQNY Get Free Report)s stock price rose 6.9% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $9.8850 and last traded at $9.8850. Approximately 211 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 54% from the average daily volume of 462 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.2450. Bank of Queensland Trading Up 6.9% The companys 50-day moving average is $8.85 and its 200-day moving average is $9.17. Get Bank of Queensland alerts: About Bank of Queensland (Get Free Report) Bank of Queensland Limited (OTCMKTS:BKQNY), commonly known as BOQ, is an Australian retail bank offering a broad range of personal, business and corporate banking services. Its core product suite includes home and personal lending, transactional and savings accounts, credit cards, and term deposits. Beyond traditional banking, BOQ provides wealth management and financial planning services, agribusiness and specialist lending, equipment finance solutions, and a variety of insurance products through subsidiary and partner channels. Founded in 1874 as the Brisbane Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society, the institution converted to a full commercial bank and adopted its current name in 1970. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Queensland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Queensland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cloud Peak Energy Inc (OTCMKTS:CLDPQ Get Free Report) shares passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.0038. Cloud Peak Energy shares last traded at $0.0035, with a volume of 106,200 shares trading hands. Cloud Peak Energy Price Performance Get Cloud Peak Energy alerts: Cloud Peak Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cloud Peak Energy (OTCMKTS:CLDPQ) was a leading producer of low-sulfur thermal and metallurgical coal in the United States, with principal operations located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana. The companys mining complexes, including Spring Creek, Cordero Rojo and Antelope, focused on extracting subbituminous coal renowned for its relatively low emissions profile. Cloud Peak delivered its products primarily to domestic electric utilities, steelmakers and industrial customers seeking stable fuel supplies for power generation and manufacturing processes. Formed in 2009 through the spin-off of Rio Tintos U.S. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cloud Peak Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cloud Peak Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Command Security Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:MOC Get Free Report)s stock price passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $2.85 and traded as low as $2.82. Command Security shares last traded at $2.85, with a volume of 51,100 shares traded. Command Security Stock Up 1.1% The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.85. Command Security Company Profile (Get Free Report) Command Security Corporation provides uniformed security officers and aviation security services in the United States. It operates through Security and Aviation Safeguards divisions. The Security division offers armed and unarmed uniformed security personnel for access control, loss prevention, mobile patrols, traffic control, security console/system operators, and fire safety directors, as well as personnel for reception, concierge, and front desk/doorman operations. This division serves governmental, quasi-governmental, and financial institutions; colleges and universities; healthcare facilities; residential communities; and commercial real estate, industrial, distribution, logistics, and retail customers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Command Security Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Command Security and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Two people died yesterday in a workplace accident at a Chinese-run glass trading company in Ruwa, after being crushed by falling glass panels during an offloading operation.According to reports, the workers were manually offloading large glass sheets, although the task reportedly required the use of a crane. The stack of glass allegedly became unstable and toppled, fatally trapping the two individuals beneath it.Emergency services were called to the scene, but the victims were pronounced dead. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether proper safety procedures were followed.The tragedy has once again raised concerns about workplace safety standards and adherence to industrial handling protocols in high-risk environments.More to follow.... State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report) by 102.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,369,307 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 1,199,084 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $80,936,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Avanda Investment Management Pte. Ltd. boosted its holdings in HDFC Bank by 100.0% in the third quarter. Avanda Investment Management Pte. Ltd. now owns 4,736 shares of the banks stock valued at $162,000 after purchasing an additional 2,368 shares during the last quarter. Hardy Reed LLC raised its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 193.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 8,997 shares of the banks stock valued at $307,000 after purchasing an additional 5,932 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 167.8% during the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 226,429 shares of the banks stock valued at $7,735,000 after buying an additional 141,889 shares during the last quarter. ABN Amro Investment Solutions boosted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. ABN Amro Investment Solutions now owns 209,050 shares of the banks stock valued at $7,141,000 after buying an additional 104,525 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 105.7% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 402,013 shares of the banks stock worth $13,733,000 after buying an additional 206,601 shares in the last quarter. 17.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get HDFC Bank alerts: HDFC Bank Stock Down 1.2% Shares of NYSE:HDB opened at $32.47 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $165.65 billion, a PE ratio of 19.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 0.57. HDFC Bank Limited has a fifty-two week low of $29.23 and a fifty-two week high of $39.81. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $35.44. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The bank reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $16.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.12 billion. HDFC Bank had a return on equity of 11.49% and a net margin of 14.92%. As a group, research analysts forecast that HDFC Bank Limited will post 3.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. HDB has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of HDFC Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings upgraded HDFC Bank from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold. View Our Latest Stock Report on HDB About HDFC Bank (Free Report) HDFC Bank Limited is one of Indias leading private sector banks, headquartered in Mumbai. Incorporated in 1994 and promoted by Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), the bank provides a full range of banking and financial services to retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate customers. It is publicly listed and also accessible to international investors through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HDB. The banks core activities include retail banking (deposit accounts, personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and credit cards), commercial and corporate banking (working capital finance, term lending, trade finance and treasury services), and transaction banking (cash management and payment solutions). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HDB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HDFC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HDFC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) and Safehold (NYSE:SAFE 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 risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends and profitability. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Equity Residential and Safeholds top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Equity Residential alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Equity Residential $3.09 billion 7.85 $1.12 billion $2.93 21.78 Safehold $385.55 million 2.91 $105.76 million $1.60 9.79 Dividends Equity Residential has higher revenue and earnings than Safehold. Safehold is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Equity Residential, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Equity Residential pays an annual dividend of $2.77 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.3%. Safehold pays an annual dividend of $0.71 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Equity Residential pays out 94.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Safehold pays out 44.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Equity Residential has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years and Safehold has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Safehold is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Profitability This table compares Equity Residential and Safeholds net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Equity Residential 36.20% 9.98% 5.37% Safehold 29.69% 4.92% 1.67% Risk & Volatility Equity Residential has a beta of 0.76, meaning that its stock price is 24% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Safehold has a beta of 1.86, meaning that its stock price is 86% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Equity Residential and Safehold, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Equity Residential 0 13 7 0 2.35 Safehold 1 6 4 1 2.42 Equity Residential presently has a consensus target price of $69.68, suggesting a potential upside of 9.20%. Safehold has a consensus target price of $19.00, suggesting a potential upside of 21.33%. Given Safeholds stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Safehold is more favorable than Equity Residential. Insider & Institutional Ownership 92.7% of Equity Residential shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 70.4% of Safehold shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.1% of Equity Residential shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 3.5% of Safehold shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Equity Residential beats Safehold on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Equity Residential (Get Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin. About Safehold (Get Free Report) Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. 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. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:HBGRF Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 32,984 shares, an increase of 38.6% from the January 15th total of 23,794 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:HBGRF remained flat at $2.10 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $2.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.95. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft has a 52-week low of $2.20 and a 52-week high of $2.22. Get Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft alerts: About Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft, commonly known as Heidelberg, is a German precision mechanical engineering company headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. Tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century, the company has grown into a leading global manufacturer of printing presses and related technologies. Its core offerings include sheetfed offset pressesmost notably the Speedmaster seriesdigital printing systems under the Primefire brand, finishing equipment and a comprehensive range of consumables such as inks, blankets and chemicals. In addition to hardware, Heidelberg provides a suite of software and services designed to streamline print shop operations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,475,940 shares of the cell phone carriers stock after acquiring an additional 143,014 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLCs holdings in Verizon Communications were worth $284,617,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Verizon Communications by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 335,856 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $14,761,000 after purchasing an additional 13,787 shares in the last quarter. Cadinha & Co. LLC increased its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 2,916.8% in the second quarter. Cadinha & Co. LLC now owns 347,716 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $15,046,000 after purchasing an additional 336,190 shares during the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. lifted its position in Verizon Communications by 14.0% during the third quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 379,174 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $16,665,000 after buying an additional 46,699 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale boosted its stake in Verizon Communications by 11.0% during the second quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 7,297,469 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $309,551,000 after buying an additional 722,559 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its stake in Verizon Communications by 18.4% during the third quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 140,981 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $6,196,000 after buying an additional 21,915 shares during the last quarter. 62.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Verizon Communications Stock Performance NYSE VZ opened at $49.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The company has a market cap of $206.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.33. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $41.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $41.93. Verizon Communications Inc. has a 1-year low of $38.39 and a 1-year high of $50.24. Verizon Communications Increases Dividend Verizon Communications ( NYSE:VZ Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.03. Verizon Communications had a net margin of 12.43% and a return on equity of 19.03%. The business had revenue of $36.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $36.20 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.10 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.900-4.950 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 10th will be given a dividend of $0.7075 per share. This is an increase from Verizon Communicationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.69. This represents a $2.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 10th. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio is currently 68.15%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Verizon Communications news, EVP Joseph J. Russo sold 9,579 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.88, for a total transaction of $429,905.52. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 44,045 shares in the company, valued at $1,976,739.60. This represents a 17.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Williams Trading set a $54.00 target price on Verizon Communications in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. William Blair raised shares of Verizon Communications to an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Verizon Communications from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.02. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Verizon Communications Verizon Communications Company Profile (Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HighTower Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 0.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,972,159 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,270 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson makes up approximately 0.8% of HighTower Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position. HighTower Advisors LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $736,527,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 7,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,371,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 9,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,689,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,639 shares of the companys stock worth $304,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Investor s Fiduciary Advisor Network LLC boosted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 0.8% during the third quarter. Investor s Fiduciary Advisor Network LLC now owns 6,905 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,280,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TPG Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the third quarter. TPG Advisors LLC now owns 1,628 shares of the companys stock worth $302,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. 69.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Monday, January 5th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $220.00 to $221.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. HSBC boosted their price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $240.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $232.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $233.73. More Johnson & Johnson News Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Johnson & Johnson Price Performance Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $243.37 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $217.25 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $196.59. The stock has a market capitalization of $586.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.02, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.35. Johnson & Johnson has a 12 month low of $141.50 and a 12 month high of $246.35. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Saturday, January 31st. The company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.04% and a net margin of 28.46%.The company had revenue of $24.28 billion for the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is presently 47.06%. About Johnson & Johnson (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) rose 1.1% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $264.66 and last traded at $262.3280. Approximately 6,785,198 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 25% from the average daily volume of 5,421,600 shares. The stock had previously closed at $259.52. Key Headlines Impacting International Business Machines Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week: Get International Business Machines alerts: Positive Sentiment: IBM says it will triple U.S. entry-level hiring in 2026, recasting junior roles for the AI era a sign management is investing in talent to scale AI initiatives and support growth despite automation risk. IBM tripling Gen Z hiring IBM says it will triple U.S. entry-level hiring in 2026, recasting junior roles for the AI era a sign management is investing in talent to scale AI initiatives and support growth despite automation risk. Positive Sentiment: Confluent shareholders approved the merger agreement with an IBM subsidiary, clearing a regulatory/transactional hurdle that supports IBMs data-streaming and hybrid cloud strategy if the deal closes. Confluent shareholders approve IBM acquisition Confluent shareholders approved the merger agreement with an IBM subsidiary, clearing a regulatory/transactional hurdle that supports IBMs data-streaming and hybrid cloud strategy if the deal closes. Positive Sentiment: Product/technology updates IBM highlighted AI-related enhancements to FlashSystem storage and QRadar security, reinforcing its enterprise storage/security positioning that supports recurring revenue and cross-sell into large customers. IBM AI FlashSystem And QRadar Updates Product/technology updates IBM highlighted AI-related enhancements to FlashSystem storage and QRadar security, reinforcing its enterprise storage/security positioning that supports recurring revenue and cross-sell into large customers. Neutral Sentiment: IBM has been a trending stock on retail news sites and equity screens heightened attention can amplify moves in either direction but doesnt imply fundamental change on its own. Zacks trending stock note IBM has been a trending stock on retail news sites and equity screens heightened attention can amplify moves in either direction but doesnt imply fundamental change on its own. Neutral Sentiment: Small institutional portfolio moves: Advisors Asset Management disclosed a modest trimming of IBM (~-20.9k shares in the 12/31/25 13F update) routine reweights can add volume but arent necessarily a directional signal. Quiver Quant fund update Small institutional portfolio moves: Advisors Asset Management disclosed a modest trimming of IBM (~-20.9k shares in the 12/31/25 13F update) routine reweights can add volume but arent necessarily a directional signal. Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: traders bought a large block of put options (56,108 contracts, ~+42% vs. average), signaling elevated hedging or directional bearish bets that can amplify downside moves. (No article link available) Unusual options activity: traders bought a large block of put options (56,108 contracts, ~+42% vs. average), signaling elevated hedging or directional bearish bets that can amplify downside moves. (No article link available) Negative Sentiment: Short-seller criticism: veteran short seller Jim Chanos publicly called IBM an AI risk, not an AI leader, arguing market expectations for IBMs AI leadership may be overstated this negative publicity could pressure sentiment and invite further sell-side scrutiny. Chanos calls IBM an AI risk Wall Street Analyst Weigh In IBM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on International Business Machines from $312.00 to $317.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Evercore boosted their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $330.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $330.07. International Business Machines Stock Up 1.1% The firms 50-day simple moving average is $299.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $284.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.96. The company has a market cap of $245.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.53, a PEG ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.69. International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.33 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.23 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 38.15% and a net margin of 15.69%.The companys revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.92 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be paid a dividend of $1.68 per share. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 10th. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.27%. Insider Buying and Selling at International Business Machines In other International Business Machines news, Director David N. Farr acquired 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $304.00 per share, for a total transaction of $304,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 9,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,814,432. This trade represents a 12.11% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.18% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On International Business Machines Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IBM. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,446,429,000. Capital World Investors increased its stake in International Business Machines by 29.2% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 22,021,912 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $6,523,720,000 after buying an additional 4,976,756 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in International Business Machines by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 95,051,475 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,019,274,000 after buying an additional 1,913,708 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 27,928.2% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,903,116 shares of the technology companys stock worth $561,001,000 after buying an additional 1,896,326 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 26.3% in the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,582,818 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,357,478,000 after acquiring an additional 954,879 shares in the last quarter. 58.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About International Business Machines (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. Further Reading 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. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF (BATS:EGUS Get Free Report)s stock price were down 0.4% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $49.70 and last traded at $49.70. Approximately 91 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 3,916 shares. The stock had previously closed at $49.89. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF Trading Down 0.4% The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $52.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is $51.66. The firm has a market cap of $27.83 million, a P/E ratio of 36.55 and a beta of 1.19. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF (EGUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus index. The fund is a passively managed fund that tracks an index of US growth stocks with certain environmental, social, and governance criteria. The fund aims to maximizes its ESG exposure. EGUS was launched on Jan 31, 2023 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Weil Company Inc. raised its stake in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:SMLF Free Report) by 19.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 57,811 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 9,402 shares during the period. iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF accounts for approximately 1.0% of Weil Company Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 27th biggest holding. Weil Company Inc. owned 0.17% of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF worth $4,298,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 150.9% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 68,441 shares of the companys stock worth $4,254,000 after purchasing an additional 41,163 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 16,719 shares of the companys stock worth $1,039,000 after buying an additional 2,832 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 769.0% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 134,442 shares of the companys stock worth $8,357,000 after acquiring an additional 118,972 shares in the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. increased its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 148,598 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,097,000 after acquiring an additional 4,381 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Leavell Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $277,000. Get iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of SMLF opened at $78.86 on Friday. iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $53.39 and a 12-month high of $80.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.33 billion, a PE ratio of 17.17 and a beta of 1.10. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $77.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $74.77. About iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX U.S. SmallCap Equity Factor index. The fund tracks an index of small-cap US equities. Stocks are selected and weighted to increase exposure to four factors (quality, value, momentum, and low volatility). SMLF was launched on Apr 28, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SMLF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:SMLF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Small Cap Equity Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Japan Prime Realty Investment Co. (OTCMKTS:JPRRF Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 4,210 shares, a decline of 22.0% from the January 15th total of 5,398 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Japan Prime Realty Investment Stock Performance JPRRF remained flat at $676.02 during trading on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $676.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $677.14. Japan Prime Realty Investment has a fifty-two week low of $676.02 and a fifty-two week high of $699.69. Get Japan Prime Realty Investment alerts: Japan Prime Realty Investment Company Profile (Get Free Report) Japan Prime Realty Investment Corporation is a Japanese real estate investment trust (J-REIT) that began operations in 2014 and is traded over the counter under the symbol JPRRF. The company focuses on building a diversified portfolio of income-producing properties across Japan, targeting stable rental income and potential long-term capital appreciation. The trusts core activities encompass the acquisition, leasing, redevelopment and management of commercial real estate assets, including office buildings, retail centres, logistics facilities, residential complexes and hotels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Japan Prime Realty Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Japan Prime Realty Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kingsway Financial Services (NYSE:KFS Get Free Report) and Bowhead Specialty (NYSE:BOW Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Kingsway Financial Services and Bowhead Specialtys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Kingsway Financial Services alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kingsway Financial Services -8.55% -76.94% -5.18% Bowhead Specialty 10.12% 13.53% 2.91% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Kingsway Financial Services and Bowhead Specialtys gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kingsway Financial Services $109.38 million 3.25 -$9.27 million ($0.36) -34.13 Bowhead Specialty $519.18 million 1.52 $38.24 million $1.56 15.41 Bowhead Specialty has higher revenue and earnings than Kingsway Financial Services. Kingsway Financial Services is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Bowhead Specialty, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Kingsway Financial Services has a beta of 0.19, meaning that its share price is 81% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bowhead Specialty has a beta of -1.05, meaning that its share price is 205% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Kingsway Financial Services and Bowhead Specialty, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kingsway Financial Services 1 0 0 0 1.00 Bowhead Specialty 1 3 5 0 2.44 Bowhead Specialty has a consensus price target of $33.83, indicating a potential upside of 40.77%. Given Bowhead Specialtys stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Bowhead Specialty is more favorable than Kingsway Financial Services. Institutional & Insider Ownership 72.4% of Kingsway Financial Services shares are owned by institutional investors. 53.8% of Kingsway Financial Services shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Bowhead Specialty beats Kingsway Financial Services on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kingsway Financial Services (Get Free Report) Kingsway Financial Services Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the extended warranty and business services in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator. The Extended Warranty segment markets, sells, and administers vehicle service agreements and related products for new and used automobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs. This segment also markets and distributes warranty products to manufacturers, distributors, and installers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, standby generator, commercial LED lighting, and commercial refrigeration equipment; and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies, as well as after-market vehicle protection services. The Kingsway Search Xcelerator offers outsourced finance and human resources consulting services, including operational accounting, such as bookkeeping, accounting, financial reporting, and analysis and strategic finance services; technical accounting comprising initial public offerings, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting, and international consolidation services; human resources, workforce management, and compliance support services; and advisory services. This segment also provides financial executive services for project and interim staffing engagements; search services for permanent placements; healthcare staffing services to acute healthcare facilities for short-term and day-to-day needs of hospitals; software products for the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties; and fully managed outsourced cardiac telemetry services, as well as provides mobile monitors to the hospitals. The company offers its products and services through credit unions and dealers. Kingsway Financial Services Inc. was incorporated in 1989 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. About Bowhead Specialty (Get Free Report) Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. provides specialty property and casualty insurance products in the United States. It underwrites casualty insurance solutions for risks in the construction, distribution, heavy manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality segments; professional liability insurance solutions for financial institutions, private and public directors and officers liability insurance, errors and omissions liability insurance, and cyber segments; and healthcare solutions for hospitals, senior care providers, managed care organizations, miscellaneous medical facilities, and healthcare management liability segments. The company distributes its products through distribution partners in wholesale and retail markets. Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. was formerly known as Bowhead Holdings Inc. and changed its name to Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. in March 2024. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in New York, New York. Bowhead Specialty Holdings Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Bowhead Insurance Holdings LP. Receive News & Ratings for Kingsway Financial Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kingsway Financial Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter A 19-year-old Njube man has been sentenced to community service after being convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old schoolgirl, in a case heard at the Western Commonage Magistrates' Court in Bulawayo.Sylvester Moyo (19) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of having sexual intercourse with a minor. Under Zimbabwean law, a person under the age of 18 is legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity.The court heard that Moyo met the 15-year-old girl at Luveve Shopping Centre on 28 December 2025. The two exchanged contact details and began communicating shortly afterwards.Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on 11 January 2026, Moyo invited the girl to his place, where they engaged in sexual intercourse on two occasions. The situation came to light after the teenager failed to return home, prompting her parents to report the matter to the police.Moyo was subsequently arrested and charged.In passing sentence, Magistrate Ncube initially imposed a 12-month prison term. However, four months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that Moyo completes 280 hours of community service.He has been ordered to carry out the unpaid work at Njube Police Station under supervision. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D raised its position in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 3.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 249,780 shares of the fast-food giants stock after acquiring an additional 8,285 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in McDonalds were worth $75,906,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of McDonalds during the second quarter worth $2,780,712,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in McDonalds by 29,382.3% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,676,339,000 after acquiring an additional 5,718,087 shares during the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,412,069,000. Viking Global Investors LP raised its holdings in McDonalds by 171.7% in the 2nd quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 3,125,432 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $913,157,000 after acquiring an additional 1,974,998 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its stake in McDonalds by 96.0% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 4,032,676 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,188,147,000 after purchasing an additional 1,974,751 shares in the last quarter. 70.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get McDonald's alerts: Insider Transactions at McDonalds In related news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 2,626 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.25, for a total transaction of $854,106.50. Following the transaction, the insider owned 5,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,755,699.50. This represents a 32.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Ian Frederick Borden sold 17,134 shares of McDonalds stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total value of $5,311,540.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,169,430. This represents a 39.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 31,439 shares of company stock worth $9,772,464 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. Key McDonalds News Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and momentum McDonalds reported stronger-than-expected Q4 results (revenue ~ $7.0B, EPS beat, systemwide comps up ~5.7% with U.S. comps ~6.8%) and cited loyalty growth that helped drive sales and margins; this is the primary bullish catalyst supporting the stock. Q4 Earnings Beat Q4 beat and momentum McDonalds reported stronger-than-expected Q4 results (revenue ~ $7.0B, EPS beat, systemwide comps up ~5.7% with U.S. comps ~6.8%) and cited loyalty growth that helped drive sales and margins; this is the primary bullish catalyst supporting the stock. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and higher targets Several firms raised ratings/targets (Argus upgraded to Buy with a $380 target; Truist/BTIG raised targets toward ~$370), which can support further upside as sentiment shifts. Analyst Upgrades Analyst upgrades and higher targets Several firms raised ratings/targets (Argus upgraded to Buy with a $380 target; Truist/BTIG raised targets toward ~$370), which can support further upside as sentiment shifts. Positive Sentiment: Buyback/dividend tailwind Coverage notes that strong cash flow from Q4 and a healthy dividend yield support continued buybacks and payouts, a structural catalyst for EPS per-share gains over time. Buybacks & Dividends Buyback/dividend tailwind Coverage notes that strong cash flow from Q4 and a healthy dividend yield support continued buybacks and payouts, a structural catalyst for EPS per-share gains over time. Neutral Sentiment: Promotions/brand buzz Seasonal items and PR stunts (Shamrock Shake, McNugget kits) are driving traffic and media attention; helpful for short-term comps but likely temporary. Promotions Promotions/brand buzz Seasonal items and PR stunts (Shamrock Shake, McNugget kits) are driving traffic and media attention; helpful for short-term comps but likely temporary. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling A disclosed sale by a senior U.S. executive (Form 4) may have added to near-term selling pressure as some investors lock in gains after the earnings pop. Insider Sale Insider selling A disclosed sale by a senior U.S. executive (Form 4) may have added to near-term selling pressure as some investors lock in gains after the earnings pop. Negative Sentiment: Franchisee execution risk Reports of tension between corporate pricing/value pushes and some franchisees could complicate uniform execution and margins across markets, a potential headwind if disputes persist. Franchisee Tensions McDonalds Stock Performance Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: McDonalds stock opened at $327.58 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $313.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $308.30. McDonalds Corporation has a 1 year low of $283.47 and a 1 year high of $335.67. The company has a market capitalization of $233.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.52. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The fast-food giant reported $3.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.05 by $0.07. McDonalds had a net margin of 31.85% and a negative return on equity of 343.90%. The firm had revenue of $7.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.81 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.83 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current year. McDonalds Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be issued a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. McDonaldss payout ratio is currently 62.26%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays upped their price target on McDonalds from $372.00 to $380.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Mizuho upped their target price on McDonalds from $300.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $360.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $335.00 target price on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $337.04. View Our Latest Report on MCD McDonalds Company Profile (Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naked Wines plc (LON:WINE Get Free Report) passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 72.76 and traded as high as GBX 76.01. Naked Wines shares last traded at GBX 74.60, with a volume of 283,870 shares. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Panmure Gordon restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 150 price objective on shares of Naked Wines in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Naked Wines has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 150. Get Naked Wines alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on WINE Naked Wines Stock Up 1.9% The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 72.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 76.02. The stock has a market cap of 53.40 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -35.52, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.74. Naked Wines (LON:WINE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 9th. The company reported GBX (4.30) earnings per share for the quarter. Naked Wines had a negative return on equity of 25.19% and a negative net margin of 7.18%. Equities analysts forecast that Naked Wines plc will post 1.4166456 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Jack Pailing purchased 16,350 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 74 per share, for a total transaction of 12,099. 17.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Naked Wines (Get Free Report) Naked Wines plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retailing of wines and spirits in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. The company offers its products online. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Naked Wines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Naked Wines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund Inc. (NYSE:NBXG Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.12 per share on Friday, February 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 10.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund Price Performance NBXG stock opened at $13.39 on Friday. Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund has a one year low of $10.05 and a one year high of $15.65. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $14.70. Get Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund alerts: Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund (NYSE:NBXG) is an actively managed, closed-end fund dedicated to investing in companies driving the evolution of global connectivity infrastructure. Launched in February 2024 by Neuberger Berman, NBXG seeks total return by building a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities in firms involved in 5G networks, fiber-optic systems, satellite communications, data centers, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies that support faster and more reliable digital connections. Under its investment strategy, NBXG allocates capital across hardware and software providers, telecommunications carriers, semiconductor manufacturers, and equipment suppliers that benefit from the rollout and expansion of next-generation networks. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen California Municipal Va (NYSE:NCA Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 103,343 shares, a growth of 41.8% from the January 15th total of 72,889 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 67,641 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 67,641 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen California Municipal Va Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Comerica Bank acquired a new position in Nuveen California Municipal Va during the first quarter worth $62,000. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in shares of Nuveen California Municipal Va by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 144,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,248,000 after acquiring an additional 6,072 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Nuveen California Municipal Va by 40.6% during the 2nd quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 39,150 shares of the companys stock worth $330,000 after purchasing an additional 11,300 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its holdings in shares of Nuveen California Municipal Va by 40.0% in the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 26,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after purchasing an additional 7,710 shares during the period. Finally, Atlas Private Wealth Advisors raised its holdings in shares of Nuveen California Municipal Va by 208.5% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors now owns 100,988 shares of the companys stock valued at $877,000 after purchasing an additional 68,256 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 21.46% of the companys stock. Get Nuveen California Municipal Va alerts: Nuveen California Municipal Va Trading Down 1.4% NCA opened at $9.30 on Friday. Nuveen California Municipal Va has a 52-week low of $8.22 and a 52-week high of $9.80. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $9.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.95. Nuveen California Municipal Va Dividend Announcement Nuveen California Municipal Va Company Profile The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $0.029 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. (Get Free Report) Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc (NYSE: NCA) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income exempt from federal and California state income taxes. The fund pursues its objective by investing substantially all of its assets in a diversified portfolio of municipal securities issued by entities located in or having projects based in California. Its holdings primarily include revenue and general obligation bonds, with an emphasis on investment-grade and select high-yield issues. The portfolio management team employs a disciplined credit analysis process to assess the financial strength, revenue streams and underlying collateral of each issuer. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen California Municipal Va Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen California Municipal Va and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kapstone Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 74.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 14,000 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,991 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International makes up 1.1% of Kapstone Financial Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Kapstone Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,271,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Hardy Reed LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the third quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 10,797 shares of the companys stock worth $1,751,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. GenTrust LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International during the third quarter worth approximately $298,000. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 16.2% during the 3rd quarter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC now owns 6,975 shares of the companys stock worth $1,131,000 after buying an additional 971 shares during the last quarter. NorthStar Asset Management LLC NJ lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 14.7% during the 3rd quarter. NorthStar Asset Management LLC NJ now owns 8,068 shares of the companys stock worth $1,309,000 after buying an additional 1,034 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital CS Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at $383,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of NYSE PM opened at $187.35 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $167.34 and a 200 day moving average price of $162.35. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $142.11 and a 1-year high of $190.98. The company has a market cap of $291.64 billion, a PE ratio of 25.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.39. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.70. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.40 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 12.09% and a negative return on equity of 130.95%. The businesss revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.55 EPS. Philip Morris International has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.800-1.850 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 8.380-8.530 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 80.88%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on PM shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $205.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $181.50 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $194.06. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PM About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States. PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,284,361 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 66,763 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $557,207,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of VWO. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC lifted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC now owns 26,429 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,432,000 after buying an additional 939 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 23.1% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,990,927 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $324,589,000 after acquiring an additional 1,125,803 shares during the last quarter. Investment Partners LTD. lifted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.2% in the third quarter. Investment Partners LTD. now owns 155,003 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $8,398,000 after acquiring an additional 1,834 shares in the last quarter. Lincoln National Corp lifted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.8% in the third quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 2,182,893 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $118,269,000 after acquiring an additional 38,366 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ADE LLC boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 21.3% in the third quarter. ADE LLC now owns 12,801 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $694,000 after acquiring an additional 2,250 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.19% of the companys stock. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance Shares of VWO opened at $57.75 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $55.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.10. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a one year low of $39.53 and a one year high of $58.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $113.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.55. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 3.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 826,698 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,692 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble accounts for 0.5% of State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $127,022,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. WP Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. WP Advisors LLC now owns 1,405 shares of the companys stock worth $224,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Emprise Bank lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.5% during the third quarter. Emprise Bank now owns 2,766 shares of the companys stock worth $425,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Affiance Financial LLC boosted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.5% in the third quarter. Affiance Financial LLC now owns 2,803 shares of the companys stock valued at $431,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 12.9% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the period. Finally, Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. now owns 20,464 shares of the companys stock worth $3,144,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently commented on PG. Raymond James Financial cut their price target on Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $156.00 to $179.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Barclays set a $155.00 price target on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, January 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.67. Procter & Gamble Price Performance PG opened at $160.11 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The companys 50-day moving average price is $147.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $150.42. Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $137.62 and a fifty-two week high of $179.99. The firm has a market cap of $372.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.38. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The businesss revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 62.67%. Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble In related news, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 36,093 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.33, for a total value of $5,858,976.69. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 34,994 shares in the company, valued at $5,680,576.02. This trade represents a 50.77% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 95,903 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.15, for a total transaction of $14,495,738.45. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 182,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,601,048.05. This trade represents a 34.43% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 326,091 shares of company stock valued at $51,795,360. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI Free Report) by 3.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 394,961 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 11,484 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned 0.28% of Service Corporation International worth $32,869,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Service Corporation International in the 3rd quarter valued at $247,000. Sentry Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Service Corporation International in the 3rd quarter valued at about $46,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S increased its position in shares of Service Corporation International by 8.4% in the third quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 381,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,723,000 after acquiring an additional 29,478 shares during the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. raised its holdings in Service Corporation International by 5.8% during the third quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 41,205 shares of the companys stock worth $3,429,000 after acquiring an additional 2,255 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its holdings in Service Corporation International by 38.2% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,873 shares of the companys stock worth $318,000 after acquiring an additional 1,070 shares in the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Service Corporation International alerts: Service Corporation International Stock Up 1.2% SCI stock opened at $79.68 on Friday. Service Corporation International has a 1-year low of $71.75 and a 1-year high of $86.67. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $80.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $80.20. The company has a current ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.17 billion, a PE ratio of 20.97, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.99. Analyst Ratings Changes Service Corporation International ( NYSE:SCI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.14. The firm had revenue of $1.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.12 billion. Service Corporation International had a net margin of 12.59% and a return on equity of 34.21%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.06 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Service Corporation International will post 3.84 EPS for the current year. SCI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on Service Corporation International in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. They issued an overweight rating and a $110.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Service Corporation International from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $96.50. Get Our Latest Stock Report on SCI Key Service Corporation International News Here are the key news stories impacting Service Corporation International this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings met consensus at $1.14 EPS and showed yearoveryear EPS growth, signaling operating resilience; management provided an investor slide deck and hosted a call that highlighted underlying strength. Read More. Q4 earnings met consensus at $1.14 EPS and showed yearoveryear EPS growth, signaling operating resilience; management provided an investor slide deck and hosted a call that highlighted underlying strength. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Management outlined a FY2026 EPS target of $4.05$4.35 and emphasized margin expansion plus disciplined capital deployment factors that can support longerterm earnings power if margins improve as planned. Read More. Management outlined a FY2026 EPS target of $4.05$4.35 and emphasized margin expansion plus disciplined capital deployment factors that can support longerterm earnings power if margins improve as planned. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Revenue showed modest growth (~+1.72% YoY) but came in a touch below some analyst forecasts (about $1.11B vs. ~$1.12B consensus), a mixed signal for nearterm topline momentum. Read More. Revenue showed modest growth (~+1.72% YoY) but came in a touch below some analyst forecasts (about $1.11B vs. ~$1.12B consensus), a mixed signal for nearterm topline momentum. Read More. Negative Sentiment: The FY2026 EPS guide (4.054.35) is modest and the midpoint is slightly below consensus, which some analysts and retail commentators say could reset nearterm growth expectations and pressured the stock in early reactions. Read More. The FY2026 EPS guide (4.054.35) is modest and the midpoint is slightly below consensus, which some analysts and retail commentators say could reset nearterm growth expectations and pressured the stock in early reactions. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some outlets flagged the overall print as a miss on revenue/expectations and reported immediate share weakness after the release, underscoring sensitivity to guidance and topline beats/misses. Read More. Some outlets flagged the overall print as a miss on revenue/expectations and reported immediate share weakness after the release, underscoring sensitivity to guidance and topline beats/misses. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage and transcripts/slides are available for detailed readthroughs of segment performance and guidance assumptions for investors wanting to model FY2026 outcomes. Read More. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Service Corporation International news, VP Elisabeth G. Nash sold 42,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.32, for a total transaction of $3,235,968.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 110,006 shares in the company, valued at $8,395,657.92. This trade represents a 27.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 4.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Service Corporation International (Free Report) Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) is a leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services in North America. Through its network of funeral homes, cemeteries, memorial parks and crematoria, the company offers a broad array of end-of-life services, including traditional funeral ceremonies, memorialization, burial and cremation. In addition to core services, SCI provides grief counseling, pre-need planning and merchandise such as caskets, vaults, urns and memorialization products. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Service Corporation International operates more than 1,900 funeral homes, over 450 cemeteries and 40 combination facilities across the United States and Canada. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Service Corporation International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Service Corporation International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers decreased its holdings in shares of Owens Corning Inc (NYSE:OC Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 240,352 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 3,754 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.29% of Owens Corning worth $34,000,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft grew its holdings in shares of Owens Corning by 15.6% during the third quarter. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft now owns 2,930 shares of the construction companys stock worth $414,000 after purchasing an additional 395 shares in the last quarter. Meixler Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Owens Corning by 30.4% in the 3rd quarter. Meixler Investment Management Ltd. now owns 2,107 shares of the construction companys stock worth $298,000 after buying an additional 491 shares during the last quarter. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd raised its position in shares of Owens Corning by 11.3% during the 3rd quarter. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd now owns 15,101 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,136,000 after buying an additional 1,534 shares in the last quarter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. raised its position in shares of Owens Corning by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. now owns 253,645 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $35,765,000 after buying an additional 4,129 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. grew its position in Owens Corning by 19.5% in the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,093 shares of the construction companys stock worth $154,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.40% of the companys stock. Get Owens Corning alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have commented on OC shares. Vertical Research initiated coverage on shares of Owens Corning in a research report on Monday, October 20th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $143.00 target price on shares of Owens Corning in a research report on Friday, January 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Owens Corning from $157.00 to $113.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Argus raised Owens Corning to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Owens Corning in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $150.58. Owens Corning Trading Down 0.8% NYSE OC opened at $134.16 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $11.03 billion, a P/E ratio of -23.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.36. Owens Corning Inc has a fifty-two week low of $97.53 and a fifty-two week high of $179.82. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $120.59 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $128.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.40. Owens Corning Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Monday, March 9th will be given a dividend of $0.79 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 9th. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Owens Cornings payout ratio is currently -55.24%. Owens Corning Profile (Free Report) Owens Corning is a global leader in composite materials and building products, with a primary focus on insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. The company serves professional contractors, builders and industrial manufacturers by providing solutions designed to improve energy efficiency, structural performance and durability. Its products are used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications worldwide. The companys core product lines include fiberglass insulation for thermal and acoustic comfort, roofing shingles and underlayment systems engineered for weather protection, and advanced composite materials for markets such as wind energy, automotive, marine and infrastructure. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Owens Corning Inc (NYSE:OC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Owens Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Owens Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. cut its stake in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report) by 67.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,691 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,691 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in HCA Healthcare were worth $1,999,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sovran Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Sovran Advisors LLC now owns 2,278 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,063,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. Centerpoint Advisors LLC raised its holdings in HCA Healthcare by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 222 shares of the companys stock worth $95,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 253 shares of the companys stock valued at $107,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Abound Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 28.0% during the third quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 119 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in HCA Healthcare by 17.1% during the 3rd quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC now owns 185 shares of the companys stock worth $79,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.73% of the companys stock. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Truist Financial upped their price objective on HCA Healthcare from $520.00 to $546.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Zacks Research lowered shares of HCA Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of HCA Healthcare from $500.00 to $558.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Mizuho set a $540.00 price objective on HCA Healthcare in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $525.00 price target on HCA Healthcare in a report on Monday, October 27th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $523.27. HCA Healthcare Stock Performance NYSE HCA opened at $539.91 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $120.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.02, a PEG ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.36. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a 52 week low of $295.00 and a 52 week high of $552.90. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $482.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $448.96. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $8.01 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.37 by $0.64. HCA Healthcare had a net margin of 8.97% and a negative return on equity of 409.11%. The business had revenue of $19.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.67 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $6.22 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. HCA Healthcare has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.100-31.500 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 24.98 EPS for the current year. HCA Healthcare Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.78 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a boost from HCA Healthcares previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. HCA Healthcares dividend payout ratio is currently 10.15%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, SVP Jennifer Berres sold 8,020 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $514.58, for a total transaction of $4,126,931.60. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 11,993 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,171,357.94. The trade was a 40.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael S. Cuffe sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $498.09, for a total transaction of $747,135.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 30,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,944,194.27. The trade was a 4.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 13,520 shares of company stock valued at $6,894,067 in the last 90 days. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. HCA Healthcare News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting HCA Healthcare this week: Positive Sentiment: HCAs share performance is strong on a yearoveryear basis (shares up ~75% YoY), reinforcing momentum and investor confidence in the companys results and outlook. Read More. HCAs share performance is strong on a yearoveryear basis (shares up ~75% YoY), reinforcing momentum and investor confidence in the companys results and outlook. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Zacks and other analysts highlight earnings growth and price strength; Zacks added HCA to focus coverage and raised FY2026 EPS estimates, supporting forward earnings momentum and valuation. Read More. Zacks and other analysts highlight earnings growth and price strength; Zacks added HCA to focus coverage and raised FY2026 EPS estimates, supporting forward earnings momentum and valuation. Read More. Positive Sentiment: HCA raised its quarterly dividend (new quarterly payout announced), which narrows yield risk and is a modest positive for incomeoriented investors. Read More. HCA raised its quarterly dividend (new quarterly payout announced), which narrows yield risk and is a modest positive for incomeoriented investors. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Large institutional flows and stake increases (e.g., Norges Bank, Pacer, Viking Global) point to strong institutional demand and provide technical/supportive buying pressure for the stock. Read More. Large institutional flows and stake increases (e.g., Norges Bank, Pacer, Viking Global) point to strong institutional demand and provide technical/supportive buying pressure for the stock. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: HCA completed a 43hospital EHR rollout and is tracking success metrics operational execution that can improve efficiency and integration over time but has a gradual, not immediate, earnings impact. Read More. HCA completed a 43hospital EHR rollout and is tracking success metrics operational execution that can improve efficiency and integration over time but has a gradual, not immediate, earnings impact. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Local expansion moves HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball acquired Supreme Care ER and StoneSprings plans a freestanding ER conversion small, marketlevel capacity adds that could modestly lift volumes in those geographies. Read More. Local expansion moves HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball acquired Supreme Care ER and StoneSprings plans a freestanding ER conversion small, marketlevel capacity adds that could modestly lift volumes in those geographies. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: HCA sold ASC real estate a financing/portfolio move that could free capital or change lease terms; impact depends on transaction use of proceeds. Read More. HCA sold ASC real estate a financing/portfolio move that could free capital or change lease terms; impact depends on transaction use of proceeds. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: two senior VPs disclosed multimillion dollar sales (Christopher Wyatt sold ~$2.0M; Jennifer Berres sold ~$4.13M). Significant insider sales can create shortterm selling pressure or raise governance/portfoliorebalancing questions. Read More. Read More. Insider selling: two senior VPs disclosed multimillion dollar sales (Christopher Wyatt sold ~$2.0M; Jennifer Berres sold ~$4.13M). Significant insider sales can create shortterm selling pressure or raise governance/portfoliorebalancing questions. Read More. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Zacks/other outlets flagged a downward revision to HCAs Q1 EPS forecast, which can pressure nearterm expectations even as FY estimates were raised. Read More. 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. News / National by Staff reporter Police in Masvingo yesterday briefly dispersed vendors and informal foreign currency dealers at the city's main cross-border bus terminus ahead of the anticipated passage of the body of outspoken war veteran and anti-corruption campaigner Blessed Geza.Unbeknownst to the security personnel, Geza's body had already passed through and was en route to Mvuma by the time officers, accompanied by dogs, moved through the area, clearing vendors and onlookers who had gathered to witness the cortege.Geza, who died last week in South Africa, had crossed into Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post earlier in the day and was being transported by convoy to Harare critic of corruption and an opponent of attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond constitutional limits. Following threats of arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in February last year, Geza fled the country and continued his activism from exile, exposing alleged corruption through a YouTube channel and mobilising citizens against the government.Geza is expected to be buried at his farm in Sanyati, Mashonaland West province. While Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa stated that Geza deserved national hero status, President Mnangagwa and his government have yet to comment on the war veteran's death, a week after it was reported. International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (OTCMKTS:ICAGY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 38,291 shares, an increase of 79.3% from the January 15th total of 21,358 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 95,410 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 95,410 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Up 0.8% OTCMKTS ICAGY traded up $0.09 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $11.85. 37,817 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 56,973. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99. The firm has a market cap of $27.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.59, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.69. International Consolidated Airlines Group has a 52-week low of $5.60 and a 52-week high of $12.25. Get International Consolidated Airlines Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on ICAGY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy. International Consolidated Airlines Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY) is a Europe-focused airline holding company formed in 2011 through the combination of British Airways and Iberia. The group owns and operates a portfolio of passenger carriers that provide short-haul, long-haul and low-cost services, together with associated aviation businesses. Its operations span international and domestic markets, with extensive networks across Europe, transatlantic routes and links to Latin America and other global destinations. IAGs principal airline brands include British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL. Read More Receive News & Ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:TBLL Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 19,204 shares, an increase of 69.2% from the January 15th total of 11,353 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 205,192 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Approximately 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 205,192 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:TBLL traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $105.78. 312,675 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 192,529. The firms fifty day moving average price is $105.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $105.68. Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF has a twelve month low of $105.39 and a twelve month high of $105.90. Get Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF alerts: Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Cuts Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were paid a $0.3301 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Company Profile Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 0.6% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,009,545 shares of the companys stock valued at $423,568,000 after acquiring an additional 24,188 shares in the last quarter. AWM Capital LLC grew its holdings in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 81.4% during the 3rd quarter. AWM Capital LLC now owns 873,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $92,288,000 after purchasing an additional 392,052 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 784,136 shares of the companys stock worth $82,844,000 after buying an additional 60,814 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 5.6% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 755,431 shares of the companys stock worth $79,728,000 after buying an additional 40,077 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG boosted its position in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 7.3% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 528,202 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,805,000 after buying an additional 35,863 shares during the last quarter. (Get Free Report) The Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF (TBLL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE US Treasury Short Bond index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of debt issued by the US Treasury. Remaining maturity must be between 1-12 months. TBLL was launched on Jan 12, 2017 and is issued by Invesco. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D boosted its holdings in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 484,908 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 16,156 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D owned 0.07% of Welltower worth $86,382,000 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. Hardy Reed LLC raised its stake in shares of Welltower by 13.8% in the third quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 1,790 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $319,000 after purchasing an additional 217 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in Welltower by 1.4% during the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 221,160 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $39,397,000 after buying an additional 3,100 shares in the last quarter. ABN Amro Investment Solutions raised its position in Welltower by 427.9% in the 3rd quarter. ABN Amro Investment Solutions now owns 54,514 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $9,711,000 after buying an additional 44,187 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Welltower by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 93,429 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,652,000 after acquiring an additional 3,422 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc lifted its stake in Welltower by 9.2% during the 3rd quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 1,724,132 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $306,878,000 after acquiring an additional 145,121 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.80% of the companys stock. Get Welltower alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Welltower from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Welltower from $200.00 to $218.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Welltower in a research note on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a neutral rating and set a $205.00 target price on shares of Welltower in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $196.00 target price on Welltower in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $210.21. Welltower Trading Up 1.2% Shares of WELL stock opened at $210.71 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 5.47, a current ratio of 3.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The firm has a market cap of $144.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 150.51, a PEG ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a 50 day moving average of $189.50 and a 200-day moving average of $181.62. Welltower Inc. has a 12-month low of $130.29 and a 12-month high of $212.62. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.45 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Welltower had a return on equity of 2.46% and a net margin of 8.64%.The business had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.13 earnings per share. Welltowers revenue for the quarter was up 41.3% on a year-over-year basis. Welltower has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.090-6.25 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current year. Welltower Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.74 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Welltowers dividend payout ratio is presently 211.43%. Welltower Profile (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE: WELL) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires and manages real estate serving the health care industry. The company specializes in healthcare infrastructure, owning and operating a diversified portfolio of senior housing, post-acute and long-term care communities, and outpatient medical properties. Welltowers assets are designed to support the delivery of health care services through a combination of leased properties, joint ventures, and other capital arrangements with health care operators and providers. The companys property types include assisted living, memory care, independent living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as medical office buildings and other outpatient-care real estate such as ambulatory surgery centers and specialty clinics. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its stake in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 9.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 695,135 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after purchasing an additional 58,933 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $68,102,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,348,319,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 1,905.3% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,350,479 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $426,216,000 after purchasing an additional 4,133,532 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 1.6% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,551,519 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $17,685,157,000 after purchasing an additional 3,025,483 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 4,471.9% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,966,828 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $290,660,000 after purchasing an additional 2,901,936 shares during the period. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 97.1% in the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 5,422,035 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $531,197,000 after purchasing an additional 2,671,539 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Uber Technologies Stock Performance NYSE UBER opened at $69.83 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.15. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $60.63 and a 1-year high of $101.99. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $81.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $89.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $145.09 billion, a PE ratio of 14.83, a P/E/G ratio of 6.40 and a beta of 1.21. Analysts Set New Price Targets Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.08). Uber Technologies had a net margin of 19.33% and a return on equity of 43.63%. The firm had revenue of $14.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.32 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.21 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 20.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Uber Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.650-0.720 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Uber Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Thursday, December 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $125.00 price objective on Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $110.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, UBS Group set a $111.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Monday, February 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $104.89. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Uber Technologies Insider Activity at Uber Technologies In related news, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total value of $260,937.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 176,584 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,744,764. This trade represents a 1.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 9,375 shares of company stock valued at $799,875. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform. Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its holdings in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 3.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 90,682 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,293 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Deere & Company were worth $41,465,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,372,671 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $11,376,279,000 after purchasing an additional 309,081 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in Deere & Company by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,386,268 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,297,913,000 after purchasing an additional 64,262 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,778 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,810,807,000 after buying an additional 111,627 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,578,243,000. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 2,580,228 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,312,020,000 after buying an additional 236,406 shares during the last quarter. 68.58% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Deere & Company News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Deere & Company this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company Analysts Set New Price Targets In other Deere & Company news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total value of $20,797,793.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. The trade was a 26.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total transaction of $6,120,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 20,792 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,603,920. The trade was a 36.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Insiders have sold a total of 64,578 shares of company stock worth $32,471,682 over the last quarter. 0.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several brokerages recently weighed in on DE. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and set a $460.00 price objective on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $512.00 to $531.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They set an overweight rating and a $543.00 price target for the company. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $524.20. Get Our Latest Research Report on Deere & Company Deere & Company Trading Up 0.7% NYSE:DE opened at $602.54 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $507.56 and a 200 day moving average price of $487.27. The company has a current ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. Deere & Company has a 12-month low of $404.42 and a 12-month high of $626.25. The firm has a market cap of $163.33 billion, a PE ratio of 32.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.02. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $12.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.77 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 20.54%. The firms revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $4.55 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Deere & Company will post 19.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 35.01%. About Deere & Company (Free Report) Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide. The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its position in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 8.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 300,441 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 23,579 shares during the quarter. Mastercard comprises approximately 0.6% of State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings, making the stock its 19th largest holding. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Mastercard were worth $170,894,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. LGT Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. IMG Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Robbins Farley grew its position in Mastercard by 50.0% in the third quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tacita Capital Inc lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter. Tacita Capital Inc now owns 57 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Mastercard Price Performance Mastercard stock opened at $518.43 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.12. The stock has a market cap of $465.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.83. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $553.85 and a two-hundred day moving average of $563.15. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1 year low of $465.59 and a 1 year high of $601.77. Mastercard Dividend Announcement Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.24 by $0.52. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.65% and a return on equity of 203.92%. The business had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.80 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.82 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be given a dividend of $0.87 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 9th. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Mastercards payout ratio is 21.07%. More Mastercard News Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Positive Sentiment: Quarterly results/revenue beat Mastercard reported revenue and spending trends that topped forecasts, reinforcing the companys exposure to resilient consumer and electronic payments volume. This is the primary fundamental support for shares. Mastercard Incorporated (MA) Revenue Beats Forecasts as Customers Continue to Spend Quarterly results/revenue beat Mastercard reported revenue and spending trends that topped forecasts, reinforcing the companys exposure to resilient consumer and electronic payments volume. This is the primary fundamental support for shares. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades to near-term estimates Zacks raised several near-term EPS estimates (notably FY2026 and some 2026 quarters), implying improved expected earnings momentum into 2026 that can support valuation if sustained. MarketBeat MA overview / Zacks note Analyst upgrades to near-term estimates Zacks raised several near-term EPS estimates (notably FY2026 and some 2026 quarters), implying improved expected earnings momentum into 2026 that can support valuation if sustained. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend payment Mastercard paid its $0.87 quarterly dividend on Feb. 9, reflecting steady shareholder returns but not an unexpected change to the companys capital allocation policy. Carrier Globals Quiet Dividend Strategy Deserves Attention Dividend payment Mastercard paid its $0.87 quarterly dividend on Feb. 9, reflecting steady shareholder returns but not an unexpected change to the companys capital allocation policy. Neutral Sentiment: Investor outreach Mastercard announced participation in investor conferences in March, which provides additional management access for investors but is routine. Mastercard to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences Investor outreach Mastercard announced participation in investor conferences in March, which provides additional management access for investors but is routine. Negative Sentiment: Mixed / trimmed longerterm estimates Zacks also trimmed several 2027 quarterly and FY2027 EPS forecasts even as it raised other near-term/longer-term numbers; the mixed revisions add uncertainty around multi-year growth cadence and may temper enthusiasm. MarketBeat MA overview / Zacks note Mixed / trimmed longerterm estimates Zacks also trimmed several 2027 quarterly and FY2027 EPS forecasts even as it raised other near-term/longer-term numbers; the mixed revisions add uncertainty around multi-year growth cadence and may temper enthusiasm. Negative Sentiment: Profittaking and valuation pressure after the earnings beat and a multimonth run near alltime highs, investors appear to be taking profits and reacting to any mixed signals from analysts; MAs valuation metrics and distance from moving averages make it vulnerable to shortterm pullbacks even on good news. (No external link) Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently issued reports on MA. Wall Street Zen upgraded Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Mastercard from $685.00 to $655.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 30th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Evercore set a $610.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Mastercard from $665.00 to $678.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $669.27. View Our Latest Report on Mastercard Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 389,753 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after purchasing an additional 12,684 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in TJX Companies were worth $56,335,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in TJX. Lavaca Capital LLC acquired a new stake in TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in TJX Companies during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in shares of TJX Companies in the second quarter worth $30,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of TJX Companies during the second quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Capital A Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 776.7% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 263 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock. Get TJX Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TJX has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating and set a $170.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 11th. Guggenheim raised TJX Companies to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $162.00 price target (up from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have given a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TJX Companies has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $163.86. Insider Transactions at TJX Companies In related news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total value of $75,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 22,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,362,896.80. This trade represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 24,363 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.31, for a total transaction of $3,686,365.53. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 510,780 shares in the company, valued at approximately $77,286,121.80. The trade was a 4.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. TJX Companies Trading Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE:TJX opened at $154.49 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 1.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $171.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.10, a PEG ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.74. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $112.10 and a 1-year high of $159.48. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $154.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $145.75. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.80 billion. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 58.30% and a net margin of 8.68%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.14 EPS. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. TJX Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.425 per share. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is presently 37.53%. TJX Companies Company Profile (Free Report) TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers. The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC reduced its holdings in shares of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report) by 23.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 272,438 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 83,815 shares during the period. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC owned 0.10% of Allstate worth $58,479,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Guerra Pan Advisors LLC grew its stake in Allstate by 1.5% during the second quarter. Guerra Pan Advisors LLC now owns 3,426 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $690,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the period. Focus Financial Network Inc. lifted its stake in Allstate by 1.1% in the third quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 4,693 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,012,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in shares of Allstate by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,189 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $239,000 after buying an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. L2 Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Allstate by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. L2 Asset Management LLC now owns 1,168 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $235,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the period. Finally, Howard Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Allstate by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,739 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $373,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. 76.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Allstate alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Suren Gupta sold 19,593 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.00, for a total transaction of $4,114,530.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 100,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,135,660. This trade represents a 16.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In the last three months, insiders have sold 47,000 shares of company stock valued at $10,012,228. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and set a $238.00 target price on shares of Allstate in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on Allstate from $254.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday. UBS Group upped their price target on Allstate from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Allstate from $260.00 to $263.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Allstate currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $239.35. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Allstate Allstate Price Performance ALL stock opened at $207.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.37. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $203.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $204.15. The company has a market capitalization of $54.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.23. The Allstate Corporation has a 52-week low of $176.00 and a 52-week high of $216.75. Allstate (NYSE:ALL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $14.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.72 by $5.59. The company had revenue of $14.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.23 billion. Allstate had a return on equity of 39.20% and a net margin of 15.19%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $7.67 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that The Allstate Corporation will post 18.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Allstate Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a dividend of $1.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $4.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. This is a positive change from Allstates previous quarterly dividend of $1.00. Allstates payout ratio is presently 10.47%. Allstate Profile (Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, MakeMyTrip, 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 revenue depends on people traveling for example airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car-rental firms, airports, and online travel agencies. Investors treat them as cyclical and often seasonal, sensitive to consumer discretionary spending, fuel and labor costs, health or travel restrictions, and geopolitical events, so theyre used to gain exposure to tourism demand and economic reopenings. 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 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 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 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 Read More Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, MakeMyTrip, and Trip.com Group are the five Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is facilitating travel and tourismsuch as airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car rental companies, and related services. For investors, these stocks are typically cyclical and sensitive to consumer discretionary spending, seasonality, fuel and labor costs, health or geopolitical events, and economic recoveries, making them potentially higher-risk but also high-reward during travel upswings. 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 Featured Articles News / National by Staff reporter The government collected nearly US$18 million from the issuance of vehicle number plates between January and June 2025, Parliament has been told.Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona revealed the figures last week during a session of the National Assembly. He said total revenue generated from number plates during the six-month period amounted to US$13 790 915, with additional collections from the Central Vehicle Registry, Zimpost, and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority bringing the combined total to approximately US$18 million.The figures were disclosed in response to a question from Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Descent Bajila, who asked for details on the total revenue generated from number plate issuance for the first half of 2025.Minister Mhona said the disclosures were part of the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. "The question that has been raised by the Hon. Member is very important and this actually upholds the issues to do with transparency and accountability as enunciated in our supreme constitution," he said.Bajila pressed further, questioning why number plates had initially been priced so high and whether the government intended to reduce costs given the significant revenue raised. Mhona explained that the pricing had been part of broader fiscal measures to boost government revenue. "The idea behind it was that through the Minister of Finance, we have measures to raise our purse as a government. This was one of the ways to make sure that we have one of our revenue streams," he said.He added that the government later reduced the price after public concerns were raised. "The listening government listened to people when they were saying the price was too high. This is why it had to be reduced to make sure that everyone is accommodated," Mhona said.In the same parliamentary sitting, concerns were raised over the functionality of provincial Rent Boards, with only two out of ten currently operational. Responding to a question from Bajila, then National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda said the boards, established under Section 23 of the Housing and Building Act, serve as tribunals to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants regarding evictions and rent matters.Soda explained that only the Harare and Midlands Rent Boards are operational, while efforts continue to fill vacancies in other provinces. "Adverts have been flighted, but there has often been little or no response," he said. He added that clerks are present in all provinces to receive complaints, but eviction cases and other disputes are referred to the nearest operational board or provincial magistrates' courts.On rent regulation, Soda cited Section 39(4) of Statutory Instrument 32 of 2007, noting that rent increases cannot exceed 30% per annum, and that Rent Boards intervene only when parties fail to agree on fair rent.The session highlighted both the government's success in generating revenue through vehicle registration and the ongoing challenges in protecting tenants across the country. Warner Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 43,439 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,753,000. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF accounts for about 4.6% of Warner Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest position. Warner Group LLC owned 0.10% of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 66.6% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 246,697 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,349,000 after purchasing an additional 98,597 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 12.1% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 206,410 shares of the companys stock worth $29,257,000 after buying an additional 22,282 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 191,031 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,696,000 after acquiring an additional 19,472 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 19.7% in the 3rd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 185,002 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,758,000 after acquiring an additional 30,441 shares during the period. Finally, Truist Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 15.2% in the 3rd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 161,677 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,133,000 after acquiring an additional 21,284 shares during the period. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA PPA opened at $176.10 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 1-year low of $100.39 and a 1-year high of $181.31. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $167.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $156.72. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Company Profile PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. The modified market-cap portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warner Group LLC bought a new stake in RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 5,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $892,000. RTX comprises approximately 0.6% of Warner Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest position. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of RTX. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new stake in shares of RTX during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. purchased a new position in shares of RTX in the third quarter worth $30,000. Access Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in RTX during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. boosted its position in RTX by 57.4% during the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 192 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 70 shares during the period. Finally, Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in RTX in the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. 86.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get RTX alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently weighed in on RTX shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and set a $204.00 target price on shares of RTX in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of RTX in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $235.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on RTX from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of RTX from $227.00 to $238.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $199.50. Key Stories Impacting RTX Here are the key news stories impacting RTX this week: Positive Sentiment: Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longerterm valuation. Read More. Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longerterm valuation. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect shortterm headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect shortterm headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 ($1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 ($1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares at ~$199.16 (~$3.49M). Large insider sales like these can pressure nearterm sentiment even if theyre for personal reasons; SEC filing: Read More. Insider Transactions at RTX In related news, VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.30, for a total transaction of $1,637,776.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 27,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,455,632.60. This trade represents a 23.09% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $199.16, for a total value of $3,490,677.32. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. RTX Trading Down 0.6% RTX opened at $199.90 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. RTX Corporation has a 52 week low of $112.27 and a 52 week high of $206.48. The stock has a market cap of $268.33 billion, a PE ratio of 40.30, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.43. The business has a 50 day moving average of $190.46 and a 200-day moving average of $173.71. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $24.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.65 billion. RTX had a return on equity of 13.08% and a net margin of 7.60%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.54 earnings per share. RTX has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.600-6.800 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. RTX Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.68 per share. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. RTXs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.84%. RTX Profile (Free Report) RTX (NYSE: RTX) is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, manufactures and services advanced systems for commercial, military and governmental customers worldwide. The company was created through the 2020 combination of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation and later adopted the RTX name, positioning itself as a diversified provider across the aerospace and defense value chain. RTXs operations span a broad set of capabilities. Its commercial aerospace businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Collins Aerospace systems, which supply propulsion, avionics, aerostructures, interiors and integrated aircraft systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has stepped up preparedness efforts in Harare amid fears of a potential cholera outbreak, with 100 volunteers already undergoing reorientation and simulation drills ahead of possible deployment.The training sessions included the setup of oral rehydration points (ORPs), demonstrations of household water treatment methods, and strengthening of rapid response systems. Another 200 volunteers are scheduled to undergo reorientation next week, bringing the total number of trained personnel to 300, all poised to engage with vulnerable communities across the capital.The move follows confirmed reports from the Ministry of Health and Child Care of a cholera outbreak in Rushinga district, prompting heightened vigilance in urban centres, particularly high-density suburbs that are more prone to diarrheal infections. Volunteers in the programme were drawn from cholera hotspots including Glen View, Budiriro, Hopley, Glen Norah, and Highfield. The training focused on infection prevention, case identification, hygiene promotion, risk communication, and the rapid establishment of ORPs.ZRCS Secretary-General Elias Hwenga said the exercises were aimed at ensuring swift and coordinated action should cholera cases emerge in Harare. "Preparedness is critical in preventing loss of life. Our volunteers are being equipped with the technical skills and community engagement tools necessary to respond effectively," Hwenga said.Medical doctor and public health expert Johannes Marisa praised the proactive measures, noting that cholera spreads rapidly in areas with compromised water and sanitation systems. "Cholera is preventable, but it spreads fast when there is contaminated water and poor hygiene," Marisa said. "What the Red Cross is doing is commendable because early preparedness reduces fatalities and prevents panic. Oral rehydration points are critical because dehydration is what kills in cholera cases."Residents have been urged to treat drinking water, practice proper handwashing, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration. With trained teams on standby and a focus on community awareness, ZRCS stresses that early action and personal responsibility are essential to preventing a widespread outbreak.As reports of confirmed cases in Rushinga raise national concern, the humanitarian organisation is positioning its volunteers for rapid deployment, ensuring that urban communities are prepared and protected against the potentially deadly disease. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its target price decreased by equities researchers at ATB Cormark Capital Markets from C$20.00 to C$19.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. ATB Cormark Capital Markets price target suggests a potential upside of 3.54% from the stocks previous close. Get TELUS alerts: Several other brokerages have also commented on T. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded TELUS from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce increased their price target on shares of TELUS from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Friday, October 17th. TD Securities lowered their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$25.00 to C$21.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of TELUS from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and reduced their target price for the company from C$22.00 to C$19.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Desjardins set a C$23.00 price target on shares of TELUS and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$21.38. Read Our Latest Stock Report on T TELUS Price Performance TELUS stock opened at C$18.35 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of C$28.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.53, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.41. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$18.40 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$20.26. TELUS has a 52 week low of C$17.26 and a 52 week high of C$23.29. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported C$0.20 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$5.23 billion during the quarter. TELUS had a net margin of 4.62% and a return on equity of 5.80%. On average, research analysts forecast that TELUS will post 1.2267985 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at TELUS In related news, Director David Lawrence Mowat bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$17.37 per share, with a total value of C$52,110.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 14,486 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$251,621.82. This trade represents a 26.12% increase in their position. Also, Director Hazel Cynthia Claxton bought 3,445 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$17.46 per share, for a total transaction of C$60,149.70. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 8,403 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$146,716.38. This represents a 69.48% increase in their position. In the last ninety days, insiders have acquired 258,245 shares of company stock worth $4,486,022. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Key TELUS News Here are the key news stories impacting TELUS this week: Positive Sentiment: TELUS named former CIBC chief Victor Dodig as CEO, replacing long-time leader Darren Entwistle markets may view Dodigs track record and governance credentials as a potential catalyst for renewed strategic focus and dividend discipline. Article Title TELUS named former CIBC chief Victor Dodig as CEO, replacing long-time leader Darren Entwistle markets may view Dodigs track record and governance credentials as a potential catalyst for renewed strategic focus and dividend discipline. Positive Sentiment: TELUS announced a quarterly cash dividend (payable April 1, 2026), supporting income investors and the stocks defensive yield story. Article Title TELUS announced a quarterly cash dividend (payable April 1, 2026), supporting income investors and the stocks defensive yield story. Positive Sentiment: Strategic tech win Photonic Inc. demonstrated quantum communications over TELUSs network, highlighting R&D and potential future premium services. Article Title Strategic tech win Photonic Inc. demonstrated quantum communications over TELUSs network, highlighting R&D and potential future premium services. Neutral Sentiment: TELUS raised consumer pricing (latest $15 hike), making its plans more expensive than Rogers/Bell could boost ARPU but risks churn and regulatory scrutiny. Article Title TELUS raised consumer pricing (latest $15 hike), making its plans more expensive than Rogers/Bell could boost ARPU but risks churn and regulatory scrutiny. Neutral Sentiment: Corporate housekeeping amalgamation with Telus International effective Jan 1 and an AGM/record date set; largely administrative but relevant for ownership and reporting. Article Title Corporate housekeeping amalgamation with Telus International effective Jan 1 and an AGM/record date set; largely administrative but relevant for ownership and reporting. Negative Sentiment: Quarterly results disappointed on weakness in mobile equipment sales (C$0.20 EPS; margins compressed), a clear near-term headwind for revenue and profitability. Article Title Quarterly results disappointed on weakness in mobile equipment sales (C$0.20 EPS; margins compressed), a clear near-term headwind for revenue and profitability. Negative Sentiment: Analysts trimmed price targets TD Securities lowered target to C$21 (still a buy) and Atb Cormark to C$19 signaling reduced near-term upside expectations and contributing to selling pressure. Article Title Analysts trimmed price targets TD Securities lowered target to C$21 (still a buy) and Atb Cormark to C$19 signaling reduced near-term upside expectations and contributing to selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/operational setbacks: a federally backed e-prescribing project built with Telus Health is being shut down after large public investment a reputational and financial negative for health-tech initiatives. Article Title Regulatory/operational setbacks: a federally backed e-prescribing project built with Telus Health is being shut down after large public investment a reputational and financial negative for health-tech initiatives. Negative Sentiment: Ongoing intense competition in high-speed internet (battle with Bell, Rogers) pressures pricing and subscriber growth prospects in key markets. Article Title TELUS Company Profile (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. Recommended 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. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) SVP Christopher Wyatt sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.00, for a total value of $2,020,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 44,379 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,411,395. This represents a 8.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: HCA Healthcare Trading Up 0.9% Shares of HCA opened at $539.91 on Friday. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a 12-month low of $295.00 and a 12-month high of $552.90. The businesss 50 day moving average is $482.80 and its 200 day moving average is $448.96. The company has a market capitalization of $120.73 billion, a PE ratio of 19.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.36. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $8.01 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $7.37 by $0.64. The firm had revenue of $19.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion. HCA Healthcare had a net margin of 8.97% and a negative return on equity of 409.11%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $6.22 earnings per share. HCA Healthcare has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.100-31.500 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 24.98 earnings per share for the current year. HCA Healthcare Increases Dividend Trending Headlines about HCA Healthcare The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.78 per share. This is a positive change 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. HCA Healthcares payout ratio is currently 10.15%. Here are the key news stories impacting HCA Healthcare this week: Positive Sentiment: HCAs share performance is strong on a yearoveryear basis (shares up ~75% YoY), reinforcing momentum and investor confidence in the companys results and outlook. Read More. HCAs share performance is strong on a yearoveryear basis (shares up ~75% YoY), reinforcing momentum and investor confidence in the companys results and outlook. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Zacks and other analysts highlight earnings growth and price strength; Zacks added HCA to focus coverage and raised FY2026 EPS estimates, supporting forward earnings momentum and valuation. Read More. Zacks and other analysts highlight earnings growth and price strength; Zacks added HCA to focus coverage and raised FY2026 EPS estimates, supporting forward earnings momentum and valuation. Read More. Positive Sentiment: HCA raised its quarterly dividend (new quarterly payout announced), which narrows yield risk and is a modest positive for incomeoriented investors. Read More. HCA raised its quarterly dividend (new quarterly payout announced), which narrows yield risk and is a modest positive for incomeoriented investors. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Large institutional flows and stake increases (e.g., Norges Bank, Pacer, Viking Global) point to strong institutional demand and provide technical/supportive buying pressure for the stock. Read More. Large institutional flows and stake increases (e.g., Norges Bank, Pacer, Viking Global) point to strong institutional demand and provide technical/supportive buying pressure for the stock. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: HCA completed a 43hospital EHR rollout and is tracking success metrics operational execution that can improve efficiency and integration over time but has a gradual, not immediate, earnings impact. Read More. HCA completed a 43hospital EHR rollout and is tracking success metrics operational execution that can improve efficiency and integration over time but has a gradual, not immediate, earnings impact. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Local expansion moves HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball acquired Supreme Care ER and StoneSprings plans a freestanding ER conversion small, marketlevel capacity adds that could modestly lift volumes in those geographies. Read More. Local expansion moves HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball acquired Supreme Care ER and StoneSprings plans a freestanding ER conversion small, marketlevel capacity adds that could modestly lift volumes in those geographies. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: HCA sold ASC real estate a financing/portfolio move that could free capital or change lease terms; impact depends on transaction use of proceeds. Read More. HCA sold ASC real estate a financing/portfolio move that could free capital or change lease terms; impact depends on transaction use of proceeds. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: two senior VPs disclosed multimillion dollar sales (Christopher Wyatt sold ~$2.0M; Jennifer Berres sold ~$4.13M). Significant insider sales can create shortterm selling pressure or raise governance/portfoliorebalancing questions. Read More. Read More. Insider selling: two senior VPs disclosed multimillion dollar sales (Christopher Wyatt sold ~$2.0M; Jennifer Berres sold ~$4.13M). Significant insider sales can create shortterm selling pressure or raise governance/portfoliorebalancing questions. Read More. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Zacks/other outlets flagged a downward revision to HCAs Q1 EPS forecast, which can pressure nearterm expectations even as FY estimates were raised. Read More. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new position in HCA Healthcare in the second quarter valued at about $1,152,408,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 6,115.3% during the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 911,096 shares of the companys stock worth $388,309,000 after acquiring an additional 896,437 shares in the last quarter. Life Cycle Investment Partners Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of HCA Healthcare in the 4th quarter worth $374,037,000. Viking Global Investors LP boosted its holdings in 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 acquiring an additional 690,773 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in shares of HCA Healthcare by 4,545.5% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 663,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $309,686,000 after purchasing an additional 649,058 shares during the last quarter. 62.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of HCA Healthcare from $520.00 to $546.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Morgan Stanley cut HCA Healthcare from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $425.00 target price for the company. in a report on Monday, December 15th. Raymond James Financial set a $525.00 price objective on shares of HCA Healthcare in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Leerink Partners lifted their price target on shares of HCA Healthcare from $507.00 to $573.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of HCA Healthcare in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Sixteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $523.27. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HCA Healthcare HCA Healthcare Company Profile (Get 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. See Also 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. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) VP Kevin Dasilva sold 8,136 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.30, for a total value of $1,637,776.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 27,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,455,632.60. The trade was a 23.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Get RTX alerts: RTX Stock Down 0.6% NYSE RTX opened at $199.90 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $190.46 and its 200-day simple moving average is $173.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The firm has a market cap of $268.33 billion, a PE ratio of 40.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.43. RTX Corporation has a 52 week low of $112.27 and a 52 week high of $206.48. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.08. RTX had a net margin of 7.60% and a return on equity of 13.08%. The firm had revenue of $24.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.65 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.54 earnings per share. RTXs revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. RTX has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.600-6.800 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 earnings per share for the current year. RTX Announces Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be issued a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. RTXs dividend payout ratio is currently 54.84%. A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and issued a $204.00 target price on shares of RTX in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of RTX in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of RTX from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of RTX from $175.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $225.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, RTX presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $199.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on RTX Key RTX News Here are the key news stories impacting RTX this week: Positive Sentiment: Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Operational/contract news RTX reportedly demonstrated systems that downed drone swarms during Army trials, a clear commercial/technical win for its defense business that could support future contracts and backlog. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longerterm valuation. Read More. Fundamentals reminder institutional commentary highlights improved revenue and earnings growth for RTX, reinforcing the companys recent beat and FY26 guidance (6.606.80 EPS) that underpin longerterm valuation. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect shortterm headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Market noise from consumer GPU headlines multiple tech/gaming stories about RTX GPUs (reviews, deals, even isolated product failures) refer to Nvidias RTX GPU brand, not RTX Corporation; expect shortterm headline noise but no direct impact on RTXs aerospace & defense fundamentals. Example: GPU reviews and deals. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 ($1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Insider selling VP Kevin G. Dasilva sold 8,136 shares at ~$201.30 ($1.64M), reducing his holding by ~23%. SEC filing: Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares at ~$199.16 (~$3.49M). Large insider sales like these can pressure nearterm sentiment even if theyre for personal reasons; SEC filing: Read More. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in RTX. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of RTX by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 112,706,833 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,457,452,000 after acquiring an additional 552,009 shares in the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its position in RTX by 1.2% during the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 1,317,166 shares of the companys stock valued at $192,333,000 after purchasing an additional 16,034 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its stake in RTX by 10.6% in the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 171,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,648,000 after purchasing an additional 16,467 shares in the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. increased its position in RTX by 121.1% in the 3rd quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 20,245 shares of the companys stock worth $3,388,000 after purchasing an additional 11,089 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of RTX by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,693,324 shares of the companys stock worth $283,344,000 after purchasing an additional 33,395 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.50% of the companys stock. RTX Company Profile (Get Free Report) RTX (NYSE: RTX) is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, manufactures and services advanced systems for commercial, military and governmental customers worldwide. The company was created through the 2020 combination of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation and later adopted the RTX name, positioning itself as a diversified provider across the aerospace and defense value chain. RTXs operations span a broad set of capabilities. Its commercial aerospace businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Collins Aerospace systems, which supply propulsion, avionics, aerostructures, interiors and integrated aircraft systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued on Friday, MarketBeat reports. The firm presently has a C$189.00 price target on the financial services providers stock, up from their prior price target of C$179.00. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces target price would suggest a potential upside of 8.14% from the companys previous close. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: NA has been the topic of a number of other reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$172.00 to C$177.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Desjardins raised their price objective on National Bank of Canada from C$180.00 to C$182.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Barclays upped their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$147.00 to C$158.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$156.00 to C$165.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$184.00 to C$188.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, National Bank of Canada presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$168.92. Get Our Latest Analysis on NA National Bank of Canada Stock Up 1.5% Shares of TSE:NA opened at C$174.78 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of C$68.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$171.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$159.46. National Bank of Canada has a 52-week low of C$106.67 and a 52-week high of C$177.54. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported C$2.82 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$3.70 billion during the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a net margin of 19.69% and a return on equity of 15.43%. On average, equities analysts anticipate 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. Precision Drilling (TSE:PD Get Free Report) (NYSE:PDS) had its target price upped by research analysts at Raymond James Financial from C$131.00 to C$143.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price target suggests a potential upside of 20.13% from the companys current price. Get Precision Drilling alerts: A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. TD Securities increased their price target on Precision Drilling from C$118.00 to C$123.00 in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Precision Drilling from C$119.00 to C$124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upped their price objective on shares of Precision Drilling from C$120.00 to C$140.00 in a report on Friday. ATB Cormark Capital Markets set a C$120.00 target price on Precision Drilling and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, National Bank Financial lifted their price objective on Precision Drilling from C$120.00 to C$140.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with 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 Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$134.29. View Our Latest Report on Precision Drilling Precision Drilling Price Performance Shares of PD stock opened at C$119.04 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.98, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 1.36. The company has a market capitalization of C$1.54 billion, a PE ratio of 28.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -3.24 and a beta of 1.43. The firms 50-day moving average is C$102.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$88.03. Precision Drilling has a 12 month low of C$51.38 and a 12 month high of C$122.65. Precision Drilling (TSE:PD Get Free Report) (NYSE:PDS) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported C($0.51) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$462.25 million during the quarter. Precision Drilling had a net margin of 12.53% and a return on equity of 14.96%. Key Stories Impacting Precision Drilling Here are the key news stories impacting Precision Drilling this week: Positive Sentiment: Multiple major firms raised targets BMO bumped its target to C$150 (largest raise), Raymond James to C$143 (outperform), CIBC and National Bank to C$140, RBC to C$124 (outperform) and TD to C$123 signaling improved analyst conviction and supporting upside. Analyst Rating Roundup RBC Coverage Multiple major firms raised targets BMO bumped its target to C$150 (largest raise), Raymond James to C$143 (outperform), CIBC and National Bank to C$140, RBC to C$124 (outperform) and TD to C$123 signaling improved analyst conviction and supporting upside. Neutral Sentiment: Company released its 2025 fourth-quarter and year-end unaudited financial results (press release) investors should dig into cash flow, capital spending and notes on decommissioning to assess recurring profitability versus one-offs. Company Q4 Results Company released its 2025 fourth-quarter and year-end unaudited financial results (press release) investors should dig into cash flow, capital spending and notes on decommissioning to assess recurring profitability versus one-offs. Negative Sentiment: Media coverage highlights a decommissioning charge that pushed Precision to a Q4 loss this one-time expense weighed on earnings and sparked some intraday selling in earlier trade; investors should monitor the size and cadence of such charges and any guidance changes. Q4 Loss Coverage About Precision Drilling (Get Free Report) Precision Drilling Corp is a leader in North American oil and gas services. It is a provider of contract drilling and completion and production services primarily to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in Canada. Its segments are Contract Drilling Services which is the majority key revenue generator and other segments include Completion and Production Services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Precision Drilling Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Precision Drilling and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Precision Drilling (TSE:PD Get Free Report) (NYSE:PDS) had its price objective hoisted by investment analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$119.00 to C$124.00 in a report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price target suggests a potential upside of 4.17% from the stocks previous close. Get Precision Drilling alerts: Several other analysts have also weighed in on PD. National Bank Financial lifted their price objective on Precision Drilling from C$120.00 to C$140.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. ATB Cormark Capital Markets set a C$120.00 price target on Precision Drilling and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Precision Drilling from C$120.00 to C$150.00 in a research note on Thursday. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of Precision Drilling from C$118.00 to C$123.00 in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised their target price on shares of Precision Drilling from C$132.00 to C$133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$134.29. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PD Precision Drilling Trading Up 5.3% Precision Drilling stock opened at C$119.04 on Friday. Precision Drilling has a one year low of C$51.38 and a one year high of C$122.65. The companys fifty day moving average price is C$102.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$88.03. The company has a market capitalization of C$1.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.55, a PEG ratio of -3.24 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.98, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 1.36. Precision Drilling (TSE:PD Get Free Report) (NYSE:PDS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported C($0.51) EPS for the quarter. Precision Drilling had a net margin of 12.53% and a return on equity of 14.96%. The firm had revenue of C$462.25 million during the quarter. Key Headlines Impacting Precision Drilling Here are the key news stories impacting Precision Drilling this week: Positive Sentiment: Multiple major firms raised targets BMO bumped its target to C$150 (largest raise), Raymond James to C$143 (outperform), CIBC and National Bank to C$140, RBC to C$124 (outperform) and TD to C$123 signaling improved analyst conviction and supporting upside. Analyst Rating Roundup RBC Coverage Multiple major firms raised targets BMO bumped its target to C$150 (largest raise), Raymond James to C$143 (outperform), CIBC and National Bank to C$140, RBC to C$124 (outperform) and TD to C$123 signaling improved analyst conviction and supporting upside. Neutral Sentiment: Company released its 2025 fourth-quarter and year-end unaudited financial results (press release) investors should dig into cash flow, capital spending and notes on decommissioning to assess recurring profitability versus one-offs. Company Q4 Results Company released its 2025 fourth-quarter and year-end unaudited financial results (press release) investors should dig into cash flow, capital spending and notes on decommissioning to assess recurring profitability versus one-offs. Negative Sentiment: Media coverage highlights a decommissioning charge that pushed Precision to a Q4 loss this one-time expense weighed on earnings and sparked some intraday selling in earlier trade; investors should monitor the size and cadence of such charges and any guidance changes. Q4 Loss Coverage About Precision Drilling (Get Free Report) Precision Drilling Corp is a leader in North American oil and gas services. It is a provider of contract drilling and completion and production services primarily to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in Canada. Its segments are Contract Drilling Services which is the majority key revenue generator and other segments include Completion and Production Services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Precision Drilling Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Precision Drilling and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) had its price target raised by Scotiabank from C$55.00 to C$56.00 in a report released on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. Scotiabanks price target points to a potential upside of 11.84% from the stocks previous close. Get Manulife Financial alerts: A number of other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada set a C$52.00 target price on Manulife Financial and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 19th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from C$49.00 to C$52.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Manulife Financial to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$54.00 to C$58.00 in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, TD Securities lowered their target price on Manulife Financial from C$60.00 to C$59.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$55.63. View Our Latest Report on Manulife Financial Manulife Financial Stock Up 2.8% Shares of TSE MFC opened at C$50.07 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$50.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$46.71. The company has a market cap of C$83.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.99. Manulife Financial has a 12-month low of C$36.93 and a 12-month high of C$52.97. Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.12 earnings per share for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 11.75% and a net margin of 12.52%.The firm had revenue of C$22.03 billion for the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that Manulife Financial will post 3.6104452 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other Manulife Financial news, insider Shamus Edward Weiland sold 88,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$48.95, for a total value of C$4,332,075.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 53,495 shares in the company, valued at C$2,618,580.25. This trade represents a 62.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Rahim Hirji sold 25,048 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$48.25, for a total value of C$1,208,566.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 31,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$1,510,948.75. This represents a 44.44% decrease in their position. 0.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Manulife Financial (Get Free Report) Manulife provides life insurance and wealth management products and services to individuals and group customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. Manulife is one of Canadas Big Three Life Insurance companies (the other two are Sun Life and Great West Life). As of Dec. 31, 2021, Manulife reported assets under management or administration of about CAD $1.4 trillion. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Russel Metals (TSE:RUS Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by equities research analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from C$49.00 to C$50.50 in a research note issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus price target would suggest a potential upside of 7.17% from the stocks current price. Get Russel Metals alerts: Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on RUS. National Bank Financial lowered Russel Metals from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$54.00 to C$56.00 in a research note on Friday. TD Securities lifted their target price on Russel Metals from C$50.00 to C$57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Russel Metals from C$51.00 to C$55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Russel Metals from C$52.00 to C$54.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Russel Metals presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$54.42. Get Our Latest Analysis on Russel Metals Russel Metals Trading Up 0.4% Shares of Russel Metals stock opened at C$47.12 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is C$46.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$42.97. The company has a market capitalization of C$2.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.14, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 3.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.28. Russel Metals has a 12-month low of C$34.62 and a 12-month high of C$53.37. Russel Metals (TSE:RUS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported C$0.63 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$1.17 billion during the quarter. Russel Metals had a return on equity of 11.03% and a net margin of 4.27%. Russel Metals News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Russel Metals this week: Positive Sentiment: TD Securities raised its price target to C$57.00 and maintained a buy rating (21.6% upside vs. the cited reference price). This is one of the largest target increases and is a clear bullish catalyst. TD Securities raises target TD Securities raised its price target to C$57.00 and maintained a buy rating (21.6% upside vs. the cited reference price). This is one of the largest target increases and is a clear bullish catalyst. Positive Sentiment: Royal Bank of Canada raised its target to C$55.00 and kept an outperform rating (17.3% upside), reinforcing buy-side interest. RBC raises target Royal Bank of Canada raised its target to C$55.00 and kept an outperform rating (17.3% upside), reinforcing buy-side interest. Positive Sentiment: Scotiabank increased its target to C$54.00 and kept an outperform rating (15.2% upside), adding another institutional vote of confidence. Scotiabank raises target TickerReport item Scotiabank increased its target to C$54.00 and kept an outperform rating (15.2% upside), adding another institutional vote of confidence. Neutral Sentiment: Stifel Nicolaus nudged its target to C$50.50 and kept a hold rating (7.7% upside). The smaller increase and neutral stance are less market-moving than the buy/outperform calls. Stifel updates target Stifel Nicolaus nudged its target to C$50.50 and kept a hold rating (7.7% upside). The smaller increase and neutral stance are less market-moving than the buy/outperform calls. Negative Sentiment: National Bank Financial downgraded Russel Metals from outperform to sector perform despite raising its target to C$56.00. The downgrade introduces a cautionary note on forward relative performance even though the new target is higher. National Bank downgrades Russel Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Russel Metals is one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America with a growing focus on value-added processing. It carries on business in three segments: metals service centers, energy field stores and steel distributors. Its network of metals service centers carries an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous specialty metals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Russel Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Russel Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned home after attending the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).He arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport where he was welcomed by Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda, Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana, Wicknell Chivayo, Service Chiefs and other senior Government officials.During the summit, President Mnangagwa addressed fellow Heads of State and Government and held bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation.At the summit, Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye assumed the AU Chairmanship, taking over from Angola's President Joao Lourenco.The annual gathering of African leaders focuses on key continental issues including peace and security, economic integration and development. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its price objective lifted by Royal Bank Of Canada from C$83.00 to C$95.00 in a report released on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the financial services providers stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price would indicate a potential upside of 1.13% from the stocks previous close. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: Other analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$96.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday. National Bank Financial cut their price objective on Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Desjardins set a C$94.00 target price on shares of Sun Life Financial and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. 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 research note on Thursday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$95.00 to C$100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$96.44. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial Price Performance TSE:SLF opened at C$93.94 on Friday. Sun Life Financial has a one year low of C$74.56 and a one year high of C$94.76. The stock has a market cap of C$52.03 billion, a PE ratio of 17.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00, a quick ratio of 84,866.00 and a current ratio of 92.19. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$86.29 and a 200 day moving average price of C$84.08. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%. Equities research analysts expect that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current fiscal year. Trending Headlines about Sun Life Financial Here are the key news stories impacting Sun Life Financial this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings beat and strong results Sun Life reported C$1.96 EPS, a sizable year-over-year profit increase (~$722M) and strong Asia unit performance, which supports the upbeat investor reaction. Article Title Article Title Q4 earnings beat and strong results Sun Life reported C$1.96 EPS, a sizable year-over-year profit increase (~$722M) and strong Asia unit performance, which supports the upbeat investor reaction. Positive Sentiment: Jefferies raised its target from C$97 to C$103 (10.1% upside), signaling stronger analyst conviction on SLFs outlook. Article Title Jefferies raised its target from C$97 to C$103 (10.1% upside), signaling stronger analyst conviction on SLFs outlook. Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital Markets lifted its target to C$100 and moved to outperform, another bullish vote that likely supported buying interest. Article Title BMO Capital Markets lifted its target to C$100 and moved to outperform, another bullish vote that likely supported buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Desjardins increased its target to C$101 and set a buy rating adds momentum to the bullish analyst narrative. Article Title Article Title Desjardins increased its target to C$101 and set a buy rating adds momentum to the bullish analyst narrative. Positive Sentiment: Scotiabank and RBC both raised targets (Scotia to C$96, RBC to C$95), keeping coverage upbeat across major Canadian dealers. Article Title Scotiabank and RBC both raised targets (Scotia to C$96, RBC to C$95), keeping coverage upbeat across major Canadian dealers. Positive Sentiment: Dividend activity Sun Life declared common and preferred-share dividends (preferred payable Q1 2026), which appeals to income-focused investors. Article Title Article Title Dividend activity Sun Life declared common and preferred-share dividends (preferred payable Q1 2026), which appeals to income-focused investors. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call transcript and highlights are available for deeper read-through; watch management commentary for margin drivers and Asia growth details. Article Title Article Title Earnings call transcript and highlights are available for deeper read-through; watch management commentary for margin drivers and Asia growth details. Negative Sentiment: TD Securities trimmed its target from C$104 to C$102 (still a buy), a modest negative signal that some firms are tempering near-term upside. Article Title 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. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its target price boosted by equities research analysts at Scotiabank from C$93.00 to C$96.00 in a report released on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the financial services providers stock. Scotiabanks target price points to a potential upside of 2.19% from the companys previous close. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: SLF has been the subject of a number of other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada set a C$84.00 price target on Sun Life Financial and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$99.00 to C$95.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Desjardins set a C$94.00 price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. National Bank Financial decreased their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Sun Life Financial from C$97.00 to C$103.00 in a research note on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$96.44. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SLF Sun Life Financial Stock Up 0.3% Sun Life Financial stock opened at C$93.94 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of C$52.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00, a current ratio of 92.19 and a quick ratio of 84,866.00. Sun Life Financial has a fifty-two week low of C$74.56 and a fifty-two week high of C$94.76. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$86.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$84.08. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.96 earnings per share for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%. As a group, analysts forecast that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 earnings per share for the current year. Key Sun Life Financial News Here are the key news stories impacting Sun Life Financial this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings beat and strong results Sun Life reported C$1.96 EPS, a sizable year-over-year profit increase (~$722M) and strong Asia unit performance, which supports the upbeat investor reaction. Article Title Article Title Q4 earnings beat and strong results Sun Life reported C$1.96 EPS, a sizable year-over-year profit increase (~$722M) and strong Asia unit performance, which supports the upbeat investor reaction. Positive Sentiment: Jefferies raised its target from C$97 to C$103 (10.1% upside), signaling stronger analyst conviction on SLFs outlook. Article Title Jefferies raised its target from C$97 to C$103 (10.1% upside), signaling stronger analyst conviction on SLFs outlook. Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital Markets lifted its target to C$100 and moved to outperform, another bullish vote that likely supported buying interest. Article Title BMO Capital Markets lifted its target to C$100 and moved to outperform, another bullish vote that likely supported buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Desjardins increased its target to C$101 and set a buy rating adds momentum to the bullish analyst narrative. Article Title Article Title Desjardins increased its target to C$101 and set a buy rating adds momentum to the bullish analyst narrative. Positive Sentiment: Scotiabank and RBC both raised targets (Scotia to C$96, RBC to C$95), keeping coverage upbeat across major Canadian dealers. Article Title Scotiabank and RBC both raised targets (Scotia to C$96, RBC to C$95), keeping coverage upbeat across major Canadian dealers. Positive Sentiment: Dividend activity Sun Life declared common and preferred-share dividends (preferred payable Q1 2026), which appeals to income-focused investors. Article Title Article Title Dividend activity Sun Life declared common and preferred-share dividends (preferred payable Q1 2026), which appeals to income-focused investors. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call transcript and highlights are available for deeper read-through; watch management commentary for margin drivers and Asia growth details. Article Title Article Title Earnings call transcript and highlights are available for deeper read-through; watch management commentary for margin drivers and Asia growth details. Negative Sentiment: TD Securities trimmed its target from C$104 to C$102 (still a buy), a modest negative signal that some firms are tempering near-term upside. Article Title About Sun Life Financial (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. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its price objective decreased by equities researchers at TD Securities from C$25.00 to C$21.00 in a research report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. TD Securities price objective suggests a potential upside of 14.44% from the companys current price. Get TELUS alerts: Several other analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets cut 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. Desjardins set a C$23.00 target price on TELUS and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised their price target on TELUS from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a report on Friday, October 17th. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded TELUS from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Natl Bk Canada raised TELUS from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$21.38. View Our Latest Analysis on T TELUS Stock Performance Shares of TSE:T opened at C$18.35 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$28.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.79. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$18.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$20.26. TELUS has a fifty-two week low of C$17.26 and a fifty-two week high of C$23.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.41, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.52. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported C$0.20 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$5.23 billion for the quarter. TELUS had a net margin of 4.62% and a return on equity of 5.80%. As a group, analysts predict that TELUS will post 1.2267985 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other TELUS news, Director Thomas Earl Flynn acquired 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 24th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$17.45 per share, with a total value of C$52,350.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 14,389 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$251,088.05. The trade was a 26.34% increase in their position. Also, Director David Lawrence Mowat bought 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$17.37 per share, with a total value of C$52,110.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 14,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$251,621.82. This trade represents a 26.12% increase in their ownership of the stock. In the last 90 days, insiders have bought 258,245 shares of company stock valued at $4,486,022. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. More TELUS News Here are the key news stories impacting TELUS this week: Positive Sentiment: TELUS named former CIBC chief Victor Dodig as CEO, replacing long-time leader Darren Entwistle markets may view Dodigs track record and governance credentials as a potential catalyst for renewed strategic focus and dividend discipline. Article Title TELUS named former CIBC chief Victor Dodig as CEO, replacing long-time leader Darren Entwistle markets may view Dodigs track record and governance credentials as a potential catalyst for renewed strategic focus and dividend discipline. Positive Sentiment: TELUS announced a quarterly cash dividend (payable April 1, 2026), supporting income investors and the stocks defensive yield story. Article Title TELUS announced a quarterly cash dividend (payable April 1, 2026), supporting income investors and the stocks defensive yield story. Positive Sentiment: Strategic tech win Photonic Inc. demonstrated quantum communications over TELUSs network, highlighting R&D and potential future premium services. Article Title Strategic tech win Photonic Inc. demonstrated quantum communications over TELUSs network, highlighting R&D and potential future premium services. Neutral Sentiment: TELUS raised consumer pricing (latest $15 hike), making its plans more expensive than Rogers/Bell could boost ARPU but risks churn and regulatory scrutiny. Article Title TELUS raised consumer pricing (latest $15 hike), making its plans more expensive than Rogers/Bell could boost ARPU but risks churn and regulatory scrutiny. Neutral Sentiment: Corporate housekeeping amalgamation with Telus International effective Jan 1 and an AGM/record date set; largely administrative but relevant for ownership and reporting. Article Title Corporate housekeeping amalgamation with Telus International effective Jan 1 and an AGM/record date set; largely administrative but relevant for ownership and reporting. Negative Sentiment: Quarterly results disappointed on weakness in mobile equipment sales (C$0.20 EPS; margins compressed), a clear near-term headwind for revenue and profitability. Article Title Quarterly results disappointed on weakness in mobile equipment sales (C$0.20 EPS; margins compressed), a clear near-term headwind for revenue and profitability. Negative Sentiment: Analysts trimmed price targets TD Securities lowered target to C$21 (still a buy) and Atb Cormark to C$19 signaling reduced near-term upside expectations and contributing to selling pressure. Article Title Analysts trimmed price targets TD Securities lowered target to C$21 (still a buy) and Atb Cormark to C$19 signaling reduced near-term upside expectations and contributing to selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/operational setbacks: a federally backed e-prescribing project built with Telus Health is being shut down after large public investment a reputational and financial negative for health-tech initiatives. Article Title Regulatory/operational setbacks: a federally backed e-prescribing project built with Telus Health is being shut down after large public investment a reputational and financial negative for health-tech initiatives. Negative Sentiment: Ongoing intense competition in high-speed internet (battle with Bell, Rogers) pressures pricing and subscriber growth prospects in key markets. Article Title TELUS Company Profile (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. Recommended 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. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) was downgraded by stock analysts at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Friday, MarketBeat.com reports. They presently have a C$136.00 price target on the stock, up from their prior price target of C$129.00. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces price objective indicates a potential upside of 4.67% from the companys current price. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Scotiabank raised their price objective on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$125.00 to C$132.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$130.00 to C$128.00 in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group boosted their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$122.00 to C$126.00 in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Desjardins raised their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$133.00 to C$139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$119.00 to C$122.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Toronto-Dominion Bank presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$131.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Toronto-Dominion Bank Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance Shares of TSE TD opened at C$129.93 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of C$217.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$129.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$116.35. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of C$78.06 and a 1 year high of C$134.50. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.18 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$16.03 billion during the quarter. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 7.84% and a net margin of 15.80%. As a group, research analysts expect that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 7.2160149 EPS for the current year. About Toronto-Dominion Bank (Get Free Report) Toronto-Dominion is one of Canadas two largest banks and operates three business segments: Canadian retail banking, U.S. retail banking, and wholesale banking. The banks U.S. operations span from Maine to Florida, with a strong presence in the Northeast. It also has a 13% ownership stake in Charles Schwab. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There are some bands that produce great recordings but are not-so-great live. Others are incredible live but the recordings dont quite live up to the same standard. Then, there are those bands that manage to master both, capturing the live magic in the studio. This week, Im talking to Cahir McLaughlin and Pearse Donaghy of Polar Bolero, one of the best live bands on the scene today, and who are about to release their debut EP Singing and Sailing Away (out on 27th February). As anyone who has seen them live will tell you, they are a band like no other on the scene today, and I caught up with them to talk about what they hope to do with this release. Pearse: The whole mission statement was, we were told so often that were such a good live band but it didnt really translate to the music, so the EP was about finding a sound, our live sound, so trying to recreate that in the room. We recorded in Belfast with Matty Weir, fantastic producer. Were really happy with how it sounds, and we kind of wanted that raw sound. Almost like what Arctic Monkeys did with their first album, where its so raw and just off the floor. Cahir: A lot of it is recorded right off the floor, with minimal overdubs. We couldve went wild, putting things on top of the finished track, which we like doing, and the earlier stuff has that, as does some stuff coming up, but we kept it with no more parts than we can play live. Pearse: I think that was a restriction we gave ourselves on purpose. Cahir: The track listing is basically the crowd pleasing songs that we did, so theres a lot of upbeat songs on there. Theres a song called American Bar which usually goes down well live. Its a nice storytelling song. The EP cover is basically the story of the song, that sailing away story. The concept of the EP is, theres no real narrative concept. Its basically just to get the live sound. Pearse: Its a sonic concept more than anything. Its about trying to capture how we sound live, because when we receive positive feedback its based upon our live sound, so its about capturing that, like a photograph of how we sound because we might change. When Cahir and I set out to do this thing we wanted it to be sort of liquid, and being able to flow and change with where our taste goes. Pearse: We were a very tight band going into this, probably the tightest weve ever been. There were moments where I can remember it being quite stressful. Time was such an issue because we didnt have any money and it was quite an expensive studio we were working in, so I really am proud of how everyone came together and got everything laid down well. READ MORE: MacD on Music Finally, the story of the artwork for the EP. Cahir: The artwork is something we struggled with for a while. We didnt know what to do. Were named after the childrens book Polar Bolero and the author is Debi Gliori, whos been in contact with us and signed off on us using the name. Shes a fan of the stuff and a friend of the band, so we asked her to do the artwork for the EP and the singles, so shes done sketch artwork for all the singles so far, and the artwork for the final EP is our favourite. And thats it from Polar Bolero. Their EP Singing and Sailing Away is out next Friday (27th February). Now, onto other business. First up, Consolers, who will be releasing their debut album Deep Breaths this Friday (20th February). Consolers came flying out of the blocks in April 2025 following their debut single Inhale. Since then, theyve opened for the likes of Fangclub and The Wood Burning Savages and played headline gigs in Sandinos. Theyll also be launching the album with a gig in Belfast on Friday night in Empire. Tickets for the gig are 10 plus booking fee and can be got on ticketsource.co.uk/consolers. Next, we have another Belfast gig, the first from Motion Sickness Promotions, a new organisation that is dedicated to showcasing the best in emo, punk and alternative music from across Ireland and is about more than just putting on gigs. Its about creating a movement, a place where people who love emotionally charged, loud, honest music can discover new bands, make connections and feel part of something from the ground up. The first ever gig will be taking place in The Union Bar in Belfast and features No Matter, TwoShoes, House of Neptune and SNAFU. Tickets are 5 plus booking fee and are on eventbrite.ie. Lastly, we have Reflect, who will be playing Bennigans this Saturday (21st February), with support from Jet Black Tulips and The Waiting Room Magazines, as part of their Feeling Everything tour, having previously played Derry's Nerve Centre last year opening for Cora Harkin. Based on that gig alone, its safe to say Reflect are one of the best up-and-coming bands around today so this is definitely a gig not to miss. Tickets are 8 plus booking fee and can be found on skiddle.com. Finally, time for the socials. Reflect can be found on Instagram @reflectbelfast, Motion Sickness @motionsicknessbelfast, Consolers @consolersband and Polar Bolero @polarbolero. Tanaiste Simon Harris has said the new spending ceilings on Government departments will be binding. He said a medium-term fiscal plan for the country, which Irelands budgetary watchdog had warned was late in being submitted, had been approved by the European Commission. He said the Government had been juggling different demands, and while the Irish economy was in good health, the country needed to return to a rhythm of regular spending structures. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council had said in November that a medium-term fiscal plan had not been submitted to the European Commission and warned the Government was budgeting like theres no tomorrow. It has repeatedly criticised the Government for not adequately preparing for an ageing population, climate change and of being over-reliant on corporation tax from a handful of large US multinationals. It has also criticised the previous Fine Gael-Fianna Fail government for repeatedly breaching a spending increase cap of 5%. Mr Harris said there was a lot of extra spending in capital and infrastructure, but new spending ceilings on government departments would now be binding. Thats not how were budgeting anymore because we now have this medium-term fiscal framework that basically means spending ceilings are now binding, and as Minister for Finance, I wont be lifting those spending ceilings any further, he told RTEs This Week programme. So we have allowed for a significant level of spending growth, and weve tried to balance that. But as a result of that, Government departments do have to live within those envelopes. Yes, they have to, because if they dont, it has a knock-on effect into the following years spending because the spending ceilings are now binding under the new plan. He added: A lot of the extra spending that were profiling is in the space of capital, of infrastructure, of things that are absolutely vital and, in many ways in the Department of Finance, we actually see that as a saving into the future because were acquiring public assets. Were also running budget surpluses and setting money aside into two long-term saving funds. Mr Harris, who is also leader of Fine Gael, was asked about a range of issues during the interview, including housing, defence, two match fixtures between Ireland and Israel due to be played, and the rejection of a critical care unit for the Rotunda maternity hospital. He also said that Ireland are laggards at a European level in relation to savings that do not accrue interest. Its an absolute priority for me during my time as finance minister, and the two budgets that I will deliver in this role, to see how we can incentivise savings and investment. Its a complex area, Ive got to be honest, it involves tax, it involves how much somebody can put into an account, potentially tax-free. So what I intend to do over the next period of time, over the next number of weeks, is publish a roadmap, a framework, he said, adding that he had looked at models in Canada, Sweden and the UK. Louth TD Ged Nash, said has formally written to Ministers Colm Brophy (FG) and Jim OCallaghan (FF) ahead of the expiry of the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) contract with the D hotel in Drogheda, this month. The Labour TD said that for local economic reasons, the government must allow the deal to expire on the agreed date, and that the hotel needs to be restored to full tourism use to help boost Drogheda. Deputy Nash said he spoke with Minister for Migration Colm Brophy this week, and has been raising the expiration of the contract with the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan, for weeks now, via Parliamentary Questions. He commented: The contract is due to fall this month. The last government promised that a two-year deal was a two-year deal. They must not renege on that. The future of tourism in Drogheda, and efforts to promote our town depend on restoring bed capacity in our largest hotel. We will recall that all kinds of promises were made by agents for the hotel owners, when the deal was signed in February 2024, that when this arrangement ended, that they had great plans for the hotel. They need to keep their side of the bargain too and the focus needs to be placed on the promised delivery of high-standard, State-run services. Read also: Serious concerns raised over Louth County Councils submission in relation to Ardee 2040 In the course of my work in the last two years supporting local activists, I have represented individuals and families who have had to make formal complaints to IPAS and the Department in relation to a host of issues relating to this accommodation. I made a formal request to the Department two weeks ago for details of the range and nature of complaints made by residents in the last two years, and I look forward to receiving this information in due course." Deputy Nash added: We are still waiting for the State to do the job it should be doing providing appropriate, human rights informed accommodation and services to those who are seeking international protection in Ireland. "This is the approach that is needed but there is little evidence of it, despite the promises made. Both for local economic reasons and in the best interests of vulnerable applicants themselves - excessive reliance on hotels needs to end. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid to extend his rule to 2030effectively suspending the 2028 electionsmay be the catalyst Zimbabwe's fractured opposition has long needed to regroup.Mnangagwa, who rose to power after the 2017 coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, has faced only timid opposition since, following the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and civil society's suppression. While dissent within the ruling Zanu-PF has existed, proposed constitutional amendments tabled in cabinet last week appear to have dramatically altered the political landscape.Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi presented proposals to amend the constitution, which include extending Mnangagwa's term by two years beyond 2028. The so-called "2030 agenda" was first adopted at the Zanu-PF conference in Bulawayo two years ago. At that conference, then-party legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa had said the extension would require a referendum. However, Ziyambi's cabinet presentation outlined a plan to bypass a public vote and implement the extension via parliament, where Zanu-PF holds a two-thirds majority. Under the draft amendments, the president would be chosen by a joint sitting of parliament rather than by popular vote.The announcement has galvanized opposition figures. Former CCC vice-president Tendai Biti, who had retired from party politics after the 2023 elections, declared he would work with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to challenge the 2030 agenda. "We are going to work with Chamisa. Up until he held elections, he was my president. So we are going to work with everyone in the fight to protect the constitution," Biti said. He added that women, youth, and the diaspora would be mobilized in the campaign to defend constitutional democracy.MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora also urged Zimbabweans to reject Zanu-PF's proposals. "This is not routine legislation. This is not an administrative adjustment. This is an assault on the very foundation of our constitutional democracy," Mwonzora said. He warned that removing the ballot undermines the legitimacy of presidential authority. Chamisa similarly condemned the amendments, calling them "unlawful" and accusing Zanu-PF of going rogue.Zanu-PF has defended the plan, arguing Mnangagwa needs more time to complete infrastructure projects. Constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku rejected that rationale, saying, "If you are elected for four years, you must do your things within four years. If you cannot, it is a sign of incompetence."The Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) has vowed to mobilize lawful street protests against the amendments. "Zinasu firmly rejects any constitutional amendment that dilutes democratic participation, weakens checks and balances, or diminishes the citizen's rights to directly choose their leaders," Zinasu president Liberty Hamuswa said.Internal opposition within the CCC has also emerged. While CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu claimed 63 MPs supported the amendments, a number later boycotted the meeting. One MP, Richard Tsvangirai, publicly stated that he does not support the extension.Meanwhile, exiled former Information Minister Jonathan Moyo has voiced support for the amendments, drawing criticism from analysts such as Australia-based Reason Wafawarova, who warned Zimbabwe needs a constitution that cannot be "bought, rented, or rewritten to suit one man's term." Analyst Jealous Mawarire noted that term extensions should only occur via referendum, calling the proposed parliamentary route "political skullduggery of the highest order."Even within Zanu-PF, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly opposed to the controversial amendments. Mnangagwa himself had repeatedly insisted he would not stay in office beyond 2028, but the new proposals suggest a sharp shift from his earlier constitutionalist stance.The 2030 agenda has thus thrust Zimbabwe's opposition, students, and civil society into a rare moment of alignment, setting the stage for a heated battle over the country's democratic future. Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash has accused the government of being "afraid to take on big business" to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Deputy Nash was addressing the Dail during a motion which called on the State to recognise a cost-of-living crisis exists. The Labour TD supported the motion and said although Ireland has an "objectively" successful economy, "we cannot say with any great certainty that we have a successful society because with a successful economy must come a more equal society." "The experiences of far too many individuals and families across this country are undeserving of the kind of approach taken by the Government and the credit the Government gives itself for its great, successful economic model and how well the country is doing because the lived experience for far too many people is very remote from that sort of assessment and that sort of analysis," he said. Deputy Nash called on the Government to compel supermarkets to be "clearer on their margins" and to publish certain information to allow consumers to determine "whether they were gouging". He said former Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney had said he would introduce such legislation in 2023. However, Deputy Nash criticised the two reports that followed by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission which he said found that there was "nothing to see here". "The Minister in 2023 thought this was a good idea. Since then, I believe from the data I have read that the annual cost of grocery shopping has gone up by about 2,000 but wages have not." "Why can we not properly interrogate this? I do not like to conclude this, but it is quite clear that the Government is simply afraid to take on big business and corporate interests as its actions have shown," he said. Read Next: Special Education Teachers in Louth are "teaching in a cupboard" due to lack of space - TD Speaking on the same motion, Sinn Fein TD for Louth Ruairi O Murchu public discourse is dominated by "the cost of everything and how it has gone through the roof." "We talk to constituents and constituents come in to us. We hear the conversations in shops or the odd time when people are in bars or anywhere else. It is about the cost of everything and how it has gone through the roof. I do not think the Minister of State will be shocked to hear they are not generally impressed with the actions, or lack of action, of the Government," he said. Deputy O Murchu said he was thinking of worker in EuroGiant which is facing liquidation across its 77 stores, with 640 workers. He said there are "not enough safety nets for those who fall on worse times" and said those in "very good circumstances", which he said included developers and those in power in semi-State companies are "constantly looked after". In response, Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture said "the best way out of poverty is through employment". "I recall the dark days of the 1980s when Ireland was scourged by joblessness, long-term unemployment and emigration. That is not the case today." Minister Grealish noted that the minimum wage had increased by 65 cents in the last budget to 14.15 and hour, making it the second highest in the EU, only behind Luxembourg. However he said there has to be a balance between a fair rate for low paid workers and one that will not have negative consequences for employers, but concluded he expects the minimum wage to continue to increase over the coming years. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Louth County Councillors have been warned about the threat of cyber security breaches during a presentation at February's District meetings of Dundalk, Ardee and Drogheda. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council told Dundalk councillors that cyber security ranks third on its risk register. Mr Conway warned that hackers have become "so sophisticated" and said he had been subject to an attempted breach, in which fake emails had been sent from his address. Helen Divilly, Head of Information Systems at Louth County Council said that cyber threats are increasing locally and nationally. Ms Divilly said that local authorities are "prime targets for cyber criminals" due to its collection of personal and sensitive data. She warned councillors that they are "high-value targets" for criminals, who are now targeting people rather than IT systems. Ms Divilly explained that councillors' email accounts and council-issued devices are "attractive entry points for attackers". She said the threat of cyber attacks are heightened during events such as elections, and added the risk will be at its peak when Ireland host the EU Presidency later this year. "It's expected that there will be increased activity from hostile actors, with threats to critical infrastructure including data centres and transatlantic cables," she said. Read Next: Louth students receive Leaving Certificate awards Ms Divilly said that public representatives have already been targeted through social media attacks and phishing campaigns. She told the meeting that local authorities like Meath County Council and the Office of the Ombudsman have been compromised as recently as December 2025. She said Louth County Council are dealing with cyber security incidents "very, very regularly" and encouraged councillors to report anything they deem suspicious. Ms Divilly said risks to councillors in relation to cyber security include reputational damage, impersonation, fraud and GDPR risks. She confirmed Louth County Council has implemented cyber security training for its members. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Currently completing his final year of the Level 8 Bachelor of Business degree at DkIT, 20-year-old Thomas McCarragher from Ballagan in Cooley has a strong passion for sport and business. Initially unsure if college was the right path for him, aspiring entrepreneur Thomas opted for a three-year degree. I was pretty sceptical about college at first all I wanted to do was start my own business after school, he said. But Im really glad I chose this course because it has given me the knowledge and confidence to succeed in business. A general Business degree appealed to Thomas as it allowed him to build a broad knowledge base while keeping his future options open, giving him the flexibility to pursue further study or move straight into business. He also appreciates the smaller classes which means he knows the lecturers really well and finds that the whole class bounces off the group energy, and everyone mingles in together. Thomas has particularly enjoyed exploring the psychological impact of marketing and different social media strategies, which has made marketing his favourite area of study. He has also developed a strong interest in business law, especially the Irish legal system. Skills that Thomas feels he has strengthened since beginning his course include management and communication. He was chosen as project manager for a recent charity event for the Irish Wheelchair Association, where his skills were put to the test. The Run and Roll, followed by a quiz were a huge success raising over 3000. Although being an entrepreneur is an aspiration Thomas has had for many years, the Entrepreneurship module in the first year of his course helped him to envision how some of these ideas might develop. He is currently focusing on developing one of his ideas, an AI app, which acts as an agent to manage social media content and posting. The app is being designed to analyse a companys products or services and provide suggested social media content and optimum posting times. Its still in development, but Im hopeful it would help someone starting out or that doesnt have a big budget to hire an agency, according to Thomas. Read Next: Louth woman leaves generous gift to Maria Goretti Foundation As a self-taught coder, Thomas has enjoyed the challenge, Im learning to code as I go, so if a new issue comes up it takes a bit longer to solve, he explains. But its really satisfying when I figure it out. Thomas is hoping to use the app to trial his own entrepreneurial ideas and then engage with some other companies to test a prototype. For any other aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone considering a Business degree, Thomas advises: Be open to all possibilities. When you leave school, you think you know everything, but once you get to college you realise theres so much more to learn. I was closed off to the idea at first, but meeting new people helped me grow a lot. Whether you want to start your own business or work in one, its a great course. Families in Dundalk who rely on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) are facing an increasingly bleak rental market, with just two properties available within HAP limits during a recent national snapshot study. The latest Locked Out of the Market report from the Simon Communities of Ireland examined rental listings on Daft.ie over three consecutive days in December 2025. Of 17 properties advertised to rent in Dundalk during that period, only two were within discretionary HAP limits and none were available under the standard HAP rate. In Dundalk, monthly rents during the study ranged from: 1,350 to 1,590 for one-bedroom properties 1,250 to 1,850 for two-bedroom homes 1,650 to 2,000 for three-bedroom homes 2,300.00 for homes with four bedrooms or more By comparison, the standard monthly HAP limits in the area are: 650 for a single person 975 for a couple or lone parent with one child 1,050 for a couple or lone parent with two children Even with the maximum discretionary uplift of 35% allowed outside Dublin, only two properties were affordable within those higher caps, one suitable for a household with one child and one for a household with two children. No properties were available within limits for single people or couples without children. The situation in Dundalk has worsened compared to the last report. The September 2025 snapshot recorded 25 properties available to rent; by December, that had fallen to 17, a drop of 32%. While the number of properties within HAP limits rose slightly from one to two, availability remains extremely limited, representing just a small fraction of the local rental market. Dundalk was one of only three locations outside Dublin where any HAP-suitable properties were found. In 10 of the 16 areas surveyed nationally including Athlone, Sligo, Portlaoise, Limerick City and Waterford City there were none at all. Nationally, the report found just 31 properties available within standard or discretionary HAP limits across the 16 study areas. This represents just 3% of the total properties examined in the study. This is the same as 2024s average. In 2023, an average of 4% of properties were available through HAP. In 2022, the average was 8% and in 2021 the average was 28%. No properties were available through standard HAP limits. 27 (87%) of the 31 properties available through HAP limits were in Dublin. In Dublin, the discretionary rate allows up to an additional 50% on the standard rate; this is limited to 35% elsewhere in the country. Ber Grogan, Executive Director at the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: The findings of the December 2025 Locked Out of the Market report show just how stark the reality is for people who rely on HAP. With no properties available within standard HAP limits and the vast majority of homes concentrated in Dublin, many households across the country simply have no viable options in the private rental market. For individuals and families outside the capital in particular, the prospect of finding a suitable and affordable home is becoming increasingly remote, with discretionary HAP rates still failing to keep pace with rising rents. Read Next: No Insurance, No Motor Tax, No NCT: Gardai seize vehicles in Louth crackdown One of the levers available to Government is the enforcement of regulations around short-term lets. This could potentially bring thousands of properties back into the market at a time where there is a dire shortage. Government and Local Authorities must take urgent action to address the monopoly of short-term lets, particularly in the West of Ireland and more touristy areas. We are continuing to see record levels of homelessness, and without urgent action to increase the supply of affordable housing and ensure that support reflects the real cost of renting, more people will remain trapped in emergency accommodation or at risk of losing their homes. Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a visual art exhibition, 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen,' hosted at the Basement Gallery, An Tain Arts Centre. The exhibition will run from February 25th to April 4th, 2026, with opening hours on Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Opening Launch is set to take place on Wednesday, February 25th. Nestled in a historic 250-year-old grain store, Bridge Street Studios has been a nurturing ground for both emerging and established artists for 30 years. As one of the oldest and largest independent artistic collectives in Ireland, the Studios have been an integral part of the town's creative fabric since their formation in 1996. The 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen' exhibition features the works of eight dynamic professional artists and craftspeople who are all based in Bridge Street Studios, including Orlaith Cullinane, Rachel Tinniswood, Mary Cowan, Suzanne Carroll, Caoilfionn Murphy O'Hanlon, Orla Barry, Sarah McKenna, and Fiona Quigley. Their collective expertise spans a wide array of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, prints, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media. The artists have chosen the quote 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen' by A.A. Milne to capture the spirit of the studios vibrant and lasting community on its momentous 30th anniversary. The artwork demonstrates the power and strength in a collective and the ways in which sharing space, time and energy with a peer group can creatively sustain the individual's artistic development. The artists have explored the theme with rich imagery, allusion, and symbolism, crafting responses and connections on personal, local, and universal levels. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, creating a diverse and thought-provoking exhibition. Highlighted Works from "The things that matter most are the things that can't be seen, include: Rachel Tinniswood uses textiles to investigate the invisible labour of the underworld and the potential life and energy stored within tiny organic vessels. Sarah McKenna's sculptures of pebble-shaped vessels and gathered branches are born from a fleeting, exterior world of forest walks and shoreline finds. Orla Barry presents a series of hinged triptychs, revealing and concealing the mysteries of hidden thoughts, ideas and beauty. Following the exhibition in Dundalk, 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen' will embark on a journey to Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda, where it will be on display from June 27th to August 22nd, 2026. Ceramicist at Bridge Street studios Sarah McKenna said: For me, being a member of Bridge Street Studios is about so much more than just having a safe place to work or sharing an exhibition space. Its that constant connection with other artists who truly understand the process. We can talk through new ideas or show 'work-in-progress' without any hesitation or fear of judgment. There is this sense of unconditional support where people are honest with you; nobody feels the need to tiptoe. Read Next: No Insurance, No Motor Tax, No NCT: Gardai seize vehicles in Louth crackdown Visual artist, Suzanne Carroll from Bridge Street Studios expressed her excitement for the upcoming exhibition: "I am delighted to be part of 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen, an exhibition that unites the diverse talents of Bridge Street Studios. Through our collective exploration of the theme, we celebrate 30 years of the studios and its impact on our personal artistic journeys. We cant wait to invite visitors to the Basement Gallery, providing them with the opportunity to see this collection of artwork that truly reflects the varied and powerful creativity of our members. For more information about Bridge Street Studios and 'The things that matter most are the things that cant be seen' exhibition, visit: www.bridgestreetstudios.com/ 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. Louth-based designer Caroline Duffy will take centre stage at this years ARC Fashion Show, as the much-loved event enters its second decade and returns to the RDS Concert Hall on Thursday 23 April. A long-standing supporter of the ARC Fashion Show, Louth artist and fashion designer Caroline Duffy will create one of the most emotional and defining moments of the night a powerful runway sequence featuring four ARC Angels, women who have experienced cancer or are currently undergoing treatment. Renowned for her distinctive design language, sculptural silhouettes and thoughtful storytelling, Caroline Duffy has built a reputation as one of Irelands most respected designers, with her work regularly showcased on national stages. A Drogheda native now based in Dundalk, Caroline is an NCAD graduate who spent two decades working internationally before returning to Ireland, where she developed a fashion business rooted in sustainable, hand-painted textile design. Read also: PHOTOS: Dundalk Musical Society enjoy great night out Her work has been featured in Brown Thomas Create, showcased in Paris during Irish Fashion Week. Caroline was also named as the winner of the coveted winner of the Irish Fashion and Accessories Designer category at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025. Now firmly established as Irelands most spectacular fashion event, the ARC Fashion Show will present collections from 30 Irish fashion and accessories designers, while raising vital funds for ARC Cancer Support Centres. The event is proudly supported by Main Sponsor Davy for the second year running, with all funds raised going directly to ARCs free psychological, emotional, educational, and practical support services for men, women and children affected by cancer. Produced and directed by Eddie Shanahan, the show will be staged on a giant catwalk with a dramatic electronic backdrop, lighting by internationally acclaimed designer Kevin Saunders and special effects by Visual X. The line-up includes AndTate by Sharon Hoey, August Night, Caroline Duffy, Celtic Tweed, Eadach by Sara ONeill, Emerald & Wax, Fauna with Capulet & Montague, FeRi, Sarah Foy, Helen Hayes, Noema James, Kindred of Ireland, Orla Langan, Magee 1866, Miss Shes Got Knits, Caroline Mitchell, Hazel Greene, Mona Swims, Monessa Joan, Moon+Mellow, Jack Murphy, Original Ireland, Silvia Ortega, Pearl Reddington, Jennifer Slattery, The Linen Shirt Company, Triona, Linda Wilson and Urban Aran. Collections will span daywear, leisurewear, and after-dark looks, with a strong emphasis on Irish craftsmanship from fine linens and luxurious tweeds to merino wool, alpaca, cashmere, organic cottons, and silks. The show will close with a spectacular finale by internationally acclaimed brand Kindred of Ireland. Speaking ahead of the event, Deirdre Grant, CEO of ARC Cancer Support Centres, said: We are delighted to partner once again with Davy to bring audiences the 11th edition of our ARC Fashion Show. It is a night of extraordinary Irish talent, generosity and compassion all in aid of our clients and their loved ones who rely on ARC when they need us most. The ARC Fashion Show takes place on Thursday, 23rd April at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm sharp. Tickets cost 70 (including ticket agents fees) and are on sale now. Childrens Books Ireland is recruiting young readers in Louth to participate in its Junior Juries programme for the 2026 KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards. The Awards shortlist was announced by RTEs Rick OShea at a special event held in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast. School classes, youth groups, book clubs and early childhood settings from Louth can register at the Childrens Books Ireland website, and make a selection of suitable titles from the shortlist and send their feedback and scores to Childrens Books Ireland. One lucky group will be chosen to have an in-person workshop from a Childrens Books Ireland author or illustrator for their participation in the programme. In 2025, just under 12,000 readers across the island of Ireland took part in the Junior Juries programme. This year, one winning artist will accept the highly-coveted Junior Juries Award on 18th May, taking place as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin. Read also: Louth-based designer to take centre stage at this years ARC Fashion Show Speaking at the shortlist announcement, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland said: This years KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards shortlist has something to delight every kind of reader. There are stories steeped in Irish mythology, tales of bravery and resilience and books that will move you to tears or make you cry laughing. "Its wonderful to see how childrens literature and publishing in Ireland is evolving through this diverse, excellent shortlist. Our warm congratulations go to the authors, illustrators and publishers whose wonderful work we are so proud to champion. The shortlisted titles will be in contention for six awards at the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards ceremony on Monday, 18th May, taking place as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin. The awards include the prestigious KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Book of the Year, alongside categories celebrating excellence in fiction and illustration, and the highly-coveted Junior Juries Award, which is selected by young readers from across the island of Ireland. This years shortlist includes: Letters to a Monster This inventive picturebook tells the story of Sophie, who, fed up with the monster who has been hiding under her bed, decides to confront the situation head on! Written by Laureate na nOg Patricia Forde and illustrated by Sarah Warburton (Bloomsbury Childrens Books) The Doomsday Club A debut authored novel set in Dublin that blends adventure, fantasy and humour as school students Jack, Conan and Yash make a strange discovery in the school yard. Written by Kevin Moran (The OBrien Press) Solo A contemporary young adult verse novel that tells the story of Daisy as she learns to cope with heartbreak, friendship fall outs and Leaving Cert stress. Written by Grainne OBrien (Little Island Books) Puisin na mBrog This charming picturebook is an Irish language retelling of the popular tale Puss in Boots. Written by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly (Futa Fata) My Name is Jodie Jones This young adult novel centres a neurodiverse narrator, Jodie Jones, who is struggling to reconcile with her experience of a terrorist attack. It is a celebration of individuality that does not shy away from darker themes. Written by Emma Shevah (David Fickling Books) The Waters and the Wild This verse novel follows the character of Rowan after her fathers death and thoughtfully deals with the subjects of death, loss and fear. Written by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by David Rooney (Puffin) This That What A colourful, rhyming picturebook with accessible text that tells the story of Kiki Dime and her very busy brain. Written by Katy Ashworth and illustrated by Colleen Larmour (Puffin) Stealing Happy Young adult fiction set in Scotland that brings the reader into the inner life of thirteen-year old Sonny who is living with Tourettes syndrome. A vivid, funny and gripping read that deals with family drama, fear, friendship and even a heist. Written by Brian Conaghan (Bloomsbury YA) Dont Trust Fish! A hilarious debut authored picturebook that is filled with reasons why fish are untrustworthy creatures and likely plotting your downfall. Written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat (Andersen Press) Skipshock Young adult fiction that takes the reader on a train from Cork to a whole world of different time zones. A science-fiction story with multilayered power dynamics and an electrifying romance. Written by Caroline ODonoghue (Walker Books) Speaking at the shortlist announcement, Claire Browne, Partner at KPMG Belfast said: Once again, weve been impressed by the breadth of imagination and creativity in these books for children and young people. KPMG is proud to sponsor the Childrens Books Ireland Awards and to celebrate these shortlisted books, which we believe will bring joy to all readers, young and old, for many years to come. The KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards and Junior Juries programme are supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaion and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Funding. Damian Smyth, joint Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: The books we connect with in childhood are often the ones which we hold in our hearts for life and these annual awards recognise some of the most outstanding books published in the last year across a range of age categories and genres. Congratulations to all of the immensely talented writers and illustrators who have made this years shortlist. News / National by Staff reporter A South African national has been sentenced to pay a fine of US$400 for causing the death of a cyclist in Bulawayo.Mmantlebeka Ernest Modiba, from Polokwane, South Africa, appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube on a charge of culpable homicide. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was ordered to pay the fine before March 3, 2026. In default of payment, he will serve 12 months in prison. Additionally, Modi ba has been banned from driving in Zimbabwe for 24 months.Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on February 5 at around 4:15 PM, the accused was driving a Man Afrifit truck (registration number LJX873MP) towing two trailers (registration numbers MF35CLGP and MF35HVGP) along Mpopoma Drive heading south.While turning onto Khami Road near Woodlot Timbers PVT LTD in Kelvin, the truck struck cyclist Hebert Nyasha Matukutuku, who was traveling east along Khami Road. The impact caused fatal injuries, and Matukutuku died on the spot.The court also noted that the accused's vehicle had been inspected at the VED Bulawayo Depot as part of the investigation.The case has drawn attention to road safety concerns in the city, particularly regarding interactions between motorists and cyclists. Emigration has long connected Cork to the nations of the world - and we get an insight into that bond in Nationwide next week. The Rebel Countys links to Canada are remembered, while another episode of the series celebrates the Choctaw Nations ties to Cork. First up, Nationwide on RTE1 on Monday at 7pm explores the enduring links between Ireland and Canada. Two centuries ago, 11 ships carrying emigrants departed from the port of Cobh bound for Canada, part of a resettlement project organised by a British government official and known as the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme, which took place between 1823 and 1825. Last year, some of the descendants of those emigrants returned to Ireland to mark the 200th anniversary of this journey that changed the course of their families history. Reporter Marian Malone met several of them during their visit to the homeland of their ancestors in the Ballyhoura region of north Cork and south county Limerick. The programme also tells the story of a Canadian step dancer who made the west of Ireland his home more than a decade ago and has since immersed himself in Irish culture. Now living in Connemara, Nathan Pilatzke has introduced his dancing style to the Irish traditional music scene. Reporter Tommy Stenson travelled to Leitir Fraic to meet him. Then, Nationwide on RTE1 on Wednesday at 7pm examines the connection between Ireland and the Choctaw Nation of Native Americans which has flourished in recent years. Reporter Richard Downes travels to Choctaw lands in the U.S to learn about life in the community today and to experience one of their traditional sporting games, which is not too unlike hurling. In Cork city, the team meets a Choctaw student taking part in a scholarship programme at UCC. The monument of Indian feathers in Midleton stands as a tribute to the generosity of the Choctaw Nation, who sent financial aid to Ireland during the Great Famine. A similar monument featuring both Celtic and Choctaw designs was unveiled in the Choctaw homeland in Oklahoma. RTEs Washington Correspondent, Sean Whelan, attended the unveiling and has been finding out more about the Choctaw people. Life is full of chance meetings and coincidences. When I walked into the Tung Sing restaurant in Blarney at Christmas to collect a takeaway, I had one of those chance encounters. One of the managers working there saw my name on the order and asked me if I was the Martin McSweeney who wrote books, or was it my brother. I told her I have no brothers so it must be me. She laughed and then ran off to alert her colleague, Grace Smith. Grace appeared and told me that my first novel, Two Weeks In June, was one of her favourite books. It was published 20 years ago, and I wrote an article about it for this Echo books page last summer, where I wrote about releasing a 20th anniversary edition of it, ahead of a sequel to Two Weeks In June called Sins Of The Father. Flash-forward three weeks after that meeting with Grace, and I was in Christys Hotel in Blarney, meeting with a book club called Sceal Eile, which has been around for 20 years now - Grace is a member. It is a great name for a book club, as it means Another Story in English. I walked into the meeting carrying hardback copies of the 20th anniversary edition of Two Weeks In June and hardback copies of the just-released sequel, Sins Of The Father. I was greeted by Grace and the rest of the ladies, and the banter began. I published my first novel, Two Weeks In June, in 2005, to great reviews and sales way above my expectations. As the book was distributed nationwide by Easons and Waterstones, among other bookstores, I started working on a sequel, but I didnt get very far. After writing some chapters, I got stuck and put the manuscript away. I had just finished a screenwriting course with the University of Wisconsin in the U.S so I adapted Two Weeks In June and ended up winning the Tony Doyle Bursary from the BBC, which led to an agent and writing assignments with the BBC and RTE. While I was dabbling in the world of script writing, little did I know that eight young ladies, who all had children attending Clogheen Kerry Pike National School, were forming a book club, which would create bonds that would last over 20 years. Members of the Sceal Eile book club of Cork on one of their trips - they have been meeting, reading, and comparing fiction for more than 20 years Their kids would move on, grow up and leave school, but Sceal Eile would go on, even through covid and Zoom calls. One member, who moved to Greystones in Co. Wicklow, still returns each month. After 20 years, Sceal Eile is more than a book club. Its a support structure. The group go on trips together, the most notable being a visit to Bath, the home city of Jane Austen. Book clubs have been around for centuries, the earliest being credited to Ann Hutchinsen back in 1634 in Boston, albeit they were getting together to discuss sermons and religious topics. Later, in the 18th century, reading circles expanded, serving as spaces for women to engage in self-education and discuss literature. With the turn of the 20th century, the modernised version of book clubs commenced, with examples like the Book Of The Month Club (1926), leading us to the celebrity-driven book clubs like Oprah Winfreys and more recently actress Reese Witherspoons. Sceal Eile read my novel, Two Weeks In June, in October, 2006, and it soon became their favourite. I was flabbergasted when they told me that after 20 years of reading a novel a month, it was still their favourite novel. As I sat in Christys Hotel on a January afternoon in 2026, I did the math in my head and realised that these amazing ladies had read about 200 novels in the 20 years, including mine, and Two Weeks In June was at the top of their list. Having said all that, I think I had a slight advantage. These ladies were from Cork. Two Weeks In June is set in 1963 on the northside of Cork city during the two weeks preceding U.S President John F Kennedys historic visit, just five months before his tragic assassination in Dallas. For my plot, I combined JFKs visit with the fictional story of the Horgan family living on the northside, who become embroiled in a plot to kill the President during his visit to Cork. Nevertheless, that afternoon spent chatting with Grace, Ann, Karen, Saura, Chris, Bernie and the two Michelles was magical for me. I spoke with them about my journey as a writer, my time working on Fair City, optioning scripts and publishing novels, etc. Im far from a successful novelist. Ive published three novels that have been received well, but I still work a full-time job. But then again, it all comes down to how you measure success. We all want the seven-figure deal. Any writer who tells you they dont is just creating fiction in front of you. The day I met with Sceal Eile was a very successful one in my writing career, and one Ill never forget. I met a group of people who for 20 years have hailed my first novel as one of their favourites of all the books theyve read in their amazing club. We ended the day with me signing copies of the sequel novel. Sins Of The Father picks up not long after Two Weeks In June, returning to the much-loved characters of the first novel. Its now Sceal Eiles book of the month, and they will be meeting in February to review the novel. Im keeping my fingers crossed. Two new barbershops by former 'Baldy Barber' apprentices are opening in Cork, just months after the iconic Cork barber retired after 59 years in the trade. The former barbershop in Blackpool sold at the end of last year, with former Baldy Barber Mick Moriarty saying he expects apartments to be put into the premises. Noel Sheehan has been in the barbering trade for 38 years, beginning in Cork and working in Dublin, London and New York, before returning to Cork a few months ago and settling in Boherbue. He opened his own store there last week: Sheehans Irish Traditional Barbershop is family-orientated, tying into the old school ethos where barbershops were kind of like a meeting hub. I said to the estate agent, if you could imagine a cross between Cork barbershops in the 90s and a mens shed. We have no TV, we talk here. In the Baldy Barbers, you had two or three generations of the same family coming in, and you had a direct connection to your customers. Its classic cuts more than fad hairstyles. He said that the current trend of barbershops is copy and paste, theyre soulless. Appointment only, ring lights thats not what my shop is about. He opened last Tuesday, and he said that theyve had great support from the community. Mick came down and brought me some of his dads tools, which made me very emotional. It was such an honour, like he was passing on the gauntlet. Mick was an integral part of the community in Blackpool, a stalwart of the local area. Im trying to get a sense of the area now, what works best for Boherbue. People coming in are mostly 25 and upwards, locals. A kid came in asking for a burst fade and I said to him theres a guy in Newmarket who does all that stuff and his father said fair play. Another Baldy Barber apprentice, Donncha OConnell, is also opening his own shop soon in Gurranabraher. Mr OConnell spent 26 years working alongside Mick before the shop closed recently, and went viral internationally for cutting the hair of a young boy with additional needs in the back of his mothers car. Mick said: Donnacha is the best Ive seen at working with children with special needs. My shop made Fox News when Donnacha went well beyond the call of duty cutting a boys hair. He will do very well. Mr Sheehan added: Me and Donncha grew up on the same road, we were childhood friends. We both served our four year apprenticeships, and realised that the four years is about learning the craft, but also learning your people skills and how to deal with customers. A farm labourer who was caught driving while disqualified and without a licence had a problem with drink and drugs which led to a number of convictions, the district court has heard. Sergeant Trish OSullivan told Macroom District Court that gardai received an automatic number plate recognition alert regarding a blue Suzuki Liana car and pulled the vehicle over at Coolcower, Macroom, at 10.48am on October 16, 2025. The driver of the vehicle was 31-year-old Greg Coleman of Dromduff Cottage, Dromduff, Macroom. Coleman had no insurance and had been disqualified from driving for four years on September 6, 2023, also for driving without insurance. The court heard that Coleman had 14 previous convictions including three for driving without insurance. Defence solicitor Jack Purcell said his client was a hard-working farm labourer who previously had a problem with drink and drugs. He said Coleman had been drug-free for about a year and was a very hard-working man. Judge Joanne Carroll said it was very unfortunate that a conviction would would mean a further disqualification for Coleman. She asked the Probation Service to produce a probation report on Coleman and ordered him to undertake two random drug tests. She also asked gardai to confirm at the next hearing if Coleman had come to any further garda attention. Judge Carroll remanded Coleman on continuing bail to appear again on June 17, 2026. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. Fine Gael councillor for Macroom, Michael Creed, has passed away, aged 68. The party confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, with tributes paid by Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. Mr Creed, from Carrigaphooka in Macroom, had first been elected to Cork County Council in 2009 and retained his seat in every subsequent election. He ran in the 2024 general election in Cork North West, coming fourth in the three seat constituency, having received 7,321 first-preference votes. Mr Harris lead the tributes to Mr Creed, saying that Fine Gael had lost a cherished friend. Michael was a warm, honest, hard-working and deeply committed public servant who diligently served the people of North-West Cork for over 17 years, Mr Harris said. When I think of Michael, I think of his extraordinary work ethic and his innate sense of decency. As a councillor, Michael believed in putting people first always carrying out his duties with a great sense of honour and integrity. Michaels loss will be felt profoundly within the Fine Gael family, his community of Macroom-Millstreet and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with his family and at this difficult time." Mr Creed's friend and party colleague John Paul O'Shea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, also paid tribute to the long-standing member of Cork County Council. "He gave generously of his time and energy in service to his community and was widely respected for his commitment, integrity, and compassion," Mr O'Shea said. "He was also a valued colleague and friend, having stood alongside me as a Fine Gael candidate in the General Election of November 2024 in the Cork North West constituency, where he worked tirelessly for our party and for the people of the region, narrowly missing out on securing a second seat for Fine Gael. "His loss will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working with him and by the many people he represented over the years." Champion of rural Ireland Mr Creed first joined Cork County Council through co-option in 2007. A native of Clondrohid, throughout nearly 20 years in public life, he earned a reputation as a steadfast voice for the Macroom-Millstreet area. A champion for rural Ireland, he worked tirelessly to advance the needs of those living and working in the countryside. Outside his council duties, Mr Creed was employed with the Department of Agriculture, where he engaged daily with farmers from across Cork North West, offering practical assistance and support. Mayor of Co Cork Mary Linehan Foley said: Members and staff of Cork County Council are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague. "His passing is felt not only within the council but throughout the community he served with such devotion. In all my dealings with him, his commitment to community life, his focus on rural issues, and his determination to ensure fair representation were always evident. "He was widely respected by those he represented, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all who worked alongside him. Council chief executive Moira Murrell said: Cllr Michael Creeds service to rural communities has created a legacy that will endure for many years. He will be missed by all across Cork County Council. "I offer my sincere sympathies to his family, his colleagues, and those he served with such dedication. Three units of Cork City Fire Brigade performed what was described as a long and complicated rescue of a 43-year-old man who had fallen more than 30ft from Rope Walk in Sundays Well. Following a two-hour rescue operation in poor weather conditions, the man was brought to Cork University Hospital (CUH), where he was treated for what have been described as serious injuries. The alarm was raised just before 8pm on Saturday, when firefighters responded to a call from the National Ambulance Service to assist in the rescue of a man who had been missing for a number of hours after suffering a fall. It is understood that the man had been out walking his dog when he fell down a sheer drop of more than 30ft onto waste ground. The man suffered serious injuries and needed to be rescued without compounding those injuries. Deciding to deploy their recently acquired Rosenbauer hydraulic platform, firefighters accessed the site from the car park of UCCs North Mall campus. Members of Cork City Fire Brigade used a hydraulic platform to perform "a long and complicated rescue" on Saturday night after a man fell more than 30 feet. Picture: Cork City Fire Brigade Tadgh OMahony, third officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, said that firefighters used the platform to gain access to the man and bring him to safety in a basket stretcher. We brought a paramedic with us to administer pain relief along the way, and we were able to bring him into the distillery car park, which is below Sundays Well, Mr OMahony said. It was a long and complicated rescue, because we had to be very careful with him, he had to be put onto a vacuum mattress as he had some very serious injuries, but thankfully we got him to safety as soon as we could, and the National Ambulance then brought him to CUH. Mr OMahony said the operation concluded just before 10pm, with responders working in very poor weather conditions. Three units of Cork City Fire Brigade, consisting of 10 firefighters, and four advanced paramedics from the National Ambulance Service, were in attendance, as well as a number of gardai. Mr OMahony said it was a great example of inter-agency co-operation. Tickets are on sale for a special massed bands concert in Corks City Hall, the proceeds from which will go to the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund. This fund supports former members of the Defence Forces who may find themselves in financial or other difficulties. The concert will take place on Friday, February 20, at 8pm and will feature personnel from the Bands of 1st Brigade, 2nd Brigade, and the Army No.1 Band. As is traditional, the concert will also feature Defence Forces pipers and drummers. The guest artist this year is Corks Molly Lynch, who has enjoying a successful career in Britain and has performed in numerous musical theatre roles in Londons West End. Although Molly has sung for Cork audiences before, this years concert will be her debut performance with the Bands of the Defence Forces. General Officer Commanding 1st Brigade, Brigadier General Caimin Keogh said he was delighted that this debut is happening in such a magnificent venue as Cork City Hall. He said the concert is a popular fixture in Corks musical and cultural calendar, which is always well supported by a loyal audience. The concert will also showcase the outstanding musicians of the Defence Forces School of Music. In addition to this concert, on Tuesday, February 24, the Defence Forces Bands will stage a special concert for primary school children. The schools concert usually takes place before the main event, but not so this year due to mid-term break. More than 40 schools in the Cork area were contacted and a fantastic response was received. Brig Gen Keogh said almost 1,000 children will attend the concert that morning which also takes place in City Hall. On stage for this years concert will be conductors Captain Ben Jacob and Captain Willie Chester. Concert tickets are available at 1000 in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre and will be on sale until Friday. Tickets are 30 for balcony, 20 front parterre and 10 back parterre. Historic newspaper reports help shed light on how Corks iconic City Hall came to fruition, and how it ended up being developed at Anglesea Street. In the middle of the nineteenth century, very serious consideration was given by Cork Corporation to the erection of a Town Hall in the city. It was initially discussed at Council level in 1789, but with an absence of finance, there was no development. For many years, several distinguished musical and artistic groups, some from overseas, travelled throughout the country giving performances at various venues. In many provincial towns, these took place in local Town Halls. However, in Cork city, the absence of such a civic amenity was a cause of concern within the Town Council. A Town Hall committee was established in 1850 and advertised for a potential site in the centre of the city. It was envisaged that such a development would need to be erected in a prominent location, and its frontage would be similar to the Courthouse or the Cork Savings Bank. The proposed site would have a frontage of 175ft. with a similar depth. There were 12 sites offered to the Corporation, ten of which were within the central island of the city, while two others were located on Sullivans Quay. The financial outlay for the majority of the sites was between 15,000 - 20,000. The Corporations finances at the time were in a very depressed state, and this was a major issue. Consideration was given to erecting an arch over the south channel of the River Lee at the Grand Parade/South Mall junction. It was felt that this approach would create a saving as it would not involve the purchase of a site. At the Council meeting of May 7, 1851, it was noted that this new Corporation must bring the development, discussed for 60 years at that stage, to fruition. A proposed site was received from the proprietors of Monarea Marsh with a frontage of 185 ft, to which one councillor replied we may as well erect it on Blarney Road. Ironically, this site may have been adjacent to the current City Hall. Sir Thomas Deane, the renowned architect, felt that it would be unsafe to erect a building of such proportions unless there was a central supporting pier in the river beneath the arch. However, erecting a support in such a location would create a serious impediment to any river activity. Eventually, it was decided by the Town Council that this approach would not have the consent of the Admiralty and therefore the idea was not pursued. A debate took place on the merits of a site on Sullivans Quay. The owner of this site was Sir Augustus Warren of Warrens Court, Macroom. While some felt it was somewhat removed from the city centre, it was felt, nevertheless, that if a bridge was built across the river at the South Mall corner, it would provide direct access to the proposed Town Hall. It was agreed that the lower part of the building would include offices for Corporation officials and that the upper floors would be let to other Public Bodies. In October 1851, tenders were sought from architects for the design of a new Town Hall, to be located at Sullivans Quay. The plans were to include the following: a hall for public assembly, a Council Chamber, Mayor and Secretarys office, Town Clerk and Treasurers office, two committee rooms, reception rooms, a record room and plans for a library. At that time, the principal officers of Cork Corporation were situated in offices primarily in no. 20, South Mall, while another office was occupied in 13, South Mall. Some other Corporation officials were working from the Courthouse. The raising of funds for this project was creating huge difficulties for the Corporation. In early 1852, the Cork Improvement Bill was published. With this bill, the purchase of the Cork Pipe Water Co. by Cork Corporation became an immediate reality. This had been a long-held position of the city authorities for many years, as the absence of quality and quantity of the current water supply was a major issue for the citizens of a growing and expanding city. To acquire the city waterworks, pipe network and reservoirs was in excess of 13,000. This would be followed by further substantial investment. Following the closure of the Cork Exhibition of 1852, many of the materials from the main hall were used in the construction of the Athenaeum in Nelsons Place (Emmet Place), later to become the Cork Opera House. On his election as Mayor in 1853, J.F. Maguire stated that insofar as the Corporation are not in a position to fund a new Town Hall at present, the Exhibition Building will be located in Nelsons Place as an Athenaeum on which the sum of 2,000 will be spent. This will serve all the purposes of a Town Hall for a few years. Municipal Buildings In the late 1880s, Cork Corporation acquired some of the Corn Exchange site on Anglesea Street so as to erect new Municipal Offices. This building would include offices for its expanding staff, a Council Chamber, offices for the Mayor and hopefully a purpose-built Town Hall at the rear. The Corn Exchange Trustees were also given the use of the Council Chamber for their meetings. Some of their buildings were removed to facilitate the project. On May 15 1890, six tenders were received for the construction. They were all close to 14,000. As the Corporation had no more than 8,000 to spend, the City Engineer was asked to modify the plans to stay within their finances. The Town Hall and some other units were removed from the project, and the tender of Mr. E. Fitzgerald, High Sheriff was accepted, and he was to proceed immediately to construct Corks first Municipal Building. This was the beginning of Cork Corporation establishing the seat of local government on this site, which still exists today. At the time, it was possibly enabled as a very accessible site with the opening of the new Parnell Bridge in 1888. The foundation stone was laid on July 14, 1890, by the Mayor, Daniel Horgan, in the presence of a large gathering which included Alexander McCarthy, Town Clerk and Michael J. McMullen, City Engineer. Beneath the foundation stone, a large bottle was laid which contained the three Cork newspapers of the day, an official parchment showing the title to the site and some coins and was closed with the corporate seal. Of note, in the year 2000, a time capsule was placed beneath the floor of the Millennium Hall, which contained many items, among which were a Cork Jersey, Barrys tea, a tin whistle, some photos of JFK in the City Hall and skating on the Lough in 1947. The public was notified on May 25, 1892, that all business connected with Cork Corporation will be carried out at the New Municipal Buildings, Albert Quay (McSweeney Quay). New Town Hall Once again, the provision of a New Town Hall was raised in 1901. In connection with the Cork International Exhibition (1902-1903), additional buildings were being erected in the Corn Exchange close to the rear of the Municipal Offices. The architect was advised that the large hall being constructed should facilitate in some way, the future construction of a Town Hall. Following the Exhibition, Cork Corporation was offered the Grand Organ as used in the large hall, the gallery and the roof of the building on condition that they erect a suitable building. This was erected at the rear of the Municipal Buildings, to be known as the Town Hall, with the Grand Organ occupying a very prominent position. When the present City Hall was under construction, the installation of a Grand Organ was also given serious consideration, but at a cost of 4,000, it was not proceeded with. It was also felt that a permanent fixture of such magnitude might impact on the general use of the Hall. The tender of John Delany, Builder, Henry Street to construct the Town Hall was accepted in early 1905. The tender price was 5,000. The Hall, being a very basic structure was completed in July 1906, with the first event, Feis na Mumhan, taking place in August of that year. Due to financial constraints the Town Hall was very limited internally. It had no official seating. Serious competition arose between the Electric Light Co. and Cork Gas Co. as contractors for the lighting within the building, with the tender awarded to the Gas Co. One thousand seats were provided by the Aylesbury Timber Co, Edenderry, Co. Offaly. That firm was at the centre of carriage building and seat manufacture for many years. Incidentally, the current seats in the City Hall were made by Howe & Co. and 2,500 similar seats are in use in St. Pauls Cathedral, London. With the construction of the Town Hall and its attachment to the Municipal Buildings, the title of the complex was somewhat confusing. A meeting of Cork Corporation was held on Friday, October 12, 1906 and Lord Mayor Joseph Barrett declared that both buildings would now be referred to as The City Hall. Proudly, that same title is still carried today. This article originally appeared in the 2025 Holly Bough. (Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC)World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay welcomes the Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris at the WCC office in Geneva on Feb. 5, 2026. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay met with the prime minister of troubled Sudan, Kamil Idris, at the council's office in Geneva, delivering a message calling for justice, peace, and reconciliation. Sudan is the world's largest and fastest displacement crisis, with many atrocities reported, according to the United Nations and the country been embroiled in multiple crises over the years. According to the WCC, "The situation in Sudan has been on the ecumenical agenda for over five decades. The roots of the conflict lie in its history of slavery and colonialism and date back to 1956 when the country gained independence from Great Britain. "The situation today, however, after almost four years of brutal and destructive conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, is the world's worst humanitarian catastrophe." The paramilitary RSF carried out war crimes and a possible crime against humanity in its takeover of Sudan's western city of el-Fasher last year, the United Nations human rights office said. In a report released on Feb. 13, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said "there are reasonable grounds to believe" the RSF and allied armed groups committed acts amounting to war crimes. - 'WANTON VIOLATIONS' BY RSF "The wanton violations that were perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militia in the final offensive on el-Fasher underscore that persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence," said U.N. Human Rights Office chief Volker Turk. The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran el-Fasher, the Sudanese army's only remaining stronghold in Darfur, on Oct. 26 and rampaged through the city and its surroundings after more than 18 months of siege. More than 12 million people have been displaced since April 2023, including more than 4 million women and children, who have fled to neighbouring countries. On February 5,the WCC's Pillay welcomed the prime minister and his delegation. "In these difficult times of many global crises, it is imperative that people of goodwill work together for justice, peace, reconciliation, and unity of all human beings and all creation," said the WCC. The Sudanese delegation included the Sudanese ambassador in Geneva, Nazar Abdalla, and other officials from the country, Africa's third-largest by area. Accompanying the WCC general secretary were: Rev. Kenneth Mtata, the council's program director for Life, Justice, and Peace and other senior members of staff. The UN Human Rights Office said that more than 6,000 people were killed in over three days when a Sudanese paramilitary group unleashed "a wave of intense violence ... shocking in its scale and brutality" in Sudan's Darfur region in late October. The Rapid Support Forces' offensive to capture the city of el-Fasher included widespread atrocities that amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran el-Fasher, the Sudanese army's only remaining stronghold in Darfur, on Oct. 26 and rampaged through the city and its surroundings after more than 18 months of siege. The 29-page U.N. report detailed a set of atrocities that included mass killings and summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment, detention and disappearances. In many cases, the attacks were ethnicity-motivated, it said. During his visit to the WCC, the Sudanese prime minister presented his government's proposed peace initiative and invited the WCC general secretary to attend the first consultation in this process, planned during the first part of 2026. "The Sudanese government is convening inclusive international and national conferences to reestablish community peace, reconciliation, and national healing, in cooperation with the United Nations, international and regional organizations, donors, and sisterly and friendly states, to address the impacts of war, mend the social fabric, and create a healthy societal environment," he said. Idris said, "Sudan is facing an existential crisis as a result of the war waged by the rebel militia in blatant violation of all international laws and norms. This has led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and has undermined regional and international stability." - PEACE INITIATIVE He noted, "The peace initiative is aiming to convene Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue during the transitional period, through which political forces shall agree on how to govern and manage the state. "This shall be followed by free and fair elections under international supervision to complete the requirements of comprehensive democratic transformation." Idris said that the WCC can play a vital role in creating better religious tolerance and relationships in Sudan. The WCC offered an overview of its ecumenical peacebuilding initiatives in Sudan and South Sudan over the past years, referring especially to the ecumenical delegation visit to Sudan from April 18-22, 2024, including meetings with the president and the vice president. Mtata said: "The joint ecumenical solidarity visit signified a collective commitment to stand with the churches and people of Sudan in their time of need, offering both spiritual and moral support as they strive for peace, healing, and reconciliation." Pillay stressed "the importance to continue the efforts to achieve peace and working together for the common good. "As people of faith, we are called to stand together in solidarity with one another for justice and peace, upholding each other in prayers, supporting those who are made vulnerable socially and economically, the displaced persons, and those who have lost their means of livelihood due to crisis and disaster." Turk called for "credible and impartial investigations" into what happened in el-Fasher. "These must lead to meaningful accountability for perpetrators of exceptionally serious crimes, through all available means," said Turk, including in Sudanese courts, third states, or at the International Criminal Court or other mechanisms. Turk also called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to end human rights violations and on third countries "with influence" to take action to prevent further atrocities. "This includes respecting the arms embargo already in place, and ending the supply, sale or transfer of arms or military material to the parties," he said. Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of providing military and financial support to the RSF, an allegation strongly denied by Abu Dhabi. News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze / Simbarashe Sithole GURUVE Guruve North legislator Tendai Pinduka reportedly fled from a funeral wake after a group of furious illegal miners confronted him, accusing him of abandoning their longstanding grievances and siding with Eureka Mine. Sources told Bulawayo24 News that the MP was forced to make a hasty exit when the miners surrounded him, alleging that his syndicate enjoys preferential treatment at Eureka while ordinary miners face harassment and violent clashes with mine security.The angry mob claimed that the legislator has stopped representing their interests. He had to be escorted out, one source said.The miners also accused Pinduka of hypocrisy, saying he had failed to attend funerals of miners who died in confrontations with Eureka Mine security, yet chose to appear at a funeral unrelated to their struggles.It was dramatic. The MP had to be whisked away. They were shouting that he never attended funerals of victims of Eureka Mines inhumane treatment, yet he now shows up here, another source said.Contacted for comment, Pinduka denied being chased away, instead blaming the confrontation on drug and substance abuse among local youths.No, I wasnt chased away. Most of our youths in Guruve are suffering from drugs and substance abuse, so they were intoxicated, Pinduka said.They were complaining that I am responsible for their unemployment, saying I am not representing them when opportunities arise at Eureka Mine. Since it was a funeral wake, you avoid confrontation. You cant stop them from displaying rogue behaviour.The incident highlights ongoing tensions between communities and mining operations in Zimbabwe, with Eureka Mine repeatedly accused of heavyhanded tactics, corruption and human rights abuses. At a staggering starting price of $6,999, you have a better chance of buying a bicycle in Cerulean City than getting your hands on the official Pokemon pinball machine. The collaboration between The Pokemon Company International and Stern Pinball is undoubtedly nostalgic, letting you battle with a team that includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Pikachu, as well as catch up to 182 different Pokemon, mostly from the Kanto region, with more to be added. Besides catching 'em all and tracking your growing Pokedex on Stern Pinball's dedicated app, you can do Gym Battles in four different biomes and eventually face off against Team Rocket. The pinball machine draws a lot of inspiration from the original cartoon, including a monitor that plays clips from the show, an animatronic Pikachu, and speakers that can play the iconic theme song. Stern Pinball developed Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models, which can cost all the way up to $12,999. For the most expensive option, you'll get one of the 750 limited edition machines that include a Master Ball plunger, a numbered plaque and a signed certificate of authenticity. For Pokemon fans that can't afford to spend that much money on a pinball machine, you can soon find them at arcades and bowling alleys instead. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA members David Aranjo, Layton Fisher, Alex Keivens and Braxton Pennington each received the gift of an FFA jacket, a symbol of their teamwork and diligence, thanks to the support of generous sponsors. More than 300 FFA jackets are donated each year, giving new FFA members a chance to own this key piece of official dress. Delta FFA thanks Ashley Schultz of Becks Hybrids, George Secor of Sunrise Cooperative and Kimberly Deal for their support. WEST SALEM, Ohio The Northwestern Wayne FFA Chapter is holding its annual strawberry sale, along with DB Yummers Original BBQ Sauce. The deadline for orders is Feb. 18; the strawberries, coming straight from Florida, ship the week of March 9. All orders must be prepaid. Make checks payable to Northwestern FFA. A full flat (8 quarts) is $30. A half flat (4 quarts) is $20. One clamshell is $5. DB Yummers Original BBQ Sauce is $7. Contact a Northwestern FFA member to place your order, or order online at tinyurl.com/mvp9fdtp. For questions, contact the high school ag department at 419-846-3833. MOUNT VERNON, Ohio Mount Vernon FFA was well represented at the Knox County FFA Public Speaking Contest, held Feb. 5 atCenterburg High School. Competitors included Calleigh Armstrong and Jadyn Row in the Prepared Public Speaking division, Alivia Scoles and Aaron Snider in the Extemporaneous Speaking division, and Aubrey Maslowski and Connor Thomas in the Creed Speaking division. The event brought together approximately 30 FFA members from six local schools for an evening focused on leadership, communication and agricultural advocacy. Students competed in multiple speaking divisions, including Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Creed Speaking. Participants demonstrated strong speaking skills while addressing agricultural topics and FFA values before judges and peers. Following strong performances, Thomas, Armstrong and Row earned advancement to the district-level competition at Clear Fork High School. SULLIVAN, Ohio Black River FFA members recently competed in the District 3 Agricultural Power Diagnostics Career Development Event held at the Wayne County Career Center, where they demonstrated strong technical knowledge and teamwork in a hands-on competitive setting. Members Peter Howard, Garrett Canfield, Caleb Howard and David Bryant applied their skills to a series of real-world diagnostic challenges focused on agricultural equipment and systems. Their efforts resulted in team placements of third and fifth overall in the district competition, a solid accomplishment among a competitive field of participants. The Agricultural Power Diagnostics CDE allows students to build practical experience in troubleshooting, equipment operation and problem-solving, helping prepare them for future careers in agricultural mechanics and related industries. The chapter extends its appreciation to the Wayne County Career Center for hosting the event and providing the facilities and resources to make the competition possible. Thanks are also reserved for local industry partners Wellington Implement, KTS Equipment and Sterling Farm Equipment for supporting the team by hosting practice sessions and helping students strengthen their skills leading up to the competition. Opinion / Columnist Standing tall and already 70 percent complete, the Museum of African Liberation is fast rising into the skies of Harare, not just as an architectural landmark, but as a powerful symbol of Africa's past, present and future. Conceived as a continental shrine to the liberation struggle and Africa's long march to self-determination, the museum is now being spoken of in even broader terms, as a potential cornerstone of Africa's digital and artificial intelligence (AI) future.As Zimbabwe accelerates the implementation of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, experts and policymakers are increasingly arguing that this is the most opportune moment to expand the vision of the Museum of African Liberation beyond bricks and mortar, to transform it into the data heart of Africa, a living digital repository of African history, culture, knowledge and experience.The museum, once complete, will already house vast collections of artefacts, documents, photographs, audio recordings, films and historical records from across the continent. These materials tell the story of African resistance, liberation movements, Pan-Africanism, cultural renaissance and post-independence nation-building. Digitised, structured and properly curated, this treasure trove represents not just a cultural archive, but one of the richest potential AI training datasets anywhere in the world.At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, societies and power relations, data has become the new strategic resource. Nations that control large, high-quality, locally relevant datasets are able to build AI systems that reflect their own realities and values. Those that do not are forced to rely on foreign technologies trained on foreign data, often ill-suited to local contexts, just like what most African countries are doing Now. Relying on Western Data.Zimbabwe's decision to develop and implement a National AI Strategy signals a recognition that the country must not be left behind in this global transformation. But as technologists repeatedly emphasise, AI strategies succeed or fail on the strength of their data foundations.This is where the Museum of African Liberation presents a historic opportunity.Rather than functioning only as a static exhibition space, the museum can be deliberately designed and equipped to operate as a continental digital knowledge hub,a place where Africa's historical, cultural and intellectual data is systematically digitised, structured, preserved and made available for responsible use in education, research and AI development.Such a move would position Zimbabwe not only as the custodian of Africa's liberation memory, but as the steward of Africa's digital heritage.For decades, African stories have been collected, stored and interpreted largely outside the continent. Many of the most extensive archives on African history are housed in Europe and North America. As a result, even modern AI systems that generate content about Africa often rely on datasets created and curated elsewhere, reproducing external perspectives and biases.Transforming the Museum of African Liberation into the data source of Africa would represent a decisive reversal of this historical imbalance.It would mean that African narratives, languages, philosophies and experiences become the primary training material for future AI systems that speak about Africa.Imagine AI models trained on authentic liberation speeches, oral histories from freedom fighters, writings of African intellectuals, traditional folklore, music, poetry, political documents and contemporary African scholarship. Such systems would not only answer questions about Africa more accurately, they would reflect African worldviews.This vision aligns closely with Zimbabwe's broader development aspirations. Vision 2030 seeks to build an upper-middle-income economy driven by innovation, industrialisation and human capital development. Artificial intelligence, data science and digital technologies are central to that ambition.By anchoring part of this digital transformation in the Museum of African Liberation, Zimbabwe would be fusing culture with technology, heritage with innovation and memory with the future.The museum could host high-capacity data centres dedicated to African heritage data, secure digital laboratories for digitisation and preservation, and research facilities for historians, linguists, technologists and AI specialists. It could serve as the headquarters of a Pan-African Digital Heritage Programme, working with museums, archives and universities across the continent to aggregate and standardise datasets.Such an approach would create a powerful multiplier effect.Culturally, it would ensure that African history is preserved in perpetuity, protected from physical decay and political upheavals.Educationally, it would provide schools and universities with unprecedented access to primary source material.Technologically, it would supply the raw material needed to train African-focused AI systems.Economically, it would create new industries around data curation, digitisation, AI development, digital publishing and cultural technology.The timing could not be better.Zimbabwe is already laying the groundwork for digital government, smart infrastructure and innovation-driven growth. The implementation of the National AI Strategy provides a policy umbrella under which a Museum-centred data initiative can thrive.Instead of building isolated data projects scattered across institutions, Zimbabwe has the chance to create a flagship continental platform with global visibility.Critically, this would also strengthen Zimbabwe's soft power.Just as countries like France, Britain and the United States derive global influence from being custodians of major museums and archives, Zimbabwe would gain stature as the guardian of Africa's collective memory and digital heritage.Tourism would also benefit. The Museum of African Liberation would not only attract visitors interested in history, but also scholars, researchers and technologists from around the world. Conferences, hackathons, research fellowships and cultural festivals could be hosted within its precincts, turning the museum into a vibrant living institution rather than a static monument.For this vision to materialise, deliberate policy choices will be required.First, the museum's design and infrastructure must include advanced digital facilities, not as an afterthought but as a core function.Second, Government must establish a clear governance framework defining data ownership, access, privacy and security, ensuring that African data is protected and used ethically.Third, partnerships must be forged with African Union institutions, regional economic communities, universities, cultural organisations and technology firms.Fourth, sustainable funding mechanisms must be put in place, combining public investment, private sector participation and continental contributions.Importantly, this is not about commercialising African heritage in exploitative ways. It is about ensuring that Africans control how their stories are told, preserved and used in the digital age.As the Museum of African Liberation rises from the ground, brick by brick and steel by steel, it symbolises the sacrifices that delivered political freedom. The next frontier is cognitive and digital freedom, the freedom to define ourselves in the technologies that will shape tomorrow.By making the museum the data source of Africa, Zimbabwe would be declaring that Africa's future intelligence will be built on African memory.In doing so, the country would firmly entrench itself as the home of the African story not only in history books and exhibition halls, but in the algorithms and digital minds of the future.Such a legacy would endure far beyond any single generation, securing Zimbabwe's place at the heart of Africa's technological and cultural renaissance.For More information WhatsApp +263772278161Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi Farmers in Solihull have warned that closing a key rural bridge could create serious disruption for agricultural traffic, as tractors took to the roads in a convoy protest this week. The demonstration centred on Barston Bridge, a historic crossing over the River Blythe that campaigners say is vital for moving machinery, livestock and farm supplies between villages. Local farmers argue that removing vehicle access would force heavy equipment onto longer, less suitable routes, increasing costs and adding pressure to already narrow lanes. Milk collections and contractor movements could also face added delays. The bridge, built in 1859, has been under scrutiny since safety concerns were raised last year. Solihull Council must now decide whether to invest around 2 million in a replacement capable of carrying 40-tonne loads, or close the structure to vehicles entirely. Rural bridges across the UK are increasingly facing weight limits or closures as ageing infrastructure struggles to meet the demands of modern agricultural machinery and heavier transport vehicles. More than 50 people gathered at Barston Bridge on Wednesday (11 February) before tractors formed a rolling convoy through Hampton in Arden and Knowle, highlighting the wider traffic implications of any closure. Campaigners say the crossing remains a working part of the rural road network, relied upon daily by farms, local businesses and emergency services. A spokesperson for Solihull Council said no decision has yet been taken for Barston Bridge and confirmed it was engaging directly with local residents, farmers and business owners as it reviews consultation responses. A full report will be presented at a future decision session, where a cabinet member will determine the next steps. For local farmers, the outcome will decide whether Barston Bridge remains a practical rural transport route or becomes another historic crossing lost to modern agricultural traffic. The dispute reflects wider concerns over rural bridge restrictions across the region. Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield, Burntwood and the Villages, said ongoing limits on Chetwynd Bridge in Staffordshire were having a real impact on residents, local businesses, and emergency access. Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards added that restrictions introduced in October 2023 were harming our local economy and farming businesses and risk isolating villages during flooding. She said she had secured a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss reopening the route. Kartik Aaryan has been recently drawing attention in Delhi as he continues shooting for his upcoming film Naagzilla in the capital city. Over the past few days, he has been spotted at several locations, causing a stir among fans and locals alike. Most recently, Kartik was seen filming at Connaught Place, where visuals from the set quickly began circulating on social media. In the viral video, Kartik seems to be leading a pride parade sequence, with a large crowd assembled around him. The visuals of him in the middle of a colourful march left many onlookers and netizens surprised. As soon as the video went viral, fans flooded the comment section asking, "What is happening?" Many were left confused about whether he was participating in a real-life event or if it was a scripted moment for the cameras. One fan asked, "Did he really attend, or is this a part of the shoot?" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Talkies (@bollytalkies_) This is not the only location where Kartik has been making headlines. Earlier, he was also spotted at the Laxmi Nagar Metro Station, where he was reportedly shooting for the same project. The appearance led to heavy crowding, with fans gathering in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him. Videos from the location showed fans chanting his name as he acknowledged them with waves. Amid his packed schedule, Kartik also took a break to enjoy the local culinary scene. He made a stop at Kwality, one of Connaught Place's oldest restaurants. Photographs of him dining with friends were shared by the restaurant's official Instagram account and quickly gained traction online. Kartik was last seen on screen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri alongside Ananya Panday. Looking ahead, he has multiple projects lined up. He is set to collaborate with filmmaker Anurag Basu on an upcoming film. He will also star in Naagzilla, produced by Karan Johar and directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who is known for directing the Fukrey franchise. Also Read: 11 movies to watch if youre single this Valentines Day Filmmaker Priyadarshan has extended a helping hand to Rajpal Yadav, who is currently going through a period of severe financial distress. Having shared a professional and personal bond for over two decades, the director has taken proactive steps to ensure Rajpal receives the support necessary to overcome his current problems. In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, Priyadarshan opened up about his long-standing relationship with Rajpal Yadav. Acknowledging the actor's recent struggles, which included spending time behind bars, Priyadarshan revealed that he has requested the producers of their upcoming project, Jubilee Films, to compensate the actor above his standard market rate. I told the producers [Jubilee Films] of my next to pay Rajpal more than what he charges because of his situation. We want to save him, Priyadarshan said, confirming that the producers have accepted his request. According to him, Rajpal Yadav is set to take on the role of the antagonist in this upcoming project. Priyadarshan further shared that he has been aware of Rajpal Yadavs situation for some time. This awareness made him consistently cast Rajpal in his films and even recommend him for various advertisement projects. Talking about the root of the actor's troubles, Priyadarshan expressed empathy, saying, The poor guy made a blunder because of his poor education. Rajpal is a good soul. The duos history dates back to the 2000 film Jungle, where Rajpal Yadavs performance first caught the director's eye. Their official collaboration began with Hungama, marking the start of a memorable partnership. Most of Priyadarshan's films have featured the actor in comic roles. Currently, Priyadarshan is focused on the post-production of Bhooth Bangla, a comedy-horror film starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, alongside Rajpal Yadav. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar, the film is slated for release on April 10, 2026. Additionally, the director is also reportedly working on a comic caper featuring Pankaj Tripathi and Rajpal Yadav. Also Read: Rajpal Yadav pays Rs 2.5 crore as cheque bounce case hearing adjourned The curtain has finally risen on Nagabandham, an ambitious mythological spectacle that promises scale, spirituality, and cinematic grandeur. Directed by Abhishek Nama in his second outing behind the camera, the film features Virat Karrna in the lead role. Adding star power to the launch, the teaser was unveiled by Superstar Mahesh Babu, instantly amplifying the excitement surrounding the project. The makers of Nagabandham unveiled their first teaser to the public on Sunday after they had previously shared many eye-catching character posters of the film. Mahesh Babu took to social media on Sunday to release the teaser and shared the link on X while he mentioned the team. The #WorldOfNagabandham looks absolutely fascinating all the way. Looking forward to experiencing it soon, Mahesh Babu wrote while sharing the teaser.Running for over two-and-a-half minutes, the teaser dives straight into a visually immersive world. Mounted on a lavish budget, the film showcases sweeping landscapes, intricate production design, and striking VFX work that reflect its epic canvas. Interestingly, the teaser unfolds without a single line of dialogue, yet it manages to hold attention with its atmospheric storytelling and powerful imagery.At the heart of the narrative lies a mystical treasure believed to be linked to Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, hidden deep within the icy terrains of the Himalayas. The discovery of this sacred secret draws the attention of a ruthless antagonist driven by greed. As chaos looms, fate calls upon a chosen guardian to protect the divine treasure and restore cosmic balance. Virat Karrna makes a commanding impact, appearing in multiple intense looks, including a fierce avatar inspired by Lord Shiva.Blending mythology with mystery and spiritual undertones, Nagabandham sparks curiosity without revealing too much. The ensemble cast includes Iswarya Menon, Nabha Natesh, Murali Sharma, Jaya Prakash, BS Avinash, and Anasuya Bharadwaj in pivotal roles. Backed by NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, the film is slated for a grand multi-language theatrical release in Summer 2026. MUNICH, Feb. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Embedded LLM, a leading LLM inference technology provider, today officially launched the EU AI Grid at the Munich Cyber Security Conference. The EU AI Grid treats artificial intelligence like electricity --- a utility that is metered, governed, and delivered through local infrastructure so that jobs and economic value stay in Europe. Just as every European country operates its own energy grid, the EU AI Grid is a federated network of locally owned AI infrastructure nodes --- starting with the first deployment at Telecentras in Vilnius, Lithuania on 22 January 2026 --- where local operators hire local teams, set local pricing, and keep the revenue at home. "It doesn't matter who built the car," said Ghee Leng Ooi, Founder of Embedded LLM. "What matters is who owns the road. When you own the infrastructure, the engineering roles, the operations jobs, and the economic value stay with you." Where the Jobs Are Today's AI economy works against Europe. Foreign providers build data centres on European land, consume European energy, and leave the carbon footprint here. Then they sell the intelligence back to European businesses at a steep markup. The EU AI Grid flips this. Local operators run the infrastructure, employ local teams, and keep the value at home, from Vilnius to Berlin to Rome. The Grid is already expanding from Lithuania to Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, and Italy. "We built the traffic rules with the EU AI Act, but we didn't build the roads," said Paulius Kuncinas, Executive Partner at Embedded LLM Europe. "The EU AI Grid is that road --- and roads create jobs everywhere they are built." On Stage with EU Commissioner for Defence and Space The EU AI Grid was launched on stage alongside Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, who spoke about the urgent need for operational AI capabilities to protect Europe's information environment. "We as Europeans would never accept a situation where a hostile aircraft could enter our airspace undetected for days," Commissioner Kubilius said. "But today, coordinated AI-driven narrative operations can move through our information environment without triggering any comparable alert or response. Security requires operational capabilities, not just rules." About Embedded LLM Embedded LLM is an AI infrastructure company with teams in Singapore, Taiwan, and Vilnius, Lithuania. The company is a leading contributor to vLLM, the world's most widely deployed open-source LLM inference engine, and builds TokenVisor, the commercial platform that turns GPU infrastructure into a metered, governed AI service for enterprises and governments. Website: embeddedllm.eu | Media Contact: pr@embeddedllm.com Presented at the Munich Cyber Security Conference on 12 February 2026, with remarks by EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, former European Commissioner Gunther Oettinger, and Embedded LLM Founder Ghee Leng Ooi. Panel moderated by Oliver Rolofs. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47622a22-885a-4b45-807d-2ad50de6572b Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - When a gilded horse "galloped out" from the glittering lights of the Empire State Building, a cultural celebration blending tradition and modernity came alive in New York. On February 10, the Empire State Building 2026 "Year of the Horse" Zodiac Window Display-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in New York and the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, and organized by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center-was officially unveiled, marking the launch of the "Galloping into Prosperity" Happy Chinese New Year event series, while also boosting international exposure for cultural and creative brands such as "Beijing Gifts." Zodiac Window Display at World Landmark Boosts "Beijing Gifts" Global Appeal The Spring Festival zodiac window display has appeared at the Empire State Building for 18 consecutive years. This year's "Galloping into Prosperity" themed window was specially created by the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, drawing inspiration from Chinese phrases Qi Tou Bing Jin ("Striding Forward Side by Side") and Hui Wang Gong Ming ("Looking Back in Echoing Calls")-both evoking the image of horses. Featuring paired horses galloping, auspicious clouds flowing, and gourds subtly emerging, among other Chinese auspicious motifs, it not only conveys blessings of good fortune but also serves as a visual dialogue across cultures. Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li, Deputy Consul General Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau Xu Zhentao, and Empire State Building Vice President Tom Middleton jointly unveiled the exhibition. Mr. Chen Li noted that from Labubu and Luckin Coffee to MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea, Chinese elements are becoming fashionable symbols on New York streets. "Chinese style" is attracting young people, and "China Moments" is gradually becoming a social media traffic code. He looks forward to more American friends discovering diverse China while surfing online, experiencing real China while traveling, and embracing vibrant China through cooperation. Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li (right) and Empire State Building Vice President Tom Middleton (left) unveil the zodiac window display Empire State Building "Year of the Horse" Zodiac Window Display On-site, "Beijing Gifts" and Wakuku designer toys made their debut together in the Empire State Building window. The zodiac story was transformed into tangible craftsmanship, interactive ingenuity, and portable memories, attracting over one million visitors to stop and appreciate it, bringing Chinese blessings to visitors from around the world. "Beijing Gifts" and Wakuku designer toys make their debut together This Eastern zodiac trend also reached the United Nations Headquarters. From February 2 to 13, the "Global Zodiac Design Competition Exhibition" made a splendid appearance at the UN, featuring 82 graphic design works, 42 artist works, 26 cultural and creative products, and the newly published book The Zodiac Culture of China. It also specially presented horse-themed zodiac works collected in collaboration with American design institutions. This exhibition attracted participation from 11 American universities including Cornell University, New York University, University of Southern California, and Parsons School of Design, featuring 14 overseas works from 14 artists. On February 9, the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted the "Galloping into a New Journey" Spring Festival celebration. Ambassador Fu Cong sent wishes for the future with horse-themed Chinese idioms: "yi ma dang xian" ("taking the lead, like a galloping horse"), "wan ma ben teng" ("ten thousand horses galloping ahead"), and "ma dao cheng gong" ("achieving success upon arrival, as swift as a horse"), and interacted with guests at the "Beijing Gifts" exhibition area, making the Chinese New Year feel intimate and delightful on the United Nations stage. "Global Zodiac Design Competition Exhibition" debuts at the United Nations Spring Festival Reception at the Chinese Consulate General in New York: Building a Spiritual Bridge of Understanding Between East and West On the evening of February 10, the Chinese Consulate General in New York was transformed into a mobile "Chinese Cultural Living Room," where over 400 guests from various sectors gathered to welcome the Year of the Horse. At the reception, Consul General Chen Li and Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau Xu Zhentao presented The Zodiac Culture of China to six American universities and cultural institutions. Compiled and published by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center, the book not only systematically interprets Chinese zodiac philosophy but also serves as a spiritual bridge connecting Eastern and Western understanding. Consul General Chen Li delivers a speech at Spring Festival Reception Consul General Chen Li and Deputy Director-General Xu Zhentao present The Zodiac Culture of China to cultural institutions at Spring Festival Reception Following this, a specially curated cultural performance brought the atmosphere to its peak. The folk music piece "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon" plucked the strings of Eastern harmony. The dance "Drunken in Spring Breeze" featured flowing sleeves and poetic grace. Zhao Qingjian, the first Olympic Wushu champion, performed "Spirit of Martial Arts" together with Chinese and foreign martial arts practitioners-every move a dialogue between civilizations. The song "Close as Family" used warm vocals to transcend language boundaries. The Khoomei and horse-head fiddle performance "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Ahead" rose with vast majesty, condensing the entire evening into a moving echo of resonance between Chinese zodiac culture and the world. Additionally, the "Hello, Beijing" photo exhibition and the "Global Zodiac Design Competition Exhibition," along with intangible cultural heritage interactions such as dough sculpting and opera mask painting, allowed guests to touch living heritage at their fingertips and feel the vivid and profound soul of Chinese culture. Folk music performance "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon" at Spring Festival Reception Martial arts performance "Spirit of Martial Arts" at Spring Festival Reception Nomadic band performance "Close as Family" at Spring Festival Reception Dance performance "Drunken in Spring Breeze" at Spring Festival Reception Group photo at Spring Festival Reception Intangible cultural heritage experience at Spring Festival Reception Guests appreciate smart guitar at Spring Festival Reception "Hello, Beijing" photo exhibition at Spring Festival Reception Culture & Tourism Promotion: Linking China and the U.S. Through Cultural and Tourism Dialogue On the afternoon of February 11, the "Hello, Beijing" Culture and Tourism Promotion event was held in New York. Targeting American travel industry partners directly, the event presented Beijing's rich cultural and tourism offerings and visitor-friendly entry policies. Chinese Deputy Consul General in New York Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau Xu Zhentao, Director of the China National Tourist Office in New York Ma Yunfei, as well as Mr. Terry Dale, President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), attended and delivered speeches. Guest interaction at Culture and Tourism Promotion event In his speech, Chinese Deputy Consul General in New York Ma Xiaoxiao said, "I often see applicants lining up outside the visa hall of our Consulate General, and even the bitter cold of minus 15 degrees Celsius cannot dampen the enthusiasm of American friends to visit China. Many American friends who have returned from China have told me that they witnessed a thriving, authentic, and lovely China with their own eyes, and also felt the many commonalities between China and the United States. This once again confirms that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and the foundation lies in the grassroots, and also shows me the huge potential of people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States." Deputy Consul General Ma Xiaoxiao delivers speech at Culture and Tourism Promotion event Mr. Xu Zhentao, Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, noted that Beijing recorded 354,600 visits from American travelers in 2025, ranking fourth among source countries for inbound tourism, indicating huge potential for cooperation. Beijing is building a world-class tourist destination through comprehensive facilitation reforms. China implements a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for 55 countries including the United States, and sincerely invites American friends to visit Beijing. Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau Xu Zhentao delivers speech Director of China National Tourist Office in New York Ma Yunfei delivers a speech President and CEO of USTOA, Terry Dale, delivers a speech Beijing was recently selected by National Geographic as one of the "World's Best Destinations for 2026," the only Chinese city to make the list. This "Hello, Beijing" promotion event, with detailed information and forward-looking perspectives, outlined a concrete vision for future cooperation between the Chinese and American tourism industries. Influencer introduces Beijing's cultural and tourism offerings New York Streets: Flash Mob Dances Bridging Cultures The Chinese zodiac flash mob simultaneously swept through New York-dancers moved gracefully in Times Square; martial arts performances unfolded with vigor outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art; beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, the melodies of the horse-head fiddle intertwined with urban rhythms into poetry. These artistic scenes dancing through the streets not only conveyed festive joy but also became vivid bonds connecting different cultural landscapes. From the glittering windows of the Empire State Building to the international exhibition halls of the United Nations, from book donations to flash mob interactions on street corners, Chinese culture completed a vivid journey from imagery to experience, from display to resonance in New York through diverse forms, allowing trans-Pacific exchanges to continue growing and taking root with every encounter. Flash mob performance Media contact To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283982 Source: Hmedium Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - February 15, 2026) - The Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students announces its 2026 application cycle, providing undergraduate students nationwide with an opportunity to pursue their passion for medicine and healthcare through financial support and professional encouragement. The grant aims to support students who demonstrate dedication to patient care, research, and ethical practice, reflecting the values that have defined Dr. Andrew Gomes's career in neuroimaging and medical advocacy. Dr. Andrew Gomes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/283688_0fef9ba86456a9ed_001full.jpg Dr. Andrew Gomes, a distinguished radiologist and advocate for accurate patient assessment, established the Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students to assist students preparing for careers in medicine and healthcare. Through this grant, students receive financial assistance to help offset the costs of undergraduate education while fostering reflection on professional goals and the importance of evidence-based medical practice. "I understand how much dedication it takes to pursue a career in medicine. Through this initiative, I want to support emerging healthcare professionals who demonstrate strong academic performance and a genuine commitment to serving others." Eligibility and Application Details Applicants for the Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students must meet specific criteria to be considered. Candidates must: Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university Pursue studies related to medicine, pre-med, or healthcare Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident Submit a complete application including a 500-750 word essay The essay must address the following question: "What experiences or goals have led you toward a career in medicine or healthcare, and how do you plan to apply your education to serve others in the future?" Essays are evaluated based on originality, clarity, depth of thought, and alignment with the grant's purpose. Award and Key Dates The Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students offers a one-time award of $1,000 to the selected recipient. The application deadline is September 15, 2026, with the winner announced on October 15, 2026. This support provides recipients with resources to advance their academic and professional development while reinforcing their commitment to healthcare service. Impact and Vision Over the course of his career, Dr. Andrew Gomes has specialized in MRI-based neuroimaging techniques, including Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), often in cases involving neurological trauma. Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Andrew Gomes emphasizes the role of education, ethical decision-making, and advocacy in shaping future healthcare leaders. The grant reflects these principles, encouraging students to cultivate thoughtful, evidence-based practices that positively influence patient outcomes and the broader medical community. Dr. Andrew Gomes believes that supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals is essential to advancing the field and fostering compassionate, competent medical practice. The Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students represents a tangible commitment to these values, providing students with both financial support and recognition for their dedication to medicine. Application and Contact Information Applications for the Dr. Andrew Gomes Grant for Medical Students are now open. Students interested in applying can access full guidelines and submission details at https://drandrewgomesgrant.com or via email at apply@drandrewgomesgrant.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283688 Source: GYT 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! San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 15, 2026) - As digital advertising and search engine visibility continue to evolve, Best PPC Firm today announced the expansion of its integrated ppc advertising services and seo services for small businesses, reinforcing its structured approach to paid and organic growth strategies. The expansion strengthens the agency's focus on disciplined Google Ads management while aligning paid media systems with long-term organic visibility through affordable SEO frameworks designed specifically for small businesses. Best PPC Firm, recognized as a performance-driven digital marketing agency, works with e-commerce brands, service-based companies, and professional firms seeking measurable digital marketing systems. Its approach to ppc advertising services centers on campaign structure, audience targeting, conversion tracking accuracy, and continuous optimization. "Search behavior is changing rapidly," said Kerim Gulec, Founder of Best PPC Firm. "Businesses need structured systems that connect Google Ads management with sustainable seo services for small businesses. Our focus is building frameworks that adapt to both advertising platform changes and evolving search algorithms." Structured PPC Advertising Services and Google Ads Management Best PPC Firm's ppc advertising services include: Comprehensive Google Ads management across search, display, and performance campaigns across search, display, and performance campaigns Audience segmentation and targeting strategy Conversion tracking setup and analytics alignment Landing page coordination and testing Ongoing campaign refinement and optimization The agency emphasizes data clarity and structured testing within its Google Ads management systems, ensuring campaigns are monitored, adjusted, and aligned with defined performance objectives. By combining disciplined ppc advertising services with transparent reporting processes, Best PPC Firm aims to provide businesses with clearer visibility into advertising performance and strategic direction. Expanded SEO Services for Small Business In response to increasing competition in organic search and AI-driven search summaries, Best PPC Firm has also expanded its collaboration with platforms specializing in seo services for small businesses. These expanded affordable seo services for small businesses include: Technical SEO audits and site structure optimization On-page search optimization and content mapping Search intent alignment strategies Authority development planning Performance tracking and monthly reporting The focus of these seo services for small businesses is to create structured digital foundations that support long-term visibility across traditional search results and AI-enhanced search environments. Affordable SEO services for small businesses are increasingly essential as algorithm updates prioritize technical clarity, structured content, and domain authority. Integrating Paid and Organic Strategy in 2026 As advertising platforms become more automated and search engines incorporate AI-generated summaries, businesses are shifting toward integrated digital strategies. Best PPC Firm's expanded model connects: Strategic ppc advertising services Ongoing Google Ads management Technical and content-driven seo services for small businesses Scalable and affordable SEO services for small businesses Rather than operating in isolation, paid media and organic search strategies are structured to complement one another within a unified digital framework. About Best PPC Firm Best PPC Firm is a San Francisco-based digital marketing agency specializing in ppc advertising services, advanced Google Ads management, and structured seo services for small businesses. The firm works with small businesses and growth-focused brands seeking integrated digital strategies that align paid media systems with long-term search visibility. Through its continued expansion of seo services for small businesses and performance-oriented advertising frameworks, Best PPC Firm remains focused on disciplined execution in an evolving digital marketplace. For more information, visit: https://bestppcfirm.com https://bestppcfirm.com/ppc-advertising-services https://seoservicesforsmallbiz.com Media Contact Company Name: Best PPC Firm Contact Person: Kerim Gulec Email: support@bestppcfirm.com City: San Francisco Country: United States Website: https://bestppcfirm.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283980 Source: GYT Tampa, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 15, 2026) - The Dr. Wendell Bulmer Scholarship for Medical Students officially announces its 2026 application cycle, offering undergraduate students across the United States an opportunity to advance their journey toward medical school. Established in honor of Dr. Wendell Bulmer, D.O., the scholarship reflects a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person. Dr. Wendell Bulmer To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/283738_148e41e8242ffaa2_001full.jpg The Dr. Wendell Bulmer Scholarship for Medical Students is inspired by the distinguished and active career of Dr. Wendell Bulmer, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and respected medical educator. Throughout decades of service, Dr. Wendell Bulmer has demonstrated dedication not only in surgical practice but also in mentoring the next generation of physicians. This scholarship extends that legacy by supporting aspiring medical professionals who share a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Open to undergraduate students enrolled at accredited colleges and universities nationwide, the Dr. Wendell Bulmer Scholarship for Medical Students seeks applicants who are pursuing a pre-medical or related science degree with clear intentions of applying to medical school. The scholarship is not geographically restricted and welcomes qualified students from across the country. Applicants are required to submit an original essay responding to a focused prompt rooted in osteopathic philosophy: "Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach to treatment. Describe a personal experience or core belief that has shaped your desire to become a physician who cares for the patient, not just the illness. How will this philosophy guide your future practice?" This essay requirement reflects the principles that define Dr. Wendell Bulmer's career. From his early academic foundation with a Biology degree from the University of Southern Maine to earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of New England, Dr. Wendell Bulmer consistently upholds the values of comprehensive, patient-focused medicine. His surgical training in New York City and orthopedic residency at Peninsula Hospital further solidify a professional path grounded in discipline and service. Beyond clinical practice with respected orthopedic groups in Florida and his role as an Associate Professor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Dr. Wendell Bulmer continues to contribute to healthcare through leadership and mentorship. His service as Chief of Staff at Tampa Community Hospital and Chief of Surgery at multiple institutions underscores a commitment to advancing standards of care and medical education. The Dr. Wendell Bulmer Scholarship for Medical Students awards a one-time grant of $1,000 to a selected undergraduate applicant. The application deadline is June 15, 2026, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on July 15, 2026. By centering its criteria on academic focus, originality, and a demonstrated alignment with whole-person care, the Dr. Wendell Bulmer Scholarship for Medical Students aims to recognize students who view medicine as both a science and a responsibility. The initiative reflects Dr. Wendell Bulmer's belief that future physicians must integrate clinical expertise with empathy, integrity, and respect for the broader dimensions of patient well-being. Complete eligibility details and application instructions are available at the official scholarship website: https://drwendellbulmerscholarship.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283738 Source: GYT Since my first post-pandemic visit to Bora Bora, Ive made a point of returning annually. I remember thinking on that first visit, where had this place been my entire life? Where many destinations disappoint in real life, this place was shockingly beautiful. And the islands beauty never gets old. I travel the world professionally, yet French Polynesia remains my favorite place, and especially Bora Bora. On this trip, I checked into the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa for the first time. The newly renovated property reopened in September 2024 with 128 overwater villas, the most on the island, along with 14 beach villas. The aesthetic leans upscale but effortless, think California coastal meets French Polynesia. Days are spent in swimsuits and breezy cover-ups; evenings call for tropical dresses and slightly more polished resort wear. Nearly every couple I met was there for a honeymoon or anniversary. Overwater bungalow room (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Accommodations Sixty-two of the resorts Bora Bora overwater bungalows and villas come with private plunge pools, and every room features the famously luxurious Westin Heavenly Bed 2.0. I stayed in the Otemanu Overwater Villa with Pool, a 441-square-foot retreat. Advertisement Advertisement The nightly turndown service included a lavender balm with chamomile as a bedside amenity for relaxation. One detail I especially appreciated was the large rectangular floor-to-ceiling window that revealed the ocean below. Each evening, staff would thoughtfully cover it with a rug and close all the curtains to create complete darkness. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors allowed for uninterrupted lagoon views, while wooden privacy walls on either side of the deck. Overwater suite, bathroom view (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) The bathroom was stocked with Noa Noa toiletries and featured sliding mirrors that could slide to the side for ocean views. Guests can borrow complimentary bikes on a first-come, first-served basis, though many opted to stroll the long, winding wooden dock connecting the overwater villas to the main property. I chose to walk most days to get my steps in. Buggies are always available, especially useful during Bora Boras sudden, fast-moving rain showers. On one of my walks, I spotted a sea turtle gliding past my bungalow, along with a stingray, another day, and a small reef shark. When I stay in an overwater villa, I tend to spend more time swimming around my room than at the pool or beach. Theres something surreal about stepping straight from your deck into the lagoon. It beats a pool any day; besides, I had my own private plunge pool, which I made sure to use to good advantage. Poke bowl (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Dining I think the food in Bora Bora is often overlooked. I love that fresh tuna is available at every meal. The Westin doesnt disappoint. Tipanier is the resorts French bistro with a Polynesian twist. I especially loved the breakfast buffet, which included local specialties such as firi firi (Polynesian-style doughnuts) and fresh tuna sashimi served with house sauces. On select evenings, the restaurant hosts a Polynesian dinner performance that requires advance reservation. Seating is available both indoors and on the outdoor patio. Tipanier dining room (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Maere is the more formal signature restaurant, offering a nightly-changing tasting menu. During the night I dined, the theme was Italian. A standout was a deconstructed mozzarella-and-tomato course featuring an airy, foamed mozzarella layered over a tomato bisque. The cheesy risotto was deeply umami-rich, and I enjoyed the homemade crustacean ravioli and the rack of lamb with olive crumb. Maere fine dining appetizers (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Advertisement Advertisement Vara Vara is the laid-back, beachside option. The menu includes pasta specials, pizza, and a variety of protein-based entrees. I loved that there were always multiple tuna preparations available, from sashimi to poisson cru, Tahitian-style raw fish, tuna ceviche, and poke bowls. One evening, I opted for a generously sized ribeye; another night, the rack of lamb with olive crumb. Nothing can beat the view from my room (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Room service seemed to be largely from the Vara Vara menu. The delivery was thoughtful and always timely, about 30-40 minutes: the staff set up the entire meal on my deck patio table, with my favorite views at the resort. Heavenly Spa treatment room (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Activities The resort has multiple white-sand beaches that are never crowded. It was easy to find your own quiet patch of sand. The infinity pool, the largest on the island, overlooks the beach, the lagoon, and Mount Otemanu. Scuba diving is available, along with complimentary non-motorized watersports and snorkeling equipment. Of course, the one time I didnt bring my Insta360 out on the water was the day I had my most epic dive. It was just me and the divemaster. About five minutes after jumping in, two manta rays glided overhead. We were only a short five-minute boat ride from the manta spot, and for nearly ten minutes, we had them entirely to ourselves. Three unusually friendly turtles swam nearby, seemingly unbothered by our presence, and I even spotted a nudibranch. Bora Bora's friendly turtles (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) The resort is also home to the islands premier turtle rehabilitation Eco Center. Guests can attend an educational session that begins with a short film, followed by a talk from a resident scientist about the centers history and conservation efforts. Guests are also invited to help feed them. I loved learning that the turtles are taken from their tanks daily for supervised swims in the lagoon. Flower crown class (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) Advertisement Advertisement Cultural activities include coconut palm weaving, flower crown weaving, and Tahitian dance classes. I joined the flower crown workshop, where each participant received a crown base and access to a selection of fresh flowers to design their own piece for later photo ops. The Heavenly Spa features lagoon-view treatment rooms and a Polynesian Taurumi massage. My therapist, Priscilla, was exceptional. Mt Otemanu views (The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa) How to Reach Bora Bora I love Hawaii, but I often say that French Polynesia is only about two hours farther from the West Coast, roughly eight hours total, and the even more beautiful waters alone justify the extra flight time. I prefer the red-eye on Air Tahiti Nui, which consistently offers better in-flight meals than most U.S. carriers. Perhaps its the French influence. After landing at Faaa International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, you transfer to a smaller aircraft for the one-hour flight to Bora Bora with views of the impossibly electric blue water. Advertisement Advertisement Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is tiny and easy to navigate. Upon arrival, a Westin representative greeted me with a lei made of the national flower before escorting me to the resorts private boat. Fifteen minutes later, we were boating across the lagoon toward the property. Make sure to request an early check-in if youare on a red-eye! Air Tahiti Nui (Stephane Mailion) Chico, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 15, 2026) - The Dr. Zachary Lipman Grant for Medical Students announces its call for applications from undergraduate students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare. The grant, established to support the next generation of medical professionals, provides a one-time award of $1,000 to a deserving student who demonstrates dedication to healthcare service and academic excellence. Dr. Zachary Lipman To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/283689_a3de3d152435da30_001full.jpg Dr. Zachary Lipman created this grant to address the financial challenges facing students during their undergraduate medical training. The program recognizes that strong academic foundations and thoughtful career planning form essential components of successful medical practice. Through this initiative, Dr. Zachary Lipman aims to reduce financial pressure on students while encouraging reflection on the ethical responsibilities inherent in healthcare professions. The grant accepts applications from undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who are pursuing medicine, pre-med, or healthcare-related disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents committed to using their education to create positive impact in their communities. "Access to education plays a vital role in building a capable and ethical healthcare workforce," states the grant's mission. The Dr. Zachary Lipman Grant for Medical Students promotes evidence-informed practice and service-oriented goals through its selection criteria, which emphasize both academic merit and personal commitment to healthcare excellence. Applicants must submit an original essay of 500 to 750 words addressing the prompt: "What personal experiences or aspirations have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine or healthcare, and how do you plan to use your education to positively impact others?" The essay component encourages students to articulate their motivations and demonstrate thoughtful preparation for the responsibilities of medical practice. Selection committees evaluate submissions based on originality, organization, depth of reflection, and alignment with the grant's mission. Dr. Zachary Lipman established the essay requirement to promote intentional career planning and self-reflection among future healthcare providers, recognizing that these qualities contribute to ethical and effective medical practice. The grant supports students nationwide, without restriction to specific geographic regions. This broad eligibility reflects Dr. Zachary Lipman's commitment to supporting talented students across the United States who share a dedication to healthcare service and professional development. Applications for the Dr. Zachary Lipman Grant for Medical Students must be submitted by September 15, 2026. The grant recipient will be announced on October 15, 2026, providing the selected student with financial support during their undergraduate studies. Students interested in applying can access complete application information, detailed eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines through the official grant website. The straightforward application process ensures that motivated students can easily present their qualifications and career aspirations for consideration. The establishment of this grant demonstrates ongoing support for students facing financial obstacles in their pursuit of medical education. By combining financial assistance with a structured writing component, the program creates opportunities for students to develop both the practical resources and reflective skills necessary for healthcare careers. Undergraduate students pursuing medical and healthcare-related fields are encouraged to review the complete eligibility criteria and submit applications before the September deadline. The grant represents an investment in future healthcare professionals who demonstrate commitment to service, ethical practice, and continuous learning in medicine. Contact Information: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283689 Source: GYT BTS surprised ARMY with thousands of roses on Valentines Day, sparking theories about a hidden message linked to their upcoming Arirang album. BTS launched a global Valentines Day fan campaign by surprising ARMY with thousands of roses placed across major cities like Seoul, London and Los Angeles. The installations featured cryptic messages, QR codes and signage reading What is your love song?, instantly triggering intense fan speculation online. This was not just a romantic gesture. The rose pop-ups are widely believed to be part of the promotional rollout for . In the days leading up to Valentines Day, similar mysterious messages had appeared in Seoul, fuelling curiosity about a new era. The global scale of the rose installations confirmed that this was a carefully planned international teaser campaign. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Roses across three global cities The surprise activation saw BTS roll out rose installations in Seoul, London and Los Angeles, with fans and passers-by invited to pick up a flower while supplies lasted. Each rose carried a subtle message, making the gesture feel personal and emotionally charged. The initiative quickly drew crowds, with fans describing it as a heartfelt Valentines Day gift from the band to ARMY worldwide. What is your love song? Central to the campaign was a recurring line printed across signage and materials. What is your love song? The phrase soon appeared as a default Instagram Notes prompt, encouraging users to share songs that define love for them. Fans immediately connected the message to BTS upcoming era, seeing it as a thematic tease for Arirang and its emotional core. How it ties into Arirang In the days leading up to Valentines Day, mysterious What is your love song? signs had already surfaced in Seouls Seongsu district, sparking intense online discussion. Fans quickly connected the phrase What is your love song? to themes of emotion, memory, nostalgia, romance and connection, suggesting that Arirang may explore deeply personal and heartfelt storytelling. The phrase also appeared across Instagram Notes, further strengthening its role as a central campaign hook. Games View All According to reports in Korean media, BigHit Music explained that the campaign was crafted to reflect the emotional core of the upcoming album, which delves into themes of identity and universal expressions of love. By encouraging fans to think about their own love song, the group aimed to foster a deeper, more personal bond between listeners and the albums narrative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why it is a perfect rollout Fans have praised the campaign for blending intimacy with spectacle, describing it as one of BTS most creative promotional strategies yet. By turning a global celebration of love into a shared fan experience, the group has once again demonstrated its knack for emotionally resonant storytelling, even before the music itself arrives. While BTS has yet to officially reveal full details of _Arirang_, the rose pop-ups and cryptic messaging suggest a carefully staged global build-up. If the Valentines Day surprise is any indication, fans can expect more interactive moments and symbolic storytelling as the albums release draws closer. Jason Momoa praises Shah Rukh Khan, calling him extremely handsome and a better actor and performer than I am. Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, famous for Aquaman and Game of Thrones, recently shared his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The two actors first crossed paths at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia in 2019, an event that brought together some of the biggest names in global cinema, including Jackie Chan and JeanClaude Van Damme. Momoa described their meeting as a special moment, saying it was a meeting of mutual respect and admiration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jason Momoa calls Shah Rukh Khan Handsome and Talented Momoa didnt hold back when asked about his impressions of the Bollywood icon. When asked about the Bollywood superstar during the promotion of his last release The Wrecking Crew, Momoa said, Yes, hes very handsome. Hes extremely handsome. But the praise went far beyond looks. Momoa acknowledged SRKs skills as a performer, stating, Hes a better actor and better performer than I am. Beyond professional admiration, Momoa also highlighted Khans personal qualities. He said, Just two mutual friends and fans of each others work. He is just a sweetheart. He was very much a gentleman. Momoas remarks underline that SRKs charm and grace are as appreciated off-screen as they are on-screen. Momoas comments resonate deeply with fans who have long admired SRKs ability to connect with audiences worldwide. This exchange between Hollywood and Bollywood stars showcases a cross-cultural appreciation for talent, charisma, and professionalism. For both Momoa and Khan, such encounters strengthen the bridge between global film industries, highlighting that true artistry knows no borders. Games View All About The Wrecking Crew The Wrecking Crew, an American buddy-cop action comedy, premiered on Prime Video on 28 January. The film stars Jason Momoa alongside Dave Bautista, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, Miyavi, Stephen Root, and Morena Baccarin. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Jonathan Tropper, the movie is produced by 6th & Idaho Productions, Hard J Productions, and Reunion Pacific Entertainment. During the previous BNP regime, ties between India and Bangladesh hit a rough patch. Now the party is back in power, with a new leader, Tarique Rahman. What does this mean for New Delhi? We analyse the Bangladesh results and more in our weekly wrap One continent, three elections. It was a big week for Asia, where Bangladesh, Japan, and Thailand went to the polls. Bangladesh held its most historic election, the first since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024, on Friday (February 12). It was a contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP). Haisnas Awami League, which won the last four elections, was barred from the contest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP claimed a sweeping victory, making Rahman, Khaleda Zias son, the frontrunner for the PMs post. The hardline Jamaat-e-Islami suffered a big blow but questioned the integrity of the results process. So where does Bangladesh go from here? And what does the BNP win mean for India and the neighbourhood? We analyse. Meanwhile, in Japan, Sanae Takaichi called for a snap election and went on to win a landslide, becoming the first triumphant woman prime minister. And Thailand sprung a surprise, with the Bhumjaithai party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defying opinion polls and forging ahead. The Epstein file saga continues to unfold, rocking UK politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been facing heat for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UKs envoy to the US, despite being aware of his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At one point, there was speculation about the PM stepping down, but for now, he has avoided the crisis. Canada was rocked by a mass shooting on Tuesday (February 10). Six people were killed, and at least 25 others were injured at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. The suspect, an 18-year-old trans woman, who died from a self-inflicted injury, reportedly killed her mother and step-brother before attacking the school. In our weekly wrap of world news, we talk about all this and more. 1. Bangladesh voted for the first time since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Without the Awami League on the ballot, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed victory in the election. While the Jamaat-e-Islami has objected to the results, it will be forced to sit in the opposition. Here is what changes in the country from hereon? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2. As Bangadlesh counted its votes, India was watching closely. The two nations shared good ties, which have been strained since the fall of Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in New Delhi. With BNP now at the helm, it remains to be seen how this relationship progresses. Will Tarique Rahman follow his mother Khaleda Zias footsteps and keep New Delhi at a distance? Or will he chart his own path and extend a hand of friendship? Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has swept the national election. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become the next prime minister. File photo/Reuters 3. In Japan, Sanae Takaichis Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a landslide victory in the Lower House in the snap elections held last Sunday (February 8). The countrys first woman prime minister came to power in October 2025, but she called for snap polls recently to secure a stronger backing for her policies both domestic and foreign. Takaichi has been hawkish towards China. Is India then the partner to turn to? 4. The Epstein files have shaken up UK politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure after the release of the latest tranche of documents by the US Department of Justice. They revealed that former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, maintained close ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since Starmer admitted he knew about the friendship, he has been under the scanner. Two key members of his inner circle have resigned. On Monday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for the PM to do the same. So far, Starmer has survived. British PM Keir Starmer survived a Labour revolt triggered by Epstein-linked fallout and the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK envoy to the US. Reuters 5. The latest tranche of the files also brought into the spotlight a sprawling ranch outside Santa Fe in New Mexico. For years, Jeffrey Epstein abused teenage girls and women on this nearly 10,000-acre property. It was here that he planned to spread his DNA across the human race by impregnating women. This story tells you more. Zorro Ranch, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Stanley, New Mexico, US, July 15, 2019. Reuters 6. In a rare but shocking development, Canada witnessed a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The shooter, identified as an 18-year-old trans woman, killed her mother and step-brother before killing six at the institution. As the country reels from the aftermath of the attack, we examine its gun control laws. A woman places flowers at a makeshift memorial for the victims after a deadly mass shooting took place at a school, in the town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. Reuters 7. The US has made a big claim once again. It has accused China of carrying out a secret nuclear explosive test in June 2020. The allegation places the activity just a week after the Galwan clashes in eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action. While Beijing has denied the accusations, here is what experts believe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tons China has used decoupling a method to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring to hide its activities from the world. China conducted one such Under Secretary of State Thomas G. DiNanno (@UnderSecT) February 6, 2026 8. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made a shocking admission in Parliament. He accused the US of exploiting this country for its strategic interests and then discarding it as worse than toilet paper. Asif said that Pakistans decision to once again align with Washington after 1999, particularly in relation to Afghanistan, inflicted lasting damage on the country. As Asifs statement grabbed headlines, we look at Pakistans flip-flop ties with the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thats all from us this week. If you want to keep up with the latest in geopolitics, bookmark this page. PS: If you are a Gen Z and reading this, we apologise. Turns out, they are dumber than their predecessors. We are not saying it; science is. New Delhi has clearly articulated its approach with a more robust Neighbourhood First policy, but the ball is in Dhakas court. Tarique Rahman must make the right choices to steer Bangladesh onto a development path After about a year and a half of uncertainty and chaos post the violent ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Bangladesh witnessed the democratic transition of power on February 12, with over 60 per cent of Bangladeshis casting their vote for 300 Jatiyo Sansad seats. No doubt the doubts persisted until the last minute about whether the elections would be held since several interested sections might have preferred otherwise. Fortunately, good sense prevailed. Also, the fairness and inclusivity of elections will remain a point of debate, especially as the largest political party, the Awami League of Sheikh Hasina, was suspended and barred from contesting the 13th parliamentary elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recently anointed leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman won at the hustings with the Bangladesh First slogan quite convincingly against the multi-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JeM), which has often been highly conservative and fundamentalist in its historic dispensation. The surveys called a close contest, but the voters spoke loud and clear. They have accused large-scale rigging but accepted the loss and agreed to be a positive opposition in the parliament. Their manifesto also spoke of a strong Bangladesh. Youth parties remained marginal. Womens representation was also marginal, as if with a vengeance. A country led by women for three decades ignored them, with only 83 women candidates out of 2028 whether due to the Jamaat factor remains to be investigated. India did not send its election observers, even though invited. Many would have heaved a sigh of relief as BNP garnered a two-thirds majority, which will provide it with significant leverage in policymaking, governance and constitutional reforms. Several of the features of proposed constitutional reforms by the Yunus interim government were simultaneously put to referendum with a simple Yes or No. Many had argued that it was illegitimate since the contents of the proposed reforms were not so well known or publicised, let alone exceeding the remit of a transitional government, which mainly pertained to judicial reforms, a two-term limit restriction for the prime minister, the creation of an upper house, the distribution of powers, etc. Yet over 60 per cent of voters supported these reforms in the referendum. This will now depend on the BNP government and the proactive Jamat-led opposition. Meanwhile, interim leader and controversial chief adviser Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus is said to be stepping down. Most observers surmise that he had arrived at some understanding to be able to retain the highest constitutional post. For the time being he will demit charge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was possibly the first leader to congratulate Rahman on his victory, expressing hope of better relations between the two countries while offering felicitations and wishing well for the people of Bangladesh. He also spoke to BNP leader the same day and posted, Delighted to speak with Mr Tariqe Rahman 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 Indias continued commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of both peoples. It was a significant initiative and reassurance to Bangladeshi friends at the highest level. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No wonder the BNP appreciated the gesture and even mentioned that PM Modi has recognised the election of the BNP. BNPs poll coordination committee chief, Nazrul Islam Khan, stated, On behalf of our party, BNP, we thank PM Modi for his wishes. We believe under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, relations between India and Bangladesh will strengthen. No doubt, the PMs congratulatory message had the desired positive impact. India has also shown empathy and outreach when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the funeral of the late PM Khaleda Zia, and even the Indian Parliament expressed condolences. It does not mean that several key issues will not resurface. However, it is expected that pragmatism will prevail over rhetoric. The Battle of Begums is over until the next generation, but ironically the absence of womens representation and candidates at the hustings tells a dismal story. One of the key live issues that will surely dog the relationship is the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India. The BNP reiterated that they will be seeking the extradition of the Awami League leader currently in exile in India. Both countries do have an extradition treaty, which incidentally was signed during Sheikh Hasinas regime. This also has an emotional content and an irritant at the popular level, but the interim governments way of handling left many questions unanswered and reeked more of vendetta than of justice. It will be seen how an elected government proceeds in the matter and pursues the issues through dialogue and diplomacy or public affront. Sheikh Hasina had called for a boycott and has junked the elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another issue relates to river water disputes. Even as India and Bangladesh had resolved the boundary issues rather admirably, the Teesta issue has remained on the cards due to the West Bengal governments approach. Treatment and discrimination against minorities have also been a cause of concern for India, especially during the past 18 months with increased violence. The Indian media commentary, especially from West Bengal, and efforts to expose the politically driven, deeply divisive trends provoked lame excuses and rebuttals from the interim government while minorities were targeted with no remorse. Since the Hindus, Buddhists and Christians in Bangladesh are their citizens, it is their legitimate expectation that they will be afforded protection by the government of the day, which has often been belied. But the statements and assurance given by Rahman about the minorities, considering them an integral part of the progress, augur well. A Hindu candidate of BNP also won from Dhaka-3 against a Jamaat candidate, which is a good sign. Social cohesion and unity are the strength and a prerequisite for development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Issues regarding expeditious issuance of visas, despite attacks and threats to the Indian visa offices and threats to diplomats, remain a demand and will have to be looked into. It may be noted that Indian missions, despite threats and rancour, continued to issue about 1000 visas per day. PM Modi, in his effusive and sincere message to the BNP leader, indeed reassured, India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. And that India will continue to advance our common developmental goals, he reiterated. New Delhi has clearly articulated its approach with a more robust Neighbourhood First policy, but for its fullest and advantageous exploitation, mutual respect, interest and sensitivities must be underlined by both sides. The ball really and literally is in Dhakas court. No doubt in the past year and a half strategic space may have become more crowded in Bangladesh due to proactive anti-India policies of the interim government seeking out the deep states of the US, the ISI of Pakistan and Chinese debt designs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are no free lunches in the geopolitical chess game. But the choice is theirs whether to go in for a nutritious and sumptuous and healthy meal or borrow for the fine dining. But as a good neighbour, India wishes well to the people of Bangladesh in their developmental journey going forward. While Bangladesh and its new dispensation search for their historical moorings and dividends of the August upheaval, for India prudence, pragmatism and proactive public diplomacy will yield a closer P2P connection in pursuance of its non-reciprocal Neighbourhood First Policy. (The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Despite the tensions, structural interdependence endures in India-Bangladesh ties. Nearly 4,000 kilometres of shared border bind the two nations economically and culturally The parliamentary elections of February 12 have redrawn Bangladeshs political map with startling clarity. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, secured an overwhelming mandatewinning roughly 209 of the 299300 directly elected seats in the National Parliament. With near two-thirds control of the legislature, the BNP now commands the authority to reshape domestic governance and recalibrate foreign policy. Meanwhile, the so-called Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami achieved a historic high, emerging as the principal opposition with approximately 68 seats. The student-led National Citizens Party, a small fraction of Jamaat-e-Islami under nom de guerre, and some other smaller factions captured a modest but symbolically significant presence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This electoral hullabaloo follows the dramatic 2024 miscreants attack that unseated the Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina and ushered in an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus, installed by the American deep state and CIA to serve their geopolitical and economic interests. With the Awami League barred from contesting, the polls signalled a return to competitive politics after prolonged turbulence. Low voter turnout and balloting have lent the exercise an aura of democratic restorationat least to keep the procedure. Yet, beyond domestic renewal lies a far more intricate question: what next for IndiaBangladesh relations? Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have been strained since August 2024, complicated by Hasinas exile in India, contentious border incidents, and perceptions within Bangladesh of Indian interference. Against this fraught backdrop, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly congratulated Tarique Rahman, expressing hope for strengthened cooperation and shared development. Rahman, for his part, has spoken of mutual respect and a diplomatic reset. He has indicated willingness to revisit the Teesta water-sharing impasse, enhance counterterrorism cooperation, and ensure protection of minority communitiesissues central to Indian strategic and moral concerns. Such rhetoric suggests an opening. But rhetoric alone cannot dissolve decades of accumulated suspicion. In New Delhis strategic imagination, Bangladeshs outreach to Pakistan or China is rarely seen as benign diversification. Proximity to the vulnerable Siliguri Corridorthe so-called Chicken Neckamplifies Indian fears of encirclement. Chinese infrastructure investments in Mongla Port or potential Teesta projects further unsettle Indian planners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Conversely, many Bangladeshis view India as overbearingleveraging economic asymmetry, border enforcement, and historical political patronage to assert dominance. Media sensationalism on both sides compounds anxieties, turning isolated incidents into nationalist flashpoints. Thus, even as leaders exchange cordial messages, public opinion remains volatile. The BNPs commanding majority theoretically enables pragmatic engagement with India. Bilateral trade continues to flourish, bolstered by geography and deeply integrated supply chains. Electricity imports, fuel connectivity, and Indian raw materials feeding Bangladeshs garment industry make economic decoupling unrealistic. However, the robust parliamentary presence of Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party introduces countervailing pressures. Both harbour constituencies sceptical of Indiaparticularly over Hasinas shelter in New Delhi. Jamaats historical ideological leanings toward Pakistan further complicate Indias preference for exclusive influence. Evidence suggests that while historical patterns reveal a tendency toward party-centric diplomacy, emerging regional complexities increasingly compel India to adopt a more inclusive and institution-based approach that transcends reliance on any one political actor, but they must do it very cautiously because the extremist fundies are very active in Bangladesh after August 5, 2024, and the deliberate patronisation of the Yunus-led marionette government installed by the American deep state and CIA for their geopolitical and economic interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Perhaps the most combustible issue is Hasinas status. Sentenced in absentia in late 2025 for so-called crimes during the 2024 crackdown, she remains in India. The BNP government frames extradition as a matter of sovereignty and justice. India, however, views the charges as political and feels bound by past partnership. Any refusal risks inflaming Bangladeshi public sentiment. Yet compliance could fracture Indias own diplomatic principles. The impasse sits at the heart of the bilateral dilemma. Shared rivers54 in totalremain both a lifeline and a liability. The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, signed at Farakka Barrage, expires in December 2026. Bangladesh alleges insufficient dry-season flows and opaque data sharing, linking them to salinity intrusion and ecological damage in the Sundarbans. India, citing climate variability and domestic demands, seeks renegotiation. The Teesta dispute, stalled partly by resistance from West Bengal, continues to affect northern Bangladeshs agriculture. Chinas willingness to finance related projects adds geopolitical complexity. Without urgent, transparent, and politically courageous negotiation, water could eclipse trade as the central irritant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these tensions, structural interdependence endures. Nearly 4,000 kilometres of shared border bind the two nations economically and culturally. Trade volumes have proven resilient even during political chill. Geography remains the ultimate stabiliser. Still, stabilisation will require more than economic logic. It demands sensitive handling of Hasinas case, accelerated water negotiations, restraint along the border, minority protection assurances, and consistent depoliticised engagement. India and Bangladesh stand at a crossroadsbetween reset and rupture. Friendly signals from Modi and Rahman offer cautious optimism. Yet historys institutional memories, domestic political compulsions, and media-driven nationalism threaten to derail progress. In this fragile post-election moment, diplomacy must be bold, patient, and imaginative. The road ahead is neither predetermined nor smooth. But whether it leads to partnership or renewed estrangement will depend less on grand declarations and more on the painstaking management of mistrustriver by river, case by case, and constituency by constituency. Upon reflection, India has remained a time-tested partner of Bangladesh since 1971. May the enduring bonds of friendship between Bangladesh and India continue to flourish and strengthen in the years ahead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The writer was a freedom fighter in 1971 to establish Bangladesh and is an independent political analyst based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who writes on politics, political and human-centred figures, and current and international affairs. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The rollout of advertisements in popular AI chatbots has raised privacy concerns as technology firms explore new revenue streams while insisting user trust will be protected The rapid introduction of advertising into conversational AI platforms has prompted debate over privacy and trust, as leading technology firms look to generate revenue from widely used chatbots. Companies including OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Perplexity have either launched or tested ads within their AI tools, while industry leaders defend their approaches and critics question the impact on users. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has begun displaying advertisements within chatbot conversations for free and low-cost users. The move is aimed at balancing hundreds of billions in spending commitments with fresh income streams. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision drew swift mockery from rival Anthropic, which has built its brand around safety and data security. During last weeks Super Bowl, Anthropic aired an advertisement showing a man seeking advice from a conversational AI, which then inserts promotional copy for a dating site into an otherwise relevant reply. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman responded by saying the clip was clearly dishonest. Elsewhere in the sector, Microsoft has been running contextual ads and sponsored content in its Copilot AI assistant since 2023. AI search engine Perplexity has been testing advertisements in the United States since 2024, while Google has also been testing ads in the AI overviews offered by its search engine since last year. Data privacy concerns in focus Google has repeatedly said it does not intend to run advertisements in its Gemini chatbot. Demis Hassabis, head of Googles DeepMind AI arm, said ads have to be handled very carefully. The most important thing in AI is trust in security and privacy, because you want to share potentially your life with that assistant, he added. OpenAI has sought to reassure users that ChatGPTs responses will not be altered by advertisements, which appear alongside conversations rather than being embedded within them. The company has also pledged not to sell user data to advertisers. AI companies are concerned that selling ads will scare away users, said Nate Elliott, an analyst with US data firm Emarketer. But when its free, youre the product. Its a risk were all more or less aware of already, said Jerome Malzac of AI consultancy Micropole. We accept it because we find value in it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If that proves correct, advertisers are expected to embrace the growth of AI as it reaches more internet users worldwide. Potential game changer for digital marketing Its going to be a game changer for the entire industry, said Justin Seibert, head of Direct Online Marketing. Were already seeing how high the conversion rates (interactions resulting in a purchase) are for people that are coming in from ChatGPT and the other LLMs (large language models), he added. HSBC analysts suggested in a report that AI assistants could account for up to two per cent of the online advertising market by 2030. Brands including US supermarket chain Target and software maker Adobe are already prioritising visibility on the new channel. Beyond purchasing advertising space, companies are also seeking to have their products featured in chatbots organic responses. The practice, known as GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation), is an evolution of Search Engine Optimisation developed during Googles dominance of the web. We identified 90 rules that can make sure the content you create is valued by AI and spread to the right places, said Joan Burkovic, head of French GEO startup GetMint. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The company says it already has 100 clients, including fashion brand Lacoste. Malzac pointed to techniques such as citing scientific papers, adding a frequently asked questions section to websites, and publishing structured, regularly updated information. If your brand isnt referenced (by chatbots), it no longer exists for some users, he warned. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says any USIran nuclear agreement must eliminate Tehrans enriched uranium stockpile, end enrichment capability and address ballistic missiles ahead of renewed talks in Geneva this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday insisted that any nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran must guarantee the removal of all enriched uranium from the country and eliminate Tehrans ability to produce more. His remarks came as Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for Switzerland to participate in the second round of revived nuclear talks with the U.S., scheduled for later this week. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu outlined the key requirements for a deal. The first is that all enriched material has to leave Iran, he said. He added that the country must also be stripped of the infrastructure and equipment that enables uranium enrichment, stating: There should be no enrichment capability dismantle the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The third condition he emphasised concerns Irans ballistic missile programme. Questions remain over the fate of Irans stockpile of more than 400 kilograms of 60-percent enriched uranium, last verified by international inspectors in June, prior to Israeli and American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Addressing a gathering of leaders from major American Jewish organisations, Netanyahu noted that he had conveyed these demands during his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month. He also stressed the importance of ongoing, robust inspections of Irans nuclear activities. There has to be real inspection, substantive inspections, no lead-time inspections, but effective inspections for all of the above, Netanyahu said, highlighting the need for strict monitoring to ensure compliance. There has to be real inspection, substantive inspections, no lead-time inspections, but effective inspections for all of the above, he said. These are the elements that we believe are important for the achievement of the deal. Tehran and Washington restarted nuclear negotiations in Muscat on February 6, months after previous talks collapsed when Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran last June that started a 12-day war. The latest talks came with Washington having threatened Tehran with military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region following Irans deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was caught in yet another embarrassing moment at the world stage when he was briefly stopped and asked to produce his ID. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was caught in yet another embarrassing moment at the world stage when he was briefly stopped and asked to produce his ID. The incident took place at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, and the video of the brief exchange soon started to circulate online. In the videos circulating online, the Pakistani military chief was seen being asked by the security personnel at the venue to display his identification badge before being allowed to proceed. The security official is heard saying, Stop.where is your ID? Please flip your ID card. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #BreakingNews | Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly faced a highly embarrassing protocol snub in Munich, where he has been invited for an international security conference#Exclusive story by @manojkumargupta @AmanKayamHai_ shares more information pic.twitter.com/9oJ0vaPOVb News18 (@CNNnews18) February 15, 2026 Sources confirmed to CNN-News18 that Munir was treated like any other attendee and required to furnish identification as part of standard security protocol. The incident stirred debate The video quickly stirred debate online. While some described it as a diplomatic embarrassment, others noted that security checks are routine at high-profile international events. Former Pakistani military officer Adil Raja commented on the incident, saying that no one knows him on the global stage and alleging that Munir obediently introduces himself even to gatekeepers when asked. It is pertinent to note that the Munich Security Conference is an annual forum that brings together global leaders, defence officials, diplomats and policy experts to deliberate on international security challenges. Interestingly, a Germany-based Sindhi political organisation, the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), staged a demonstration outside the conference venue opposing Munirs participation. In a statement addressed to the United Nations, the European Union and the government of Germany, JSMM Chairman Shafi Burfat expressed what he described as deep shock and regret over the invitation extended to Pakistans Army chief. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He called the invitation deeply regrettable The group insisted that Pakistans military establishment has a history of human rights violations and political interference. The group referred to the 1971 events in former East Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, describing them as genocide. It went on to accuse Pakistans military and intelligence agencies of supporting extremist elements in the region, allegations that Islamabad has consistently denied. The group urged the organisers of the Munich Security Council (MSC) to reconsider hosting Munir, arguing that his participation lends legitimacy to what it described as a regime accused of repression and regional destabilisation. It also called for the self-determination of Sindh. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed it detained 17 Pakistani soldiers, giving Islamabad a one-week deadline to arrange a prisoner swap for the remaining seven, according to a statement from the groups media wing. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday claimed it had detained 17 Pakistani soldiers, releasing 10 while giving the Pakistani government one week to arrange a prisoner exchange for the remaining seven. In a statement attributed to its media wing, Hakkal, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch described the operation as the second phase of Operation Herof. Released soldiers are as ethnic Baloch: BLA The statement said the 10 released soldiers were ethnic Baloch affiliated with local policing structures and were freed after being warned. The group framed the release as reflecting the ground realities and the broader interests of the Baloch population. Remaining detainees face Baloch National Court The remaining detainees are members of regular Pakistan Army units. Proceedings were held in a Baloch National Court, where the captives faced accusations including actions against civilians, aiding enforced disappearances, and participating in the genocide of the Baloch people, the statement read. It added that during the hearing, the soldiers were allowed to respond, evidence was presented, and statements were recorded before a guilty verdict was issued. One-week window for prisoner exchange Despite the convictions, the BLA said it was giving Islamabad seven days to formally express readiness for a prisoner swap. The group asserted that if Pakistan shows willingness within this period, the seven detainees could be exchanged for Baloch prisoners. The statement also criticised Pakistani authorities for failing to act on previous exchange proposals, alleging a lack of priority for the lives of their personnel. It warned that the court sentences would be carried out if no tangible progress is made within a week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There was no immediate response from Pakistans military or government. Baidus ERNIE Bot is an advanced AI chatbot developed to enhance natural language understanding and generation. Launched in March 2023, ERNIE Bot has rapidly evolved, offering a suite of tools designed to assist businesses in content creation, customer service, and more. This article provides an overview of ERNIE Bots key features, target audience, and pricing to help business owners and professionals assess its suitability for their needs. Key Features Multimodal Capabilities : ERNIE Bot processes and generates text, images, and audio, enabling tasks such as content creation, image interpretation, and audio transcription. : ERNIE Bot processes and generates text, images, and audio, enabling tasks such as content creation, image interpretation, and audio transcription. Advanced Reasoning : The chatbot exhibits enhanced logical reasoning and coding abilities, improving the quality and relevance of its responses. : The chatbot exhibits enhanced logical reasoning and coding abilities, improving the quality and relevance of its responses. Cost Efficiency: ERNIE Bot offers competitive pricing, with input tokens priced at $0.55 per million and output tokens at $2.20 per million, making it a cost-effective alternative to other AI models. Who is it for? ERNIE Bot is tailored for businesses seeking to integrate AI-driven solutions into their operations. Its features are particularly beneficial for: Content Creators : Assist in drafting articles, reports, and other written materials. : Assist in drafting articles, reports, and other written materials. Customer Service Teams : Automate responses to common inquiries, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. : Automate responses to common inquiries, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Developers: Utilize ERNIE Bots coding capabilities to streamline software development processes. Pricing ERNIE Bot is available for free to individual users across desktop and mobile platforms. For professional users, Baidu offers a subscription plan priced at 59.9 yuan (approximately $8.18 USD) per month, with a discounted rate of 49.9 yuan (approximately $7.08 USD) for auto-renewal subscribers. Final Thoughts Baidus ERNIE Bot presents a robust AI solution with diverse capabilities suitable for various business applications. Its competitive pricing and advanced features make it a compelling option for organizations looking to leverage AI technology to enhance their operations. Visit ernie.baidu.com for more. After winning the 13th Bangladesh national elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to break away from tradition. Heres how Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister of Bangladesh. File image/Reuters After winning the 13th Bangladesh national elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to break away from tradition. According to The Daily Star, the new cabinets swearing-in ceremony will not be held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Instead, the new governments swearing-in ceremony will take place on Tuesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. As per the report, preparations are underway to host the ceremony at the Parliament building, as per BNPs preference. Multiple sources from the Chief Advisers Office and the Cabinet Division have confirmed to The Daily Star that the final call of the venue came from Tarique Rahman's party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The sources further confirmed that the swearing-in of newly-elected MPs will take place at the same venue at 10:00 am (local time) on Tuesday. The cabinet oath-taking will commence from 4:00 pm (local time). Why it matters Sources from the Cabinet Division stated that since the independence of Bangladesh, every governments swearing-in ceremony has taken place at Bangabhaban. An official involved in the preparations, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the swearing-in of MPs involves minimal formality and does not require separate guest invitations or catering arrangements. However, the oath-taking of the cabinet would entail inviting local and foreign guests, providing hospitality, and managing various stages of the ceremony for the prime minister, ministers, and state ministers, The Daily Star reported. Due to this eleventh-hour decision, officials are now compelled to redesign the entire plan for the ceremony. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been invited for the oath-taking ceremony, reflecting the improvement of ties between the nations. It remains unclear if the Indian PM will visit on Tuesday. After Bangladesh held its intense 13th National elections, reports are emerging that a local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was set on fire. After Bangladesh held its intense , reports are emerging that a local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was set on fire. According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star, the incident took place at Rupganj, and the authorities are currently investigating the matter. Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shabzel Hossain told the Bangladeshi news outlet that the incident occurred at around 3:45 am (local time) at the Shimulia Bazar area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He noted that miscreants broke a window and poured petrol or similar substance inside before setting the office ablaze. As of now, police have identified two individuals as suspects, and the hunt for others is still ongoing. The timing of it all The incident took place two days after BNP emerged as the l argest political party in the Bangladeshi elections, winning over 200 seats out of the 300 in the Bangladeshi parliament. Mansur Mia, president of Rupganj union Jubo Dal, said construction of the office began about a month ago and was completed a week earlier. Party leaders and activists were present there until midnight on Friday, he added, mentioning that the fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday. The blaze was later extinguished with the help of locals, but furniture and other items inside the office were damaged. We suspect it was a petrol bomb. Otherwise, the fire would not have spread so quickly, Mansur added. Upazila BNP General Secretary Bashir Uddin Bacchu condemned the incident and expressed suspicion that members of rival political groups might have been involved in the incident. Meanwhile, OC Shabzel Hossain told The Daily Star that local BNP leaders are preparing to file a written complaint over the incident. Necessary legal action will be taken following investigation once a complaint is lodged, he added. China has confirmed visa-free travel for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada until December 31, following diplomatic talks in Beijing; move aligns them with 50 other nations and aims to boost tourism, business exchanges and trade ties amid global tariff tensions. Chinese authorities have confirmed that citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom will be allowed to enter the country visa-free starting Tuesday, following diplomatic engagements in Beijing and agreements reached between the respective national leaders to further facilitate cross-border travel. The Prime Ministers of UK and Canada Keir Starmer and Mark Carney visited Beijing in January, seeking to increase trade and bolster relations with China amid increasing tariffs from the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both leaders had hailed progress following meetings with top Chinese leaders such as President Xi Jinping, including on issues like visa-free access for their citizens to China. The Foreign Minister of Beijing confirmed agreements on Sunday and said that the citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to travel China without visa, with the policy in effect until December 31. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, or transit for a period not exceeding 30 days, it said in a statement. This was to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, it added. The move brings rules for UK and Canada passport holders into line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. Hundreds of thousands of British people could potentially benefit from the change, with around 620,000 travelling to China in 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics. During his official visit to China in January, Starmer said British businesses had been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China. Xi and Starmer also agreed to deepen trade relations in services, healthcare, green technology and finance - though no sweeping trade free trade agreement was announced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satellite images from southwest Chinas Sichuan Province reveal rapid expansion of the countrys nuclear weapons infrastructure, reflecting Beijings efforts to strengthen its strategic position amid rising tensions with the United States and other global powers, The NYT reported. Satellite imagery from southwest Chinas Sichuan Province shows a rapid expansion of the countrys nuclear weapons infrastructure, part of a broader effort to strengthen its strategic position amid intensifying superpower rivalry, The New York Times reported. The report comes as the United States previously accused China of carrying out a secret nuclear test in 2020, with the Trump administration calling for a broader nuclear weapons agreement that includes both China and Russia. Washington has also argued that China should be part of future treaties following the lapse of the last remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control pact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Expansion and upgrades at secretive sites Facilities near Zitong and Pingtong have been expanded and modernized in recent years. Analysts say these developments reflect Chinas push to modernize its nuclear arsenal, complicating efforts to revive global arms control. While Washington insists that any future nuclear agreement must include China, Beijing has shown no interest. Nuclear stockpile growth raises concerns The Pentagon estimated, as reported by The New York Times, that China possessed over 600 nuclear warheads by the end of 2024 and could reach 1,000 by 2030. Though smaller than US and Russian stockpiles, analysts warn that the rapid growth is alarming. Because now were forced to react and plan around the worst-case interpretation of a concerning trend line, said Matthew Sharp, a former State Department official now at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Zitong and Pingtong: Key sites under construction At Zitong, engineers have built new bunkers and ramparts, while a newly constructed complex with extensive piping suggests the handling of hazardous materials. Pingtong, a heavily secured site, is believed to produce plutonium cores for nuclear warheads. The main structure there, featuring a 360-foot ventilation stack, has been upgraded with vents and heat dispersers, with additional construction ongoing. Large characters above the entrance quote Xi Jinping the US Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Zitong bunkers are likely used to test high explosives, which compress nuclear material to trigger a chain reaction. You have a layer of high explosives and the shock wave at the same time implodes into the center. This needs blast tests to perfect them, said Hui Zhang, a Harvard University physicist reviewing the findings. Uncertain scale and strategic implications The precise scale and purpose of the upgrades remain unclear. We dont know how many warheads have been produced, but we just see the plant expansion, Zhang said. Some changes may reflect safety improvements or adaptations for new weapons systems, including submarine-launched missiles. Renny Babiarz, a geospatial intelligence expert, said the site changes reflect Chinas broader goal of superpower status: Nuclear weapons are an integral part of that. Theres been evolution at all of these sites, but broadly speaking, that change accelerated starting from 2019. US concerns over future crises US officials warn that a larger, more advanced Chinese arsenal could shape Beijings calculations in a future crisis, particularly over Taiwan. China seeks to ensure it is in the position where they believe theyre largely immune from nuclear coercion by the United States, said Michael S Chase, a former Pentagon official now at RAND. They probably judge that could come into play in a conventional conflict over Taiwan. Around 300 people and their costumed dogs gathered at Rio de Janeiros annual Blocao Carnival street party to protest against violence towards pets Owners and their pets pose for a photo at the "Blocao" Carnival dog parade in Rio de Janeiro,. (AP) Dozens of dogs dressed as alligators, fairies and superheroes gathered Saturday at a Rio de Janeiro Carnival street party as their owners protested cruelty against pets. The canines wagged their tails to samba music, ate a delicious breakfast from several bowls and made new friends at the so-called Blocao, a traditional event during Brazils biggest bash. About 300 people and their pets gathered in the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, on Rios west side. They sang and danced to old-style Carnival songs as their pets kept their paws protected in the shade as Rios thermometers marked 30 Celsius degrees (86 Fahrenheit). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dogs are a part of our families. Families come to a street party for dogs because its sweet, it is joyful and loving, said Marco Antonio Marinho, 72, the Blocaos chief organizer. When we are sad at home, they are by our side, they are sad too," he said. Now that we are happy, they have to be happy too. So we take care of their paws, we keep water for them to be comfortable and safe too. A hydration station helped keep the dogs energy through the two hours of the street celebration at a square, as many cariocas, as Rio residents are known, honked their cars to show support for the dogs and to owners protesting violence against pets. In previous years, the dogs would parade through the streets, but their gentle paws were often scorched by the hot pavement. The name Blocao is a mixture of bloco, which means Carnival street party, and cao, or dog in Portuguese. The street party has taken place for more than 20 years. Marinho and other partygoers waved white ribbons and sang a song in a tribute to Orelha, a dog that was killed in southern Brazil in January in a case that caused national rage. Santa Catarina state police charged a 15-year-old who allegedly spanked the dog to death but authorities have recommended the teenager be tried under the juvenile corrections system. The judge in the case has yet to rule. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The teenagers lawyer denied any wrongdoing, . Natalia Reis, 28, came to Blocao for the first time with her 11-year-old dog Theo, partly because of Orelhas killing. She had tears in her eyes when organizers took the microphone to talk about the importance of protecting pets from cruelty. This was so unfortunate, we need perpetrators of his death to be punished, Reis said. We need to raise awareness. This could have happened to me, to any of us. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Danish PM Frederiksen said Trumps interest in taking control of Greenland has not gone away and warned that the US remains serious about the Arctic territory, even as Copenhagen insists it cannot be bought and must respect the will of its people. This combination of file pictures created in Berlin on January 12, 2026 shows Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (L, in Berlin on December 15, 2025) and US President Donald Trump (at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026).- AFP Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said the US interest in taking control of Greenland is unfortunately not over, warning that US President Donald Trump remains serious about the Arctic territory. Greenland not for sale: Denmark Speaking at the Munich Security Conference 2026, Frederiksen said Trumps desire to control Greenland appears unchanged. She reiterated that the territory cannot be bought and stressed that the issue concerns one of the most basic democratic principles respect for sovereignty and self-determination. She added that Greenlands people have clearly stated they do not want to become part of the United States. US push framed as security priority Earlier this year, Trump proposed acquiring Greenland, describing it as strategically important for US national security. Danish leaders rejected the proposal, maintaining that the territory is not for sale. Frederiksens remarks follow renewed attention after Trump shared posts suggesting Greenland could become a US territory, citing Arctic security concerns. He has also argued that Denmark cannot adequately defend the region against major powers such as Russia and China. UK stresses Arctic stability British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also speaking at the conference, said Arctic security is important for all nations and described recent diplomatic developments as quite instructive, emphasising a pragmatic approach grounded in respect for sovereignty. At the Munich Security Conference, Ursula von der Leyen warns that transatlantic ties have shifted irreversibly as European leaders speed up defence spending, explore a European Nato pillar and debate strategic autonomy amid US uncertainty. The 2026 Munich Security Conference, traditionally a venue for affirmations of the Transatlantic bond has concluded with a stark new consensus: Europe is no longer waiting for Washington. Prompted by President Donald Trumps disruptive push to annex Greenland and a growing sense of civilisational friction, European leaders are pivotally shifting from theoretical strategic autonomy to the cold reality of strategic necessity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen captured the sombre mood on the summits final day, saying that some lines have been crossed that cannot be uncrossed anymore. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to soothe allies with a warmer tone than previous years, the message from Washington remained one of transactional conditionality, leaving Europe with little choice but to accelerate its evolution into a standalone hard power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beyond the Greenland shock: The European Pillar takes form The recent crisis over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Nato member Denmark acted as a geopolitical tipping point. President Trumps refusal to rule out military force or trade tariffs to secure the island deeply shaken the alliances core logic of mutual respect. In Munich, this anxiety translated into a concrete commitment to a European Pillar within Nato. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, used the summit to pledge a homegrown defence hedge against a volatile Washington. This new beginning is right under all circumstances, Merz stated, confirming he has begun talks with France regarding a European nuclear deterrent, a once-taboo subject that reflects the depth of European nervousness. The strategy is clear: while Washington may keep its nuclear umbrella for now, Europe aims to take primary responsibility for its conventional defence. This shift puts them, ironically, on the same page as the Trump administration, which has long demanded that allies stop relying on U.S. largesse. From words to weapons: Financing the autonomy The rhetoric in the swanky Bayerischer Hof hotel is being backed by unprecedented financial firepower. Driven by the threat of a resurgent Russia and the wavering support from the White House, European NATO members have agreed to a new benchmark: raising core defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% for security infrastructure. The signs of industrial mobilization are emerging through new consortia. On the sidelines of the conference, defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK signed a letter of intent for the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA). This project aims to develop deep strike missiles and attack drones with ranges exceeding 500km, filling a critical gap in Europes independent arsenal. Despite this momentum, structural squabbles remain. High-profile projects like the FCAS fighter jet continue to struggle with work-share disagreements, and the buy European vs. open markets debate persists. However, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded delegates via giant screens displaying the latest Russian drone statistics, weapons evolve faster than political decisions. For a Europe caught between a hostile Russia and an erratic America, the time for political stalling has run out. With inputs from agencies Paris prosecutors have created a special magistrates team to analyse evidence that could implicate French nationals in crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein US financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry in 2017. File image/Reuters French authorities announced on Saturday that a dedicated team of magistrates has been established to review evidence that may involve French nationals in crimes connected to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Paris prosecutors office said the unit would analyse material recently released by US authorities and reassess existing cases that may warrant further action. Re-examination of Jean-Luc Brunel case Prosecutors confirmed that the case of former modelling agency executive Jean-Luc Brunel would be thoroughly reviewed. Brunel, described as a close associate of Epstein, was found dead in his Paris prison cell in 2022 after being charged with raping minors. The case against him was dropped in 2023 following his death, with no other individual charged. According to prosecutors, an earlier investigation found Brunel to be a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein who offered modelling opportunities to young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They stated that Brunel had engaged in sexual acts with underage girls in the United States, the US Virgin Islands, Paris and the south of France. Ten women made accusations against Brunel, several alleging that they were encouraged to drink alcohol and subjected to forced sexual penetration, the prosecutors office said. The newly formed team will work alongside the national financial crimes unit and police authorities to determine whether fresh investigations should be opened. The aim is to be able to extract any piece that could be usefully reused in a new investigative framework, the prosecutors office said. New cases under review Several French public figures appear in the latest US Department of Justice release of Epstein-related documents. Prosecutors noted that inclusion in the documents does not automatically indicate any wrongdoing. The office said it had been asked to examine three specific cases involving a French diplomat, a modeling agent, and a musician. At the request of the foreign ministry, prosecutors are reviewing references to senior diplomat Fabrice Aidan in documents published by US authorities. An investigation is underway to gather various pieces of evidence that could substantiate this report, the prosecutors office said. A complaint has also been filed by a Swedish woman against Daniel Siad, described as a model recruiter with close ties to Epstein. She alleged sexual acts that she describes as rape and that may have been committed in France in 1990. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition, a complaint has been submitted against French conductor Frederic Chaslin alleging acts of sexual harassment in 2016. Developments involving Jack Lang The release of additional Epstein files has prompted former French minister Jack Lang to resign as head of the Arab World Institute. Lang denied any wrongdoing and said he was shocked that his name appeared in the statutes of an offshore company founded by Epstein in 2016. The office of the national financial prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into Lang and his daughter Caroline Lang for aggravated tax fraud and money laundering. Following the announcement, Lang stepped down from the presidency of the Arab World Institute. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Lang said he was white as snow and described the allegations against him as a tsunami of lies. He also stated that he had been unaware of Epsteins 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex-trafficking underage girls. US authorities ruled his death a suicide. India negotiated recent trade agreements with global partners from a position of strength, PM Modi said, crediting stronger manufacturing and MSMEs for boosting the countrys bargaining power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India negotiated recent trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other nations from a position of strength, crediting stronger manufacturing and the MSME sector for enhancing the countrys bargaining power. In an interview with PTI, the prime minister said political stability and policy predictability have restored investor confidence and strengthened Indias economic credibility as it signs multiple free trade agreements with global partners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Manufacturing, services boost negotiating confidence PM Modi said Indias expanding manufacturing and services base has enabled it to approach trade negotiations with greater confidence. He added that recent FTAs are designed to expand market access for MSMEs across sectors such as textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts and gems. Referring to the previous UPA government, Modi alleged that economic mismanagement during that period weakened Indias negotiating position and led to trade talks that often stalled without concrete outcomes. Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India finalised several free trade agreements in recent years, with negotiations also under way or planned with partners including Chile, Peru and Canada. Defence modernisation and rising allocation The prime minister reiterated that his government remains committed to modernising and strengthening Indias defence forces in line with evolving security realities, pointing to an increase in defence spending. In the Union Budget 202627, the government allocated Rs 7.85 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, marking a 15 percent rise from the previous budget. PM Modi said the urgency around national security has become a collective national resolve and that India continues to demonstrate resilience across multiple challenges while remaining a bright spot of growth amid difficult global conditions. Budget reflects governance priorities: PM Praising the Union Budget 2026, PM Modi said it avoids populism and focuses on record capital expenditure to boost infrastructure, employment and sustainable growth. He described the budget as a reflection of the Centres governance approach and long-term priorities, adding that it represents the next phase of reform momentum and aims to equip Indias youth for a rapidly changing global environment. PM Modi calls for private sector investment PM Modi also urged the private sector to make bold investments to help India progress towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. He said outdated infrastructure has no place in a developed nation and that the government has transformed the sector through large-scale, next-generation projects. He emphasised that infrastructure expansion reflects a strategic choice to invest in productivity, employment generation and future economic capacity rather than short-term populist measures, with a focus on improving quality of life, creating jobs for young people and accelerating national development. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departs for Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States as Oman-mediated diplomacy resumes amid efforts to revive negotiations. Demonstrators take part in a march in support of the people of Iran by members of the American-Iranian community in Los Angeles on February 14, 2026.- AFP Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for Switzerland on Sunday ahead of a second round of renewed nuclear negotiations with the United States later this week, the foreign ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said Araghchi had left Tehran for Geneva late Sunday heading a diplomatic and technical delegation to participate in the next round of discussions and to conduct a series of diplomatic meetings. It added that the indirect IranUS nuclear talks would take place on Tuesday, with Oman facilitating the negotiations through its mediation and good offices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran and the U.S. renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehrans nuclear programme and avert a new military confrontation. The U.S. has dispatched a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, US officials have told Reuters. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a news conference in Bratislava, said President Donald Trump had made it clear that he would prefer diplomacy and a negotiated settlement. No ones ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran but were going to try, Rubio said. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the pact that had eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, and re-applied tough economic sanctions on Tehran. On Friday, a source told Reuters that a U.S. delegation including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would meet Iranian officials in Geneva on Tuesday, a meeting later confirmed to Reuters by a senior Iranian official on Sunday. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be traveling, I think they are traveling right now, to have important meetings and well see how that turns out, Rubio said, without providing further details. While talks leading to the 2015 nuclear pact were multilateral, the current negotiations are confined to Iran and the United States, with Oman acting as mediator. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signalled Irans readiness to compromise on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, telling the BBC on Sunday that the ball was in Americas court to prove that they want to do a deal. The senior official referred to the Iranian atomic chiefs statement on Monday that the country could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of sanctions as an example of Irans flexibility. However, he reiterated that Tehran would not accept zero uranium enrichment, a key sticking point in past negotiations, with Washington viewing enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking such weapons. With inputs from agencies Tet is not just a holiday: A leadership opportunity to build trust in Vietnam What expat leaders often overlook during Vietnam's most important cultural moment: How your presence during Tet shapes trust far beyond the holiday itself. If you walk through Ho Chi Minh City these days, you can feel it immediately. Shops glow in red and gold. Flower markets are crowded. Beauty salons are fully booked. People rush home earlier than usual. Beneath the decorations, something deeper is happening: Vietnam is preparing for Tet. Young women pose for photos in traditional dress ao dai outside Ben Thanh Market, which has been refurbished for the Lunar New Year, February 2026. Photo by VnExpress For many expats, Lunar New Year may look like a long holiday that slows business down. In reality, it is one of the most important cultural windows into how trust is built in Vietnam. What Tet really means Tet is not just the start of a new calendar year. It is a time to: remember and worship ancestors; reunite with extended family; visit relatives, teachers, seniors, and friends; close the old year properly and begin the new one with intention. Before Tet, Vietnamese families clean their houses thoroughly - removing old, broken, or "unlucky" items and making space for renewal. Homes are decorated in red, a color symbolizing luck and prosperity. Compared to other East Asian and Southeast Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Lunar New Year shares many similarities. But Vietnam's Tet has its own unique characteristics. In the south, families buy yellow mai blossoms. In the north, pink dao cherry blossom flowers are traditional --though today you can find both across the country. Food preparation reflects regional identity too: The North makes banh chung (square sticky rice cake), the south prepares banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake). Pickled vegetables, sweet candied fruits made from coconut or ginger, and fruit offerings are carefully prepared. On the altar, families offer five fruits symbolizing balance and harmony. Many people in the south specifically arrange "cau dua du xoai sung" (sugar apple, coconut, papaya, mango and fig) - a playful word combination roughly meaning, "May we have enough money to spend comfortably." On the first three days of Tet, there is a traditional visiting order: The first day is for visiting the father's side, the second day the mother's side, and the third day for teachers. Children (and also adults) receive red envelopes with lucky money. These are not just rituals. They reflect Vietnam's core values: family, hierarchy, gratitude, and continuity. What this means for you as an expat leader Many foreign leaders ask: "How do I build trust with Vietnamese colleagues?" Here is the uncomfortable truth: Trust in Vietnam is not built primarily through efficiency or authority, it is built through presence. Presence means showing up consistently, participating when it matters, respecting what your team values, and emembering small details that matter. Tet offers a natural moment to demonstrate this. You do not need to "become Vietnamese." You do not need to master every ritual. But joining selectively, with sincerity, makes a difference. Practical ways to build trust during Tet Tet is a perfect time for nurturing the global-local relationship. As an expat leader in Vietnam, there are certain things you can do to boost the staff's morale during the country's biggest holiday. One thing is to support their journey home. Many employees working in large cities travel back to their hometowns weeks in advance. Flights, buses, and trains are fully booked. They would appreaciate it if you can allow flexible leave timing and help with earlier holiday approval. You can also personalize new year wishes. If you want a quick cultural bridge, learning a few New Year wishes in Vietnamese goes a long way. Even a simple sentence, spoken with sincerity, creates warmth, such as: - Chuc mung nam moi! (Happy New Year!) - Chuc van su nhu y! (May everything go as you wish.) - Chuc an khang thinh vuong! (Wishing you good health and prosperity.) You dont need perfect pronunciation. The effort itself signals respect - and that is what people remember. Other small gestures that can make big impacts include wearing traditional ao dai at the office celebration, talk to your employees about their hometowns, and giving lucky money while remembering their children's names. Tet is not just a holiday interruption. It is a cultural mirror. It asks you: Do I know what matters to my team outside work? Do I acknowledge effort, not only results? Do I show respect in ways they value? As the Lunar New Year approaches, perhaps the real leadership question is not: "How do I manage better?" But: "How present am I in the relationships Im trying to lead?" That question alone can change your success in Vietnam. *The article is partly extracted from the book "When Global Meets Local From the Culture Shock to Thriving in Vietnam, by Hana Bui. Israel launched fresh airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, with Palestinian officials reporting at least 11 deaths, as Israel said the action was in response to ceasefire violations by Hamas amid a fragile truce. Palestinians recover a body from the rubble of a house destroyed in an overnight Israeli strike in Gaza City on October 29, 2025. (AFP) Israel carried out airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing at least 11 Palestinians, Palestinian officials said, as the Israeli military described the strikes as a response to ceasefire violations by Hamas amid a fragile truce. Gaza medics said an Israeli strike on a tent encampment sheltering displaced families killed at least four people. Health officials said another strike killed five people in Khan Younis in the south, while one person was shot dead in the north. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Airstrikes also targeted what was believed to be a commander of Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, in the Tel Al-Hawa area of Gaza City. Hamas accuses Israel of ceasefire breach Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, accused Israel of carrying out a new massacre against displaced Palestinians and called it a serious breach of the ceasefire days before the first meeting of US President Donald Trumps Board of Peace. An Israeli military official said the strikes were precise and conducted in accordance with international law, adding that Hamas had repeatedly violated an October ceasefire. Israel and Hamas have traded blame for breaches of the truce, a key element of Trumps plan to end the Gaza war, the deadliest and most destructive phase of the decades-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The war began with the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed more than 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Israels air and ground campaign in Gaza has killed more than 72,000 people since then, according to Palestinian health ministry data. Israeli military cites tunnel movement In recent hours, the Israel Defense Forces has begun strikes in response to Hamass blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement yesterday in the Beit Hanoun area, an Israeli military official said. The official said militants emerged from a tunnel on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line established under the ceasefire to demarcate Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas. Crossing the Yellow Line in the vicinity of IDF troops while armed is an explicit ceasefire violation and demonstrates how Hamas systematically violates the agreement with intent to harm IDF troops, the official said. Israel has unilaterally moved the Yellow Line deeper into Gaza, although Israeli withdrawals form part of the ceasefire terms. Hamas has rejected demands to disarm, which is also envisaged in the plan. Israel has said it would force Hamas to disarm if necessary. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump plan, reconstruction push Qassem urged participants at the first meeting of Trumps new international Board of Peace for Gaza to pressure Israel to halt alleged violations and implement the agreement without delay. US officials told Reuters last week that Trump would announce a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and outline proposals for a United Nations-authorised stabilisation force for the territory at the meeting in Washington. The Israeli military said it continued destroying underground tunnels in northern Gaza in line with the agreement and that aircraft struck a building east of the Yellow Line after militants were seen emerging from a tunnel, killing at least two. Gaza officials said they had no information on those reported casualties. Gazas health ministry says at least 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began. Israel says four soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza over the same period. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the 22-year-old University of California, Berkeley student who had been missing since February 9, has been found dead, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the 22-year-old student at University of California, Berkeley who had been missing since February 9, has been found dead, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco said on Sunday. The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time, the mission said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Consulate assures assistance to family The mission said it stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains to India at the earliest. Consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will assist with all required formalities and services. Last seen near Lake Anza Before he went missing, the student was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills. His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was later found on a doorstep in the neighbourhood, according to local media. Sreenivasaiah, who hailed from Karnataka, held a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras, graduating in 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile. At UC Berkeley, he was pursuing a masters degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Search efforts and official outreach Following his disappearance, his roommate Baneet Singh sought information about his whereabouts on social media, saying he was working with the police and urging anyone with leads to come forward. Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh had also written to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking diplomatic assistance as local police searched for the student, while the Indian Consulate remained in contact with authorities. Body recovered; campus community in shock The body of Saketh was recovered from Lake Anza on Saturday afternoon. His roommate said police informed him that the death was being treated as a suicide, describing the incident as leaving the campus community shocked to the core. In a LinkedIn post, the roommate wrote that there had been changes in Sakeths behaviour in recent weeks, saying he ate less, engaged less and slept less, and had invited him to Lake Anza in January. He also recalled a conversation in which Saketh said he had stopped caring about what others thought, adding that the community is deeply shaken by the loss. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to use biological weapons against his own people after claims emerged that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died of poisoning. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to use biological weapons against his own people after claims emerged that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died of poisoning. On Saturday, scientists from five nations, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands found that Navalny died from dart frog poison administered by the Russian state two years ago. It is pertinent to note that the US was not one of the intelligence agencies making the claim. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In light of the findings, Barrot took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam Putin. Two years ago, Alexei Navalny died from poisoning by one of the deadliest nerve agents, Barrot wrote in the post. We now know that Vladimir Putin is prepared to use biological weapons against his own people to maintain his grip on power. France pays tribute to this leading opposition figure, killed for his fight for a free and democratic Russia, he added. The ripple effects of the report The UK described the poisoning as barbaric and said that it would report Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as a flagrant violation by Russia of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). In the report, the intelligence agencies claimed that laboratory testing found that the deadly toxin in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs (epibatidine) was found in samples from Navalnys body and probably resulted in his death. Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death," the joint statement read. Epibatidine can be found naturally in dart frogs in the wild in South America. Dart frogs in captivity do not produce this toxin, and it is not found naturally in Russia. There is no innocent explanation for its presence in Navalnys body," it added. Although it had been widely assumed that Navalny had been poisoned by the Russian state, the evidence of the specific poison in his body is a new development. While reacting to the news, Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalny, said that she was certain about it from the first day. I was certain from the first day that my husband had been poisoned, but now there is proof: Putin killed Alexei with [a] chemical weapon. I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years and for uncovering the truth. Vladimir Putin is a murderer. He must be held accountable for all his crimes, she wrote in the post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia hits back Russia has hit back at claims from the United Kingdom and other allies, calling it a disinformation campaign. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, told the TASS news agency that the allegations are a disinformation campaign by the West. There will be results of the analyses, there will be formulas of the substances, and there will be a commentary. Without this, all the talks and statements are an information campaign aimed at diverting attention from the pressing problems of the West, she said. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in the UK has taken a similar stance on the matter. This isnt a quest for justice, but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of a Russian citizen, London and European capitals cannot give him peace, which speaks volumes about the instigators of this campaign, it said. A UN report says more than 6,000 people were killed in a three-day assault by Sudans Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher, with widespread atrocities that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. A school in El Fasher, Sudan, where displaced residents sought refuge in October. The reported atrocities in the North Darfur capital reflect a broader pattern of conduct by the Rapid Support Forces in their war against the Sudanese military. (Reuters) More than 6,000 people were killed over three days in late October when Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a final offensive to capture El Fasher in the Darfur region, according to a report released on Friday by the UN Human Rights Office in Cairo. The assault, described as a wave of intense violence shocking in its scale and brutality, targeted the Sudanese armys last remaining stronghold in Darfur and followed more than 18 months of siege. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 29-page report said the offensive included widespread atrocities that amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. The wanton violations that were perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militia in the final offensive on el-Fasher underscore that persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. City overrun after prolonged siege The RSF and allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran El Fasher on October 26 before rampaging through the city and surrounding areas. According to the UN Human Rights Office, the violence included mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment, as well as detention and enforced disappearances. In many instances, the attacks were said to be motivated by ethnicity. General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF has previously acknowledged abuses committed by his fighters but has disputed the scale of the atrocities. Pattern of abuses in wider conflict The events in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, reflect what the report described as a broader pattern of RSF conduct in its war with the Sudanese military. The conflict began in April 2023 after a power struggle between the two sides escalated into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and across the country. It has since created the worlds largest humanitarian crisis, with parts of Sudan pushed into famine. The fighting has been marked by atrocities that the International Criminal Court said it was investigating as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The RSF has also been accused by the Biden administration of carrying out genocide during the ongoing war. Killings documented over three days The UN Human Rights Office said it documented the killing of at least 4,400 people inside el-Fasher between October 25 and October 27. More than 1,600 others were killed while attempting to flee the violence. The findings were based on interviews with 140 victims and witnesses, which were are consistent with independent analysis of contemporaneous satellite imagery and video footage, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In one incident on October 26, RSF fighters reportedly opened fire using heavy weapons on around 1,000 people sheltering in the Rashid dormitory at el-Fasher University, killing about 500. One witness said he saw bodies thrown into the air, like a scene out of a horror movie, according to the report. In another case on the same day, around 600 people, including 50 children, were executed while taking refuge in university facilities. The report cautioned that the true death toll from the week-long offensive was undoubtedly significantly higher. The figures do not include at least 460 people who were killed on October 28 when RSF fighters stormed the Saudi Maternity Hospital, according to the World Health Organization. The report also said around 300 people were killed in RSF shelling and drone attacks between October 23 and October 24 in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people, located 2.5 kilometres northwest of El Fasher. Large-scale demonstrations in Munich, Toronto and other cities called for increased pressure on Tehran amid disputed death tolls from Irans recent unrest. Police said in a post on X that the number of protesters reached some 250,000, more than the organisers had expected. (AP) Around 250,000 people gathered in Munich on Saturday to protest against Irans government during a meeting of world leaders in Germany, according to police, responding to a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for stronger international pressure on Tehran. The demonstration formed part of what Pahlavi described as a global day of action in support of Iranians following last months deadly nationwide protests. Police said in a post on X that turnout reached about 250,000, exceeding organisers expectations. Pahlavi had also urged people to demonstrate in Los Angeles and Toronto. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chants for regime change echo through Munich Protesters beat drums and chanted slogans demanding regime change. Many waved green-white-and-red flags bearing lion and sun emblems, the national flag used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty. Change, change, regime change, the crowd chanted. At a news conference, Pahlavi warned of further deaths in Iran if democracies stand by and watch following the governments crackdown on protesters last month. We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran? he said. He added that the survival of Irans government sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power. Many demonstrators carried placards bearing Pahlavis image, with some referring to him as a king. The son of Irans deposed shah has lived in exile for nearly 50 years and is seeking to position himself as a figure in the countrys future. The crowd also chanted Pahlavi for Iran and democracy for Iran as drums and cymbals sounded. We have huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully, said Daniyal Mohtashamian, who travelled from Zurich in Switzerland to represent protesters inside Iran facing repression. There is an internet blackout, and their voices are not going outside of Iran, he said. Rallies held in Toronto and Nicosia In Toronto, an estimated 350,000 people marched as part of the Global Day of Action Rally, Toronto Police spokesperson Laura Brabant said. About 500 protesters also demonstrated outside the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, holding banners criticising Irans government and supporting Pahlavi. At the Munich rally, some demonstrators wore red Make Iran Great Again caps, echoing those worn by supporters of US President Donald Trump. Among those wearing the caps was US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, who addressed the crowd and was photographed holding the headwear. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Disputed death tolls after nationwide unrest The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 7,005 people were killed in last months protests, including 214 government forces. The group has previously been accurate in documenting deaths during unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists inside the country to verify fatalities. Irans government released its only official death toll on January 21, stating that 3,117 people were killed. Irans theocracy has in the past undercounted or not reported fatalities during previous unrest. The Associated Press said it has been unable to independently verify the death toll, citing disruptions to internet access and international calls imposed by Iranian authorities. The Trump admin has repeatedly claimed that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil in exchange for tariff relief and progress on a trade deal, a position reiterated by Marco Rubio in Munich. He said, Got Indias commitment to stop buying Russian oil. The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil in exchange for tariff relief and a trade deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the claim at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. In our conversations with India, weve gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil, Rubio said. India reaffirms strategic autonomy On the same stage, EAM S Jaishankar reaffirmed Indias commitment to strategic autonomy, countering criticism from the opposition that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government was yielding to US pressure over Russian oil imports. Trade deal framework under discussion India and the US are working out the details of a trade deal after President Donald Trump announced a framework on February 2, later confirmed by Modi. The Trump administration has already lifted the 25% tariff imposed as a penalty for Indias Russian oil purchases amid the Ukraine war. The Executive Order states that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, though New Delhi has neither confirmed nor denied the claim. Under the framework, the remaining 25 per cent reciprocal tariff will drop to 18 per cent once a formal Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) is finalised. Negotiations on finer details of the deal are ongoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additional Russian oil caveat At Munich, Rubio used the word additional in his statement, which could mean that existing Russian oil orders already in process may continue. Reports from Reuters and other sources indicate that Indian firms, including state-owned companies, are already avoiding Russian oil deliveries scheduled for April. India sticks to market-driven energy policy During a session with German minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar did not confirm Rubios claim. He emphasised that Indias energy decisions are guided by market forces, as consistently communicated by his ministry and the government. Where energy issues are concerned, this is today a complex market. Oil companies in India, as in Europe and elsewhere, look at availability, cost, and risks, and take decisions that serve their best interests, he said. India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladeshs Prime Minister on 17 February in Dhaka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though invited, will miss the event. New Delhi: Newly-elected Speaker for 17th Lok Sabha Om Birla takes charge at his office at Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) (PTI6_19_2019_000078B) Indias Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent New Delhi at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladeshs Prime Minister, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 February, in Dhaka, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. The MEA said Birlas participation underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming New Delhis commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations. Reports indicate that Birla is likely to be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited to attend, will be unable to do so due to a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. Rahman, who also leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to assume office after his party secured a sweeping victory in the first national election held following the ouster of former premier Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The BNP said invitations have also been sent to leaders from China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan, highlighting the events regional significance. Focus on improving India-Bangladesh ties Relations between India and Bangladesh had cooled following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the July 2024 uprising. Hasina had taken refuge in India, and Dhaka repeatedly requested her extradition. Tensions were further heightened by recent attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus. The BNP government under Rahman has signalled a willingness to restore ties with India. BNP adviser Humayun Kabir said on Sunday that while New Delhi has a role in ensuring its actions do not undermine Bangladeshs sovereignty, diplomatic cooperation can resume once these concerns are addressed. We are neighbours and should work together for mutual benefit, he told PTI, adding that Hasina, described as a terrorist, must still be extradited to Bangladesh. Taiwans Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, accused China of military provocations and hypocrisy over UN principles, rebutting remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference. China is the real threat to security and is hypocritically claiming to uphold U.N. principles of peace, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Sunday in a rebuff to comments by Chinas top diplomat at the Munich Security Conference. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a view the government in Taipei rejects, saying only Taiwans people can decide their future. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing the annual security conference on Saturday, warned that some countries were trying to split Taiwan from China, blamed Japan for tensions over the island and underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Charter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taiwans Lin said in a statement that whether viewed from historical facts, objective reality or under international law, Taiwans sovereignty has never belonged to the Peoples Republic of China. Lin said that Wang had boasted of upholding the purposes of the U.N. Charter and had blamed other countries for regional tensions. In fact, China has recently engaged in military provocations in surrounding areas and has repeatedly and openly violated U.N. Charter principles on refraining from the use of force or the threat of force, Lin said. This once again exposes a hegemonic mindset that does not match its words with its actions. Chinas military, which operates daily around Taiwan, staged its latest round of mass war games near Taiwan in December. Senior Taiwanese officials like Lin are not invited to attend the Munich conference. China says Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule by Japan at the end of World War Two in 1945 and that to challenge that is to challenge the postwar international order and Chinese sovereignty. The government in Taipei says the island was handed over to the Republic of China, not the Peoples Republic, which did not yet exist, and hence Beijing has no right to claim sovereignty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedongs communists, and the Republic of China remains the islands formal name. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) After securing a sweeping majority in Bangladeshs 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is all set to form a cabinet representing the new government. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters pose next to a bullet proof bus of BNP chairman and election candidate Tarique Rahman featured alongside his late parents, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman in Dhaka. AFP After securing a sweeping majority in Bangladeshs 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is all set to form a cabinet representing the new government. Ahead of announcing the name of the cabinet, the newly elected government has already published the official gazette listing the elected members of parliament. According to Article 148 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, elected representatives must take the oath within three days of the publication of the official results. In light of this, the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule at a press briefing on Saturday, The Dhaka Tribune reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias son Tarique Rahman is set to assume the prime ministerial role after the government is formed, many are expecting the cabinet to be filled with skilled leaders. Sources told The Dhaka Tribune that the party plans to assign key responsibilities to younger and highly educated leaders. BNP is reportedly eying to form a government which is a blend of senior and new leadership, which is expected in important ministries such as Home Affairs, Law, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. As per the report, several BNP policymakers have indicated that the cabinet will not be overly large. It is expected to consist of between 32 and 42 members. Consultations underway According to The Dhaka Tribune, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has already begun consultations with senior leaders regarding the formation of the cabinet. However, the allocation of specific ministries will be known only after the oath ceremony. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation will need to wait a little longer to see the final shape of the cabinet. According to The Dhaka Tribune, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabirs name is being discussed for the post of Foreign Minister. Dr Reza Kibria is being considered for the position of Finance Minister. It is pertinent to note that Dr Kibria has previously served as a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund. Meanwhile, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is being considered for the Commerce Ministry, a position he held in the past. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is being discussed for the Local Government Ministry. He has previously served as State Minister for Agriculture and later for Civil Aviation and Tourism. However, these names are speculations as of now, and theres no confirmation from BNP on who will be given what portfolio. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin aide Maxim Oreshkin will lead Russias delegation to Indias AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting a strategic push for sovereign AI cooperation and emerging global norms on AI governance. A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maxim Oreshkin, will head a sizeable delegation to the AI Impact Summit scheduled to begin in New Delhi on Monday. India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to draw prominent global leaders, policymakers, industry captains and technology innovators working in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Oreshkin, who serves as deputy chief of the Kremlin staff and acts as President Putins economic adviser, is slated to lead Russias official delegation to the summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His participation signals Moscows strategic intent to deepen AI cooperation with New Delhi. A Kremlin source told PTI that the Russian delegation will prioritise discussions around secure, trusted and sovereign AI, while actively contributing to deliberations on AI governance, technological collaboration and partnerships within BRICS and other multilateral frameworks. In an interview to BRICS TV Network on February 9, Russian Foreign Minister Segei Lavrov noted: India also emphasises ICT security, which we actively support, contributing to the agenda. This is significant, as norms regulating AI use between states, and AI applications by individual states, are only now being established. Lavrov said these norms will regulate behaviours that affect security. Some countries are actively introducing AI into military applications. While each state has the right to determine its own approach, certain countries are already attempting to centralise control, subordinating what states can and may do with AI in the military sphere, he said. BRICS members will not accept infringements on their sovereignty, yet transparency remains crucial, the minister added. In an article published by state-run news agency TASS on Friday, Indias Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar outlined the promising prospects for IndiaRussia cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the growing strategic and technological partnership between the two nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The synergy between Moscow and New Delhi in AI would act as a catalyst for shared growth and technological advancement of the two strategic partners, Ambassador Kumar said. With inputs from agencies Can Vietnam cut the 3-hour trip to Long Thanh Airport to 30 minutes? The passenger terminal of Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province is completing its final stages. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung The trip to the upcoming Long Thanh Airport from downtown Ho Chi Minh City can take up to three hours, even more under congestions, and Vietnam wants to cut that to 30 minutes. Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province welcomed its first flights by the end of 2025 and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in June 2026. Designed to become the country's biggest aviation hub, it is projected to handle around 80% of international passenger traffic in southern Vietnam, serving Ho Chi Minh City and relieving pressure on Tan Son Nhat Airport. But there is one major obstacle: the journey from HCMC. Although Long Thanh sits about 50 kilometers from the city downtown, travel time currently ranges from two to three hours, especially when the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway becomes congested. National Highways 1 and 51, which also serve the route, are frequently overloaded. During a working session in HCMC on Feb. 9, Party General Secretary To Lam warned that airport development must go hand in hand with synchronized transport infrastructure. If it takes two hours and congestion can happen at any time, no one would go to Long Thanh, he said, calling for solutions to reduce travel time from central HCMC to the airport to about 30 minutes. Several key road projects are underway to improve access. The Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway is being expanded, while major routes including the Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway, the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway and Ring Road 3 are under construction. These projects are scheduled for completion in 2026 and early 2027, creating additional access corridors and easing pressure on the city's eastern gateway. The 58-kilometer Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway is nearing completion of the Phuoc Khanh Bridge, expected to open in September, which will form a continuous high-speed corridor connecting southern HCMC and Mekong Delta provinces directly to the airport. HCMC and Dong Nai have broken ground on three major river-crossing bridges: Phu My 2, Long Hung and Cat Lai, aimed at strengthening cross-provincial links before 2030. These projects are expected to reduce congestion. But experts say road expansion alone will not guarantee a 30-minute commute. Ngo Anh Vu, director of the HCMC Urban Planning Institute, said Long Thanh has been comprehensively planned with both road and rail connections. However, implementation has lagged due to funding and regulatory challenges. In the short term, highways will play the main role in improving access. In the long term, mass transit is considered essential. The proposed Thu Thiem - Long Thanh metro line, first planned more than a decade ago, is now listed as a priority project through 2030. The route is being studied at around 48 kilometers with total investment estimated at nearly US$3.5 billion. If built alongside the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro line, it would create a direct rail corridor linking downtown HCMC with the new airport. Future plans also include extending the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line into Dong Nai and developing rail links connecting Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports, forming an integrated aviation network. Beyond highways and metro lines, authorities are exploring additional bus routes and even waterway connections. One proposed option would link Bach Dang Wharf in central Ho Chi Minh City to SwanBay Marina in Nhon Trach by boat, followed by road transfer to the airport. Upgrades to river ports in Nha Be are also under consideration to improve access from southern districts. Pham Viet Thuan, head of the HCMC Institute of Economics Environmental and Resources, said congestion would become a "hidden cost" for passengers, reducing the airport's competitiveness if not addressed. To accelerate progress, he called for streamlined investment procedures, faster land clearance and clearer coordination between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai to ensure synchronized development. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu agreed in Washington that the US would intensify efforts to curb Irans oil exports to China as part of renewed maximum pressure China accounts for more than 80% of Iran's oil exports. (Reuters) The United States and Israel have agreed to intensify efforts to curb Irans oil exports to China following talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, according to Axios, which cited two US officials briefed on the matter. The understanding was reported on Saturday, with Axios quoting a senior US official as saying, We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Focus on Irans oil trade with China China accounts for more than 80 per cent of Irans oil exports, making it the primary destination for Tehrans crude shipments. Any reduction in that trade would result in lower oil revenue for Iran. Beijings foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday, which marked the first day of a national holiday for the Lunar New Year. Diplomacy alongside military positioning The reported agreement comes as US and Iranian diplomats held nuclear talks through Omani mediators last week in an effort to revive diplomacy. At the same time, the US president positioned a naval flotilla in the region as the American military prepares for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran. Former US President Barack Obama on Saturday said that he believes aliens are real, but maintained that he has no idea where they are. Former US President Barack Obama on Saturday said that he believes aliens are real, but maintained that he has no idea where they are. Obama made the shocking remark in a podcast hosted by YouTuber Brian Tyler Cowen. Theyre real, but I havent seen them, Obama told the YouTuber after he asked him about extraterrestrials. However, the former president did not offer any further details on what exactly he meant when he said that the aliens are real. No follow-up question on the topic was asked as well. But the proclamation by the former American president cast doubt on several longstanding theories about where they might be. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Theyre not being kept in Area 51, theres no underground facility, unless theres this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States, Obama said. It is pertinent to note that Area 51 refers to a highly secretive Air Force base in Groom Lake, Nevada. It has long been the subject of interest for conspiracy theorists who believe the government is hiding alien aircraft and bodies on the premises. More from United States Of America Trump says he 'doesn't know if aliens are real' but orders release of data on UFOs Barack Obama on aliens: Theyre real But I havent seen them. Theyre not being kept at Area 51. Theres no underground facility unless theres this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/c6t0DYxewU UAP James (@UAPJames) February 14, 2026 Americas interest in aliens Interest in potential alien contact with Earth has spiked in recent years after a series of government documents revealed several mysterious aircraft sightings. Leaked radar footage taken by the United States Air Force Reaper drones 13 years ago purportedly shows Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), the governments new term for UFOs, flying over West Asia. In 2021, the Pentagon released three unclassified Navy videos that showed bizarre objects tearing through the sky as US servicemen reacted with awe. One UAP was seen rotating against the wind. Interestingly, this is not the first time Obama has commented on the existence of aliens and UFOs. When it comes to aliens, there are some things I just cant tell you on air, he teased to The Late Late Show host James Corden in a 2021 interview. He went on to confirm that the UAP sightings were legitimate and that the government could not explain the aircrafts origin or their unusual flight patterns. But what is true and Im actually being serious here is that theres footage and records of objects in the skies that we dont know exactly what they are, he said at that time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US forces boarded the sanctioned tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean, intensifying Washingtons crackdown on Venezuela-linked oil shipments and shadow fleet sanctions evasion. US military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea, the Pentagon said on Sunday. Venezuela has faced US oil sanctions for several years and has relied on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to move crude into global markets. In December, President Donald Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned vessels to increase pressure on then-President Nicolas Maduro before he was apprehended in a US military operation in January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Defence Department identified the ship as Veronica III, a Panama-flagged tanker under U.S. sanctions tied to Iran and Venezuela, and said American forces conducted what it described as a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding operation. The action took place overnight and was completed without incident. In a post on X, the Pentagon said the vessel had attempted to evade enforcement of a quarantine of sanctioned tankers ordered by President Donald Trump. The vessel tried to defy President Trumps quarantine hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down, the department said. The boarding underscores the U.S. commitment to curtail what officials call a shadow fleet of ships that have been used to move Venezuelan crude into global supply chains despite sanctions. Venezuela has been subject to U.S. oil sanctions for several years, and tankers linked to its exports often operate under false flags or complex ownership structures in attempts to bypass restrictions. The Pentagon did not immediately disclose whether the Veronica III was formally seized or what its ultimate fate would be. Last week, U.S. forces also boarded a different detained tanker, the Aquila II, in the Indian Ocean, in a similar enforcement operation against vessels connected to oil sanctioned amid the broader pressure campaign on Venezuelas oil sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Video posted by the Pentagon shows U.S. troops boarding the tanker. The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel under U.S. sanctions related to Iran, according to the website of the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Veronica III left Venezuela on Jan. 3, the same day as Maduros capture, with nearly 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil, TankerTrackers.com posted Sunday on X. Since 2023, shes been involved with Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil, the organization said. Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, told The Associated Press in January that his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers left the Venezuelan coast in contravention of the quarantine. The Trump administration has been seizing tankers as part of its broader efforts to take control of the Venezuelas oil. The Pentagon did not say in the post whether the Veronica III was formally seized and placed under U.S. control, and later told the AP in an email that it had no additional information to provide beyond that post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week, the U.S. military boarded a different tanker in the Indian Ocean, the Aquila II. The ship was being held while its ultimate fate was decided by the United States, according to a defence official who spoke last week on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing decision-making. With inputs from agencies Rubio said Washington is not disputing a European report that jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was fatally poisoned, calling the findings very troubling while stressing the US had no reason to question them. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said Washington is not disputing a report by five European countries that jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was fatally poisoned with a rare frog toxin. Calling the findings very troubling, Rubio said the US decision not to join the statement by United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden did not signal disagreement, describing it as a European-led initiative. Speaking during a brief visit to Slovakia, he said Navalnys death was very serious and that Washington had no reason to question the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Report cites rare toxin, names Russia as prime suspect The joint findings said Navalny was poisoned with epibatidine, a highly toxic substance associated with an Ecuadoran dart frog, and identified Russia as the prime suspect. Experts noted the compound can also be produced synthetically rather than extracted directly from an amphibian. Kremlin rejects claims; Europe points to poisoning Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, died in a Siberian prison on February 16, 2024, while serving a 19-year sentence. Russia has said he died suddenly and dismissed the European report. The European countries said laboratory analyses detected epibatidine and that reported symptoms made poisoning a highly likely cause of death. UK signals possible sanctions response The UK Foreign Office said only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy the toxin and held Moscow responsible. Yvette Cooper said Britain was considering tougher sanctions and that coordinated action remained under review. Reactions from Navalny family and European leaders Navalnys widow, Yulia Navalny, said the findings showed he had been murdered. Jean-Noel Barrot paid tribute to the Kremlin critic following the reports release. The hallowed halls of the Bayerischer Hof, home to the Munich Security Conference became the latest battleground for the soul of the West this weekend. In a sharp rebuttal to the Trump administrations apocalyptic framing of the continents future, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas flatly rejected claims that Europe is sliding toward civilisational erasure. The diplomatic fireworks follow the release of the US National Security Strategy (NSS) in December, a document that painted a bleak picture of a continent enfeebled by mass migration, declining birth rates and woke governance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking on the final day of the conference, Kallas chose to tackle the American critique head-on, labelling it as little more than European-bashing. Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure, Kallas told an audience of global leaders and security experts. In fact, people still want to join our club and not just fellow Europeans. A clash of visions: The erasure vs. The renaissance The friction stems from a fundamental divergence in how Washington and Brussels view the modern world order. The Trump administrations 2025 NSS suggested that Europes economic stagnation is merely a symptom of a deeper cultural rot, arguing that the continents liberal policies risk making it unrecognisable within two decades. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while striking a more conciliatory tone than Vice President JD Vances blistering critique at last years conference, did not back down from the administrations core tenets. Rubio described the US as a child of Europe but warned that the survival of Western civilisation depends on securing national borders and rejecting what he termed a climate cult. Kallas, however, framed Europes commitment to human rights and diverse societies as a source of strength rather than a precursor to decline. She noted that during a recent visit to Canada, she encountered widespread interest in the EU model, suggesting that the European project remains a global beacon of prosperity rather than a failing relic. The Greenland shadow and the quest for autonomy The rhetoric in Munich played out against a backdrop of deep-seated mistrust. Relations between the two shores of the Atlantic reached a nadir last month following President Trumps renewed interest in annexing Greenland, a move that forced Denmark and its EU allies to form a united front against what they viewed as an affront to sovereignty. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted this rift in his opening remarks, stating bluntly that the culture war of the MAGA movement is not ours. Merz, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, used the summit to push for a strong, self-sustaining pillar within Nato even floating the idea of a joint European nuclear deterrent to reduce excessive dependency on an increasingly mercurial Washington. While Rubio sought to reassure allies that the U.S. does not wish to end the trans-Atlantic era, European leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that the continents diversity is precisely what makes it resilient. Starmer argued that vibrant, free societies are not against the tenor of our times, but are, in fact, the currency of the future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security stakes: Ukraine and the hard power pivot Despite the ideological sparring, a pragmatic consensus emerged on one front: Europe must arm itself. As Russias invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, the urgency for a shared industrial base has never been higher. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided a grim reminder of the costs of delay, warning that weapons evolve faster than political decisions. With Russia stepping up strikes on power infrastructure during the coldest winter since the wars start, Zelenskyy warned that the Kremlins idea of war extends far beyond Ukraines borders. While Rubio remained sceptical of Russias willingness to negotiate, he signalled that Washington expects Europe to take the lead on its own conventional defence. For the EU, this shift represents a reclaiming of agency, as Kallas put it. The message from Munich was clear: Europe may not agree with Washingtons diagnosis of its civilizational health, but it is ready to prove its vitality by becoming a geopolitical power in its own right. Yulia Navalnaya, wife of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called Russian President Vladimir Putin a murderer as she backed the claims that her husband was poisoned. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in a prison camp, addresses the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, February 28, 2024. File Image/Reuters Yulia Navalnaya, wife of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called Russian President Vladimir Putin a murderer as she backed the claims that her husband was poisoned. Navalnayas accusations against Putin came shortly after scientists of five European nations concluded that Navalny was killed using a poison developed from a dart frog toxin. Scientists from five European countries have established: my husband, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned with epibatidine a neurotoxin, one of the deadliest poisons on earth. In nature, this poison can be found on the skin of the Ecuadorian dart frog. It causes paralysis, respiratory arrest, and a painful death, Navalnaya wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Scientists from five European countries have established: my husband, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned with epibatidine a neurotoxin, one of the deadliest poisons on earth. In nature, this poison can be found on the skin of the Ecuadorian dart frog. It causes paralysis, respiratory pic.twitter.com/doHGgSgzMA Yulia Navalnaya (@yulia_navalnaya) February 14, 2026 The wife of the Russian opposition leader insisted that she was certain from day 1 that her husband was poisoned. I was certain from the first day that my husband had been poisoned, but now there is proof: Putin killed Alexei with a chemical weapon. I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years and for uncovering the truth, Navalnaya wrote. Vladimir Putin is a murderer. He must be held accountable for all his crimes, she concluded. Two years after Navalnys death at a Siberian penal colony, scientists from the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands accused the Kremlin of his killing, after analysing material samples found on his body. Kremlin denies the accusations Russia has hit back at claims from the United Kingdom and other allies, calling it a disinformation campaign. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, told the TASS news agency that the allegations are a disinformation campaign by the West. There will be results of the analyses, there will be formulas of the substances, and there will be a commentary. Without this, all the talks and statements are an information campaign aimed at diverting attention from the pressing problems of the West, she said. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in the UK has taken a similar stance on the matter. This isnt a quest for justice, but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of a Russian citizen, London and European capitals cannot give him peace, which speaks volumes about the instigators of this campaign, it says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russias Vladimir Putin as a slave to war in a speech to the Munich Security Conference Saturday, adding that Russias attacks had damaged every power plant in the country. This handout photograph taken and released on February 14, 2026 by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service, shows Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich. AFP Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russias Vladimir Putin as a slave to war in a speech to the Munich Security Conference Saturday, adding that Russias attacks had damaged every power plant in the country. Zelensky also drew parallels between the current Russia-Ukraine talks over territorial concessions and the 1938 Munich Agreement, when Hitler forced territorial concessions from the European powers a year before World War II. Zelensky was speaking days before the fourth anniversary of Moscows invasion, which has killed hundreds of thousands, decimated eastern Ukraine and forced millions to flee. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kyiv and its Western allies have accused Moscow of deliberately freezing Ukraines population with its attacks on the energy grid. There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks, Zelensky said. Not one. But we still generate electricity, he added, praising the thousands of workers repairing the plants. Once again, he appealed to the West to deliver air-defence systems to Ukraine more quickly. Of Putin, who launched the war in February 2022, Zelensky said: He may see himself as a tsar, but in reality he is a slave to war. Russia and Ukraine will hold US-brokered talks next week, and Zelensky said Kyiv was doing everything to end the war. Security guarantees Zelensky also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich conference. Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from its Donetsk region and wants Kyiv to recognise its claim to the swathes of Ukraine that it occupies. Ukraine has ruled out surrendering its eastern regions. Of the talks so far, Zelensky said: The Americans often return to the topic of concessions, and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine. He also drew parallels between the current talks and the 1938 Munich Agreement, when European powers let Hitler take part of Czechoslovakia only for the Second World War to break out the following year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably ended by dividing Ukraine just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe from a great war, he warned. Kyiv was doing everything to end the war, he said, insisting that viable security guarantees were the only way to get to a deal and prevent future Russian aggression. With Russia, you cannot leave a single loophole Russians can use to start a war, he said. Zelensky again argued that there would be more chance of ending the war if European countries had a seat at the negotiating table something Russia has opposed. Next weeks talks in Geneva between the two sides will come after two rounds of US-Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi. In a social media post Zelensky said he had spoken by phone to US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner ahead of the talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We count on the meetings being truly productive, he added. But with no diplomatic breakthrough so far, the Ukrainian leader has called on his Western allies to make faster political decisions. Weapons evolve faster than political decisions meant to stop them, Zelensky said. The Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia was using had become much more deadly, he noted. Returning to the question of elections in Ukraine, Zelensky said they would be held once Kyiv received security guarantees and a ceasefire had been agreed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine requires a legally binding 20-year US security guarantee and clarity on EU membership before signing any peace agreement Zelenskyy urged Western allies to accelerate deliveries for air defence systems supplied to Kyiv, including Patriot and NASAMS missile systems. Ahead of trilateral talks with Russia and the United States scheduled for next week, Ukraines President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Saturday in Munich that Kyiv would not sign a peace deal without long-term security guarantees from Washington and a clear pathway to European Union membership. Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had been offered a 15-year security guarantee by the US but insisted that his country required a minimum 20-year, legally binding agreement detailing the specific support Washington would provide to a planned European reassurance force expected to operate inside Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that some EU officials had suggested Ukraine could join the bloc as early as 2027 and called for a definitive timeline. Zelenskyy said he hoped the trilateral meetings next week will be serious, substantive, helpful for all of us but, honestly, sometimes it feels like the sides are talking about completely different things. The Americans often return to the topic of concessions and too often those concessions are discussed only in the context of Ukraine, not Russia, he said. Europe-US tensions over security terms European leaders have voiced frustration over what they see as a reluctance by the US to define the security guarantees it is prepared to offer Ukraine before any agreement is signed. The issue remains a significant strain in relations between Washington and European capitals. In a speech welcomed by European leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, Europe and the US belong together and proposed working in partnership. However, he indicated that cooperation would depend on Washingtons conditions regarding climate, migration and tariffs, adding that the US was prepared to act independently if necessary. We prefer it and hope to do it together with you, our friends in Europe, Rubio said. He made limited reference to Russias invasion of Ukraine, apart from stating that the US had urged India to stop importing Russian oil, a claim Russia disputes. Donbas and peace conditions At a press conference, Zelenskyy said the US had told him that peace could come quickly if Ukraine withdrew from the Donbas region. He rejected the suggestion, saying Ukrainians live there and such a concession was not possible. He reiterated that Ukraine would only agree to terms backed by clear and durable security commitments from the US before any peace deal is concluded. February16 is being celebrated as Presidents Day in the United States. It is a day to honor all of Americas presidents -- beginning with George Washington, the first president. Along with Abraham Lincoln, another great president, Washington was born in the month of February. George Washington achieved lasting fame for leading Americans to victory in their long war for independence from Britain. Washington played a decisive role in the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the establishment of the American government. And as the countrys first president, he set an example of unselfish service and forbearance in the use of power that won the admiration of the world. Washington's leadership in peace and war was marked by his profound religious faith and his tolerance for the beliefs of others. A devout Christian, Washington believed that God was the source from which legitimate government derives authority and human rights are derived. One of the most important of these was the right to freedom of religion. In a letter to Baptists in Virginia, who were once persecuted by the colonial authorities, Washington wrote, "no one will be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against every species of religious persecution. A Protestant, Washington appointed Roman Catholics to important positions and spoke out against anti-Catholic prejudice. In a letter to a Jewish congregation in Rhode Island, he said the United States gives to religious "bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. To American Quakers, he wrote, the liberty enjoyed by the people of these states of worshiping Almighty God agreeable to their consciences is not only among the choicest of their blessings, but also of their rights. To Washington, tolerance was not in conflict with faith. True faith, in his view, required respect for the fundamental rights of others. In his farewell address, he urged Americans ever to act in accordance with their religious beliefs. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations, Washington said. "Religion and morality [require] this conduct." In his 2025 proclamation on Washingtons birthday, President Donald Trump noted, as our Nations first chief executive, President Washington was a key architect of our federal government and constitutional order. He was a visionary unifier, a fierce advocate for an America First foreign policy, and a man of devout faith. To this day, he lives on in our souls as the original American patriot, the face of the American Revolution, and a legendary titan of American liberty. Without Ukraine, discussions on European security are impossible Poroshenko following the Munich Conference Photo: Slawa TV Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko said following the Munich Security Conference that discussions on Europes security situation without Ukraine are impossible. Both during the war, which must be stopped, and after the war, as the most powerful army on the continent the Armed Forces of Ukraine will remain a key factor for security on the continent, he said in an interview with Polish broadcaster Slawa TV. According to him, conference participants demonstrated a growing awareness of the risks associated with a potential reduction of the U.S. role in European security, while the dominant view in Munich was recognition of Ukraines key role in ensuring security on the continent. if anyone raises the issue of the United States withdrawing from Europe, this would create a vacuum, and that vacuum would be filled. It would be filled by Russia through elements of hybrid warfare, support for radical left-wing and far-right regimes, and the use of democratic mechanisms to destroy democracy in Europe, he stressed. Poroshenko also underlined the importance of transatlantic unity. What unites us is not a shared history. What unites us is values. [] Therefore, the key result we must achieve is transatlantic unity, he said. The former president added that, in his view, Russia cannot be trusted. The only language Putin understands, and the one that can prevent further aggression, is the language of strength, Poroshenko reiterated. He noted that effective security guarantees for Ukraine require the presence of partner countries military contingents. What can stop a future attack by Putin? Not security guarantees if they are limited to weapons supplies, financing, and sanctions coordination. Security guarantees mean only one thing boots on the ground. The presence of armed forces of partner countries on Ukrainian territory. This is the only thing that can stop Putin from attacking, Poroshenko said. Poroshenko also stressed that Ukraines accelerated accession to NATO remains relevant, and that allied support is essential during the transition period. Russo-Ukraine War - 14 February 2026 - Day 1452 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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that the average daily Russian casualty rate during January 2026 was 1,023 according to Ukrainian General Staff reporting, a moderate decrease from 1,130 in December 2025. This follows four consecutive monthly increases in the average daily casualty rate from August 2025 to December 2025. Russia has likely sustained approximately 1,245,000 casualties (killed and wounded) since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and approximately 40,000 so far in 2026. Russian Ground Forces continue to attack along multiple areas of the frontline. Territorial gains in January 2026 are likely lower than November 2025 and December 2025, which is consistent with in-year trends. The most likely scenario for the next six months is a continuation of attritional warfare. Russian advances will remain primarily tactical, mostly in areas less well-defended by Ukrainian forces. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 191 combat encounters. The Russian opponent made 38 air strikes, dropped 129 controlled air bombs. In addition, he used 3068 kamikaze drones and carried out 2160 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. Seven clashes with the Russian enemy took place in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy carried out 135 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units, including four from the reactive systems of the fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of settlements of Staritsa, Vovchansk, Vovchansky Hutory, Rybalchina and towards Grafsky, Ohrimivka, Kolodiazny. Ukrainian units repelled ten attacks, another combat confrontation is currently underway. Four attacks were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyansky direction, in the areas of the settlements of Pishnetia, Borivska Andriyivka and towards Petropavlivka, Glushkivka. Three more clashes are underway. In the Lyman direction Ukrainian soldiers stopped nine attacks, in the area of Grekivka and in the direction of Stavkiv, Drobishevy, Lyman. In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attempts to advance towards Platonivka, Rai-Oleksandrivka and in the areas of Dronivka, Yampol, Zakitnogo. Two clashes are underway. In the direction of Kramators komu, the Russians tried to advance three times in the position of Ukrainian troops, towards Novodmitrivka and in the area of Predtecynogo. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today 13 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Pleshiyivka, Sofiyivka, Scherbinivka and towards Illinivka, Konstantinivka. The Russian enemy committed 55 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of settlements Zatishok, Rodinske, Myrnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Molodetske, Novomikolaivka, Dachne and towards settlements Vilne, Bilitske, New Shahove, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Sergiyivka and Ivanivka. Fights are still going on in some locations. According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction, Ukrainian soldiers have eliminated 85 Russian invaders and wounded 23; destroyed 40 unmanned aircraft, seven car transport units and a special equipment unit, as well as two car equipment units and 21 Russian takeover. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped four Russian attacks in the areas of Vyshnevy and Zlagoda. 19 Russian attacks took place in the Gulyaipil direction - in the areas of Gulyaipol, Rybnoy and in the direction of Zelenoy, Dobropillya, Zaliznychny, Pryluk. Russian air strikes were suffered by Verhnya Tersa, Girke, Vozdvizhivka, Voskresenka, Samijlivka and Forest. In the Orihiv direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Primorskogo. Air strikes by controlled air bombs were affected by the districts of the settlements of Orihiv, Veselyanka, Julievka. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Defense Forces repelled one Russian attack. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Troops of a mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a border detachment of the Ukrainian border service have been neutralised close to Novay Sech, Grafskoye, and Miropolye (Sumy region). In Kharkov region, units of three mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hit near Ternovaya and Prikolotnoye (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 190 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and an artillery gun. Two ammunition depots and six materiel depots were neutralised. The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, an assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade near Drobyshevo, Krasny Liman, Svyatogorsk, Shchurovo (Donetsk People's Republic), and Borovaya (Kharkov region). The AFU lost more than 160 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles including a U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, and a Canadian-made Senator armoured vehicle. Fifteen motor vehicles, a field artillery gun, and three ammunition depots were neutralised. The Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Three mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine brigade, and a national guard brigade were defeated near Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Minkovka, Golubovka, Krivaya Luka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 155 troops, two UK-made Spartan armoured personnel carriers, and five armoured vehicles including two Western-made armoured vehicles. Sixteen motor vehicles, an artillery gun, an electronic warfare station, an ammunition depot, and three materiel depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops engaged manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, an airmobile brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a territorial defence brigade, and three national guard brigades close to Grishino, Belitskoye, Kucherov Yar, Zavido-Kudashevo (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 280 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Russian elements engaged a mechanised brigade, two assault brigades, two air assault brigades, and four assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Bratskoye, Kolomiytsy, Kommunarovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Zelenaya Dibrova, and Barvinovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy lost more than 415 troops, 14 armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, and an electronic warfare station. The Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade and a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hit near Orekhov, Veselyanka, Yulyevka, Grigorovka, and Novoaleksandrovka (Zaporozhye region). Up to 30 troops, 20 motor vehicles, two electronic warfare stations, and one ammunition depot were neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on the energy and transport infrastructure used for the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the central missile and artillery weapons base, long-range unmanned aerial vehicles storage and launch areas as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 154 areas. Air defence systems shot down eight U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 118 fixed-wing UAVs. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy has lost: 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 114,075 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,679 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,664 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,277 field artillery guns and mortars, and 54,365 units of support military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Featured Lets coffee our cocoa - Ace Anan Ankomah writes Ace Anan Ankomah Opinion Feb - 15 - 2026 , 12:52 3 minutes read This morning, and probably against my better judgement, I decided to follow the debates surrounding the recent tanking of cocoa farm gate prices in Ghana. As expected it was again, almost all about the crippling, debilitating, partisan, binary, zero-sum-game: whodunnit and who-do-we-hail-or-threaten-to-jail-for-what-we-dont-even-know-yet. Damp squib! Do these people even talk to each other? END OF STORY? So I went to my two favourite AI tools to have separate debates with the machines. I played ones arguments against the other, in the hope that they arent communicating with themselves behind my back. I put to them, my long-held theory: Ghana must absolutely learn from what I consider the Ethiopian arabica coffee model, by which their coffee commands high prices not only due to quality and specialty demand, but also to strong local consumption (there are 150 million Ethiopians and an estimated 90% of adults there who regularly drink coffee), which strengthens its market position and pricing power. The machines and I have been arguing back and forth. Politely. They have even learned from me, and preface what they send to me with the very Ghanaian opening, please. But we finally agreed on the following things that Ghana could do, learning from the Ethiopian experience: 1 Build a National Cocoa Culture Ethiopia didnt just export coffee; it made coffee identity. Ghana must make chocolate and cocoa drinks everyday staples, not occasional treats. A product consumed at home gains resilience abroad. 2 Expand Local Processing and SMEs Exporting raw beans exports jobs and margins. Grinding, manufacturing and branding at home multiply value. Ghana should deliberately move local value addition from near negligible levels toward 2530% over time. That shift means jobs, skills and pricing power. 3 Target the Mass Market Premium chocolate alone will not transform the sector. Scale comes from affordable products for ordinary households. Volume builds industries; elites do not. 4 Build a Serious Made-in-Ghana Brand Ghanaian cocoa is respected globally. Ghanaian chocolate is not. That gap is strategic failure. Coming up with the brand name Golden Tree was genius; but, Im sorry, the actual product isnt gold-standard. The goal must shift from we grow cocoa to we produce world-class chocolate. 5 Align Policy with Market Creation Domestic demand does not emerge accidentally. It is engineered. Tax incentives, structured procurement for schools, public institutions, events, hotels, restaurants, plus consistent regulatory support could anchor a stable internal market. The days old announcements of reform are welcome. But we have heard it all before. Implementation is what counts. CONCLUDING THOUGHT Success is not natural or organic; it is deliberate and intentional. If Ethiopia could turn culture into economic leverage, Ghana can do the same with cocoa. The alternative is to keep arguing about prices while exporting opportunity. But what do I know? Im just a busybody of a prematurely semi-retired lawyer who would rather argue with machines than with humans. So kindly reject this with all the contempt it deserves, also because I did this while drinking a cup of Ethiopian Arabic coffee that my friend Dr Takyi brought to me yesterday after his return from Ethiopia. Black. No sugar. No cream. Yup, I like my poisons pure. they call me Ace 15226 Featured Planned US-funded baby vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau blasted by WHO bbc.com International News Feb - 15 - 2026 , 12:42 3 minutes read A now-halted plan to run a hepatitis B vaccine trial involving thousands of newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been criticised by the World Health Organization as "unethical". The US-funded study had sought to give one set of babies the vaccine at birth, while another would have had the shot delayed until six weeks of age. The WHO said it had "significant concerns" about the plan, and described the birth-dose vaccine as "an effective and essential public health intervention, with a proven record". The US health department, headed by Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has questioned the effects of vaccines, had sought to use the trial to answer questions about the jab's broader health effects. The WHO said on Friday that its concerns regarded the study's scientific justification, ethical safeguards and consistency with established standards for research involving humans. It stressed that the jab had been used for more than three decades in more than 115 countries. The WHO said giving a proven life-saving intervention to some newborns but not others exposed them to "potentially irreversible harm". A sizeable portion of Guinea-Bissau's population is estimated to have hepatitis B, and the WHO says vaccination at birth prevents the virus being transmitted from mother to baby in 70-95% of cases. It argued that trials giving one group a placebo or not treating them were only acceptable when no proven treatment existed, something that was not the case with the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine. The WHO recommends that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. It says infection at birth is the most common way of having a lifelong infection, with 90% of infected newborns becoming chronic carriers. In Guinea-Bissau, the dose is currently given at six weeks, though authorities plan to introduce the birth dose nationwide by 2028 to align with global standards, something the WHO said it would help accelerate. A total of 14,000 babies in the West African country were due to be involved in the study funded by the US and led by Danish researchers. But public outrage at the project prompted the Guinea-Bissau government to suspend it last month. 'We are not guinea pigs' Critics have questioned why babies in the African country were being proposed for the trial. Two months ago, a panel of top advisers voted to stop recommending that all newborns in the US receive a hepatitis B vaccine. The panel was appointed by the US Health Secretary Kennedy, who had fired all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) months earlier and replaced them with others critical of vaccines. Kennedy has on several occasions denied being against vaccinations and has said he and his children had been vaccinated, but has also repeatedly stated widely debunked claims about vaccine harms. Vocal opponents of the project in Guinea-Bissau include the country's former health minister, Magda Robalo. "It's not acceptable and it should not go on," she told the science journal Nature last month. "Guinea-Bissauans are not guinea pigs." More than 12% of the country's adult population has chronic Hepatitis B, according to the WHO. Smaller studies by other researchers have estimated the proportion could be as high as one in five. Most people with the virus do not have any symptoms, or have very mild symptoms. But some people can experience jaundice, dark urine, feeling very tired, nausea, vomiting and pain in the abdomen. The WHO says chronic patients have a high risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Featured When love defies leprosy and stigma Efia Akese Life Feb - 14 - 2026 , 20:28 6 minutes read Many years ago, when Mr John Ampao met his wife, Josephine, in Lagos, Nigeria, their dream was simple, like that of most immigrants to work hard, earn a decent income and raise their family without struggle. Life in Lagos was not easy, but it was promising. Mr Ampao, a trained visual artist, ran an art gallery where he created and sold paintings. Josephine, a food vendor, also supported the home while caring for their growing family. Then one morning, everything started changing. I woke up one day and noticed some hard patches on my body. They were painless but very hard. I thought it was just a skin condition, so I kept buying medicine from pharmacies. But instead of getting better, it kept growing. At night, I would feel very hot, Mr Ampao told this reporter at the Weija Leprosarium in Accra last Tuesday. In a short while, his whole body developed wounds and people started avoiding him. When I enter public places, people would move away. It was painful, he recounted. Then, Josephine in her early 30s became the bread winner of the family juggling her food business, while caring for three young children and a bed-ridden husband. Inside Mr Ampaos art gallery at the Weija Leprosarium in Accra When her husbands condition continued to deteriorate, close friends advised that she left as she was too young to carry on such burdens and also risked getting infected with the condition. People told me to leave him. Even close friends said, Why are you staying with this man? But my mother encouraged me. She said, Stay. God will take control. They said, Why would you marry this man with a sickness like this? It is better you leave him and find your way. Some reminded her that she barely knew his extended family when she married him in Lagos. Others insisted she was still young enough to start over. We had three children. I could not leave him. I believe in prayer. I believed God would heal him. It was difficult. I sold food by the roadside. I would cook early in the morning, sell, come back and take care of him and the children. It wasnt easy, but by Gods grace, we managed, she said. Returning home for diagnosis and treatment Mr Ampao said when all efforts to treat his condition failed, he was advised by a Ghanaian medical student to return home for treatment. I went to Nigeria in search of better opportunities, now there I was, returning home with this condition. But where was the money even for transportation back home? I had equipment, computers everything for my art business. I had to sell things earlier to raise money to buy my medicine. At one point, I couldnt even walk. My wife had to rally around and find money for my transport. When she finally raised enough and we got to the bus station, no driver wanted to carry me. People would see me and refuse. Eventually, we managed to get a taxi to the border. It was very humiliating, he recounted. In Ghana, his family sent him to the Ho Leprosarium for treatment. Josephine returned to Lagos to look after the children, making the long journey back to visit him whenever she could. There, he was put on Multidrug Therapy (MDT) the approved treatment for leprosy. I want to say this clearly: leprosy is curable. I took the medication consistently. Slowly, the deformities stopped progressing. Today, I am healed though I still have some scars, Mr Ampao said showing some scars on his hands. Asked if his fingers were affected, he explained, Yes. My fingers became stiff. I was advised to massage them regularly with shea butter. There are two types of leprosy. The more severe type can cause numbness you wont feel pain even if you step on a nail or put your hand in fire. Thats how people lose fingers and toes. But by Gods grace and the medication, I did not lose my hands. God knew I was an artist and needed my hands to work again. Even in treatment, he refused to let the disease take his gift. With a jotter and pencil always beside him, he practiced his sketches daily, determined not to lose the hands that defined him as an artist. As his condition improved and he was eventually declared cured, he began to gain recognition as the resident artist at the centre. His sketches, once a quiet form of therapy, started attracting attention from visitors and staff alike. After about three years at the Ho Leprosarium, Rev. Fr Andrew Campbell, the Founder of the Lepers Aid Committee, visited the facility and noticed his remarkable talent. Impressed by both his resilience and his art, Fr Campbell advised him to relocate to the Weija Leprosarium to establish his gallery. From stigma to spotlight For close to 14 years, Mr Ampao has been based at the Weija Leprosarium, using his art not only to support his family but also to raise funds for the centre. Through his paintings, he contributes to the rehabilitation of other residents, turning his personal journey into a source of hope for many. At his studio, Jonny Art Gallery, many beautiful paintings line the walls landscapes, portraits and expressive pieces he displays with quiet pride. Each artwork tells a story of resilience, faith and restoration. Over the years, he has also painted portraits of well-known public figures, further cementing his reputation as a gifted and respected artist. Celebrating love He is a good man. He should continue to trust God. I believe God will help us. It was not easy but by Gods grace, we managed, Josephine responded to what kept her strong during the difficult times. For Mr Ampao, today on Valentines Day, gratitude fills the space where illness once lived. In Africa, it is stigma that draws us away from good things. Because of stigma, people run from the sick. But leprosy is curable. He turned to his wife and said, If there is any award in this world, it belongs to you. I love you. I love my children. With God, all things are possible. He speaks of their three children with pride one in the university, another studying ICT and one learning visual art under his guidance. Before the interview ended, he looked directly at Josephine. Since you stood with me, God will stand by you and our children. As our mouths have become one, our children will become pillars in this family. One day, when we cannot stand, they will carry us. Then, softly he added, Thank you very much. I love you. Sam George: Russian suspect to face Ghanas laws, even if tried in absentia Previous article: Sam George: Russian suspect to face Ghanas laws, even if tried in absentia Featured President Mahama to present AU-backed slave trade resolution at UN General Assembly in March Mohammed Ali Feb - 15 - 2026 , 10:40 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama will present a resolution to the UN General Assembly in March seeking global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, the Presidency has announced. In a statement issued on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Presidency said the resolution has been adopted by the African Union, paving the way for its submission to the global body. President Mahama disclosed this in his report to the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government, where he spoke in his role as the African Union Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations. All peoples of African descent have been waiting for this day. The truth cannot be buried. The legal foundations are sound; the moral imperative is undeniable, he was quoted as saying in the statement. The Presidency said the resolution, first announced by President Mahama during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, forms part of sustained continental efforts to place Africas reparations agenda before the international community. President Mahama reported progress in setting up continental mechanisms on reparations, including the AU Coordination Team on Reparations, the AU Committee of Experts on Reparations, and a Reference Group of Legal Experts to provide legal and technical guidance. He described the AUs designation of 2025 as the Year of Justice for Africans through Reparations as a strategic policy step rather than a symbolic gesture, adding that the move marked a shift in Africas pursuit of redress for the legacies of transatlantic enslavement, colonialism and apartheid. President Mahama, according to the Presidency, urged member states to establish national reparations commissions, engage formally with historical perpetrator states, and support the proposed Decade of Reparations to sustain momentum beyond the commemorative year. Reparatory justice will not be handed to us. Like political independence, it must be asserted, pursued and secured through determination and unity, he said. The statement said the AU engaged institutions, including UNESCO and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent throughout 2025 to place Africas reparations agenda within global discussions on cultural restitution, historical truth-telling and emerging international concerns. Major continental and international meetings held from Accra to Madrid, and culminating in the 9th Pan-African Congress in Lome, were cited as advancing debate on reparations as tools for justice, dignity and development. The Presidency said President Mahama has called on current African leaders to pursue justice and restore dignity to African peoples. The presentation of the AU-backed resolution at the UN General Assembly in March, the statement added, will mark a milestone in Africas campaign for global acknowledgement and redress of historical injustices. Featured Ga Traditional Council praises Haruna Iddrisu for statesmanship in Google AI language dispute GraphicOnline Feb - 15 - 2026 , 21:32 3 minutes read A Senior Adviser to the Ga Mantse, HE Nii Amarkai Amarteifio, has praised the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for what he described as gravitas and statesmanship in resolving a dispute over the exclusion of the GaDangme language from Googles Artificial Intelligence pilot programme. The commendation follows a period of concern within GaDangme circles after the language was omitted from the initial piloting phase of the global technology initiative. Acting at the invitation of the Ga Mantse, Nii Amarkai Amarteifio stepped in to mediate the impasse, engaging key stakeholders to address the matter. His intervention culminated in a high-level meeting between a delegation led by the Minister and His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Tsuru III, where issues surrounding language inclusion were discussed and resolved. While acknowledging the Ministers apology over the development, the Senior Adviser underscored the historic significance of the GaDangme language, describing it as central to national communication, particularly within the broadcasting space. He noted that its omission at the piloting stage was shocking given its longstanding cultural and historical relevance. The remarks were made during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Lamashegu Traditional Area in Tamale, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu, at the Cantonments residence of Nii Amarkai Amarteifio in La-Accra. The visit was intended to express gratitude to the Ga Traditional Council for what was described as diplomatic and tactical leadership in resolving the controversy. In a personal tribute, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu recounted a past encounter involving the Minister. Let me say this, some years back, Haruna Iddrisu at the America embassy in Accra here save my daughter, when she presented herself for the application of Visa. A problem arose and my daughter had nowhere to turned to, suddenly Haruna stepped in, and provided all that my daughter needed. Haruna may not remember, but our family would forever be grateful for that singular gesture he said. The meeting was facilitated by Prince-Derek Adjei, a former President of the GaDangme Youth and a royal from La. Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu, who was enskinned only a month ago, explained that his visit to Accra had a dual purpose. Aside from paying homage to the Senior Adviser to the Ga Mantse, he said he had also come to commiserate with Haruna Iddrisu and the Deputy Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, following a road accident. The two officials were involved in a crash on the Bolga-Tumu Road on Thursday, February 12, 2026, while travelling on official duties in the Sissala West Constituency. They were subsequently treated at the 37 Military Hospital. The Lamashegu chief stressed that Ghanas collective identity is deeply rooted in its customs and traditions. As a royal himself, he said, the Minister understands the weight of the chieftaincy institution and acted swiftly to ensure that no action undermined the sacred relationship between the state and traditional authorities. Providing an update on the Ministers health, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu assured Nii Amarkai Amarteifio that Hon. Iddrisu was in good condition and disclosed that he and the other victims of the accident were expected to be discharged by midday on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The resolution of the language dispute has since been interpreted by traditional leaders as a reminder of the need for inclusive technological advancement that reflects Ghanas diverse linguistic heritage. Sam George: Russian suspect to face Ghanas laws, even if tried in absentia Next article: Sam George: Russian suspect to face Ghanas laws, even if tried in absentia Featured Ghanaian tomato traders caught in Burkina Faso terror attack Mohammed Ali Feb - 15 - 2026 , 13:40 1 minute read The Ministry for the Interior has confirmed that a truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Saturday February 14, 2026. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, described the information received from Burkina Faso as disturbing. He indicated that the attack targeted a military camp in Titao, where installations were damaged during the assault, according to local reports. The Government of Ghana has received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the statement said. The Ministry said the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso was liaising with Burkinabe authorities to visit the scene, gather details and assist in identifying any Ghanaians affected. Titao, in northern Burkina Faso, has faced repeated armed attacks in recent years and has been under siege by Islamist militants since 2019. The Ministry said more information would be communicated to the public as details become available. President Lula looks to put an end to the 6x1 schedule, and Congress is debating over how much the 44-hour work week will be cut Rick Azevedo, a resident of Rio de Janeiro, had been going from job to job for 12 years. All his positions had one thing in common: six consecutive work days, with one day off. On a Sunday night in 2023, consumed by exhaustion, he told himself that enough was enough. His boss had just called to ask him to come in early to his Monday shift as a pharmacy assistant. Feeling powerless and angry, the Brazilian grabbed his phone and logged into TikTok to vent. When are we, the working class, going to start a revolution in this country against the 6x1 schedule? [] Its an obsolete slavery, he said. An infinite number of security guards, mall workers, supermarket cash register operators, Burger King employees and staff at 24-hour convenience stores immediately identified with his complaint. Quickly, the view count for Azevedos catharsis reached into the hundreds of thousands. The clip kicked off an uprising of Brazilian workers. Politicians took note. A little over two years later, the reduction of the workweek and the vindication of the right of workers to free time is at the center of political debate. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is promoting a shorter workday for the same amount of pay as one of his primary rallying calls for the October elections. No right is as urgent today as the right to time, the president emphasized during his Christmas address. Its not right to work hard for six days and only have one to care for the body and the mind, to spend time with ones family, have fun, and raise ones kids. They were the words of a president who was once a worker and union leader. In Congress, various pieces of legislation to cut down the workweek are already being debated. And so, the most-populated country in Latin America has joined the global movement for more free time and better compensation. Official numbers suggest some 33 million Brazilians (two-thirds of those with formal employment) work from 41 to 44 hours a week, a large part of them in the 6x1 schedule. Most of them are mixed-race or Black and earn less than two minimum wages. Lulas team has enthusiastically embraced the cause, with an eye to the middle class and this years elections. While the poorest Brazilians remain loyal to the president and the Workers Party, much of the countrys middle class commerce and service industry employees, Uber drivers, entrepreneurs, etc. distrust them. Many are convinced that improvements in their lives are due solely to personal effort, and that public assistance discourages people from working. With his pledge to end the 6x1 policy and a major tax cut that has just come into effect, Lula hopes to win over part of the right-wing electorate. The politician recently reminded the country that hes been advocating for shorter working hours for 45 years. His government supports a reduction to a maximum of 40 hours a week, with two days off, and claims that it will even improve productivity, one of Brazils major weaknesses. Business leaders warn that the change is a threat to jobs. Azevedo, the 32-year-old pharmacy worker who sparked this debate, recently spoke with this newspaper during the Rio city councils summer recess. Voters elected him as a councilor in 2024. He never dreamed that his outburst, not to mention he himself, would get this far. A pharmacy in a subway station in Sao Paulo is part of a sector that often requires a 6x1 workweek of its employees. Lela Beltrao When his video went viral, Azevedo started looking for accomplices on social media, and together, they formed the Vida Alem do Trabalho (Life Beyond Work, in Portuguese) movement. Soon, the Socialism and Freedom Party (onetime political home of the assassinated Marielle Franco) recognized the groups potential, and recruited Azevedo. The son of a retired janitor, he left his job and the 6x1 to enter politics. If we begin 2026 with the working class as a national priority, its due to the pressure exercised by workers on Congress and the government, Azevedo says by telephone, satisfied and surprised. Its very promising that we have gotten here in such a short time. Councilor Azevedo says that the 6x1 means not having a life outside of work, depriving workers of the most basic rights: time to spend on ones health, self-care, family, religion and pleasure and when it comes to women, were talking about double or triple shifts. He also has a message for conservative legislators, who have been hesitant to adopt the cause: You cant say you support the family and not defend the end of the 6x1. A janitor in a Sao Paulo mall at the end of January. Lela Beltrao Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ghana to lay wreath at New York burial ground ahead of UN reparations resolution Mohammed Ali Feb - 15 - 2026 , 17:46 3 minutes read Ghana will lay a wreath at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City on March 24 2026, as part of events leading to the presentation of a slavery resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, President John Dramani Mahama has announced. The President announced this on Sunday, February 15, 2026, during a press conference at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, where he spoke in his role as the African Union Champion for Reparations. President Mahama said the ceremony would take place a day before Ghana tables the resolution at the General Assembly. On March 24, Ghana will host a high-level side event at the United Nations, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York, he said. What cannot be undone can be acknowledged, and acknowledgement is the first step toward justice. The monument, located in Lower Manhattan near City Hall, is described by the United States National Park Service as the oldest and largest excavated burial ground in North America for free and enslaved Africans. Historical records indicate that about 15,000 people were buried at the site between the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The location was rediscovered in 1991 during excavation works for a federal office building. President Mahama said the wreath laying formed part of diplomatic engagements linked to the resolution. From February 20 Ghana will hold meetings in New York with the Caribbean Community, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and China, the European Union and other regional groupings. Informal consultations on the draft text are scheduled between February 23 and March 2026. On March 25 2026, observed internationally as the day of remembrance for victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, Ghana will table the resolution at the General Assembly with co-sponsors and backing from the African Union. Mr Mahama clarified that the submission is intended for the Assembly rather than the Security Council, correcting earlier references made during summit proceedings. The resolution bears the title Declaration of the Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity. Mr Mahama said the wording reflects the scale of trafficking, the racial basis of chattel enslavement and the lasting effects of those actions. The African Union Assembly adopted the decision to endorse the resolution by consensus at its session, giving Ghana what Mr Mahama described as a clear and unified continental mandate. Earlier in February, Ghana hosted a meeting in Accra bringing together African Union experts and legal advisers who reviewed the draft text. Mr Mahama said the initiative draws on historical record, legal grounding and alignment between Africa and the diaspora. He referred to the prohibition of slavery under international law as a peremptory norm from which no derogation is permitted. The initiative is not directed at any nation. It is directed toward truth, recognition and reconciliation, he said. African enslavement and racialised chattel enslavement were foundational crimes that shaped the modern world, and their consequences continue to appear in structural inequality, racial discrimination and economic disparity. Recognition is not about division. Ghanas next engagement is scheduled for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community later in February. Mr Mahama said support from Caribbean states reflects shared historical ties between Africa and the region. The African Union assigned Ghana the reparations mandate following the adoption of Decision 884 in February 2024, which declared 2025 the Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations. In September 2025, Mr Mahama announced Ghanas intention to present the resolution at the United Nations session in New York. The African Burial Ground National Monument stands at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and is administered by the United States National Park Service. The Galaxy S26 series launch is officially happening on February 25. There will be three models as usual we already had a close look at all the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks, now its time to do the same for the other two models. Here is what we think we know about Samsungs upcoming flagships. No Pro, No Edge Samsung never officially confirmed it, but it was reportedly developing a Galaxy S26 Pro to replace the vanilla model and a Galaxy S26 Edge to replace the Plus model. Poor sales of the S25 Edge made sure that the latter isnt happening. As for the S26 Pro, were not sure what killed that project, but it may have been a simple re-branding, anyway. Whatever the case may be, the S26 Pro and S26 Edge are not happening. Last minute changes The decision to cancel the S26 Edge came pretty late and insiders claim that Samsung had to scramble to get the Galaxy S26+ ready in time. This means that the Plus model will miss out on a display upgrade the 2026 model should use an almost identical display to the S25+. It should get better glass (see below), but thats about it. Samsung Galaxy S26+ (speculative renders) The Galaxy S26 may be a bit taller but lighter Unlike its Plus sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is getting an upgraded display. It will reportedly feature a new 6.27 panel, up from the 6.16 panel of its predecessors (expect this to be rounded up to 6.3 in most spec sheets). The vanilla S26 will be around 3mm taller and 1mm wider than its predecessor, according to a yet unconfirmed leak. The thickness should remain the same. You can see a size breakdown in the table below: Galaxy S25 Galaxy S26 Galaxy S25+ Galaxy S26+ Display 6.2 6.3 6.7 6.7 Height 146.9mm 149.6mm 158.4mm 158.4mm Width 70.5mm 71.7mm 75.8mm 75.8mm Thickness 7.2mm 7.2mm 7.3mm 7.3mm Weight 162g 137g 190g 190g Battery 4,000mAh 4,300mAh 4,900mAh 4,900mAh The vanilla model will come with a bigger battery, but more on that in a moment. For now, lets highlight the expected weight it has been a long while since weve seen a mass-market smartphone under 140g. Assuming these numbers are correct, of course. Weve also seen 167g get thrown around (that would be 5g more than the S25). One unconfirmed report suggests that all three models will use Gorilla Armor 2 glass, the special anti-reflective glass that was featured only on last years Ultra. Take this with a grain of salt, though. Additionally, the new Privacy Screen will be exclusive to the Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S26 (speculative renders) Batteries and charging speeds As you already saw above, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ will have the same 4,900mAh battery capacity as its predecessor a TUV certification from a couple of months ago confirmed it. It will support the same 45W wired as its predecessor plus slightly faster 20W wireless charging (up from 15W). As for the vanilla model, Samsung supposedly managed to squeeze 300mAh more capacity into the Galaxy S26, giving it a total of 4,300mAh. Weve seen some rumors that the S26 will be bumped up to 45W charging, but well believe it when we see it. Magnetic cases for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ Note that the S26 series will not have built-in magnets. This was confirmed by the WPC certification, which listed all three phones with Qi 2.2.1 Base Power Profile support only (no Magnetic profile). Buyers who want to use magnetic charging and/or other magnetic accessories will have to buy a magnetic case first. That wont stop Samsung from selling a magnetic Qi2 charger and a magnetic Qi2 power bank, though. The charger advertises 25W max speed, which is what the S26 Ultra will support, the other two will top out at 20W. The power bank will be able to send 15W to the phone and can itself be charged at up to 20W over USB-C. 25W magnetic Qi2 charger 25W magnetic Qi2 charger 15W magnetic Qi2 power bank Exynos 2600 in some markets, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in others Recently, a Korean Galaxy S26 was spotted running Geekbench with an Exynos 2600. Before that, a US-bound unit ran the benchmark with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. In other words, be prepared for another regional split. This applies to the Galaxy S26+ too, by the way. Only the S26 Ultra will use Snapdragon chips exclusively. Now, the Snapdragon should be pretty familiar at this point. There is a chance that it will be a for Galaxy model, but that shouldnt make much of a difference. At least not judging by these benchmark results. Do keep in mind that the performance of pre-release hardware and software may not be indicative of the performance of the retail unit. Geekbench 6 Single-core Multi-core Galaxy S26 (Snapdragon) 3378 SD 8 Elite Gen 5 12GB RAM Galaxy S26 (Exynos) 3315 Exynos 2600 12GB RAM Galaxy S25 3175 SD 8 Elite for Galaxy 256GB, 12GB RAM Galaxy S26 (Exynos) 11310 Exynos 2600 12GB RAM Galaxy S26 (Snapdragon) 11097 SD 8 Elite Gen 5 12GB RAM Galaxy S25 10050 SD 8 Elite for Galaxy 256GB, 12GB RAM Here are a few key details about the Exynos 2600. It is the worlds first 2nm mobile chipset as it is fabbed on Samsung Foundrys 2nm GAA node. It has a 10-core CPU using ARM C1 cores (one Ultra at 3.8GHz, three Pro cores at 3.25GHz and six lower-power Pro cores at 2.75GHz). This is paired with an Xclipse 960 GPU. According to Samsung, the CPU on the new chipset is 39% faster than that of its predecessor, while the GPU offers 50% higher ray tracing performance. The new NPU offers a massive 113% improvement for those all-important AI apps. 256GB base storage for the Galaxy S26, no changes for the S26+ While the S25 finally got the bump up to 12GB of RAM, it still had 128GB as its base storage. Thats not great on any phone, least of all on a flagship. But thats in the past now. Leaks show that the Galaxy S26 will be offered in 256GB and 512GB options, the same as the Galaxy S26+. Camera improvements... maybe? Samsung has started teasing the upcoming Galaxy S26 series with several short videos that highlight camera improvements. They dont promise anything concrete, though. Leaks, meanwhile, paint a harsh picture of reality the Galaxy S26 will reuse the Galaxy S25 cameras. This means a 50MP main with a 1/1.56 sensor, a 10MP 3x telephoto with a 1/3.94 sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide with a 1/2.55 sensor. The S26+ will, as usual, have the same camera setup as its vanilla sibling. Some of you will be keen to point out that these arent really the S25s cameras they are basically the same as the S24 and S23 cameras. And that is indeed true, which could spell trouble for Samsung when it comes time to compare the new S-models with the iPhone 17 series. Satellite communication Another thing that Samsung fell behind on is adopting satellite communication. The Galaxy S26 series will finally fix that as the FCC listings for the US variants of the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra include Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and Supplemental Coverage From Space (SCS). They may even get satellite voice calls too. Do keep in mind that hardware capabilities also depend on local rules, regulations and availability of satellite services. One more thing the vanilla Galaxy S26 should finally feature UWB connectivity and close the gap to the Plus and Ultra models. This is important as it enables direction finding when tracking smart tags. New prices You didnt think that upgrading the base storage on the Galaxy S26 to 256GB will be free, did you? One report claims that this model will cost a bit extra. The 512GB variant, meanwhile, will be a bit cheaper. The Galaxy S26+ should cost the same as its predecessor if you go for the 256GB option, while the 512GB variant could see a small adjustment. We dont have concrete numbers for either model, unfortunately. Of course, during the pre-order period, Samsung will most likely offer free storage upgrades (i.e. selling 512GB models for the price of a 256GB unit), plus other perks like trade-in bonuses and a small discount ($30/30) for people who joined the pre-reservation program. Specs overview for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ Here is a detailed spec sheet for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ based on the leaks so far. It goes without saying that the information below could be wrong or incomplete. When he was eight years old, Markus Lidman realized he was different from the other children in Pitea, a town in northern Sweden. They had all inherited the same pale skin tone as their parents. He, on the other hand, was dark-skinned. I decided to ask them if they were really my parents, and they told me they had adopted me in Colombia in 1982. They sat with me and showed me a video of the orphanage, he recalls. He had been born Luis Alberto Sanchez in Cali, a hot city 7,000 mile away. Like 4,500 other Swedes born between 1970 and 2000, his Colombian parents had abandoned him. Or at least thats what the adoption papers said, without providing any details. From that moment on, Markus began to feel a void that he still feels at age 43. Questions started popping up for my biological mother: Why did you abandon me? Wasnt I lovable enough? Did you have a drug addiction and couldnt take care of me? he says via video call after finishing his shift as a waiter at a pub. He believes the lack of answers has affected him at different times. I panicked about women leaving me. I did everything to avoid it. And when my girlfriends dumped me, I attempted suicide, he says before saying that he now is married and has a daughter. Years later, I did drugs and stupid things. When you have a hole, you fill it with shit. Markus Lidman. CORTESIA Markus decided to look for his mother. The problem was that he only had the scant information from his documents. All they say is her name, and I think its made up. When I Google it, all that comes up is an inventor from the 1900s with a mustache, he explains. He asked for help in Facebook groups and thats where, a year and a half ago, he met Mikael Kjelleros. Hes something of a celebrity among Swedish adoptees: he found his Colombian mother in 2024 and now helps others. He recommended that Markus take a DNA test on MyHeritage, a platform that has genetic data on some 10 million people worldwide. That didnt work either. However, meeting Mikael was a turning point for Markus. Both are children of single mothers, born in Cali in the 1980s, and both lived in the same orphanage, with adoptive parents who stayed at the same hotel when they came to pick them up. The difference is that Mikael has found his mother, and she has told him that she didnt abandon him: on the eighth day after he was born, she went to the hospital to see him in the incubator, and the nurses told her that he was no longer there, that some relatives had already taken him. Markus hopes to find a similar answer. I think that, just like in Mikaels case, something bad happened to me and my mother, he says. A Swedish government report, published in June 2025, gives weight to these suspicions. Sweden cooperated with countries where structural risks existed and accepted procedures that would not have been acceptable within the national system, the text states. Thousands of women in the Global South, from Colombia to India, were deceived or coerced into signing documents consenting to the adoption of their children. There were children declared orphans when they were not, exorbitant payments to intermediaries, and documents containing false information. Sixty thousand adoptions were registered between 1969 and 2022, of which 5,698 originated in Colombia. The peak was in the 1980s, when private adoptions were still permitted, with lawyers processing the paperwork without oversight from the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). Mikael Kjelleros. CORTESIA Tobias Hubinette, a professor of Intercultural Studies at Karlstad University, who was adopted in South Korea, explains in a video call that the Swedish state had two main motivations for joining the wave of international adoptions promoted by the United States after the Korean War (19501953). On the one hand, to provide children for Swedish couples who could not have them for medical reasons. On the other, because of the belief that in this way it could help what they called the Third World, which they considered to be overpopulated. The state didnt care that these were corrupt adoptions because they thought it was for the greater good. They believed that the children would be better off here than in countries with wars and poverty, he explains. A baby carrier Helena Wager, born in Medellin in 1973, says time and again that she has a happy life. I have three children, a husband of 28 years, and a granddaughter. Im a yoga teacher; I give classes. Im a very happy woman. With a wonderful family, with wonderful friends. I have nothing to complain about, she says in a video call from her car, bundled up against the Stockholm winter chill. She adds that her adoptive parents have supported her in everything. But something has weighed heavily on her since she was a teenager and intensified when she had children: The only pain I feel is the disconnection from my history. Theres something in my heart, like a feeling of loneliness, something genetic. I need to know what happened to me and to my Colombian parents. Colombian document for leaving the country, as shown by Helena Wager. CORTESIA She gives a quick summary of her story. I was taken from my mother as soon as I was born because, apparently, she couldnt take care of me. I was taken to a convent, and then a baby carrier for European families came for me. She brought me to Sweden, and my adoptive parents picked me up at the airport. The most disturbing thing is that a few years ago I had a DNA test, and it turned out Im a second cousin of a friend she also brought over, she says. Thats all she knows. The woman who took her to Sweden could have helped her, but she didnt. Now shes 85 and has dementia. But when I was a teenager, I wrote her some very harsh letters. I know you know, you must have met my mother, you must know everything. She never said a word to me. Wager has had some bad experiences in her search. There are so many scams, people who tell you theyre going to help you, ask for money, and then disappear. Ive been doing this for 25 years, she says. Then, she met Mikael in a Facebook group and decided to trust him. I didnt expect him to contact me, but he did without asking for anything in return, Helena says. Although her chances of success are slim she doesnt have a single name to look for she remains optimistic. I trust in God. He decides whether finding my parents is my destiny or not, she says. Helena Wager. CORTESIA Unlike Markus, Helena has learned Spanish and feels a stronger connection to her birth country. I identify as Colombian and Latina. I dont connect with Swedes. Whereas, as soon as I see or hear a Latino in a shop, I get excited and feel at home, she says. Now I know how to navigate Swedish social norms better than when I was a child: I try to be normal, not draw attention to myself, I even turn pale in the winter. But with my close friends, Im Latina. Im like the sun here, spreading my tentacles of light and warmth. She has been to Bolivia and Costa Rica, but doesnt want to visit Colombia until she finds some relatives. It would be like returning to an empty house, she says. The Colombian flag Marisol Cortes, a caregiver for people with disabilities, strongly connects to her Colombian identity. When I was a teenager, I always received racist comments about my hair. I didnt feel a connection with Swedes. So something told me I had to connect with my people, with Latinos, she says in a video call. She confronted her adoptive mother about learning Spanish. She got very angry. Why would you do that? You shouldnt, she told me. I replied that I didnt care and went to the library to find books. I put up a whiteboard with words in my room and learned, she recalls. She shows the Colombian flag she has in her room. Of all the things I have, its the one Im most proud of. It reminds me of my past. Its something no one can take away from me. All she knows about her story is that a police officer found her in a garbage container in Bogota 43 years ago, on May 15, 1982, and that she inherited his last name. She was adopted by a construction worker and a bank employee. I ask them for more information, but they dont help me. Weve already talked about this, you have all the documents, is all they say. I dont believe them. I feel like theyre hiding something from me, she says. Like Helena, she has had bad experiences while searching for her mother: a woman from southwestern Colombia contacted her years ago and then stopped responding. Maybe I got too excited and scared her. I wrote to her again, and she blocked me. Marisol Cortes, on an airplane, in a photograph from her archive. CORTESIA Marisol has prepared herself to be rejected from her Colombian family. If they dont want me, thats fine. But at least I need to find my papers, to know the truth. I feel that this way I can put all the pieces back together and finally feel peace, she says. Her goal, now that her children have moved out, is to buy a house in Colombia and live six months in each country. It might seem strange, and maybe I wouldnt belong there either, but something tells me Ill feel better than here, she says. Its my life, and I dont care what they say. I was born in Colombia, and Im going to die there. A country of origin Susan Branco, an expert on transnational adoptions at Palo Alto University in the United States, who was adopted from Colombia, explains in a video call that several factors led the South American country to begin placing children with foreign couples in the late 1960s. The Catholic Church, which held significant influence, felt it had to do something about the large number of children living on the streets. And so they began promoting international adoptions, which they saw as a better option than encouraging family planning, she explains. According to Branco, there was growing support for a narrative that portrayed European or North American couples as responsible, and people with limited economic resources in Colombia as irresponsible. The system quickly became corrupt. Heli Abel Torrado, a lawyer specializing in family law, recounts over the phone how he used to criticize several of his colleagues. They were always hunting for unborn children. They would take a peasant woman, a domestic worker, and give her protection until the birth so she would sign the authorizations, he says. As early as 1981, The New York Times reported on a multimillion dollar international ring in which hundreds of poor Andean children were kidnapped or bought from their mothers and sold under forged birth certificates and adoption papers to childless couples from the United States and Europe. The then-director of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), Juan Jacobo Munoz, acknowledged the problems: The lawyers prefer to give a child to a European couple who is willing to spend $10,000 rather than to a Colombian who offers much less and pays in pesos. Marisol's place of adoption, in Bogota. CORTESIA Colombia started taking action in the late 1980s: it approved a new Childrens Code in 1989, which centralized the authority to authorize adoptions in the ICBF, and ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in 1998. Then, in 2012, an investigative report by Caracol Television revealed that the ICBF was still carrying out practices such as prematurely declaring that a child had been abandoned. I hate the Family Welfare Institute for denying me a second chance to prove that I could raise my son, said a woman in the report. The agency rejected the accusations and stated that there were protocols in place to determine whether biological parents showed they were committed. The following year, it ended all international adoptions of children under six years of age who did not have a disability. Lawyer Torrado says that many parents did abandon their children and would likely never admit it. They would leave children wrapped in newspaper on any street corner. What was better then? Leaving them in an ICBF orphanage with a very long waiting list for domestic adoptions, or giving them to foreign couples? he asks. Torrado also argues that today there are procedures that guarantee informed consent and that parents are given a period in which they can change their minds about the adoption. Swedish expert Hubinette questions international adoptions, even legal ones. They only consider the economic perspective, and thats very naive. There are psychological aspects, such as racism, he says. Branco adds that knowing ones identity is a human right that was taken away from many people without their consent. Denying it causes mental health problems throughout life, she stresses. The ICBF declined to comment for this report and noted that these are cases that happened decades ago. Mikael and Diana reunite Diana Munoz had her first child on December 31, 1984, in Cali. She was 18 years old, worked in a restaurant, and the childs father had abandoned his responsibilities. They discharged me from the hospital, but they left the baby in an incubator, and I had to go see him every day. On the eighth day, I went, and he was gone. They told me the mother had taken him. How could that be? I was the mother, she recounts over the phone. All she could do was file a report that just gathered dust. It wasnt like it is now, where you can go to many institutions for help. Forty years ago, you went to the police, and that was what they could do, she says. I didnt even get to name him. How can you find someone without a name? She heard from her son again four decades later, in September 2024, when she was living in Spain with her two grown daughters. She read a message on Facebook from Mikael Kjelleros, a Swedish man who was looking for a Diana Munoz who would have been 32 years old when she gave birth to him on December 31, 1984. The age didnt match, but they decided to have a video call, and within seconds she knew who he was. I think youre my son because you look a lot like my father, she told him. He was hesitant, fearing a scam. They took a DNA test that confirmed they were mother and son, and they reunited in Madrid a few weeks later. Mikael Kjelleros, his two sisters and his mother, Diana Munoz. CORTESIA They are both happy, but admit that establishing a relationship hasnt been easy. He still doesnt trust me enough for many things. When I was in Sweden, I realized that people there are very reserved, used to being self-absorbed. It takes time, Diana explains from Valencia. Mikael says something similar from Stockholm: I speak Spanish, but she speaks very fast, and sometimes we dont understand each other. When we see each other, I feel like we have to make the most of a very limited amount of time. Thats stressful, he adds. Mikael is angry with the Swedish government, the Colombian government, and the orphanage. They stole 40 years of my mothers life from me. Even though were together again, our relationship isnt the same as the one she has with my sisters, and it never will be. People dont understand that my identity, with my language and my culture, was lost, he explains. In his case, its even more frustrating to have had a bad relationship with his adoptive mother. She brought me from the other side of the world and immediately lost interest, he says. He doesnt understand how, for so many years, people he knew told him to be grateful to be in a rich country like Sweden, since in Colombia I would have been on the streets. That wasnt true: my mother and my sisters have had a good life, he points out. He works as a municipal employee in Stockholm and has little free time, but he has decided to help some of the people who contact him. I cant promise them anything, but I listen to them: its important for them to see that someone who has been in the same situation understands them, he says. He has also managed to get in touch with Colombian mothers searching for their children. He wants Colombia to open an investigation like Sweden did, apologize to the adopted children, and provide more support to those searching for their families he says that, in his case, the ICBF took more than a year to respond and did nothing. And, above all, he wants Sweden to comply with the recommendations made in last years government report. They need to end all international adoptions. They cant guarantee that children will arrive here without irregularities. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Haiti - 2026 Winter Olympics : Franco-Haitian Richardson Viano ranked 44th best skier in the world in Giant Slalom On Saturday, February 14, 2026, during the men's giant slalom at the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortin, on the Stelvio slope in Bormio, French-Haitian Richardson Viano (born August 16, 2002, in Croix-des-Missions, Tabarre) finished 47th in the first run with a time of 1:24.55 and 1:18.28 in the second run. In the final overall standings (combined time of both runs: 2:42.83), Richardson Viano finished 44th out of 81 participants. Reacting to Richardson Viano's 44th world ranking in the Giant Slalom, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime expressed immense pride in Viano's performance in the giant slalom. "By once again representing Haiti on the international stage, Richardson Viano honors the blue and red flag and brings glory to our nation far beyond its borders. In a discipline as demanding as the giant slalom, where every gate requires precision, control, speed, and composure, he delivered a top-level performance, confirming his progress, his discipline, and his unwavering commitment to his country. This historic qualification transcends the realm of sport. It embodies a powerful message of hope and resilience for all the Haitian people. In these times marked by great challenges, the achievement of one of our sons reminds us that determination, hard work, and faith in the future allow us to overcome the most demanding obstacles." The Government reaffirms that national unity, institutional stability, and solidarity among all Haitians are the essential pillars of our recovery. Like elite sports, which demand discipline, focus, and perseverance, our country needs cohesion, collective responsibility, and a shared commitment to build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future. Richardson Viano demonstrates that, even when circumstances seem difficult, willpower and love of country can forge new paths. His journey inspires our youth and reminds the world that Haitian talent knows no borders or limits. On behalf of the Government and the Haitian people, the Prime Minister extends his warmest congratulations to Richardson Viano and assures him that the entire nation stands proud and united behind him." Podium : The gold medal in the Giant Slalom was won by Brazilian L. Pinheiro Braathen in 1:11:08, the silver by Swiss M. Odermatt in 1:10:71, and the bronze by Swiss L. Meillard in 1:10:68. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46804-icihaiti-winter-olympics-wishes-from-the-ministry-of-youth-and-sports.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46798-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46769-haiti-news-zapping.html BF/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : James Monazard visits the Caracol Industrial Park On Friday, January 13, 2026, James Monazard, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, paid an official visit to the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC). This visit was part of the implementation of the renewed HELP/HOPE Act, recently adopted by the U.S. Congress. This program is a strategic instrument for strengthening Haiti's economic development. It allows Haitian textiles and clothing to access the U.S. market duty-free, a crucial mechanism that represents nearly 90% of Haiti's exports and directly contributes to maintaining thousands of jobs. During his visit, the Minister assessed the infrastructure and activities within the park. He also met with local officials and stakeholders to discuss ongoing development programs, while identifying ways to optimize the impact of the HELP/HOPE Act on the national economy. The PIC is a strategic lever for the country's industrial development. Currently, it generates nearly 2,500 direct jobs. It has 69,304 m of immediately usable space and an additional 23,552 m under construction, ready to support industrial growth and contribute to the park's return to its historical employment levels. Furthermore, the photovoltaic solar power plant currently being installed, with a total capacity of 13.4 MW and equipped with a battery storage system, aims to guarantee a reliable 24/7 power supply for the park and surrounding areas (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46735-haiti-caracol-the-country-s-largest-photovoltaic-solar-power-plant.html). This power plant will strengthen energy independence, the sustainability of infrastructure, and the site's attractiveness to investors. HL/ HaitiLibre Palantir Technologies, the US provider of analytics software, finds itself directly affected by two reports from the Swiss online magazine "Republik". After the company unsuccessfully demanded a counterstatement from the magazine, it now wants to enforce one through legal action. It's about a factual comparison, says the software provider. The "Republik" creators appear surprised. Continue after ad Streisand Effect With the step to court, Palantir has generated more attention for the "Republik" reporting than the objected articles themselves could have caused 23 years after Barbra Streisand triggered the effect named after her. And yet, there are reasons why Palantir is acting this way. While in Germany the provider of data linking and data analysis software for authorities with surveillance powers is successful with at least some state customers. The company has so far had as far as is known little state clientele in Switzerland. In December, "Republik" extensively quoted from Swiss administration files. According to this, Palantir repeatedly sought contact with Swiss authorities and found it. In some cases, it originated from Palantir, in others, likely from public bodies. The matters concerned the military, police, and health authorities. However, no business deal was apparently concluded. Palantir feels unfairly treated by the reporting on this. "We can confirm that an application for a counterstatement has been filed with the Commercial Court in this matter," the communications officer of the Cantonal High Court told heise online on Friday upon request. Swiss Counterstatements Swiss law provides for counterstatements, meaning that as soon as a request for a counterstatement has been rejected by a medium, a civil court can examine the matter and hear both sides. The Commercial Court of Zurich is responsible here. The Commercial Court of Zurich is responsible here. Continue after ad Palantir says it had to sue to uphold its legal claim. "Palantir fully respects press freedom and the essential role of independent media in public debate," said a company spokeswoman. The right to a counterstatement is a "correction instrument intended to provide the public with balanced information." For Palantir, the "Republik" reporting came at an inopportune time. This is because important procurement decisions are currently being made in several business areas in many European countries: the modernization and expansion of military, intelligence, and secret services, as well as police authorities, would be a promising business for Palantir and its software, which is also helpful for official surveillance. In its home market, the USA, the company does business with US federal authorities for about a quarter of a billion US dollars, according to transparency data approximately a quarter of a billion US dollars. Customers include the US Department of Defense, the Army, and the FBI. The company reports nearly 4.5 billion US dollars in revenue for 2025, about a tenth of SAP's annual revenue. And yet, Palantir is valued on the stock market at around 300 billion euros, while SAP comes in at around 200 billion. Difficult Terrain Europe The European market remains difficult terrain for Palantir. The connection to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), which is supposed to track down illegal migrants with brutal methods and a lot of high-tech, causes consternation in Europe. As a US company, Palantir is subject to US law, which increasingly questions international cooperation in security matters this is unlikely to be conducive to sales for Palantir. Meanwhile, the uproar had just subsided elsewhere: Palantir was criticized for its involvement in Israel. Founders Peter Thiel and Alex Karp had agreed to a strategic partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense in January 2024, Bloomberg reported at the time. The report on this is publicly available on the Palantir website. The small medium from Switzerland is hardly comparable to industry giants like Bloomberg. It has been published ad-free and exclusively online since 2018. It is primarily supported by a good 30,000 subscribers, a majority of whom are also cooperative members with voting rights. Not a media behemoth with a large publisher behind it. "Borderline Conspiracy Theories" Shortly after the publication of the two articles now being heard in court, Courtney Bowman, head of Palantir's "Privacy and Civil Liberties" department, had already set the course on LinkedIn: The reports from "Republik" were "full of distortions, insinuations, and borderline conspiracy theories." Bowman accuses the authors of having reproduced a report from the Swiss Army Staff too uncritically whose authors, unfortunately, had "relied on a limited set of search engine hit sources." The Palantir representative, in turn, provided no evidence for his claims. "I believe we have done excellent research and documented it very comprehensively," says Daniel Binswanger, co-editor-in-chief of "Republik," in an interview with heise online. Research based on Swiss government documents is one of the "best foundations for reporting." He is very confident about the outcome of the proceedings. Palantir Rejects Accusation of Intimidation Palantir strongly rejects the impression that a multi-billion dollar company is flexing its muscles against a small magazine: Any accusation that this is a strategic attempt to intimidate unfavorable reporting through legal action is unfounded, the company spokeswoman emphasizes: "Palantir merely seeks the publication of a concise and appropriate counterstatement to correct significant inaccuracies." However, the company does not disclose what specific "significant inaccuracies" Palantir wants to see corrected. Palantir did not respond to a request to send the "corrections" specifically demanded by "Republik" by Friday afternoon. Whether the company will achieve at least partial success with its approach in court is hardly predictable. The Swiss right to a counterstatement involves no examination by the court whether a statement was actually correct. This is why it is a frequently used form in the Swiss media world when companies feel they have been misrepresented. "The right to a counterstatement is not about whether something is true or false," explains "Republik" co-editor-in-chief Daniel Binswanger. "It's about whether another version of the facts could also be possible." However, this only concerns factual representation. Opinions, on the other hand, are not challengeable in Switzerland either. For the Swiss online magazine, however, the effect is noticeable and measurable. "We are overwhelmed," says Daniel Binswanger in an interview with heise online. "The offers of donations, expressions of solidarity it's gigantic," he says. "We've never experienced a story triggering this." Ms. Streisand sends her regards. (vbr) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here image: Ian Ramirez/Pexels A book labelled a bestseller carries the weight of authority and mass approval, yet the reality behind that status is far less straightforward. From opaque ranking systems and strategic sales tactics to the power of visibility and institutional endorsement, the bestseller book is shaped as much by industry mechanics as by reader enthusiasm, discovers Milosh Zezelj We use the word bestseller with such confidence that it appears self-evident. Yet, when looked at more closely, the term itself is far more unstable, contested, and culturally constructed than industry shorthand suggests. In popular imagination, a bestseller simply means a book that sells a lot of copies. But as my research into bestseller lists demonstrates, the definition is considerably more complex. Scholars have proposed multiple approaches to defining bestsellers: some emphasise quantifiable metrics, i.e. sales numbers and ranking positions, while others focus on the mystique surrounding bestseller lists, critiquing the opacity of selection processes and the role of marketing in constructing bestseller status. At first glance, this quantifiable approach strikes as straightforward: sales volume. Ranking position. Market performance. Case closed. But the issue quickly becomes more complex. Some industry experts outline that bestseller status is culturally constructed. It is shaped by institutional validation rather than pure market demand. This, then, plainly translates into: visibility is curated. Prestige is mediated. Recognition is granted. This, however, complicates the assumption that bestseller status is merely democratic proof of reader preference. In fact, social validation assumes a crucial role. This aligns with research on social validation mechanisms, which shows that audience perception and expert endorsements considerably influence market success. Yet, another strand of research complicates matters further: this perspective contrasts with other experts findings, which highlight the self-sustaining nature of bestseller lists, in which visibility generates constant demand. This, then, simply means: visibility produces more visibility. Demand produces more demand. Bestseller lists do not simply reflect success; they amplify it. Still, market forces are not entirely organic. While these perspectives illustrate the socio-cultural aspects of bestsellers, they overlook how some publishers (and authors) have reportedly manipulated rankings through bulk purchases, targeted pre-orders, and release tactics. It is this tension between social construction, market forces, and economic intervention that spotlights the complexity of bestseller dynamics, requiring a theoretical approach which combines structural influences with strategic communication. With this in mind, the bestseller is therefore neither purely manufactured nor performance-driven. It sits at the intersection of commerce, culture, and strategy. Bestseller lists selectively legitimise certain books by increasing their visibility and shaping public perception through curated recognition. And once legitimised, the process becomes cyclical. Further research indicates that bestseller status develops through a self-sustaining cycle, in which early visibility leads to ongoing sales and enduring cultural relevance rather than serving as a direct reflection of reader demand. Ultimately, all these perspectives underscore that literary value is fundamentally subjective. This raises an essential philosophical question: if literary value is subjective, then what does bestseller truly measure? In such a subjective industry, I theorise a bestseller as a work that combines commercial success with personal impact and universal themes that create deep connections for me as a reader. This perception shifts the conversation from market mechanics to meaning-making. This perspective is consistent with reader reception theory, which holds that literary meaning and success arise from the interaction between texts and their audiences rather than external rankings. By accentuating meaning-making as an interactive process between the text and the reader, I highlight both the market mechanics and the interpretive practices through which books attain and sustain their bestseller status. Yet, even on a purely practical level, the label itself is not as clear-cut as many assume. For instance, a book is labelled a New York Times bestseller if it appears on the NYTBL for at least one week. To reach Number 1 on the NYTBL, it has been suggested that a book needs to sell between 5,000 and 10,000 copies in that time. This figure, however, fluctuates based on competition from other titles released that same week, as well as the specific category in which the book is listed. Because the NYTBL uses a proprietary methodology, which is not made public, it then proves difficult to determine the exact number of copies required for Number 1 bestseller status. Several researchers have attempted to formalise this phenomenon using mathematics. Even without an official cutoff number for achieving Number 1 status, researchers have sought to model the NYTBLs underlying patterns, offering a mathematical framework that quantitatively defines a bestseller based on three primary mechanisms: Fitness (): Captures a books inherent appeal, indicating that a higher correlates with stronger reader resonance and exponential sales growth. Preferential Attachment: Suggests that books with initial sales success attract further buyers through mechanisms such as word-of-mouth and media coverage. Ageing: Accounts for the natural decline in sales over time as a book becomes less novel. And yet, despite formulas, algorithms, and predictive modelling, uncertainty persists. So what, then, is a bestseller? It is not simply a number. Not purely a ranking. Not simply a sales spike. It is a cultural construct, an institutional validation, a cycle of visibility and reinforcement, and a site of negotiation between industry and audience. And perhaps, most importantly, it is a mirror displaying not only what sells, but what is amplified, legitimised, and positioned as culturally significant. The term bestseller appears simple. Its reality, however, is anything but. Milosh Zezelj is a Swiss author with international publication experience and exposure to the European book fair circuit. He works in communications and branding, speaks multiple languages and operates across several European markets. As European Books & Culture Correspondent for The European, he contributes editorial on books, publishing and cultural trends across the continent, including new titles, cross-border literary movements and developments shaping Europes contemporary cultural landscape. Published in the European The Stygiomedusa gigantea was recorded at a depth of 250 meters. Its four arms can reach up to 10 meters in length Argentinas deep sea holds more biodiversity than scientists previously thought. An expedition that traveled from the north of Buenos Aires province to Tierra del Fuego, the countrys southernmost point, observed the worlds largest known Bathelia candida coral reef, worms, sea urchins, snails, anemones, and a specimen that captured the publics attention: a rare phantom jellyfish that can grow as large as a school bus. The expedition, led by Argentine scientists from the University of Buenos Aires and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), departed aboard the research vessel Falkor and explored the entire continental shelf of the country between December and January. This vessel, belonging to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, is the same one that hosted another scientific campaign last year in the submarine canyon off Mar del Plata (250 miles from Buenos Aires), which went viral with its live broadcasts on social media. Research vessel Falkor in the Atlantic Ocean, during the expedition. Misha Vallejo Prut (Schmidt Ocean Institute) Back then, the star was the nowiconic bigbutt starfish, a specimen of Hippasteria phrygiana found on the seafloor. This time, the spotlight went to Stygiomedusa gigantea, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish. In the image captured by the scientists, you can see juvenile fish (Centrolophus) swimming around its enormous bell at a depth of 250 meters. According to the team, its bell can reach up to one meter in diameter, and its four arms can grow as long as 10 meters. It does not have stinging tentacles, but uses its arms to trap prey such as plankton and small fish. We didnt expect to see this level of biodiversity in the deep waters off Argentina, and were thrilled to find them so full of life, said Maria Emilia Bravo, the scientist leading the expedition. It was incredible to witness all the biodiversity, the ecosystem functions, and the connectivity unfolding together. We opened a window into our countrys marine life, only to discover that there is still so much more left to find, she added. The expedition's chief scientist, Maria Emilia Bravo, in the control room of the Falkor vessel Misha Vallejo Prut (Schmidt Ocean Institute) Covering roughly 0.15 square miles about the size of Vatican City the Bathelia reef documented by the expeditions scientists is a coldwater stony coral habitat that shelters other organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. Recognized as an indicator species of a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME), Bathelia candida has been recorded throughout the southwestern Atlantic, with the largest concentrations off the coast of Argentina. Until now, however, scientists hadnt understood its full extent; during this expedition they found reefs even farther south than its previously known range. With each expedition to the deep sea, we discover that the ocean is teeming with life, as much as the land and perhaps even more so, since it contains 98% of this planets living space, said Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. We have had the privilege of working with leading scientists on three expeditions in Argentine waters and look forward to seeing their research continue to advance, generating new knowledge and inspiration. The team also observed trash in some areas, including fishing nets, bags, and a VHS tape in perfect condition thanks to the durability of plastics. The label on the tape is in Korean, but the team does not know how it reached Argentine waters or how old it is. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The researcher and science communicator has a new book out on carbon, the spinal column of life that helps answer fundamental questions about our origin, our existence and our destiny Manuel Lozano Leyva, a Spanish physicist, emeritus professor and advisor to Spains Council of Nuclear Security, turns 77 this year and says hes too old to be afraid of speaking his mind. Which is why hell bluntly tell you that [Donald] Trump is deranged, advocate for the return of mandatory military service and defend nuclear energy. The grandson of a carriage driver from whom Lozano Leyva inherited a love of horses (he has 66 of them on the eight-hectare farm where he lives in Dos Hermanas, in the southern province of Seville), laughingly recalls an anecdote that aptly sums up his strategy in life. During a competition for which he was riding a horse named Opinion, he was surprised when people started laughing and clapping. He soon found out the reason for the crowds response. The animal was well-known for balking, and was an expert in reaching the finish line dead last if it arrived at all. But this time, the horse managed to complete the course, not coming in last for the first time in its life. Lozano Leyva sits astride life much as he did Opinion: with a disdain for political correctness and for trends he considers wrong, as popular as they may be. Hes focused on making it to the end of what he starts, investigating and staying firm in his belief in science. An underground activist for democracy during Francos regime, he participated in a coup plot shortly before the death of the dictator; Lozano Leyva portrayed this event in his Spanish-language book La rebelion de la Vulcano. And that passion for writing he is the author of some 15 books along with his unshakable calling as a science communicator, have led him to his latest publication, which came out in January: El sexto elemento (The sixth element). Although the subtitle, Una biografia del carbono (A biography of carbon), might lead one to think it is a treatise on physics and chemistry, nothing could be further from the truth. He says that carbon is the spinal column of life and as such, he utilizes it in the search for answers to fundamental questions: our origin, our existence and our destiny. Question. You claim that the carbon in our bodies was forged in the hearts of dying stars. Are we the dust that came from them? Answer. Or ashes, depending on how romantic you want to get. All material comes from stars when they form. They are born, they live, they suffer, they die and they are reborn through thermonuclear reactions (fusion). After the Big Bang, some heavier elements began to be generated. But the transition from beryllium to carbon takes place under extraordinarily unique circumstances: an energy level that in the universe, can only occur inside large dying stars, in the final stages of their life. This is the miracle. From there, within the dying stars, heavier elements are formed. Carbon can take various forms, from coal to graphite to diamond. It is the skeleton of the molecules of life and an absolutely natural consequence of a specific physical circumstance. The only appropriate medium for combining into more complex molecules is mud. The Bibles Book of Genesis recounts that man arose from clay, and that on the first day there was light, like the spontaneous generation of radiation from the Big Bang. I am not defending anything, because I am an atheist or agnostic, whatever you want to call it, but the intuition of the people who wrote these things was formidable, fantastic. The rest is all madness. Q. In the book, you recall how Napoleon said he didnt see God anywhere. You say you dont either. A. It was [Pierre-Simon] Laplace, [astronomer and one-time Minister of the Interior of France] who showed Napoleon the mathematical description of the movements of the solar system. After looking it over, Napoleon said he didnt see any mention of God. Laplaces response was that he had never worked under such a hypothesis. Q. You warn that science and technology will lead us to unease, to unprecedented well-being, or to self-destruction. Where are we headed? A. Everything that science discovers can be applied towards creation or destruction. It is we, not science, who decide. We are capable of reaching the moon or flying, but aviation can be used to make us happy by traveling the world or to develop fighter-bombers, which are based on the same laws of aerodynamics. We can fight a virus or trigger an artificial pandemic. Q. Can it be controlled? A. I think its important to lightly transform democracy and constitutions in order to train the political classes, and to avoid consequences like the ones we are seeing now. From a scientific and technological perspective, we have to return to the vanguard, as we have always done in Europe. Trump is manipulating technology and putting it in the hands of scoundrels. He is doing terrible things and altering all the laws. Its important to merge the two parts [political and scientific] to give democracy a totally different meaning. Q. Can Europe do that independently? A. We have to place ourselves at the helm of the scientific and technical revolution. Europe can be independent of American digitalization. We have more than enough capacity to do that and to have a cheaper defense than the sum of what exists individually. I am among those who think that we have to go back to obligatory European military service. We must rise above national projects, unify supranational teams, and give them clear objectives. The problem is the new politician who is destroying Europe. Its important to promote projects that truly bring us freedom and independence. Q. In the book, you address climate change with three options: a new productive paradigm, a gradual and unstoppable increase in the use of new sources of clean energy, or a reasonable combination of the two. Is the last alternative possible? A. The atmosphere is a highly complex system, as is the human body. Global warming is undebatable, it has been documented, but combating climate change is complicated. When it comes to energy sources, the more renewable, the better. But from my point of view, the backup for variable sources [such as solar or wind, which are intermittent] must necessarily be nuclear. Not the old kind we have now, but the new reactors that are being considered for development. What Trump wants to do with nuclear energy is delusional. He is giving millions to a bunch of kids for something that is technically all wrong. Trump is deranged. On the other hand, the modular nuclear reactors proposed by Europe are based on highly sophisticated technology. There is an alternative to uranium, thorium, which has very similar characteristics but is much better. Norway has enough thorium to maintain a fleet of nuclear reactors for between one and two centuries. Q. And there wont be security or waste problems? A. The waste produced would be much less than that generated by uranium, and in terms of safety, plutonium is not in the chain. China already has a thorium reactor. I dont know where the research is to solve our problems in Europe, to make decisions and become sovereign and independent in terms of energy. Q. And nuclear fusion? A. Its ideal, but it is still a desideratum that needs further research, because its the future, but its not around the corner. Whats being done in Granada [the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility Demo Oriented Neutron Source] is a wonderful thing, and I have completely supported it. But the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is, today, the best fusion experiment we have and thats just what it is, experimental. We are at a stage of fusion that will deliver the expected results in terms of stability, but its connection to the grid will be a demo. We still do not know the amount of high-energy neutrons that come out of fusion or how they interact with structural materials. We are getting into something that, as physicists say, is a new constant: the number of years left to achieve fusion is always 50. Q. Youre not afraid of wading into any issue A. I like to get in the middle of horse stampedes. A herd will do anything but knock you over. Q. You say that the diamond, which is formed by crystalized carbon, represents the eternal battle between the beauty we seek and the price we pay for it. A. The diamond has two facets: the first is its beauty, its perfection. Its dark side is that its associated with luxury, power and blood. Q. You also say that not only must one not fear death, but enjoy the relation that Epicurus established between atoms and the joy of living. A. What one must do is not think about the afterlife, or fear death. You do not fear what happened before you were born, nor is the future any of your concern. What concerns you is life. So, devote yourself to it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition by Xinhua writers He Xiyue, Liu Jie BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The horse, a popular symbol in Chinese culture, represents not just swiftness but also perseverance and the indomitable will to overcome. As the country with 1.4 billion people celebrates the traditional Spring Festival, the Year of the Horse puts this iconic symbol in the global spotlight. To truly grasp the pulse of China in 2026, one can examine the metaphor of the cantering horse: a unique striving spirit that combines ambition with patience, a collective goal with individual grit, and ongoing progress with sustainability. Today, this ethos is palpable across the nation. It is seen when engineers improve high-speed rail technology to connect remote regions, when rural entrepreneurs leverage e-commerce to revitalize their hometowns, and when young scientists work tirelessly in labs to achieve technological breakthroughs. A popular Chinese idiom related to the horse is "yi ma dang xian," which means "galloping at the head or taking the lead." Indeed, at a time of global economic uncertainty, profound shifts and transformation, China has moved first in many key areas. For example, the recent launch of island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port in south China, marked a step toward deeper institutional opening up, linking regional development more closely with global resources. Also, China has built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, which has helped cut global wind and solar power costs by more than 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, over the past decade, thus accelerating the global green transition. China has been contributing roughly 30 percent of global economic growth for many years, remaining one of the world's most stable and reliable growth engines. Amid intensifying geopolitical risks and a sluggish global recovery, China is seeking to strengthen its internal resilience and capacity to offset external shocks. One of China's core strengths is its spirit of pursuing forward momentum and continuous exploration. In 2025, China's R&D spending exceeded 3.9 trillion yuan (about 562 billion U.S. dollars), ranking second globally for many years running. China has become the first country to amass over 5 million valid domestic invention patents. China's development achievements have not fallen from the sky, but were realized through the persistent efforts of the Chinese people. An opinion piece carried by U.S. financial media outlet Bloomberg in December noted that "2025 has been full of dramatic twists and turns. One of the most consequential takeaways is to never, ever underestimate China." Once the journey to rejuvenation begins, there is no turning back. For China, its enduring vigor and spirit of endeavor serve as powerful driving forces in confronting the dual tests of internal transition and external headwinds, as the country enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). China's response, rooted in social stability, bold innovation and a zeal for cooperation, is not a pursuit of narrow self-interest but a move forward with unwavering determination, alongside all peace-loving nations. Domestically, China will continue to deepen reform in key areas, unlock the vitality of its super-large market, promote high-quality development, narrow its urban-rural gap, improve its people's well-being, and ensure that the fruits of its progress are shared equitably. Externally, China will remain a steadfast defender of multilateralism, a promoter of global cooperation, and a contributor to world peace and development. It will expand its high-standard opening up, uphold the rules-based international trading system, and work with partners to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. An article of Fortune Magazine, a U.S. publication, recently shared a positive outlook on China in 2026. It said that "what draws companies to China -- scale, innovation and global influence -- remain as compelling as ever." The horse is a symbol of mutual assistance and partnership in Chinese culture, and China will continue to stand with other developing countries and the Global South, while also supporting their efforts to pursue independent development. The Year of the Horse is a clarion call for perseverance, courage and unity. For China, the journey ahead may not be smooth, but the spirit of the galloping horse will always drive the nation forward. As the saying goes: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." In the Year of the Horse, China will keep forging ahead with firm resolve, deliver a good start to its 15th Five-Year Plan, and bring more opportunities and hope to the world. by Xinhua writers Shi Song, Ma Ruxuan GENEVA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Global Governance Initiative underscores the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation while creating more opportunities and enhancing the voice of the Global South, David Fernandez Puyana, Permanent Observer of the University for Peace to the UN Office in Geneva, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua. Puyana noted that one of the greatest challenges facing the international community today is "the lack of trust between all the main nations." This trust deficit, he said, has placed the multilateral system under considerable strain, as it fundamentally depends on cooperation among states. He stressed that reinforcing multilateralism and deepening cooperation are essential, as cooperation not only builds trust but also facilitates dialogue and helps safeguard peace. Puyana highlighted that an important contribution China has made to global governance lies in advancing global development through its own domestic progress. He observed that China's development and modernization are marked by inclusiveness, with a strong focus on improving livelihoods, expanding access to public services, and respecting cultural diversity. China's remarkable achievement in poverty reduction, which has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, stands as a striking example, he added. Building on this inclusive development model, Puyana said China's Global Governance Initiative similarly stresses "the importance of inclusiveness instead of confrontation." He described the initiative as a voice rooted in the UN Charter, reaffirming and supporting the core principles underpinning the international order established in 1945 - cooperation, dialogue, respect for state sovereignty, and a framework based on international law. He noted that the initiative advocates equity and equality in dialogue among all UN member states and reinforces the United Nations as the central platform for global governance. In promoting multilateralism, he said, the initiative offers "more opportunities and more visibility to the Global South." Founded in 1980 at the initiative of the Costa Rican government through a UN General Assembly resolution, the University for Peace is headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote peace education worldwide. SYDNEY, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- One person has died and three others have been hospitalized following three separate stabbing incidents in western Sydney on Sunday. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at a residence in Lethbridge Park, about 40 km west of central Sydney, shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. A 34-year-old man was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. A second man, aged 25, was also treated for stab wounds and taken to the hospital in a stable condition. It followed two separate stabbing attacks in western Sydney in the early hours of Sunday, Australia's 9News network reported. A man aged in his 20s was taken to the hospital in a serious but stable condition after being found with multiple stab wounds in a vehicle in Hoxton Park, about 33 km west of central Sydney, shortly after midnight. Shortly afterward, police were called to a home in St Marys, a suburb neighboring Lethbridge Park, where they found an 18-year-old male occupant had been stabbed during a break-and-enter. He was taken to the hospital in a stable condition. Police established crime scenes at the locations of all three incidents and have opened investigations. Tourists preparing to travel to China check in at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 13, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 American tourists departed from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. on Friday for trips to China during the Spring Festival holiday, as part of a Chinese New Year cultural exchange program organized by Air China. The tour groups will travel to multiple destinations across China, experience traditional Spring Festival customs and gain firsthand exposure to Chinese culture and life. Joe Jackson, a Los Angeles resident preparing to board at Los Angeles International Airport, told Xinhua that this would be his first visit to China. He said he chose to travel during the Chinese New Year in hopes of experiencing the festive celebrations in person and learning more about the country's traditions. Jackson is scheduled to visit Shenyang with his wife during the trip. Among the participants is a delegation of 45 teachers and students from Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, who departed from Washington, D.C. for Beijing on a pickleball-themed exchange tour. During their stay, they will visit Beijing and Shenzhen, and engage in pickleball friendship matches and cultural exchanges with local students. Peng Lei, general manager of Air China North America, told Xinhua that people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States have continued to expand in recent years. He noted that Spring Festival-themed activities serve as important platforms for cultural engagement and offer overseas visitors valuable opportunities to better understand China and experience its vibrant development. A tourist poses for a photo while holding a gift presented by Air China at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 13, 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Africa has seen a sharp decline in development assistance to the health sector, down to roughly 39 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 from about 80 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), has said. In his remarks at a side event of the 39th AU Summit on Africa's health sovereignty in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Sunday, Gatete said Africa spends approximately 145 billion U.S. dollars annually on health while governments finance less than half, which "unfortunately" leaves households to bear heavy out-of-pocket payments. Across many countries on the continent, he noted, families sell vital assets to pay medical bills, which in turn results in not only social but also macroeconomic consequences. "Health financing cannot be an auxiliary budget line. It must be integrated into national fiscal frameworks and financed predictably, just as nations finance infrastructure, energy, and security," Gatete said. According to Gatete, it is unacceptable that a continent of over 1.4 billion people, carrying nearly a quarter of the global disease burden, is served by fewer than 1,000 pharmaceutical manufacturers, and it produces only a small share of the medicines it consumes. "Import dependence exposes our health systems to external prices, external decisions, and external disruptions," said Gatete, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would help address these problems by harmonizing regional value chains. He noted that UNECA contributes by linking health financing to macro-fiscal planning, domestic resource mobilization, debt sustainability, and regional integration, adding that health sovereignty cannot be achieved by ministries of health alone. Finance, trade, industry, and planning authorities must act together. The executive secretary called on African governments to integrate health financing into their national development plans and medium-term fiscal frameworks, so prevention and primary healthcare are funded predictably. Furthermore, he highlighted the urgency of developing pharmaceutical and vaccine production centers through regulatory harmonization, technology transfer, and private investment, in order to strengthen health systems across Africa. HONG KONG, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government held a seminar on Saturday to discuss the white paper "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems." Speaking at the event, John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said that he will continue to lead efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting economic development in the HKSAR, fully implementing the "six steadfast commitments" outlined in the white paper, and resolutely protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests to ensure high-level security for the sustainable and high-quality development of "one country, two systems." Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said at the seminar that the white paper holds profound significance in clarifying fundamentals, building consensus, and consolidating Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order, and further toward prosperity. Dong Jingwei, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said that the white paper affirms the central government's firm stance on safeguarding national security and defending "one country, two systems," while summarizing Hong Kong's experience in this regard.